Chapter 32: The Family’s Decision

Following the unfrozen Sain River northward led to Dun Er Ke, the only ice-free port in the northern part of the Gaul Empire. As the Empire’s third largest port and the most important trade center connecting the Empire with the northern countries of the Western Continent, Dun Er Ke had a dense population and developed commerce, making it one of the Empire’s notable commercial centers.

Several miles south of Dun Er Ke lay a vast Black Pine Forest. The oldest trees in this forest were over a thousand years old. Because legends said that thieves and bandits often roamed the Black Pine Forest, very few law-abiding commoners dared to venture deep into it.

The terrain in the Black Pine Forest was uneven. Behind a small hill that overlooked the Sain River’s course, there was a cluster of wooden buildings constructed among the pines. These wooden structures had a simple, wild design, each one extremely spacious and tall. Enclosed walkways connected the buildings, capable of blocking the howling cold winds.

These wooden buildings clearly had seen many years. Their exteriors were covered with thick layers of fallen leaves and moss, entangled with countless hanging pine lichen. Unless one knew the details of this place, it was impossible to spot these buildings even from up close, let alone from afar.

Moreover, the wooden buildings were arranged in a staggered pattern, clearly following some mutually supportive and protective layout. Every building was within the archery range of the others, making the defense incredibly formidable.

As dusk approached, nearly a hundred big men stood motionless in the main hall on the first floor of the central wooden building.

The vice president of the Dun Er Ke Chamber of Commerce, the largest mill owner in Dun Er Ke, and also the biggest flour supplier in the area, famously known for his generosity and public service in Dun Er Ke and its surroundings, Blackbeard Old Man wore a Bearskin Coat. He sat imposingly on the only large golden-carved chair in the hall, puffing on a huge Cigar, looking immensely satisfied as he observed the nearly hundred tall, burly men with arrogant, unruly expressions.

Blackbeard Old Man had an exceptionally conspicuous big beard; his dark, bushy facial hair covered almost half his face. Like Lin Qi, he had sharply defined features, with black hair, black eyes, and slightly yellowish skin, indicating pure Eastern ancestry. But also like Lin Qi, Blackbeard Old Man had an imposing physique, taller and more massive than many Western men.

Unlike Lin Qi’s slightly plump build, Blackbeard Old Man’s body was tall and robust, with no excess fat, only extremely strong, bulging muscles. Seated in the large chair, he resembled a steel statue, exuding a wild, fiery, and suffocatingly fierce aura.

“Unfortunate news!” After finishing his Cigar, he tossed the butt on the ground and crushed it heavily under his foot. Only then did Blackbeard Old Man snarl with a dark expression, “Very unfortunate news! Over the past year, the Empire once again had favorable weather. Damn it, favorable weather! The wheat in my twenty warehouses is almost sprouting, but I haven’t sold a single handful of flour!”

The nearly hundred men sighed in unison, cursing the Gods in one voice, blaming them for granting the Empire such favorable weather and bountiful harvests these past few years. Their curses were varied and creative, full of foul language. Anyone familiar with local dialects would notice that these men came from at least seven different regions and countries in the northern part of the Continent.

“But, there’s also good news!” After letting the men vent their frustrations with vulgar language for a while, Blackbeard Old Man grinned cheerfully and said, “The good news is, our tavern business is doing well, and our sea ventures are also profitable. Especially with the brothers risking their lives, we managed to seize two gold transport ships from the Vias Commercial Federation. This income is enough to cover our losses in the flour trade.”

He clapped his hands forcefully, and dozens of men carried heavy bronze chests from the back of the hall. These chests, about two feet square, were placed heavily on the ground. When the men lifted the lids, glittering Gold Coins and gleaming Silver Coins were revealed.

“So, the brothers can still have a prosperous year! But remind all the brothers: during the three-month winter break, they must pray devoutly every day. Pray for a major drought, or a flood, or even a locust plague in the Empire next year—anything but more favorable weather!”

The men clapped, stomped their feet, and shouted loudly, roaring with laughter together. Gold Coins gleaming, Silver Coins shining—Old Man was still as generous as ever! Of course, it was also thanks to the brothers’ hard work; otherwise, those two gold transport ships wouldn’t have been captured, and they wouldn’t be able to enjoy such a fat year!

Just as the men were dividing the Gold Coins and Silver Coins based on the number of subordinates and their achievements that year, the door suddenly swung open, and Ironhammer walked in with heavy steps. As soon as he entered, he yelled, “Master, the Young Master has gotten into some trouble in Borelly. He offended a worthless son of the Bavell Family, and that brat actually sent Dragoons and Copper Helmets to cause trouble for the Young Master. Although the Young Master skillfully handled them and sent them away, there might be more trouble in the future!”

The men who had been loudly cheering immediately stopped. They all turned to look at Ironhammer, and then, led by someone, nearly a hundred men simultaneously drew the cleavers and axes from their belts, roaring angrily, “Chop up the Bavell Family, kill all of them!”

Mixed among the crowd of big men were several Beastfolk whose faces were clearly non-Human. These ferocious-looking Beastfolk roared, “Old Man, let us take the brothers there! Beastfolk attacking Noble manors, slaughtering entire families—ha ha ha, that happens all the time!”

The men brandished their weapons menacingly; they did not take a Viscount’s family seriously at all. One could be a thief for a thousand days, but not guard against thieves for a thousand days. These men were seasoned veterans when it came to wiping out families and plundering wealth.

Only Blackbeard Old Man stood up nonchalantly, baring his teeth in a cold laugh.

“The Bavell Family? That Bavell Family of Hausen, who’s called the glory of the Empire’s army?”

Ironhammer grunted gloomily and nodded. “That Hausen is now a Major General in the Empire, commanding a standing Legion of ten thousand men. The Young Master offended someone from their family and apparently caused them a lot of trouble. They might harm the Young Master!”

Blackbeard Old Man waved his hand dismissively. “No need for the brothers to take action. Go back and have a good New Year. Hmm, I recall thirty years ago, didn’t that Hausen collaborate with us on slave and weapon trades? Find the ledger from back then. If they really dare to provoke Lin Qi, send that ledger and the witnesses to the Empire’s Inspection Department. We won’t need to do anything after that!”

The men in the wooden building were stunned for a moment, then they burst into wild laughter.

Blackbeard Old Man was truly Blackbeard Old Man—even an Empire Major General had dirt on him. He was incredibly formidable.