NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 91: Distribution of Benefits (Part 2)
Chapter 91: Distribution of Benefits (Part 2)
“Everyone, this is enough. You've all given plenty this time, so let's leave it at that.”
“And compared to this, isn't the greatest wealth the entire Maine Valley itself? Now, the whole Maine Valley is ours alone.”
Thor's voice echoed, instantly drawing everyone's thoughts back to the present. A gleam sparked in their eyes.
“Lord Thor, you…”
Baron Valmy spoke instinctively, but halfway through his sentence, he paused and bit his lip. The others were similarly conflicted.
For pioneering lords, the most critical assets were their territories, citizens, personal power, and influence. If these were to be ranked in importance, the hierarchy would be personal power, then land, followed by citizens and influence. Strength allowed a lord to control more and better territories, which in turn provided enough citizens and influence.
And now, what lay before them was the almost entirely emptied Maine Valley.
The mass exodus of pioneering lords meant they had lost their territories—lands that had been developed over several years or even more than a decade. This wasn't just one parcel but multiple lands with various outputs, making their value far beyond that of mere magic cores.
This was no untamed wilderness; these were developed territories.
Even the three barons found themselves breathing heavily at the thought.
As the group’s excitement grew, Thor gestured for calm.
Soon, Ryan entered, unfolding a map on the desk.
“Come and take a look, everyone!”
Thor said with a light smile, and the five lords eagerly stepped forward.
“Ryan, mark the territories of the pioneering lords who abandoned their lands in the Maine Valley,” Thor ordered calmly.
“Yes!”
Ryan quickly nodded, picking up a quill and marking off various areas, creating a dense pattern that covered the Maine Valley.
“The Maine Valley, shaped by the flow of the Maine River, forms a vast crescent. The terrain is flat, the soil is fertile, making it ideal for large-scale agriculture. In the valley’s lower, middle, and upper reaches, as well as the western side, there were originally twenty-one pioneering lords, including my Eagle Ridge, totaling twenty-two. Now, only six of us remain.”
“According to the kingdom’s laws, lords who abandon their lands are stripped of their titles. Even if they pay a redemption fee, they cannot reclaim their lands. The kingdom will reallocate these lands, and as the pioneering lords who defeated the minotaurs, we are entitled to them.”
Thor explained with a serious expression. Listening to his words and seeing the marked territories, the five lords’ breathing grew heavier, their emotions barely contained.
“Lord Thor, how should these lands be divided?”
Baron Valmy asked, his voice betraying his anticipation as he looked at Thor.
“Gentlemen, my Eagle Ridge is still under construction, and I do not need much. There are five mines in the Maine Valley: a medium-sized limestone mine in the south, a medium-sized iron mine in the north, and three small iron mines. I won’t take part in these mines, but I need this area, as well as these pioneering territories.”
“Baron Graton, Baron Valmy, I need these areas near the water dam and part of your territories. How about that?”
Thor proposed, marking off the dam and significant portions of Graton and Valmy’s lands.
Thor had no intention of leaving the dam under others' control, even with contracts in place. Given his plans for major agricultural development, the dam was essential.
Baron Valmy, after some hesitation, agreed first, and Baron Graton soon followed. Although the other lords were tempted, they refrained from objecting, as the overall benefits were substantial and more than met their needs.
With Thor’s territory outlined, he helped the others divide their lands.
The three barons gained the most: Baron Valmy secured a medium-sized iron mine and two pioneering territories, while Baron Graton acquired three small iron mines and three pioneering territories, giving up parts of their southern lands to Thor.
Baron Pape received five pioneering territories and a medium-sized limestone mine. Saatchi and Jas Aubi each acquired lands from three pioneering lords, while Thor claimed four more territories.
Thor had no interest in the mines; the limestone mine’s value was minimal, and his large iron mine far surpassed the medium and small ones. Additionally, with the goblins managing the core of his production chain, the resources would eventually flow back to him.
Land was what Thor truly needed.
Now, the Maine Valley’s central and upper reaches were largely under his control. This not only safeguarded him from potential flooding sabotage but also allowed him unhindered expansion in the future. His lands were contiguous, offering ample room for growth even if he ascended to baron status.
For the next three years, he would not need to worry about space. As for the future, he could continue expanding east, north, south, or even west within the Northern Province.