Pre-departure conversation

"By the way, I have another question." Ron was opening the door and about to leave when he suddenly turned back and asked:

"I remember you said before that I have to reach the territory before the winter. "

"I'm a bit puzzled now. Since it's winter and the territory can't be reached by boat and is of no use, what's the point of me spending the winter there? It can't be just to torture me!"

"Could it be that you still want me to lead people to build the territory during the winter? That's a bit...!"

Feli smiled and gestured for Ron to sit back, saying at the same time:

"You finally started to inquire about the specific situation of the territory. Before, I was worried that you were too confident!"

"Because you only care about the function, role and your own interests of the territory. But you have never understood the actual situation there."

Ron was a little embarrassed. It seemed to be true. So he gently closed the door, walked back to Feli and sat down.

"You're right. Those big-picture views are useless to me. But I was aiming too high and never even inquired about the actual situation of the territory. In fact, those are what I should be most concerned about."

"I'm glad to hear that you can face this matter squarely, return to reality and understand the situation. Only then can you manage the territory better." Feli smiled:

"Actually, I have considered this point. Originally, I wanted the family members to explain to you during the voyage after you boarded the ship.

However, since you asked and there is still plenty of time before your departure, let me explain it to you in person. "

"After all, I was in charge of the previous matters there. No one knows the situation there better than me."

"For some reason, Ron felt very ashamed when he heard this. He had been worrying about a bunch of insignificant things but never cared about the territory situation. He only knew the general idea and then filled in the rest with his imagination."

"On the contrary, this woman in front of him, although she has a cold and ruthless personality, one has to admit that when she does things, whether it's the big picture or the details, they are impeccable.

Thinking of this, Ron coughed: "Please speak!"

Feli was not in a hurry to reply. Instead, she reached out and a roll of map flew over to the table.

She placed the map on the table and slowly unfolded it, pointing to a small dot on the coastline below Raging Wastes and saying:

"The specific location of the territory is here, starting from the coastline and extending inland, in a sharp triangular shape, with an area of 11 square kilometers. "

"Of course, this is only the area recorded legally."

"In fact, because there are no people there, the surrounding land and resources are all ours. "

"For example, the large virgin forest next to Mount Gordo, and the possible minerals hidden in Mount Gordo. And the reason why we only filled in 11 square kilometers of land is that this is the minimum territorial area stipulated by law, which can minimize the lord's tax."

At this point, Feli paused and asked: "What would you like to drink?"

Ron knew that Feli was thirsty, so he said: "Whatever."

Feli nodded. Without seeing her do anything, the maid guarding outside gently pushed the door and came in with a pot of tea.

Then she placed the tea cups on the small table in front of the two and poured a cup of hot tea for each of them.

Ron was startled as soon as he saw the black liquid, its aroma, and the cube sugar placed aside.

"Coffee?"

Feli was also a little surprised when she heard this:

"You actually recognize it? Apart from me who drinks this black tea, basically no one here is willing to drink this thing. And because it's a newly discovered thing, almost no one knows about this tea. How did you recognize it?"

"Uh!" Ron didn't know how to answer and could only try to change the topic with an awkward smile: "Almost none, not none, right!"

Saying that, he picked up a cube of sugar and placed it on the rim of Feli's coffee cup and stared at Feli, asking with his eyes how many pieces she wanted.

"Thank you!" Feli gently waved her hand and reached for the cup at the same time:

"I don't need sugar. I like the bitterness of this black tea. It can make me more energetic when thinking."

"You really amaze me!" Ron sincerely admired: "If this thing is not sweetened, I wouldn't even take a second look at it."

"Hehe!" Feli elegantly took a sip of coffee and said: "Let's stop the digression and continue with the main topic."

"From what you see on the map, do you think that the territory seems almost bordering the orcs' territory, but in fact, it's not like that. "

"There is still about twenty or thirty kilometers between the territory and the legal border line."

"The reason for leaving a narrow gap on the map is because the law stipulates that for the territory directly bordering another country, there must be no less than fifteen knights' armed forces. "

"Besides defending the territory, during wartime, they must also be subject to the dispatch of the nearest border duke at any time. We are just going there to do business and cannot afford such a high price."

Ron smiled after hearing this: "Feli, are you deliberately punishing me? Before, you were very direct when you spoke, but now you have learned from me and started to beat around the bush. Just say that there is no armed force of ours there. I can accept it. I just want to know, when I go there, what do I have."

"Hehe!" Feli covered her mouth and smiled: "After communicating with you, I think your euphemistic way of speaking is quite fun. It doesn't express difficulties too directly and is easier for others to accept."

"Of course, if you don't like it, I can change back. For example, I will tell you that the territory you are going to has nothing."

"Nothing?" Ron widened his eyes: "What does that mean?"

"The literal meaning!" Feli smiled wryly:

"You may think that we have been developing the territory there for several years and there should at least be some infrastructure. "

"But in fact, because of the previous multiple attacks, everything except for a road leading to the border fortress, which was not destroyed due to the law, was burned to the ground."

"If it weren't for the fact that it is a natural port and one meter forward from the beach is deep water area, where we can freely build piers to unload goods for trade. Otherwise, even I would give up that ominous place."

Ron was like being struck by lightning and said in disbelief:

"Does that mean that I will spend this cold winter in the wilderness? Not to mention the lack of clothing and food. There is not even a place to store winter supplies. I can only throw the supplies in the wild!"

"And not only do I have to face the threat of orcs coming over the mountains, but also the human forces that want me dead. "

"Then I don't understand. What's the point of me going there for the winter? It can't be that you don't want me to enjoy myself and have to send me there to suffer!"

"How could I not want you to enjoy yourself? I wish every member of the Moore family could enjoy themselves at home." Feli smiled helplessly:

"The reason why I asked you to station there, as I said before. Because the imperial law stipulates that if there is no family member stationed in the territory for a certain period of time, it will be taken back."

Ron sneered after hearing this: "The empire can't send someone to confirm, right! Even if they do, they can't go during the winter season, right! How do they know the situation of the territory? What's the point of this law? What if we ignore it?"