CHAPTER 76: CHAPTER 72: WHY ARE FREE MEN ASKING ME FOR FOOD?

Luo De brought Us to the gate of Frost Leaf Town, stood on the wooden platform, and gazed at the dense crowd, loudly saying:

"I am the Baron of Black Pine Ridge, the Dragon Slayer, Lawrence Tulip. Welcome to my territory."

"From today on, you are my slaves. You must completely obey my orders, and I will make sure each one of you is fed."

Us translated Luo De’s words verbatim, and the expressions of the Wildmen changed drastically.

Angry, scared, confused, surprised, yet there was little joy.

Obviously, the messenger did not explain the situation to them clearly, probably only mentioned working for bread.

"Why should we be slaves?!"

"Shut up, Imperial People!"

"We’re going back to the mountains!"

...

Jarring noise rose, and Us attempted to translate for Luo De, only to be stopped by Luo De’s raised hand.

He had witnessed such scenes too many times.

Luo De was not angry; he waved his hand, and the Guard brought up the Gray Stone Leader and the Giant Wood Leader.

"You two have eaten quite a lot of my bread these past few days, it’s time to do something of value."

Luo De cast a sidelong glance at the two leaders, took out an hourglass, placed it before them, and calmly said, "Resolve them before the sand runs out, or I’ll start killing."

Luo De had no mood to waste time with them.

This batch of Wildmen who came down from the mountains was not considered excellent labor; Luo De wanted them to ensure the captured Wildmen would work peacefully and for the future development of Frost Leaf Town.

But if these people did not behave, then that would be another matter.

Luo De had no mood to persuade them one by one.

Us translated Luo De’s words for the two leaders, and as soon as they understood, they rushed into the crowd and slapped the noisiest people across the face.

"Shut up, all of you!"

The Gray Stone Leader shouted loudly, "If you want bread, shut up!"

"Gray Stone Tribe will never be slaves!"

A middle-aged Wildman stepped out, glaring at the Gray Stone Leader, cursing, "Someone as cowardly as you doesn’t deserve to be the leader of the Gray Stone Tribe!"

Whizz!

Just as he finished speaking, a sharp arrow flew through the air, instantly pinning the middle-aged Wildman to the ground!

Twang!

The sound of metal scraping exploded instantly, as the soldiers’ Longswords shimmered coldly in the glaring sun!

Everyone immediately fell silent, their eyes involuntarily looking in the direction of the arrow.

Luo De held a Longbow, his gaze as cold as an icy pool, sweeping over the Wildmen,

"Who else wants to rebel?"

Decisive in killing, instantly intimidating everyone!

No translation was needed, as Luo De could already understand what the middle-aged Wildman was saying from his actions.

No translation was needed now; the Wildmen could also understand what Luo De meant.

The sharp blade was the best way to communicate.

Luo De began to grow weary.

In my territory, after ambushing my team, now I show no hard feelings and give you bread.

And you not only don’t feel grateful but dare to rebel?

Don’t appreciate the kindness, right?

"Now kneel!"

Luo De slowly raised the Longbow, nocked an arrow aimed at the crowd.

The newly arrived Us, seeing Lord Luo De like this for the first time, immediately translated it.

The Gray Stone and Giant Wood Leaders hurriedly urged their people to kneel, while those hesitating were directly kicked down by the two.

The two had understood in their days at Frost Leaf Town that as long as they worked well, no one would trouble them.

Luo De, the Lord, was generous enough to ensure everyone was well-fed.

What more could they ask for?

In the mountains, they worried about food daily and had to guard against beast attacks.

Now, chopping wood and breaking stones could fill their bellies, much better than their past lives!

Slaves?

But not all slaves are the same!

Mountain slaves are not even on par with dogs, but being a slave in Frost Leaf Town was a life they dreamed of!

"Good, you finally chose the right path."

Luo De retracted the arrow and tossed it to Us.

"Now separate them all, hand over their belongings, and then follow Lawrence’s arrangements to eat."

"Also, those under fifteen, get them all accounted for and take them away."

Previously, the children among Luo De’s slaves were assigned to carpenters and craftsmen, becoming apprentices in techniques. Those not quick-witted were sent to learn farming.

Only the two dullest typically followed the women to do some chores.

The number of Wildmen’s children must exceed eight; they can’t handle heavy labor, so Luo De needs to arrange them properly.

Perhaps in the future, the management and communication of these Wildmen will mainly rely on these children.

While Luo De was considering the issues concerning these children, Prophet Bai Shuang approached Luo De.

It was Prophet Bai Shuang’s first time witnessing Luo De’s wrath and decisiveness in killing, leaving him somewhat scared.

He cautiously approached and asked, "Honorable Lord Baron, should we follow that lord as well?"

"You don’t need to, you’re free citizens, temporarily not required to hand over personal belongings."

Luo De calmly said, "Lawrence will collect taxes from you, and you must pay them honestly."

"Thank you for your mercy."

Prophet Bai Shuang sighed in relief, bowed, and then asked, "Where can we claim food?"

"Claim food?"

Luo De smiled at Prophet Bai Shuang, saying, "You’re free citizens. Why ask me for food?"

Prophet Bai Shuang was taken aback, stammering, "You, you earlier said that working would earn bread..."

"Indeed, but that’s for slaves. They belong entirely to me, so they can directly receive food."

Luo De tilted his head, looking at Prophet Bai Shuang as if he was a fool, "You’re free citizens asking for food without working?"

This was not Luo De being harsh on the White Wolf Prophet; he treated all free citizens the same way.

Free citizens in Frost Leaf Town work to earn credit points, which can be exchanged for food, and these points are settled in the following month.

"But we are out of food now!"

"What does your lack of food have to do with me?"

Luo De chuckled lightly, puzzled and asked, "You weren’t previously my subjects, nor did you contribute to my territory. Does running out of supplies involve me?"

Prophet Bai Shuang was momentarily speechless.

Luo De’s words were undeniably logical.

Free citizens had absolute freedom, could go wherever they pleased, as long as they could pay taxes and sustain themselves.

However, for those like the White Frost Tribe, who couldn’t get enough to eat, they were not considered free citizens but refugees.

Luo De wasn’t concerned with that and continued to smile,

"I promised that the White Frost Tribe wouldn’t be enslaved and could be free citizens, and I delivered."

"As for whether to stay here, that choice is yours."

"Of course, if you don’t want to be a free citizen here, please leave Black Pine Ridge as soon as possible."

Luo De’s voice was calm, but there was a hint of coldness.

Such tribes anywhere were considered refugees.

A group of Wildmen.

Going to other lords would still mean a fate of slavery.

Luo De did not refuse to take in the White Frost Tribe, but he couldn’t allow these Wildmen to settle in Frost Leaf Town while retaining their tribal social structure.

Luo De wouldn’t permit such blatantly small groups to exist in his territory, as it was detrimental to his rule.

And Prophet Bai Shuang’s main goal in wanting his people not to be slaves was to preserve the existence of the White Frost Tribe.

Luo De wasn’t naïve; he had long seen through this individual’s intent.

Hoping to take these Wildmen, fill their bellies, and teach them knowledge before taking off with them all?

Don’t even think about it!

"This, this..."

Moments ago, dreaming of a better life, Prophet Bai Shuang now felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.

Such an outcome was beyond his expectations!

What should he do now?!