CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 102: GATHERING INFORMATION_1

Not to mention that the territories had already been divided, and these areas had been without Hamlet’s rule for a long time. Who the hell would recognize him if he went there?

Those places definitely had local rulers and chains of interest. If those individuals teamed up to eliminate him, just as the mayor had, wouldn’t that be even more troublesome?

However, Walter’s words did remind him not to reveal the name ’Hamlet’ when he went out. Otherwise, he might attract enemies.

When Walter heard the Lord had no such intention, the restlessness in his heart slowly subsided. He realized that now was not the time and that it was too early to discuss these matters.

Walter took out paper and pen and drew a map of the surrounding routes, while Lance occasionally inquired about local conditions and issues with the merchant caravan’s operations.

Walter’s caravan primarily had two routes. One involved transporting grain to Ovando, the nearest city to the southwest, and then bringing various essential supplies back from the city.

Along this route, they primarily passed through several villages and farms, purchasing agricultural products and selling goods from the city on their return.

This was a stable, long-term route, but the profits were quite ordinary, mostly just enough to maintain the caravan’s operations.

The real money-maker was the route south to Totnes. This journey took over a month one way, passing through several villages and cities. A round trip required two months, so they typically only made two or three such trips a year.

Lance knew of this place. It was the Empire’s second-largest city, the Empire Trade Center, and the seat of the eastern province’s governor.

Totnes possessed two significant advantages. Firstly, it was located at the mouth of the Donovis River, which flowed through seven countries, boasting a developed river transport industry.

Secondly, it was a natural deep-water harbor, making it a renowned seaport city.

These two natural advantages combined to make Totnes a major shipping hub, dubbed a ’merchant’s paradise’—a place where Gold Coins seemingly flowed like water.

Such a location was a rare find, not something one could simply seek out. It was equivalent to sitting and waiting for money to pour in; even Lance coveted its unique geographical position.

"Taking the Totnes route without detouring, what’s the fastest travel time?"

"If traveling by land, it would take half a month at the very fastest. By sea, it only requires four days to reach Totnes directly."

"That’s too slow." Lance gazed at the markings on the Map and fell into thought. Would he be wasting his breath here if he had a ship?

"There’s no other way," Walter quickly explained, realizing he was stating the obvious. "Originally, Hamlet had a direct route, but it’s been deserted for many years. It’s either been overgrown by the wilderness or only segments of the road remain."

"Alright. Tell me about the situation in the Empire, or at least your impression of it."

"My Lord, why do you ask this?"

"Hamlet’s location is crucial. With the borders in chaos, the Empire should logically intervene. So why has there been no reaction?"

"I’m just a merchant; how would I know about the affairs of the Empire?" Walter replied, shaking his head.

Lance didn’t press further, instead asking him to describe the conditions in the surrounding villages and cities.

To formulate a detailed development plan, Lance needed more information. Currently, Walter was the only person in town with worldly experience and familiarity with the surrounding area. Thus, Lance had no choice but to rely solely on him for answers.

Walter felt immense pressure; the information he had accumulated over so many years as a merchant was nearly exhausted.

As for speaking carelessly, he valued his life far too much for that.

Lance was physically strong, and his mind could remain active for extended periods, but Walter couldn’t keep up.

Fortunately, Susan soon arrived with news that temporarily interrupted their conversation.

"My Lord, Barton has fainted."

Lance’s gaze finally moved from the Map. Looking outside, he realized half a day had passed.

"I understand," Lance said. "Take Walter to rest for a while. And by the way, call Dismas and the other two over."

Although Walter was somewhat curious, he was too exhausted to dwell on it. He followed Susan out of the room, his throat nearly raw after talking for half a day.

Stepping outside, Lance saw the captain collapsed at the door and silently acknowledged his determination.

Only such a person was worthy of his use.

Soon, Reynard and the others returned. Upon entering, they immediately saw the captain lying unconscious on the ground.

"My Lord, what happened?" Dismas inquired, also curious about the situation.

"Sit down. Let him tell us what’s going on himself," Lance directed.

Lance raised his hand, activated Bless, and instantly pulled the captain from his unconscious state.

The captain, regaining consciousness, still seemed bewildered by his surroundings when Lance’s voice reached his ears.

"Speak. What is it?" Lance demanded.

"I wish to stay and make amends for my mistakes! I implore you, My Lord, grant me this opportunity!" the captain blurted out without much hesitation.

Lance, however, did not immediately agree, merely responding indifferently, "Do you even realize what you’ve done? For your own selfish desires, you led bandits to breach the town, resulting in the deaths of more than five hundred people. Subsequently, because of the roadblocks you established, countless others starved to death. And now you talk of making amends? Do you truly believe you can atone for your sins?"

Lance’s words instantly plunged the atmosphere to a chilling point. Dismas and the others regarded the captain coldly.

As for the captain, he was overcome with shame...

However, Lance hadn’t finished. He continued, "Do you know why you are still alive?"

Lance’s sudden question caught him completely off guard.

That’s right, why hadn’t the Lord killed me?

The attention of the others present was also drawn to this question. They too wondered why the Lord had dispatched Laosan so decisively yet spared the captain.

"Because I discovered you are merely a pitiful puppet being manipulated," Lance said, a strange expression on his face as he seemed to muse aloud. "Our initial objective was to exterminate you bandits and investigate why so many had suddenly gathered near Hamlet. As the leader of these bandits, you were marked for death from the outset. However, our investigation revealed that an evil cult was orchestrating everything from behind the scenes. You were merely a pitiful puppet they controlled, one who consequently lost everything."

As he spoke, Lance seemed to magically produce an Incense Burner, tossing it to the captain.

"Remember this?"

The captain caught it instinctively and examined the object in his hands. Of course, he knew what it was; it belonged to that woman.

"You asked me about the evil cult before, didn’t you? I’ll tell you now: this is one of their methods. They concoct a drug to burn as incense, which inflames your desires. They can also brainwash you through Sorcery. Under such influence, few can resist, and you, naturally, were no exception," Lance explained.

Hearing this, Dismas and the others shifted uncomfortably. They too had been affected by it. If not for the Lord’s swift reaction, they might have succumbed.

"So, do you understand now?" Lance set aside what he was doing and walked up to the captain. "They forced you to kill. They drove your soldiers to a dead end. They are the culprits responsible for your current state. From beginning to end, you have been nothing but a knife in the hands of the evil cult."