Chapter 1808 - 502: The Short-Sighted Thunder City Citizens Finally Fall for the Demon’s Schemes (Part 2)

"...Did you understand?"

The foreman shouted at the top of his lungs, trying to drown out the roar of the steam engine, so the guy in front of him, who was entering the factory for the first time, could hear him.

"The first month is the trial period; you only get fifteen silver pounds! If you learn fast enough, in the second month, you can earn the full salary, a total of thirty silver pounds! We provide accommodation here, but don't expect too much from the living conditions. Breakfast and lunch are provided, but at night you'll have to fend for yourself or go hungry."

The Ryan man nodded vigorously, but he still froze upon hearing the wages, unable to believe his ears.

"Thirty... silver pounds?"

"What, is it too little?"

As soon as the foreman finished speaking, there was a thud; the Ryan man actually kneeled in front of him, grabbing his arm, and babbled excitedly.

"No, it's plenty! Saint Sis above! You all are practically Saints! May the Holy Light always protect you, and generous Mr. Horace!"

In Roland City, the copper coins he earned after a month of hard work were barely enough to feed his family, and his wife had to work part-time as a laundry maid to barely manage to support their three children.

But here, even a half-month's salary is enough for him and his family to live like people!

His snot and tears caught the foreman off guard. Their factory's wages were indeed higher than those of other factories, but not enough to make a person this emotional, right?

Working here is a twelve-hour shift; it's basically trading health for money like moving boxes at the dock.

"...Okay, okay, why are you crying! Get to work! Don't wipe your snot on me."

"Yes! Yes!"

Hearing the foreman's disdainful voice, the man scrambled to his feet, hastily wiped away his tears with his sleeve, and energetically rushed toward his assigned workstation.

According to the Horace Textile Factory's production regulations, during the trial period, he cannot operate the machines alone; he must first follow a skilled worker to familiarize himself with the operation procedures and do some odd jobs.

After all, this precious machine is worth more than his life; even if he doesn't care about his arm, Mr. Horace, who has suffered a major loss once, wouldn't dare let him risk it.

Standing on the stairs, Horace took in the harmonious scene, a particularly comfortable smile forming at the corners of his mouth.

Thanks to these Ryan people, his factory was thriving, just like the booming Thunder City and Campbell Duchy.

It was worth investing all the money he earned and even taking out a large loan from the bank in the industrial zone.

Considering how capable these young men are, this investment surely won't go to waste.

He turned around, giving the accountant beside him a heavy pat on the shoulder, with a smile full of unabashed appreciation.

"Elsey, you've done well choosing these good men from the crowd; you're truly my lucky star!"

Elsey's face immediately lit up with a diligent smile upon receiving the praise, bowing humbly in salute.

"It's all thanks to your wisdom and trust. I merely did my duty!"

"Haha, you're too modest!" Horace laughed and enthusiastically patted his shoulder, liking this clever young man more and more.

"Haha, it's my honor to relieve you of your worries."

Seeing the boss in high spirits, Elsey smoothly produced a roster from his pocket, shifting the topic to the real business.

"Besides, boss... the council elections have officially started. As you can see, our factory already has over three hundred workers, all firm supporters of yours... We've got quite a few 'chips' in hand."

He paused at this point, winking at the boss and handing out the roster with a cheerful tone.

"Please guide Thunder City's future a bit!"

"Then let the future Sir Horace have a look, and let me see on behalf of the Grand Duke what else we're missing."

Horace nodded with satisfaction, taking the candidate roster.

However, as soon as he saw the names on it, his smile vanished instantly.

"What kind of mess is this?"

Before Elsey could explain, he frowned and pointed at a name, angrily condemning.

"Pikosi, the biscuit factory owner? Does he think managing a city is like adding water when there's too much flour or flour when there's too much water? What more can fit in his flour-covered brain beyond sugar and butter? How is he qualified to talk about Thunder City's future?"

As he continued reading, his expression worsened.

"And this one... the scoundrel from Yokaven Textile Factory! I recognize that face, my competitor! Damn it, how are these pests worthy of joining the Grand Duke's meeting?"

Advocating for a towel tax?

This is tantamount to a precise attack on his second workshop, preventing the benevolent Sak Jifeng from allowing the lizardmen of Southwest Swamp to wipe their faces clean!

To put it nicely, it's stopping the lizardmen from heading towards civilization; to put it bluntly, it's hindering the relationship between Campbell Duchy and Gutaf United Kingdom!

Clearly, he has betrayed the country!

He should be arrested immediately!

Looking at the indignant boss, Elsey helplessly shrugged.

"Boss, we are in a new industrial zone, so most candidates are factory owners. We can't have those who just learned to write their own names as councilors, right? Not to mention what proposals they can come up with, they still have to work... Of course, there's one from the neighboring street who's just stirring up trouble; he's not your peer."

"Who?"

"A country bumpkin who runs a tavern. I hear he advocates for tax exemption on all beer, and many drunkards support him."