CHAPTER 535: CHAPTER 283: LEAVE IF YOU MUST, BUT PAY UP! _2

"..."

The people returning continuously let out information, and it was their sudden realization that made them decide to move their families to Hope Village sooner. It was less safe where there were fewer people, naturally, it was better where there were more.

Especially since last time, when there was a population migration, the Viscount Robin of Barnes Village did not allow them to leave the territory.

Later, he relaxed a bit and improved the territory, making it more suitable for living; this temporarily stabilized the territory.

After all, the thoughts of many people were still with the higher-ups.

But now the situation had changed, many people didn’t need any payment to know what Hope Village was like. Facing two territories that were so vastly different, it was no wonder they wanted to run.

They ran and even encouraged more people to run.

After all, there’s safety in numbers!

The crowd at the scene brightened as they listened to their descriptions.

Some mercenaries decided on the spot to go and see for themselves.

And some of the ordinary residents simply turned away from the crowd and left, rushing to pack their bags.

The poorer the family at home, the quicker they abandoned it.

As more and more people gathered at the scene, a soldier team directly entered the territory.

Leading them was no one else but Hudson.

Seeing them arrive, everyone shut their mouths, especially the mercenaries who had just returned, who scattered instantly.

Hudson had someone block the Transmission Array to Hope Village and said, "The Lord’s latest command, anyone going to Hope Village must pay 50 silver coins."

The moment these words were uttered, the place instantly buzzed with noise.

"Why should we? This is a task issued by Hope Village; our territory doesn’t need to pay anything!" someone in the crowd boldly spoke up because of the numbers.

Hudson looked through the crowd but couldn’t find the person who had spoken. He said, "Because this action will cause some losses to our territory, for the sake of the territory’s interests, this payment is necessary."

Listening to Hudson’s words, the group exchanged glances.

They understood what Hudson meant.

That was, it was still possible to leave Barnes Village, but they must pay 50 silver coins.

Clearly, the Lord of Barnes Village realized he couldn’t suppress the people in the territory wanting to leave, so he simply used this method to make some money.

This 50 silver coin payment was likely just a beginning.

Not pay?

They would probably not be able to leave Barnes Village then.

For a while, many people murmured below, increasingly frustrated.

However, looking at the impassive soldier team, many who were tempted could only think of other ways.

As for the professionals who were determined to leave Barnes Village, understanding that they had to make the payment, they quickly left to prepare.

In no time, the once crowded Task Center quieted down.

Originally, going to Hope Village was free; they could go and see, but now that there was a cost, they naturally had to think it over.

Watching the once bustling Task Center quiet down, Hudson managed the crowd and then immediately went to the manor of Viscount Robin of Barnes Village.

He saw Viscount Robin unobstructed along the way.

"How are things?" Viscount Robin asked upon seeing Hudson.

"Some people still paid silver coins to go to Hope Village, but most of them gave up. However, from the looks of some who went and returned, they are determined to leave," Hudson honestly reported.

Particularly since he had also been to Hope Village, he knew all too well the "benefits" of Hope Village; very few could resist, especially the ordinary professionals and common folk.

If it weren’t for the fact that the ethos of Hope Village was incompatible with his own, he would have considered moving there.

Who wouldn’t want to live a better life!

Thus, Hudson could understand the choice made by those people.

However, understanding aside, from the perspective of Barnes Village, this matter was serious.

A massive loss of population meant a huge loss of strength for Barnes Village.

Previously, Barnes Village was not doing too badly in this region, and the residents could bear with it, but with the emergence of Hope Village, they could no longer endure it.

It could be said that the existence of Hope Village directly impacted Barnes Village.

Viscount Robin listened and his face turned a shade darker. "Is Hope Village really that good?"

Hudson kept his head down and did not speak.

The look in Viscount Robin’s eyes grew even more sinister as he continued to speak to Hudson. "Do you think Hope Village has only affected Barnes Village in this regard?"

He knew the answer.

After pondering for a moment, Hudson finally spoke. "Not only that, the territories within this area are likely to be affected as well! Based on my previous visit to Hope Village, the residents of Bengala Town are also flooding into Hope Village. If that is the state of Bengala Town, not to mention the other villages."

The issue of population outflow was definitely not going to pass easily.

If Barnes Village could not deal with Hope Village alone, what about multiple villages united together!

He simply did not believe that those territories facing the "squeeze" from Hope Village would willingly accept it.

Especially Earl Orkot, the lord of Bengala Town.

This man, who had both power and status, had always considered himself the "king" of the region. Now, the rise of Hope Village would definitely affect him, and he would surely take it to heart.

Hudson understood his lord’s implication, and the next moment, he gave a friendly reminder. "Viscount Lancelot, the lord of Glasgow Village, has a good relationship with Hope Village. When I left, they had already established some cooperation and their territories were connected. He might not stand on your side, my lord."

Viscount Robin listened and unconcernedly said, "My relationship with Lancelot isn’t good to begin with, and I never counted on him being on my side. Just stir things up casually, if it works out, great, if not, it doesn’t matter."

"Indeed," Hudson agreed, believing his lord’s words to be quite right.

"However, you also need to visit the other territories to see their situation," Viscount Robin added. "You are the person I trust most. I am at ease with you handling this, and if you succeed, I will not let you go unrewarded."

Watching Hudson, Viscount Robin began to paint a big picture.

It wasn’t just talk; he had seriously considered it.

After all, Hudson, having been to Hope Village and still wholeheartedly standing behind him, was surely guaranteed loyalty.

Using such a person, he too felt assured.

"Yes, I will try my best," Hudson said, emotionally stirred by Viscount Robin’s words.

He was striving so hard precisely to climb higher!

This was his opportunity, and he would strive hard.

"Where should the first stop be?" Hudson asked.

"Djibouti Village," replied Viscount Robin.

"Yes." Hudson nodded. First, he would check if there were any tasks for Djibouti Village, and if not, he would simply lead his team there directly since it was less than half a day’s journey.

"Before you leave, also handle the matter of collecting money. Anyone wanting to leave Barnes Village must be severely taxed," Viscount Robin spoke, his eyes cold.

"Yes." Hudson nodded, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

This was a lucrative job indeed!

Truly, having caught the eye of his lord, he stood to gain much more than if he had to struggle anew in Hope Village.