Sorcery Monarch

Chapter 57: Wealthy and Powerful

 

"Name?"

 

"Jifan."

 

"Where are you from?"

 

"Blood Moon City."

 

"Do you have any relatives?"

 

"This is my sister. Her name is Jixiang, and she's 9 years old."

 

"Can you read?"

 

"I can read some."

 

"Not bad... This is your assigned room. Make sure to hold on to your room key. If you lose it, come to replace it immediately."

 

"Also, do you have any skills? I have plenty of jobs I could introduce to you."

 

"Jobs? What kinds of jobs? And what's the pay?"

 

"The first type is general labor. The standard rate is 20 copper coins per day, but you get two meals and can eat as much as you want."

 

"If you choose this, I suggest joining the land reclamation team."

 

"The reclamation team will be awarded a 10% share of any extra land reclaimed beyond the task's target."

 

"The second type is skilled labor. Pay depends on your skills and specialization. Typically, it's around 1 silver coin a day."

 

"Additionally, if you work continuously for two years and pay taxes on time, you can become a member of Bay Village."

 

"You'll be granted 10 acres of land with permanent usage rights, as well as eligibility to purchase a house in the village."

 

"Lastly, there's the option of applying to become a reserve soldier."

 

"However, this is not available to non-professionals or non-residents of Bay Village."

 

"Here's a task list. You can take it with you, think it over, and submit your decision later."

 

"Lastly, welcome to Bay Village. I hope you enjoy your time here."

 

Leon handed Jifan a task list, and as Jifan stood there in a daze, Leon smiled warmly at Jixiang beside him.

 

The little girl, not at all shy, returned the smile sweetly, reminding Leon of his own younger sister.

 

Walking past the walls, following the road signs, Jifan, his sister, and Tom arrived at the residential area.

 

Rows of neatly arranged wooden houses lined both sides of the road.

 

Though many of the timbers had not yet fully dried and still smelled faintly of resin, the houses provided shelter from the wind and rain, and protection from the scarlet moon.

 

Finding their place by the number on the sign, Jixiang eagerly pushed open the wooden door, skipping inside and exclaiming with delight:

 

"Wow! Three rooms! Two beds! And there are blankets! New ones!"

 

"There are even new clothes! They're a bit big, but I can still wear them! Hee-hee..."

 

"Six whole ceramic bowls, one big water jar, a table, chairs, and stools! And they're all new!"

 

Jixiang ran around joyfully, touching everything, her face glowing with a brilliant smile.

 

Jifan sat on one of the new chairs, stroking the smooth tabletop, which was polished and splinter-free. A look of disbelief flashed across his face.

 

"Are these really newly made? Is Bay Village really this wealthy?"

 

"Jifan! My goodness! This place is even nicer and roomier than my house! I have to tell my dad just to make him jealous! Haha!"

 

Tom’s loud voice from the neighboring house quickly brought Jifan back to reality as he picked up the paper Leon had given him. It clearly read:

 

Temporary Residency Permit. Residency period: one month.

 

After one month, provide proof of employment and tax payment to renew.

 

General labor:

 

Daily rate: 20 copper coins, includes two meals. Earn more for more work.

 

First recommendation: Land reclamation.

 

Second recommendation: Construction crew.

 

Third recommendation: Production roles.

 

Skilled labor:

 

Recruiting specialized farmers, doctors, tanners, livestock handlers, tailors, blacksmiths, chefs, and other skilled workers.

 

First recommendation:

 

Join Bay Village and receive housing rewards based on skill level.

 

Intermediate skill reward: 50 gold coins. Advanced skill reward: 1,000 gold coins. Master-level skill reward: 5,000 gold coins.

 

Second recommendation:

 

Join roles matching your skills. Average daily wage: 1 silver coin. Earn more for more work.

 

Professional work:

 

First recommendation:

 

Join Bay Village and receive housing rewards based on skill level.

 

Second recommendation:

 

Join the reserve soldiers. Monthly wage: 20 silver coins.

 

Third recommendation:

 

Accept bounty tasks. You will be provided with weapons, equipment, maps, resource point information, medical care, and potion purchasing benefits.

 

Current bounty task: Capture a troll—50 gold coins per troll!

 

Note: All children under 10 years old can receive literacy education in the children’s center, with three meals provided daily.

 

Note: Within Bay Village and surrounding areas, no slander, fraud, framing, false accusations, fighting, brawling, theft, robbery, assault, or murder is permitted.

 

Any violators will face execution, imprisonment, fines, or expulsion!

 

After reading through all the information, the only thought in Jifan’s mind was "Wealthy and powerful."

 

At the same time, Jifan’s resolve to become a professional deepened.

 

Glancing eagerly at Tom, Jifan patted his shoulder and said in a hopeful but uncertain tone:

 

"Let’s not rush to decide—we should see which path has the best potential."

 

Tom shrugged indifferently, his usual simple demeanor showing as he expressed his support for whatever decision Jifan made.

 

Many of the newly recruited cart-pushers took the same approach as Jifan and Tom.

 

Meanwhile, the adventurers, having confirmed they would indeed receive their bounties, were already preparing for action.

 

In the Lord’s Manor.

 

Matthew handed the checklist to Ralph, glancing at the visibly curious Adam Smith before speaking softly but with deliberate calm:

 

"I’m pleased with the quality of the magical materials, but I’m more interested in the talent you’ve brought."

 

Adam Smith’s mind clicked. Matthew had said nothing about food, weapons, or livestock—this was the test he had expected from a spellcasting lord.

 

As the thought passed through his mind, Adam Smith, relying on his impressive memory, faithfully reported the results of this trip:

 

"I’ve recruited four intermediate blacksmiths. They all want their own forges."

 

"Six intermediate tailors, willing to teach others their craft. Two of them want their own shops..."

 

"Two intermediate animal handlers—they were tribal slaves and only cost 10 gold coins in total. They’re excellent at raising warhorses..."

 

"One advanced animal handler from Farsico—skilled in breeding cattle and pigs and improving their stock. It cost me 100 gold coins to hire him..."

 

"Twelve intermediate chefs, mostly of eastern descent. They specialize in cooking a variety of dishes, as well as large communal meals. Five of them are interested in opening inns..."

 

"..."

 

As Adam Smith listed each talent, Ralph made notes and found himself increasingly impressed.

 

This little merchant was quite extraordinary!

 

His network, connections, and sharp business acumen were far beyond that of the average merchant.

 

Interesting...