Chapter 169: Baron Vili’s Reward

Chapter 169: Chapter 169: Baron Vili’s Reward

Vili sat alone in his study, a thoughtful expression on his face.

He knew very well that although the Treasure Map was now in his hands, it was clearly not a good time to explore it.

First, the danger of this overseas treasure’s location was uncertain. After all, it was a legacy left by the Cold Lion King Royal Family, and no one knew what terrifying traps might have been left behind. Since it was intended for their descendants, outsiders venturing in would definitely face great danger.

Second, and most realistically, White Bear Town currently lacked the capable manpower to conduct such an expedition. His core subordinates were all in key positions and couldn’t step away. As the top combatants of White Bear Town, he and Wally couldn’t leave the town for an extended period to undertake high-risk endeavors. Furthermore, there was another Bronze Level combatant, Selena, whom Vili still couldn’t completely let his guard down around.

Therefore, the current situation was unsuitable for a treasure hunt.

"I still need to step up efforts in cultivating talent..." Vili rubbed his forehead. He deeply understood the importance of nurturing talent. However, unlike crops that could be harvested on a fixed schedule, this required a long period of training and refinement.

Late July arrived.

The days for the large-scale crop harvest in White Bear Town were here.

Although White Bear Town’s development relied heavily on the ocean, its inland agriculture was not doing poorly either. Since this was the first harvest season since Vili became the Lord of White Bear Town, he naturally had to inspect the fields.

Compared to other towns like Diamond Town or Storm Town, White Bear Town’s agricultural tax was much lower. This was not established by Vili, but a rule set during the Blue Whale Town era. The goal was to achieve balanced development between the town’s agriculture and fishery. Otherwise, if everyone swarmed to catch fish, basic food supplies would not be guaranteed. Blindly relying on food imports from other towns would easily allow others to take them by the throat.

After taking over White Bear Town, Vili didn’t make any changes; instead, he continued the agricultural development plans from the Blue Whale Town era.

Vili inspected the fields on horseback, followed by Sandoor, other officials from the Agriculture Bureau, and the village chief. Like the Military Equipment Manufacturing Bureau, the Agriculture Bureau was a subordinate department of the Town Hall.

Vili thought to himself as he watched the farmers toiling in the fields, "This year’s harvest will exceed expectations..."

Although they had endured a harsh winter, the spring planting had not been affected at all. After experiencing the large-scale pirate invasion, the people cherished this stable, land-based life even more. Although the chances of striking it rich were lower, the advantage lay in its stability and safety.

The farmers in the fields occasionally looked up to see Vili on his inspection tour, their eyes revealing a mix of reverence and awe. Among these emotions, reverence was the more prominent one.

In this era, the lower classes who spent their lives toiling in the fields had no concept of equality. They considered oppression by noble lords to be a matter of course. Conversely, they felt anxious yet immensely grateful for any kindness shown by their lords.

Even before becoming the new Lord of White Bear Town, Vili’s reputation had spread widely due to his efforts in fending off Pirates. Now that he was in power, he continued to strengthen coastal defenses, which gave the townsfolk—who had lived in fear of pirate attacks—an inexplicable sense of peace. Coupled with the boost from Vili’s Small Lord Ability, [Reputation (Level 2)], he held an extremely high status and prestige in White Bear Town.

"Continue to solidify the path of agricultural development, and strive to introduce more high-yield, easy-to-grow crops like beans next year," Vili said to Sandoor beside him.

Vili never managed specific affairs; he only provided guidance on the general direction.

"The Agriculture Bureau is already researching the introduction of high-yield crops. We should be introducing four to five new crops next year. Among them, about one or two can be planted on a large scale by next spring," Sandoor replied.

Sandoor was much calmer and more composed than before. Among the three top dignitaries of White Bear Town—Sopps, Dane, and Sandoor—Sandoor possessed the most political wisdom and was the most capable. When he first took control of the White Bear Town Hall, he had been a bit green. But after a few months of tempering and the assistance of his deputies, he was not only able to hold his own and completely control the Town Hall, but he also showed great foresight regarding the town’s future development path. While faithfully executing the Baron’s will, he always managed to exceed expectations.

Hearing Sandoor’s answer, Vili nodded in satisfaction. He had to thank Baron Kels for his magnanimity and generosity at the time; after all, such an outstanding subordinate was not easy to come by.

"Who is the owner of this wheat field?" Vili suddenly pulled back on the reins as he rode up to a wheat field, asking the people beside him.

The wheat field before him was growing vigorously, the grains plump and full. One look was enough to make anyone feel the joy of the harvest.

"This is the wheat planted by Bank’s family in the village," the village chief hastily stepped up to Vili’s horse and answered respectfully.

"Call them over."

Vili saw two middle-aged farmers, a man and a woman, not far away. They were working hard to harvest the wheat, followed by three young men and women around sixteen or seventeen years old.

"Yes, Lord Baron," the village chief immediately complied. He trotted all the way over to the group and hurriedly urged the working family, "Bank, put down what you’re doing right now! Lord Baron wishes to see you!"

Hearing this, a panicked expression appeared on Bank’s face. They had just secretly peeked at the officials on horseback inspecting the fields and noticed them stop by their own wheat field. They just hadn’t expected that the Lord Baron himself was among those people on horseback. And now, the Baron was summoning them.

"Hurry up! Don’t make Lord Baron wait!" the village chief urged again.

Only then did Bank’s family snap out of it. With anxious hearts, they all followed the village chief toward Vili.

"Don’t look around when we get there. Maintain sufficient humility, and whatever you do, do not speak out of turn," the village chief warned Bank’s family as he led the way.

"Understood, understood..." Bank’s family quickly agreed.

Soon, the village chief brought Bank’s family before Vili.

"Quickly, greet Lord Baron!" the village chief prompted. He didn’t want to anger the Lord Baron because of a moment of disrespect from the villagers.

Bank’s family seemed a bit flustered. After hearing the village chief’s words, they hurriedly bowed to Vili. Because they were completely unprepared, the depth of their bows varied wildly, making for an uneven and awkward sight.

"Lord Baron, this is the owner of this wheat field, Bank and his family," the village chief said, hastily offering a fawning smile.