Chapter 82: Greedy Gwynnis

A gentle breeze rustled, causing the banners of various noble families to flutter in the wind. All eyes were on Gwynnis; his next words would directly determine the fate of everyone present. Would they tear each other apart and engage in a full-fledged battle, or would they maintain the noble facade and continue with deceptive diplomacy?

On the side of the noble coalition, the guards wore tense expressions, gripping their weapons tightly. They represented the voices and strength of various noble families and were not like the hastily conscripted soldiers, standing as true elite forces. However, from the perspective of Gwynnis's guards, their performance seemed lackluster, lacking any visible combat proficiency.

This judgment didn't require a highly skilled critic; even the expressions in the eyes of both sets of guards spoke volumes. The guards from the noble coalition appeared nervous, fidgety, with darting eyes. Despite their attempts to appear ruthless, the scent of rookies lingered even from a distance.

On Gwynnis's side, though they were fewer in number, most of the guards seemed relaxed, showing no signs of tension. Some were provocatively looking forward to a fight, others were eager for action, ready to bathe in blood once more. However, most of them exuded a sense of disdain, not just for the opposing guards but also for death itself.

The difference in strength between the two sides was apparent. Gwynnis's guards, for the most part, had experienced tough battles, clashed with the formidable Havdan warriors several times. Although they had suffered significant casualties, those who survived were genuine elites.

With these seasoned veterans as a foundation and Gwynnis replenishing his guard force to 200, even facing nearly 300 guards from the coalition, they were far from being at a disadvantage.

However, Gwynnis didn't display the same arrogance as his guards; instead, his eyes carried a gentle, smiling demeanor.

"It's all my fault. I was too eager to start mining and didn't have time to inform all of you."

Gwynnis chuckled, saying, "I actually meant no harm. I just wanted to borrow some people from each of you."

"I believe everyone is well aware of the current situation. There's a shortage of food everywhere, and I happen to have some surplus, barely enough to feed a few thousand until the autumn harvest. So, I thought of helping you take care of the hungry subjects."

"Of course, I'm not entirely altruistic. While I provide them with food and drink, I let them dig some ore on the side, considering it a way to fill their stomachs with manual labor. It's a fair exchange. We each take what we need—it's quite equitable."

Gwynnis nodded.

However, the noble families on the other side didn't buy his explanation. They were concerned about fairness? Was he paying wages to these subjects for their work?

No!

What they cared about was the ownership of these subjects! These subjects were their private property, sacred and inviolable!

Indeed, according to convention, the subjects on a noble's territory were under their jurisdiction. This applied not only to serfs and estate laborers but also to free subjects, free farmers, who theoretically belonged to their lord. Their freedom referred to personal freedom, allowing them to move freely within the territory, but it didn't mean they could leave the territory at will.

In practical terms, when the subjects wanted to leave the territory, they needed to report to local community administrators—village chiefs, elders, priests, and the like. They had to provide suitable reasons and obtain permission before leaving. Even activities like going to town to buy things, attending friends' or relatives' banquets, weddings, funerals, etc., required application and reporting; otherwise, it was considered illegal departure. The lord had the right to arrest them and impose appropriate punishment.

Therefore, these subjects leaving their respective territories, regardless of their reasons, were technically illegal.

"I'm well aware of the purpose of your visit. It's to exercise your rights as nobles, take back your subjects, and administer severe punishment."

"But, to be honest, I'm sure you all have a rough idea of why these subjects are here in the first place."

"No food to eat, and they won't survive. Even so, are you all determined to insist on taking them back?" Hearing this, the nobles began to murmur. Yes, they were well aware of why their subjects had ended up on someone else's territory—just trying to stay alive. Even if they forcefully brought these subjects back, without the means to provide them with food and drink, the ultimate result would be death by starvation. In the end, it would be the nobles themselves who suffered the losses. But that didn't mean Gwynnis could...

"Since you'll only make them starve to death by taking them back, why not let me take care of them for a while?" Gwynnis continued, "Give me two months. During this time, all the subjects present here will be under my care for food, drink, and accommodation. My only requirement is that they work for me. That's it. Two months later, when autumn harvest arrives, even if your territories have suffered heavily, there should be food available elsewhere. At that time, you can take back your subjects. I, Gwynnis, swear not to obstruct you in any way."

"It's a win-win situation, isn't it? You all can preserve your property without loss, I can find labor, and even the dirty subjects can survive. It's great—no one's interests are harmed." Gwynnis spoke, and the nobles could almost understand. Indeed, as he said, it was a win-win situation. However, the question remained: why was Gwynnis going through all this trouble just for two months of labor in digging stones?

"Why go through all this trouble for a bit of profit from iron ore, not gold? Is it worth it?" The nobles seemed to question.

As if reading the nobles' thoughts, Gwynnis smiled somewhat awkwardly. "Oh, you see, I anticipated that the situation was about to become turbulent. I thought of quickly making some weapons before everyone starts fighting, so I can provide support for the righteous side. It's also fulfilling my duty as a vassal."

Listening to Gwynnis's words, the surrounding nobles almost burst out laughing. Saying something about fulfilling his duty as a vassal, why not just say he wants to profit from war? Look at his hypocritical and greedy appearance, it's laughable. Moreover, who rushes to make umbrellas only when it starts raining or thinks about sowing seeds when hungry? Planning to mine and smelt iron for weapons only when war is imminent? Hmph, seizing any opportunity, look at his impatient appearance—it's laughable.

However, looking at it more seriously, Gwynnis wasn't entirely wrong. The subjects returning with them to their territories would only starve to death. It would be better to let them stay here and do some work, at least earning a meal and preserving their lives.