Chapter 345: Persuasion is an Art
"Precisely because we don't know when the fighting will end."
"We need to devise an efficient yet subtle plan."
"A plan to help us resolve potential troubles and difficulties."
"And one that won't provoke resistance from other nobles and territories…"
Currently, Bay Territory had a decent reputation in Bloodmoon City and the Carl Plains.
Maintaining a "friendly" attitude could ensure that Bay Territory's development wouldn't face too much hostility.
This was necessary until Bay Territory grew strong enough!
After all, envy was omnipresent!
Matthew drew a large circle on the map of the central and eastern Carl Plains, marking villages and reed areas near the Danube River, far from Bay Territory.
"The previous method is too slow."
"And because it involves interests, it easily leads to casualties…"
Driven by benefits, Matthew never underestimated the darker side of intelligent beings.
Such as certain raiders.
Or certain slaver teams.
Hearing Matthew's detailed explanation, everyone calmed down.
Indeed, increasing the population couldn't come at the cost of catastrophic consequences.
After all, Bay Territory's goal was to give everyone a better life, not to lose sight of that.
Stroking his scruffy beard while looking at the areas near the waterways, Old John understood the lord's intent and immediately suggested:
"We can establish small outposts along the Danube River."
"Then use small teleportation arrays to cover the surrounding areas."
Others nodded in agreement with his proposal.
With the lord's controlled murlocs in place,
even in the depths of the Carl Plains, they could maintain a decent military presence around the outposts.
Using small teleportation arrays, they could quickly mobilize personnel or retreat if needed.
However, there was a critical issue!
Elio, understanding the territory's current shortage of specialized personnel, shook her head and added:
"We clearly don't have enough manpower. We could involve adventurers, especially those from the Carl Plains."
Mentioning these adventurers brought knowing smiles to everyone's faces.
Thanks to Bay Territory's "good reputation," more and more adventurers were willing to come.
They had also adapted to Bay Territory's rules.
The power of habit was immense!
Unlike their unruly behavior elsewhere, they provided significant help to Bay Territory.
After all, compared to selling their conscience, licking blood off blades, and living in constant fear,
Bay Territory's conditions for adventurers were exceptional.
Simply put, Matthew had raised the cost of crime for adventurers, forcing them to avoid breaking rules.
Combined with Bay Territory's righteous iron fist, it created a double layer of security!
Matthew turned to Leon, one of the key managers interacting with adventurers, needing his input as a young thinker.
Meeting the lord's gaze, Leon suppressed his slight nervousness, pondered for a moment, and said:
"We could frame it differently—not as a population recruitment effort but as a worker recruitment mission."
"This way, people won't resist."
"Once they witness the beauty of Bay Territory, it's up to them if they want to join…"
It had the charm of a lighthouse's allure.
"Who would've thought!"
"Leon, with your earnest looks, you've instinctively learned this trick!"
Seeing Matthew's radiant smile, Leon relaxed a little.
Others' eyes lit up, immediately recognizing the advantages of Leon's method, and smiled knowingly.
Matthew, openly admiring, gave Leon a thumbs-up:
"Leon's approach is excellent. It not only helps us persuade others but also lets them convince themselves…"
As long as they didn't rush, everything would progress naturally!
Others proposed supplementary methods, and Matthew adopted all useful suggestions.
With Bay Territory's rapid growth, everyone had to accelerate their own development.
Not just in strength!
Having finalized the new recruitment strategy, Matthew didn't end the meeting but moved on to the next issue:
"I'm sure you've noticed."
"Absorbing too much population at once could significantly disrupt Bay Territory's existing social order."
Everyone nodded, having heard about recent incidents.
While the disturbances were quickly quelled, they highlighted the problem.
With limited experience in this area, they quickly decided to let the lord continue.
Matthew smiled faintly and calmly said, "The solution is simple—just separate things a bit!"
December 5th.
Carl Plains.
Heavy snow.
The howling winds, like icy blades,
stung people's faces.
A crooked line of people trudged through the snow.
Tightening their clothes, they looked around with faint relief.
"This damned weather could kill someone!"
"Haven't seen snow this heavy in decades. Good thing we agreed, or we might've frozen to death…"
"Is Bay Territory really going to build docks here?"
"What would they gain from lying? As long as we get paid, that's enough…"
"But aren't the Orc still around? Won't it be dangerous here?"
"Orc are predictable; they only attack villages and castles."
"Sigh, when will we go back?"
"Don't think about it too much. Surviving comes first…"
"Hope they give us more food so the kids can eat better…"
"Bay Territory said children can eat for free."
"Stop talking and save your strength."
"…"
As the icy wind scattered their words, the leading adventurers spoke:
"We've reached the docks. Line up and enter."
The weary travelers sighed in relief. Looking up, they saw a tall city wall.
None of them had seen this wall last month.
How had it appeared so quickly?
Two mounds of snow parted, revealing two towering Guardian Golems.
Seeing the uneasy crowd, the Guardian Golems spoke in deep, resonant tones:
"Welcome to Bay Territory's docks. Please line up and enter."
"Food and clothing have been prepared. Please change after bathing."
"By working for us, Bay Territory will do its utmost to ensure your safety!"
"…"
Staring at the imposing and mysterious Guardian Golems,
no one dared argue that they were unsafe.
In fact, after hearing the Golems' words, the crowd felt reassured rather than afraid.