050. The Last Thread of Hope

Adam who was enjoying the scenery felt that the carriage turned left, "Have we already entered the area?"

"Yes, this section was included in the area that we bought," Eve said.

Adam then saw a row of earthen buildings was passed by the carriage at the left side. The majority of them were shops. Many of them sold fish, and only a few of them sold food, souvenirs, vegetables.

He then looked to the right and saw the Andes River. The Andes River looked calm and full of vitality. Many canoes moved silently on the surface of the river. Some fishermen threw the fishing net into the river, some just used fishing rods.

As this area was close to the ferry dock, Adam should be able to look at the ferry. But because of the narrow window, he couldn't look at the dock.

"I want to see the ferry. But, it seemed impossible for now," Adam said regretfully.

"Hahaha... Haven't you seen a ferry before?" Alba was amused after hearing Adam's disappointed tone.

"Why did you laugh?" Adam asked.

Alba tried to calm herself. After that, she said, "Sorry... My bad. I didn't mean to tease you. It just, you always act older than your age. You are only 15 years old, right? So when you were complaining it was refreshing."

Adam smiled bitterly, "I think all the heirs of a noble house will be like me, right? We are required to grow faster for the prosperity of our fief. Just like the manager and you. Your behaviors more mature than ordinary girls."

Ruby wanted to say something but canceled it at the last moment. She then looked outside of the window.

"I'm not a noble, but I kinda know your situation. So, doesn't the Andes river also pass your fief? How could you never see a ferry?" Alba asked.

Ruby seemed also wanted to know, as she leaned closer to Alba.

"We don't build anything like that. We only used a big pontoon raft to cross the river. As for sailing boats, we never saw it.

You should know, the nobles whose fief were passed by the Andes river still don't have a consensus to use the Andes river as a transportation route. For the detail, I don't know, as the last meeting was done dozens of years ago. Maybe the manager knows more, " Adam said.

"Eh...," Ruby was surprised. But she still answered, "It was about tax and security issues. Maybe you don't know, a few centuries ago, the Andes river was the main route of barbarian wilderness to Silverpool City. At that time, each fief had different tax regulations. They asked for an amount of toll for every ship that passing their territory. As a result, the cost of goods distribution was expensive.

It was more beneficial to transport the goods by land route, as merchants didn't have to pay for toll if they didn't enter a village. It was an ancient law that was written in the aristocracy law, so nobody could protest. But the water route was indeed faster.

As for the security reason. Many smugglings were done on the Andes river. Many of the barbarian's wealth and people were captured by bad adventurers. As the land route was too difficult to use to transport them, the adventures choose the Andes river to smuggle them. Some corrupted aides of nobles who maintain the sailing route were often woked together with them. So this activity was done for a few years.

One day the coalition of Barbarian tribes captured the bad adventurers who were raiding a small tribe. They killed them and through your family made a protest to the kingdom. They demanded compensation and prohibition of the Andes river as a transportation route. Because it became a threat to their territory.

The kingdom then made a deal with them, the kingdom didn't want to pay compensation, because its law prohibiting slavery. Why it had to pay for the crime that was done by others.

And as the river transportation wasn't really effective because of the expensive tolls, the kingdom closed it until the nobles provided possible plans that could ensure a reasonable toll arrangement and could solve the barbarian security problem. But they couldn't get a win-win solution for it until now."

"Wait manager, you said my family helped the Barbarian to make a complaint. Could you elaborate more?" Adam asked.

Ruby shook her head, "Sorry, in the book that I read, it only mentioned that information."

Adam nodded, "Thank you, I will find it in the family's library later."

Then they felt the carriage was slowing down and then stopped.

***

As everyone had already gotten off from the carriages. The cameraman that Alba brought also followed them. He was busy recording the surroundings.

In front of him was a pretty big house that was built with bricks. Adam saw five people come to them. They are Victor, Traze, Zeen, an old man and a young man.

"Welcome young master, it looks like you won the match. Congratulations," Victor said.

"Yes, we are lucky. But it was a close call," Adam smile.

Then Traze who wore a black cloak saluted, "Welcome master, we want to introduce you to the people who helped us when making a deal with the occupants. This is Mr. Harris and Mr. Tristan. Mr. Harris is an elder in the surrounding. As for Mr. Tristan is the leader of the fishermen."

Adam then greeted them, "I as the heir of Elbaz family am really grateful for your cooperation. Let's build this area well in the future."

Harris the old man said, "It's our luck, Sir, that you are interested in our territory. We were really negligent these years. We never thought we would lose our land one day. We hope your generosity, sir."

Adam smiled, "Don't worry Mr. Harris, we will find a way so that everyone's wish will be fulfilled."

After that, Harris invited everyone to enter his house. His house was pretty big. It seemed Harris was a wealthy man. He entertained them in a large room. From Traze, Adam knew that this house was the place they used to meet all right holders.

At Ruby's request, Adam didn't disclose her information. As for Alba, she introduced herself truthfully. Harris and Tristan were happy to know her. In this city, besides the city government, the one who people trusted most was the newspaper, especially Silverpool Weekly. As the local newspaper of Silverpool City, It always reported the current news around the city. Knowing a reporter was always a good thing. As they had an opportunity to convey their problem to society.

Harris then invited them to have lunch. Adam and his friends then got sumptuous meals. The dishes were mostly from fish ingredients, they were fresh and delicious.

After finishing, Adam said, " Thank you for your generosity. That was delicious. So Mr. Harris and Mr. Tristan. Do you want to talk with me privately?"

Harris and Tristan looked at each other. Harris then said, "If you don't mind Sir."

Adam smiled, "Of course, I don't mind. I also want to ask something to you," He then looked at everyone else, "You can take a walk if you want. It is rare for us to visit a beautiful place like this."

***

Harris then took Tristan, Adam, and Victor to a room with many books, a study table, couches, and a low table. It seemed like it was Harris's study room.

After sitting on the couch, Adam waited for Harris's opening. Harris was aware, Adam was waiting for him to talk, so he said, "Sir Adam. Actually, we have been convicted by Mr. Roman's explanation. But the other occupants wanted us to talk to you. We want to get the gist of our future. Please tell us your plan for us, if you don't mind."

Adam nodded, Adam then told them his plans to build apartments, build Hellcat's home ground, and made this area the center of the Elbaz family business in Silverpool City.

"Do you want us to live in the building which is called an apartment?" Harris asked.

"Yes, actually it was a good solution for everyone, as everyone can get cheap, comfortable, and healthy accommodation," Adam said.

"Sir, is there any chance for us to stay at our houses? We have lived at our houses for ages," Harris said.

Listening to the old man's request, Adam frowned. He didn't talk for a while. He was looking for an answer that can satisfy all people.

Adam knew Harris's feeling and maybe it was the same for all people who were affected. As Adam couldn't find the answer that he wanted, he sighed, he then looked at the two people who were waiting for his answer.

"Let me discuss it with some people. I understand your feelings, but we hope for a win-win solution. It means a decision that can make you are satisfied, and we are satisfied with. Please, let me know if you have any ideas. Anything else?" Adam asked.

Harris dan Tristan sighed, they knew from the beginning, it was a difficult issue. But they were still holding the last thread of hope.

***