System: Build My Own Territory

Chapter 1058 - 302: Submission or Death (10,000 Words)

Even Brick and Alex, who were often slow on the uptake, sensed the threat in Lynn’s words.

The meaning behind Lynn’s words was simple.

If they fail to demonstrate loyalty that satisfies him.

In future face of their requests for military aid, Lynn would not provide full support!

Helena hesitated slightly and said, "Lord Lynn, I don’t quite understand what you mean..."

Brick and Alex nodded in agreement.

Sitting on the throne, Lynn leaned slightly forward, casting a gaze down upon the three.

"For example, militarily, when I initiate a summons, how many soldiers can your Wells Manor provide?"

"As the Manor Lord, can you personally lead troops into battle?"

"Economically, how much of your monthly or yearly estate output will you, the Helena Manor Lord, pay as tribute?"

"In the event of special circumstances, during external expeditions, how much additional economic support can you, the Helena Manor Lord, offer?"

"Every year during spring planting and autumn harvest, how many peasants from your Helena Manor can you arrange to come to my territory to provide unpaid labor?"

"Politically, as the Helena Manor Lord, do you acknowledge and respect me continuously?"

"Regardless of whether in future meetings I convene, or in terms of address, seating arrangements, and decision-making processes?"

Lynn altered his tone and continued.

"The meaning is simple, I need to know exact numbers!"

"If it’s merely a simple bow, lip service declaring fealty..."

"Then it seems rather casual to consider loyalty fulfilled."

Helena furrowed her brow ever so slightly.

Although Lynn’s words sounded somewhat aggressive.

Helena understood that it was reasonable for a lord to demand detailed offerings from supporting Manor Lords.

It made sense!

Seeing the three Manor Lords with somewhat troubled expressions, Lynn spoke again.

"If you three Manor Lords are uncertain, you may engage in discussion."

"I can give you five minutes!"

Upon hearing Lynn’s words, Helena felt slightly relieved.

Without discussion, they truly didn’t know how to respond at the moment.

Helena nodded to the others, then gathered together.

Looking at the corpulent Brick before her, and Alex, full of muscle yet lacking in intelligence.

Helena said impatiently, "Let’s hear your thoughts."

"How should we pledge our loyalty to Lord Lynn?"

Brick glanced at the fair skin in front of Helena but quickly looked away without any ulterior motive.

The decision before them affected the long-term alignment of their Manor.

The primal desires within Brick’s soul were long cast aside.

After a few moments of thought, Brick spoke.

"Orlando Manor, aside from the previous Marquis Duca, has never pledged fealty to anyone else."

"To be honest, I really don’t know how to pledge loyalty..."

Helena turned to Alex.

Feeling Helena’s gaze, Alex spoke in a somewhat somber tone.

"Lady Helena, perhaps we could emulate the tribute ratio from Connelly and Louis Manor to Viscount Jon Zack?"

"Otherwise, I really don’t know how much to offer..."

Helena asked curiously, "What is their tribute ratio?"

Alex recalled slightly, "If we’re only talking tribute... thirty percent!"

"Zock Connally needs to pay Viscount Jon Zack thirty percent of the Manor’s agricultural output."

"As for other special circumstances, providing additional economic support, unpaid labor, and troop numbers..."

"These detailed matters, I am also unaware."

Helena nodded, then spoke, "I understand!"

"So, we will also pay Lord Lynn thirty percent of our Manor’s production?"

Brick and Alex exchanged glances.

Brick said somewhat angrily.

"No more than thirty percent."

"Any more would exceed the limits of our Manor’s normal operations."

"If we can’t even guarantee normal operations of the Manor, what’s the point in surviving under his protection?"

Alex agreed and nodded.

Helena summarized, "So, thirty percent it is!"

Brick and Alex nodded again in response.

Discussion concluded.

The three stepped forward again, standing before the throne steps.

Helena bowed to Lynn and spoke respectfully.

"Lord Lynn, economically, we are willing to pay thirty percent of our Manor’s output as tribute."

"To show our loyalty to you!"

Brick and Alex imitated her, bowing respectfully.

Then.

Lynn’s words left their faces shocked.

"Thirty percent... is too little!"

The three were a bit stunned, not believing their ears.

Thirty percent of the Manor’s total output.

Was already everything left after considering daily consumption of the Manor’s people and livestock!

Lynn on the throne actually said it was too little?

It must be noted.

Even Connelly Manor and Louis Manor pay only thirty percent to Jon Zack as tribute.

Could Lynn be greedier than Jon Zack?

An inexplicable revulsion and anger instantly arose in Helena’s heart.

Despite Lynn’s youthful and handsome appearance.