OBS Chapter 22 The Right to Freedom
Chapter 22 The Right to Freedom
In response to Im's request.
Richard smiled happily.
He naturally understood what the other party meant; the previous oath of allegiance only represented his personal opinion.
The fact that he is now proposing to bring his entire family over means that Im wants to deeply integrate his family with Chiffon Territory.
This is not only an unwavering trust and loyalty to the lord, but also a sign of optimism about the future of Chiffon Territory.
This is rare.
It should be noted that Im is from a free family, and free people have higher rights.
First, they can choose which territory to settle in, contribute to that territory and pay taxes, and the lord cannot stop them.
However, because the policies of each territory are different, they are extremely careful when making their choices.
Tax rates and projects, security and the environment, livelihood and consumption, and even the lord's temperament were all within their considerations.
The western border of the empire, for example, is in a state of constant war, frequently engaging in small-scale conflicts with the neighboring Titan Empire.
Free citizens who fear war would certainly not go there; only passionate young people like Owen, who want to change their fate, would flock there.
of course.
Promotion conditions are relatively lenient, and there is always a chance to turn things around.
In the eastern part of the empire, the environment is very harsh in some areas, which are all vast deserts, making survival conditions even more difficult than in the far north.
In order to attract wealthy free people to settle down, local lords were even willing to sell some land that was of mixed quality.
They were allowed to raise serfs and gamble on crops in the fields, while the lords made money by selling agricultural products and collecting taxes.
Richard had tried to recruit free men several times on his way here, but no one was willing to come.
Having a special skill.
They're highly sought after wherever they go.
Those without specialized skills can also make a living in towns with lower population density; it's better than following him to reclaim wasteland.
Coercion is impossible.
Free citizens are not only a high-quality source of soldiers for all lords, but also an important source of faith for the Church of Light.
The Church of Light's influence extends to the three major human empires, and even some alien races are believers in the Light. Their Holy Light Knights are incredibly powerful.
If a lord dares to persecute free people without cause, regardless of whether they are believers or not, they will certainly be investigated and held accountable.
and so.
If you want to attract free people to expand your territory, you have to go through the normal channels.
Richard made a promise.
As long as you become a core member of Chiffon, you have a great chance to enjoy the life-giving food. Is there any more tempting condition than this?
Maybe there is.
But most free people may never encounter this in their lifetime.
Furthermore.
Qifeng Territory was in the early stages of development and lacked a reliable workforce.
Once they grow stronger in the future, it will be difficult for ordinary free people to even see the lord, so how will they gain the lord's trust?
Want to swear allegiance to the lord?
Who are you?
Therefore, Richard understands Im's actions and is happy that he made such a choice.
not to mention.
For Qifengling, a place still in the process of developing its new land, the skilled trade of leatherworkers was a godsend.
...
"sure."
Richard agreed without hesitation and smiled at Im.
"If your family members are willing to come, I will give them a free apartment and exempt them from all taxes for the first five years."
"If they are willing to contribute to Chiffon Territory like you, I guarantee they will also have the opportunity to eat the food of life."
Im is Im.
His family is his family.
This is clear: under the first-in-line system of inheritance, the blood ties between some family members are not even as strong as the bond between a lord and a knight.
Having received the lord's assurance, Im beamed with joy and bowed again in gratitude.
The other guards at the long table also realized what was happening, and their eyes turned red!
Family members can also benefit and have the opportunity to eat this precious life-giving food!
This is an incredible benefit!
"My lord, I also wish to bring my wife and children here!"
"Sir, my brother is a woodcutter; he's very strong, and cutting down trees and building houses are no problem for him!"
"My lord, my father is an experienced hunter, familiar with the habits of wild beasts in the North, and can help ensure the safety of the encampment!"
The guards all spoke up.
They all chimed in with their requests, their eyes filled with eager anticipation, afraid that Richard would refuse.
...
Richard laughed heartily at the crowd's excited expressions and gestured for them to be quiet.
"It will be all right!"
"As long as your family members are willing to come, they will be treated the same as Im's family. If they can contribute to Chiffon, they will have plenty of food and sustenance!"
"Thank you, my lord!"
"Long live the Lord! May chiffon cake live on forever!"
A burst of enthusiastic cheers erupted again at the long table, the atmosphere even more exhilarating than before.
Richard smiled.
She gestured for everyone to sit down and continue eating. "We haven't had the silver star fish soup yet. Lina worked so hard to make it, so we have to drink it while it's hot."
Even if I wanted to bring my family over, it wouldn't be now; the earliest I could do that is after the wall is built.
He sat down and picked up his knife and fork again. This was the third time he had tasted the food of life, but he still couldn't grasp its vitality.
The life force contained in the Golden Star Fish is indeed a level higher than that of the Silver Star Fish; he could feel a warm energy remaining in his body.
Once this energy fills the entire body, one can enter the extraordinary realm even without a heart pumping.
but...
I hope not...
The guards were in high spirits when someone told a crude joke, which caused a burst of laughter at the long table.
This also drew envious glances from the serfs inside the walls.
Just then.
Bang!
Another powerful heartbeat pumped out!
The voice was clearer than Im's before, but it did not come from anyone at the long table.
Instead...
From the large tent behind Richard!
Everyone was startled and stopped what they were doing, looking at the tent in confusion.
Richard also turned around in surprise.
The tent flap was gently lifted, and a slender figure slowly stepped out.
The moonlight and campfire illuminated her slender figure, and she exuded a life force similar to that of Im!
—Maid Celia!
The guards were stunned, their mouths agape, wide enough to fit a whole fish, their faces filled with disbelief.
Richard was also extremely surprised.
Because they caught quite a lot of silver starfish, in order for the other four maids to also "beautify and nourish their skin" like Lina and Betty.
He specially asked Lina to cook two silver starfish for all the maids to enjoy in the tent.
Unexpectedly, Celia comprehended the life force and directly stepped into the extraordinary realm!
How is that possible?!
She used to be a serf!
Of all the maids, she was in the worst condition, looking sickly and frail.
To succeed on the first try under such circumstances—how terrifying must one's talent and aptitude be to achieve that?!
Is she the chosen one of this world or the chosen one of heaven?
...
Celia felt everyone's eyes were focused on her, and her eyes held a hint of timid fear.
Clutching the hem of her clothes with both hands, she slowly walked up to Richard and knelt down with a thud.
"Master...Master."
"I think I've grasped the essence of life force too..."
"What should we do...?"