CHAPTER 144: CHAPTER 144- SNOWPOINT CITY (5)

Of course, there was a lot of disapproval regarding these people entering the central district. However, when they saw the knights of the Order of the Temple of Light patrolling the walls and what happened to the ones that tried to make a scene, they turned around and went about with their lives.

In front of the mansion, recruits holding onto a bunch of papers sat around tables, interviewing the people of the outer district.

They asked for the name and line of work they knew or had done before, and recorded it in the papers.

After that, those hundred people were all assigned to do manual labour like fixing the north gate that Rienhardt destroyed or constructing buildings.

Of course, to work, they needed someone to guide them or an example to follow, and it was not like the knights knew everything. As such, Reinhardt had to hire talented masons and contractors from the central district for the task.

Although they acted unwilling at first, they agreed to teach a thing or two to those hundred people for the right amount of money.

"This is clearly a rip off. One gold coin each for a day of work? Do they even know the value of a gold coin? That money is sufficient to hire a top grade carfstman in another city and that too for a whole week. These central district people, they have no shame."

Inside the mansion, Reinhardt’s personal office, Ryley couldn’t help but let his frustration out, looking at the document.

Besides him, also buried in work was Reinhardt. He put the document he finished down and spoke.

"Baron Chetak was that kind of person. Naturally, the people he considered his citizens wouldn’t be any good. They have been living in an environment where it’s only natural to exploit the weak and powerless".

Dealing with such kind of people was a headache. However, the populace of the outer district were learning, this was a silver lining.

The hundred people who were sent to do manual labor returned after a day of hard work to receive what they were promised, their rations. However, before that was handed to them, these people were all ordered to jump into a large pool dug nearby to clean their foul odour and grime.

After that, they were provided with simple clothes and treatment from the knights who could use the skill [Cure All].

Influenza and other viral diseases was the biggest concerning thing in this city right now. As such, the knights were diligent in their task. The clothes those hundred people got were old or discarded ones from the knight’s family.

And so, after they were all cleaned, their promised ration was provided to them in addition to the ones that were already being distributed to their entire people of the outer district for free.

The first task the temple of light did after arriving at the city was to provide basic community service. Feeding and treating their diseases.

The next day came, and just like this, a hundred different people arrived in front of the mansion before going to do manual labour.

When they arrived back, the same orders were given to them: dive into the pool that was already treated clean. They received handed clothes and returned back to their families with rations and smiles.

.

Days continued to pass by like this. On the tenth day, an incident occurred. The head of the labour union in the city came to meet the new Governor of the city.

Inside his private office, Reinhardt sat facing the leader of the labour union. His expression not so great.

"Haha, well do think about it, Lord Governor, my proposal benefits both of us. I am sure a man as outstanding and extraordinary can see the big picture. Then I’ll be taking my leave. Please call me when you are ready to take my offer."

The leader of the labour union was a middle aged man with a short stature and a round belly. He had sharp eyes like a snake and a ledger tucked under his arm. Looking at him, you can just tell that this guy was up to no good.

As he walked out of the mansion, he left some pretty serious words.

"It’s not ’if you decide’ but ’when you decide’ huh" Reinhardt slowly leaned back on his seat, recalling the words the union leader said.

"Governor Reinhardt, I respect your intentions. You want to uplift the poor, but you have bypassed the trade union. By using the people of the outer district, you have alienated the skilled laborers of the Central District"...

"The masons, carpenters, and smiths who’ve trained for decades. Our union governs all legitimate labor in the city. Those who are not registered with us are not recognized as laborers under city law".

The leader then opened the ledger and spread it on the table.

"We operate a structured system. Each worker pays a modest commission— ten percent of their earnings. In return, we guarantee placement, fair wages, and protection. We vet our craftsmen, ensure quality, and maintain standards. Yet you chose the untrained labourers over our proven skilled workers?"

"I have chosen them because their fee is much cheaper than the overrated price the labor from the trade union demands," Reinhardt replied.

In fact, putting overrated was like sweetening it. The price they ask is nothing short of a bribe. They have dressed it up in commissions and contracts, but it’s extortion.

"I see, then there is nothing I can do. Ah, that reminds me, Governor, I seem to recall you’ve hired our masons and smiths to teach the outer folks. That was a generous arrangement. But as of tomorrow, they will not return"...

"The union does not support unauthorised labor. Of course, if you wish to continue construction of roads, aqueducts, and the new barracks, you must do so through us. We are ready to offer you our trained labor, accountability, and peace, of course, for a reasonable price. Well then, I’ll be taking my leave, call me when you are ready to take my offer".