No, no, my lord.
He is merely a fishmonger.
Not the pockmarked man stammered, panic evident as the guards seized him.
Take him away.
The guards dragged him out.
My lord, what does this mean? You cannot apprehend someone before the investigation is complete.
The Minister of Internal Affairs protested loudly.
I have arranged for an investigation to be conducted.
You have been weary.
For the time being, you need not involve yourself in city affairs.
Take a rest bit, Sirill replied.
Upon hearing the Lord's words, the minister's face turned ashen.
He understood all too well what this implied.
Though he had not been formally dismissed from his position, the sentiment was unmistakable.
Should he continue to displease Sirill, his position might indeed be jeopardized.
Given the family's reputation, a fall from grace could lead to dire consequences.
Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead.
I understand, my lord.
He acquiesced.
Sirill nodded and turned his attention back to Fong How.
"Mr.
Fong, am I to understand that you are satisfied with my handling of this matter? Such incidents shall not recur, and you may continue to operate your business in the city without concern.
" Indeed, harmony breeds prosperity.
I prefer not to complicate matters unnecessarily.
Fonghow smiled and knew.
Haha, excellent.
Let us consider this matter resolved.
I will ensure that an investigation into Bennett is conducted, so you need not worry about it.
Sirill assured, "Very well," Fonha responded with a nod.
After today's events, Sirill would likely impose a light punishment on the pockmark man, a thought that Fongo anticipated.
The man had not truly provoked a situation that warranted war.
A lesson would suffice to deter any further misdeeds, and Fong Ho would prefer to remain uninvolved.
Upon exiting the Lord's mansion, Fulay rushed forward, kneeling before Fonga in gratitude.
"Thank you, my lord.
Thank you for saving us.
" Flea Yao, who wore glasses and had a pleasantly plump face, also knelt beside him, wiping her tears while expressing her thanks.
Risey, too, you are fortunate to have each other in this journey.
Funo remarked.
The two individuals rose to their feet, and Fule presented the Lord's book.
My lord, had it not been for your heroic rescue of Yao Yao, I would not have survived.
This is a lifesaving grace and we are willing to become your vassal territory.
They had previously agreed upon this arrangement.
Fong how would assist him in saving the person and in return he would willingly become a vassal territory.
There is no rush.
Let us first inspect your domain.
The location and level of development of Fulay's territory remained unclear.
The only information they possessed was that it lay to the south of Pulu City.
Should the territory prove to be lacking in merit or if it were not contiguous with his own, Fong Hao had no intention of permitting him to become a vassel.
Understood.
Fulay nodded in agreement.
The group exited the city gates with Fong Hao and Inja seated at top the giant lizard while Fule and Exai and Yao Yao were accommodated on the cargo platform behind them.
Although the surface beneath them was a hard wooden plank, the giant lizard's gate was relatively smooth, alleviating concerns about jostling along the way.
Departing from Pulu City, they traveled for approximately an hour.
At last, they arrived at Fule's city, a fourth tier settlement.
My lord, this way, please.
Chapter 215.
Transformation of the territory.
The city of Fule was rather unremarkable.
It maintained a certain orderliness.
The barracks and cottages were all present, and a faint scent of fish lingered throughout the town.
In the open space in front of the warehouse, drying racks were laden with various sizes of fish.
"Your fish yield is quite bountiful," Fungha remarked as he explored the area.
"There is a freshwater lake nearby, and I have recently obtained the blueprints for a fishery which sustains my subordinates.
" Foule replied with a sheepish smile.
Initially believing his development was commendable.
However, in comparison to Fongghao, he felt a twinge of embarrassment.
Take me to that lake.
Fonggho instructed.
Of course, Foule responded as they exited the city and walked for 20 minutes.
They soon encountered a vast lake.
Foule had stationed numerous militia and farmers here to manage the fishery.
Boss, this is the freshwater lake, and this area is the fishery I have enclosed.
Other villagers also come here to fish, but we do not interfere with one another and occasionally trade goods, Foule explained.
What is the yield like? Fungho inquired.
We can catch over 10 fish daily, though the methods here are quite rudimentary compared to modern fishing techniques, Fu answered.
In truth, the yield was roughly balanced with hunting.
While hunting provided more meat, it came with significant risks, whereas fishing posed lower dangers, allowing for a modest catch of a dozen fish.
Is that enough to feed you and your troops? Funhao asked.
I do not have many recruits and I have been calculating.
We have grown weary of fish and sell most of it in Pearl City for other goods.
Fu replied.
Understood.
Let us discuss further at your residence.
Fungho suggested.
The group returned to Fule's lordly abode where the atmosphere was slightly tense.
Foule Fong Hao called softly.
Yes, boss.
Foule replied.
Do you comprehend what it means to become a vassal territory? Fong Hoa reminded him, I understand.
When Yao Yao came, I conducted some research and grasped its significance.
Fu Lelay responded promptly.
He was aware of the implications of the book of devouring and the concept of a vassal territory.
When Exi and Yao Yao had approached him, a notification of the Lord's book had automatically appeared.
After a brief investigation, he understood its meaning.
By becoming my vassal territory, this city will no longer belong to you.
While I will allow you to manage it, you'll possess only administrative authority.
Should I decide to assign you to another city one day, you must comply with my orders.
Fong Ho explains solemnly.
Boss, I comprehend.
After today's events, I recognize my shortcomings.