Looking at the burning bonfire, Arthur thought of many important and troublesome matters again.
Agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries.
Currently, the population of the territory has surged, and food is scarce. Due to the full mobilization of the entire territory, almost all the land has been abandoned, so this year's harvest cannot be relied upon.
Almost all food relies on external purchases. If the surrounding areas united to cut off the food supply, it would be unimaginable. Although the people in the territory are wealthy, there is no sufficient market within the territory for them to buy from.
"Lord Arthur!" A soldier quickly walked over, interrupting Arthur's thoughts, then pointed towards the gate outside the camp.
Arthur raised his head and looked in the direction he indicated.
An old man was slowly approaching, accompanied by only two attendants, appearing out of place in this military camp, which seemed somewhat Stern due to the arrival of outsiders.
The old man was thin, and time had carved deep furrows into his face. His dark blue cloak was somewhat faded, but the scabbard of the long sword at his waist was polished to a shine, indicating he was a meticulous person.
He walked slowly, with steady steps, his gaze sweeping over the fierce-looking soldiers in the camp, a sense of shock evident in his eyes.
Arthur recognized him; he recalled the old man being a friend of his father, both vassals under Daedings Family. He went to meet him, bowing slightly: "Lord Yorks."
Lord Yorks stopped, carefully scrutinizing the young man before him, seemingly pleased with his demeanor, and offered a gentle smile: "Little Suleiman."
The old man gestured with a side movement: "Shall we talk as we walk?"
Arthur motioned for Lucien Brin, who was about to stand up and follow, to sit down, and followed alone.
The two walked side by side in the open space between the camps.
Lord Yorks spoke first, his voice calm and clear: "The negotiations have concluded."
"According to the earliest agreement between Daedings Family and the Legge Family, your territory and the Legge Family's territory are divided by the river."
"Therefore, the western part of Vicon Gorge belongs to you."
"All previous disputes arose from the river changing course in the High Mountain. So we and the Legge Family have re-established this rule: from now on, the river course will be the boundary, regardless of any changes in the river. Both parties will write this into the contract, vowing never to invade each other."
Arthur nodded: "Agreed. The river will be the boundary, regardless of whether the river changes course. Both parties shall not invade each other, and all future disputes shall be settled according to this."
Lord Yorks paused, as if organizing his thoughts: "Do you want to hear the results of the negotiations between Daedings Family and the Legge Family?"
Arthur shook his head, indicating it was unnecessary.
Lord Yorks glanced at him, his tone becoming earnest: "My child, you must not resent Lady Roslyn."
Arthur heard this and was somewhat puzzled, asking in return: "Why should I resent the Lady?"
He was truly puzzled. All his decisions were his own, not forced by Lady Roslyn. On the contrary, the Lady did provide food and equipment, and even now, a large portion of his food supply comes from purchasing from Lady Roslyn. If others are willing to help, it's a kindness; if they're not, it's their prerogative.
This counter-question stunned Lord Yorks. He had expected to spend some effort to appease this young man, but he didn't anticipate such a reaction.
Lord Yorks smiled wryly and shook his head, thinking Arthur was merely feigning indifference: "She has not experienced war. If Lord Balon had known you were attacking Willow Wood City, he would have sent troops."
"When he received news of your occupation of Willow Wood City from Seaguard, he immediately wrote back to his fief, preparing to mobilize troops to support you."
There was a hint of emotion in his voice.
"Everyone thought you were acting under his instructions, and Lord Balon did not deny it. He even had some unfriendly bloody conflicts with the Legge Family's soldiers stationed in Seaguard."
Arthur slowed his steps. He turned to look at Yorks, smiling noncommittally as he spoke: "What if I hadn't been able to capture Willow Wood City?"
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