Also No Money

Chapter 30: Also No Money

In the evening, Zhao Hai specially had a meal with Chrysanthemum Buda. He wanted to set an example for the other slaves and inspire them to strive for a better life. Chrysanthemum Buda was very anxious because, as a commoner, she knew that she didn't have the right to dine with nobles. However, Zhao Hai invited her to the main fort's restaurant, which made her even more anxious.

When Merine brought the dinner, Chrysanthemum Buda was shocked. As a commoner, she had never seen a noble's meal before, but she had heard that noble meals consisted of many dishes, with a particular emphasis on the presentation of each course using gold and silver tableware. Chrysanthemum expected to see such a grand meal when Zhao Hai invited her, but what she saw was just ordinary bread, soup, vegetables, and meat, with only Zhao Hai having meat. However, compared to the meals the other slaves had, this dinner was much better.

Zhao Hai noticed Chrysanthemum's reaction. Since entering the restaurant, she had been standing anxiously and didn't dare to sit down. Zhao Hai smiled and said, "Chrysanthemum, please sit. I have given you the Buda surname, and according to custom, you are now part of the Buda Family. You don't need to be so anxious. Sit down."

Zhao Hai signaled to Meg with his eyes, and she understood his meaning. Meg went to Chrysanthemum's side and said with a smile, "Chrysanthemum Elder Sister, please sit. The Young Master is very kind, and we dine together with him every day. The customs of other nobles don't apply here. You don't need to worry."

Chrysanthemum knew Meg's status. She had learned that Meg and the others were servants of the Buda Family before they became slaves. In other places, their status would be considered high, at least higher than that of commoners like her. But the past few days had shown Chrysanthemum that Meg was a good person. Although she made them work, she never beat or scolded them. Meg was a girl, so Chrysanthemum's anxiety gradually diminished.

Soon, Merine brought the dinner. Merine looked at Chrysanthemum, who still seemed tense, and smiled gently, saying, "Miss, there's no need to be anxious. You are now part of the Buda Family. Rest assured, the Young Master is very kind. By the way, you mentioned earlier that you were a commoner. How did you become a slave?"

Merine's gentle demeanor helped Chrysanthemum relax further. She finally explained in a low voice how she had become a slave. Zhao Hai and the others listened silently. After hearing her story, Zhao Hai sighed and said, "It's a miracle that chaos doesn't reign in a world where such nobles exist. Okay, Merine Grandma, let's have our meal. Chrysanthemum, from now on, you are a servant of the Buda Family. As a commoner, you will receive a monthly wage. Tomorrow, you will learn some things with Meg. If you have nothing else to do, you can make grass curtains and send them to the people doing manual labor. The weather is getting colder now, so they can hang the grass curtains in their windows to block the cold wind."

Chrysanthemum immediately replied, "Yes, Master."

Zhao Hai smiled and said, "Chrysanthemum, you are now a servant of the Buda Family, not a slave. You don't need to address me as 'my lord.' Just call me Young Master, like Meg and the others. Blockhead, Stonehead, please bring the bedding to Chrysanthemum's and Peaceful's room. Chrysanthemum, go and take care of your younger brother."

The three of them complied and left. Meg and Merine stood by Zhao Hai's side. Zhao Hai sighed and said, "I hope Chrysanthemum's example can inspire these slaves. Our Buda Family is currently impoverished, and if these slaves can contribute something, we may discover some talented individuals."

Merine nodded, understanding the difficulties the Buda Family faced. Although they had bought many supplies when they came to the Black Wasteland, most of them were grains and clothes. They hadn't bought tools or items that required space. They needed to provide each slave with a bed. Although they no longer faced a grain shortage, they were worried about the situation in the Carrion Swamp, which added more pressure.

Meg and Merine had confidence in their abilities. They believed that even if they faced powerful Magic Beasts, they could handle it. Merine was an 8th-level Magician, and Meg was a 6th-level Magician. Blockhead and Stonehead were 6th-level Warriors, so their skills were not bad. However, Merine couldn't completely reassure Zhao Hai because she lacked confidence in dealing with the Carrion Swamp. It was one of the five Great Forbidden Lands of the continent. Even if a 9th-level Archmage went in, it would be impossible to clear it. Not to mention an 8th-level Magician like her.

Although they didn't need to enter the Carrion Swamp, if they were attacked by powerful Magic Beasts, she couldn't guarantee that she could repel them. She didn't dare to say this to Zhao Hai.

At that moment, Zhao Hai suddenly stood up and turned to Merine, saying, "Merine Grandma, I'm going to the Space. The Magic Radishes are ripe, and I need to harvest them. Can you come with me?"

Merine shook her head and said, "Young Master, I can't go. I need to clean the kitchen. Let Meg accompany you."

Zhao Hai nodded and turned to Meg, saying, "Meg, come with me to a place. It's the biggest secret of our Buda Family. Except for you, me, Merine Grandma, Blockhead, and Stonehead, no one else knows about it. Even Grandpa Green doesn't know yet. So, you must never tell anyone."

Meg, feeling the seriousness in Zhao Hai's words, became curious but didn't know what to expect. She turned to look at Merine, who nodded and said, "Meg, listen to the Young Master."

Meg quickly nodded and said, "Yes, Young Master. Don't worry, I won't say anything."

Zhao Hai nodded and said, "Let's go, Meg. This place is a mysterious space that I acquired. Everything here belongs to me, and it is also the hope of our Buda Family. You mustn't tell anyone."

Meg replied seriously, "Young Master, rest assured. I understand the importance, and I won't say anything."

Zhao Hai nodded again and said, "Let's go out, Meg. You don't need to worry about this place. It's time to rest."

With a thought, the two of them appeared in the living room. Blockhead and Stonehead had already returned, but they weren't surprised by Zhao Hai and Meg's sudden appearance. They had been to the Space and knew what was going on.

Zhao Hai looked at everyone and nodded, saying, "Alright, everyone, go rest. We have a busy day tomorrow. Meg, tomorrow you should help Chrysanthemum learn about various things."

Meg complied and Zhao Hai walked to his room, deep in thought. He only had 50 gold coins now, and he needed to exchange the radishes for gold coins to buy corn. If that didn't work, he would have to plant corn in the ten mu area reserved for the radishes.

Lying on his bed, Zhao Hai contemplated his options. With only 50 gold coins in his possession, he needed to sell items in the Space to get more money. Zhao Hai was considering selling the radishes. He didn't need them at the moment, especially since he had already harvested the radish leaves separately. Even if he sold the radishes, he didn't need to worry because he had nothing to feed to Blue Eye Rabbit.

On the other hand, he had a surplus of corn, and its uses were more versatile than radishes. Corn could be used as a grain and also as feed. Zhao Hai didn't plan to sell the corn for now.