Chapter 423: No Crime in Bay Territory
Humming a little tune, Adam Smith happily signed the contract for purchasing half-elf slaves.
Having once again completed the task assigned by the lord, he felt particularly satisfied.
"Perhaps, the next time we meet, I should ask the lord for some spellcasting tips…"
As a Level 7 Bard, Adam Smith's rapid progress in strength was undoubtedly aided by sufficient "nutrition" and a variety of secret manuals.
Especially under the career advancement plan custom-designed by Matthew, Adam Smith's orderly execution had yielded exceptional results.
Naturally, this made him even more loyal to the great lord, and he approached the tasks given to him with utmost care.
The slave merchant, having gleefully counted the gold coins, looked enviously at Adam Smith. Before being dismissed, he quickly spoke up:
"I've heard, Lord Adam Smith, that you're looking to purchase a batch of hardened criminals?"
Hearing this, Adam Smith immediately understood the merchant's intent. Smiling faintly, he nodded:
"Indeed, that's correct. The lord needs a batch of 'damned' subjects for his experiments."
"Since you've brought it up, I assume you've got someone in mind? You know the price. Don't play coy; just tell me."
Wealthy and straightforward, Adam Smith didn't care about any competition or entanglement between this merchant and the previous suppliers of hardened criminal slaves.
His only concern was that his requirements were met, especially since he was paying generously.
Seeing Adam Smith unopposed, the slave merchant beamed with delight and promptly presented a list.
"Three thousand people? That's quite a number…"
Adam Smith glanced at the slave merchant, who still wore a formulaic smile, and didn't mind. He directly purchased all 3,000 individuals and then added with a smile:
"I trust the people I've bought are genuinely hardened criminals. You know our Bay Territory's style."
Generous, assertive, and meticulous.
Over the past few months, Bay Territory had stirred up a frenzy of purchasing and expansion.
Meanwhile, the territory's regulations and practices were gradually gaining widespread recognition.
Among merchants, two sayings were particularly common:
"Don't worry about Bay Territory defaulting; their gold coins are endless."
"Never try to hide any tricks; Bay Territory's retaliation will be excruciating."
The "retaliation" was straightforward.
Merchants collaborating with Bay Territory would naturally exclude violators.
Those with a poor reputation often encountered "unexpected accidents."
The slave merchant eagerly nodded, assuring that he fully understood and there would be no issues.
Additionally, he tentatively flattered:
"I've heard Bay Territory's population has nearly reached one million, yet not a single criminal exists there. Truly admirable…"
Adam Smith smiled and waved him off, watching the merchant's joyful departure before quietly musing:
"That's because criminals are dealt with before they enter Bay Territory!"
"No one would be foolish enough to sacrifice a beautiful life in Bay Territory for petty gains."
Half a day later.
Regulating her breath, Elona curiously glanced at Elio, who remained silent.
She had just learned that, besides the arrival of half-elf slaves, a group of Elio's kin would also be entering Bay Territory.
A faint light flashed.
In the center of the teleportation hall, three to four thousand tall, ragged figures curiously surveyed their surroundings.
Their bodies bore numerous red and black tattoos, exuding a formidable aura that felt quite intimidating.
To prevent any incidents, Elio, suppressing her excitement, gracefully approached and called out joyfully:
"Auntie, big brother, little sister, I'm here!"
Several towering figures approached, marveling at Elio's ornate armor and weapons:
"Second sis, is this enchanted gear?"
"You've done well for yourself, little sister…"
"Wow, sis, you look so imposing. Are those your subordinates?"
Confirming her family's presence, Elio quietly sighed in relief.
She didn't plan on chatting much and arranged for them to head to the washing area, promising a proper conversation in the evening. Then she signaled for the next teleportation.
A large group of shackled prisoners was teleported in.
Upon seeing over a dozen towering guardian golems approaching, they were terrified, collapsing to the ground without daring to move.
A few "tough ones" tried to resist, but Elio didn't mind giving them a "lesson" to discuss who held the biggest fists.
Within moments, the previously rowdy prisoners were trembling and obediently led away by the soldiers.
As they shuffled off, a new batch of half-elf slaves arrived, catching a glimpse of the prisoners leaving in a queue.
Thus, the first impression of Bay Territory for these half-elves wasn't particularly favorable.
However, this wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
These already subdued half-elf slaves showed immediate fear and compliance.
Witnessing this, even Elona couldn't help but sigh softly.
At least these thousand obedient half-elves would save her some trouble.
Nonetheless, seeing both Ralph and Angela present made her a bit uneasy.
After all, even among half-elves, their statuses differed greatly…
Unaware of Elona's thoughts, Ralph checked the inventory and beamed with satisfaction.
Noticing Angela's gaze, he explained:
"These half-elves possess specialized skills, with some excelling in unique talents, filling critical professional gaps."
Angela was unfazed by her father's remarks.
As a wise being, apart from the dim-witted murlocs and skeletons, everyone else was judged by their abilities in her father's eyes.
This was undoubtedly a good thing!
Angela turned to Elona, who was conversing with the half-elves, and said:
"The half-elves need time to recover and adapt. Take your team and guide them during this period."
"As for the children, Dean Arnold will assign educators to teach them."
"If you need anything else, let me know."
After finishing, Angela escorted the prisoners to the lord's laboratory.
They were about to embark on a new "life"!
Feeling relieved, Elona gave a gentle smile to the fearful and numb half-elves, softly reassuring them:
"Don't be afraid. Those were criminals from other territories. We have no criminals in Bay Territory."
"This will be our new home!"
"You will all have a wonderful new life!"
Though skeptical, the half-elves couldn't help but wonder.
Could it be true?