After hearing the clerk's explanation, Bill felt completely moved.
According to the clerk, if one became a sedentary businessman, they could not only enjoy tax benefits but also expand their business across the entire territory. Additionally, the city hall would allocate a piece of land to the businessman according to their needs, allowing them to develop it freely. The land was technically free, but construction had to start within one month. Depending on the size of the land, all facilities had to be built within three years at the latest. The city hall would monitor progress carefully. Any failure to develop the land on time would result in severe consequences—the land would be reclaimed, and fines or imprisonment could be imposed.
Although the restrictions seemed strict, Bill's heart raced with excitement. Land for free! That was practically unheard of. On this continent, land seemed abundant at first glance, but only a very small portion was available to ordinary people. The idea that he could obtain his own land without paying for it was irresistible. Becoming a sedentary businessman seemed like the perfect opportunity.
"I'll become a sedentary businessman," Bill said decisively. "After all, I've planned to settle here anyway."
The clerk nodded, unsurprised. He, too, had once been drawn in by such policies—otherwise, he would still be serving as an apprentice at the Citadel in Oldtown.
"Very well, sir. Would you like to choose land inside the city or outside?" the clerk asked. "The difference is significant. Land outside the city is larger, but the cost of construction is much higher. Land inside the city is smaller but more manageable. Which do you prefer?"
Bill pondered for a moment, then spoke firmly. "I'll choose one within the city. Outside land is tempting because of its size, but I'm not in a position to invest that much right now."
The clerk smiled approvingly. "Wise choice. Here is your business license. Keep it carefully. As for the land, you can first investigate the options in the city. Once you decide, return to city hall to confirm your choice, and someone will come to allocate the land to you."
With that, the clerk handed Bill a paper document with both hands. Bill took it cautiously, pressing it close to his chest, his heart overflowing with gratitude.
"You're welcome. That will be ten copper cents for labor costs," the clerk said, extending his hand.
Bill froze, slightly taken aback. Even here, in the midst of such generosity, there were fees to pay everywhere in Oros. Still, he handed over ten copper coins with a resigned sigh.
Just as he was about to leave, the clerk asked another question. "By the way, how do you know our mayor?"
Bill blinked. "Mayor? I—I don't know what you mean. I haven't met any mayor, have I?"
"The person who accompanied you here just now," the clerk replied, "was the mayor. He's the one who brought you to city hall."
Bill's jaw dropped. He had walked and talked with the mayor for so long and hadn't even realized it. The thought stunned him—he had never imagined he was speaking with someone so important.
Meanwhile, Jon entered his office. The room was more than a hundred square meters, located on the third floor of city hall, second only in size to Prince Gaimon's office. A two-meter-long desk dominated the center of the room, and behind it, an arc-shaped window over three meters high bathed the room in warm sunlight. Jon felt a faint sense of satisfaction as he settled into his chair.
A knock sounded at the door. "Come in," Jon said lightly, without turning his attention.
The door creaked open slowly, revealing a young boy in his early teens. His well-pressed servant's uniform did little to hide his youth. Standing beneath the towering wooden door, he seemed almost insignificant in the grand office.
"Cousin, you're here," the boy greeted respectfully.
Jon frowned. "How many times have I told you not to call me cousin in city hall?"
"Yes, Mayor Jon," the boy corrected immediately, bowing slightly.
Jon waved his hand dismissively and returned to his work. The boy, realizing the correction was accepted, continued without hesitation.
"Ron, a few days ago I asked you to compile statistics on the territory. How is it coming along?" Jon asked, finally turning his attention to the young squire. "His Royal Highness the Prince will be back soon. I need a full report for him."
Ron nodded confidently. "It's all done, sir. I came to report the findings."
Jon leaned back slightly, attentive. "Go ahead. I want all the details."
Ron began. "Currently, the Wende Territory has a total population of 34,000. Of these, 15,000 immigrated from King's Landing, 12,000 were brought here as purchased slaves from the East Continent, and the remaining residents came voluntarily with immigrant merchants. Last month, 800 acres of new farmland were reclaimed, bringing the total reclaimed land to 67,000 acres. These lands are divided into 67 estates and 335 villages. Each village houses anywhere from a dozen to a hundred people. The rural population totals 21,000, while urban residents number 13,000. Snow Salt Town and Wood Town each have about 2,000 inhabitants, and Oros City has 11,000."
Jon listened carefully, nodding. He was pleased. Ron had proven himself capable, showing the intelligence and diligence worthy of his position.
Ron Eamons, only thirteen, was the second son of the Eamons family from Greenstone in the Stormlands. He had previously served as a squire in the Swann family in Stonehelm, training to become a knight. But Jon, now trusted deeply by Prince Gaimon, had been assigned to oversee the territory, and Earl Eamons saw this as an opportunity. He sent Ron to Jon, hoping to place his son under a capable mentor.
Initially, Jon had been reluctant. He had only just gained the Prince's trust and was managing the territory's affairs. Recruiting a relative as an attendant could have seemed nepotistic. But familial duty, combined with letters from his mother—Ron's aunt—persuaded him. Jon finally agreed, realizing the boy was smart and capable.
Now, after several months, Ron had settled into his role smoothly. He was careful, respectful, and quick to learn—a promising squire under Jon's guidance.
Jon regarded the boy with a rare look of approval. "Very good, Ron. Your work is thorough. Continue like this, and you'll serve the Prince well in the future."
Ron's eyes brightened at the praise. "Thank you, Mayor Jon. I will do my best."
Jon's gaze returned to the sunlight streaming through the window. He allowed himself a moment to savor the quiet efficiency of his office, the sense of responsibility weighing comfortably on his shoulders. This territory was in capable hands, and with the right people around him—like Ron—Jon felt confident in maintaining order and preparing for the Prince's return.
Meanwhile, Bill, unaware of all this, clutched his newly acquired business license tightly. His mind raced with possibilities, imagining the future he could build in the city. Land, opportunity, and the promise of growth—it was all within reach. The city of Oros, with its strange blend of strict rules and generous opportunities, was beginning to feel like home.
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