Surviving The Fourth Calamity

Chapter 1609: Chapter 187: The Fragrance of Windmill Jasmine

Lind was a bit confused.

He wasn’t sure if he should move to live in the Command Tower.

Looking at the Young Baron with damp puppy eyes, ”Snow Cloud Peak” couldn’t help but laugh: ”It’s fine for you to stay in your castle.

The Command Tower doesn’t have as many automated crystal tools as your home does.”

The nobles of this world, with a little money, can live comfortably, let alone Lind, who was already very favored.

Otherwise, relying solely on a few puppets, such a large castle wouldn’t be managed so well.

The puppets’ main work is arranging these tools to operate; it’s not to have them cleaning all day long.

The automatic lawn mowers and vacuum cleaners are all well-equipped.

These gadgets are the primary source of income for the Ismael Family.

As for the vast wealth earned from those powerful weapons... Great Sage Ismael became so powerful in such a short time partially due to Fate granted by the World Master’s favor, but the money spent was definitely not insignificant either.

These household tools, and the construction tools, require only ingenious ideas rather than powerful alchemists. Great Sage Ismael just needs to research and then hand it over to others to handle... this is the foundation upon which the women around him survive.

The lenient conditions allowed for the Stelter Family’s servants are because, except for the truly trusted ones, most servants never even get close to secretive places.

That’s the realm of crystal tools.

However, these gadgets do consume crystalline energy, so most families only use full crystal devices in special areas.

If it weren’t for the high purchase price the Undead Tribe offered Lind... and all paid in Crystal Stones, he wouldn’t have the courage to use them so.

”Snow Cloud Peak” suddenly remembered something: ”By the way, Lind. Among the first wave of refugees that our Undead Tribe came into contact with, those who passed the tests have already begun transferring here.

Do you plan to let them all work as tenant farmers, or find a few useful servants among them?”

Lind was startled, sitting there in deep thought for a moment: ”For now, with the crystal stone blocks you’ve given me, my castle can last another 20 years.

Then, after 3 years, you’ll start taxing me, right?”

”At that time, I estimate there won’t be so many Crystal Stones.” ”Snow Cloud Peak” said noncommittally, ”Taxes are basically in currency.”

”For me, that’s enough.” Lind smiled gently, ”I’m not completely without needs.

If among the people you brought back, there are children with no place to go, hmm, under 12 years old, they can be sent to my castle.

They may not be able to do much, but cleaning the courtyard, tidying up clutter is enough, that’s the place where Crystal Stones are most wasted.”

He looked at ”Snow Cloud Peak,” smiling as he said the words both parties knew well.

”If you really need to cultivate future confidants, hmm, better not teach them yourself.” ”Snow Cloud Peak” pondered for a few seconds before saying solemnly, ”As friends, I really don’t want to see you turn those people, who are judged as good by even our oil paintings, into someone like you, ending up harming yourself.”

Lind almost couldn’t breathe.

He had long known this dog could never speak kindly and that every word pierced the heart, but... this was too harsh!

The key was he had heard of Snow Old Dog’s notorious predictions.

So, almost the moment he heard this, Lind imagined dozens of results where he ended up his own servant.

Dang, probably by then, even his brother would find it hard to gather his remains.

Lind opened his mouth but stubbornly swallowed back the retort... No, he couldn’t afford to offend this guy before him.

”What are you guys doing?” ”Lu Huayu” came over with a few documents in hand, smiling, ”Lind, I just happen to have something to discuss with you.”

”Aren’t you outside watching that painted skin Ellie? What are you doing here?” ”Snow Cloud Peak” asked in surprise.

”Ellie is now playing the Husband-waiting Rock, probably won’t have any movement until midnight, I’ve got several people watching her! And have recorded it.” ”Lu Huayu” smiled as he handed the documents to Lind, ”Take a look at these materials, we found them from the Doomsday side suitable for the refugees entering Cain Valley.

Profession and identity are all recorded, assuredly genuine and upright, come see if there’s anything you need.”

”Snow Cloud Peak” blinked, then blinked again, slowly saying: ”Do you have to be so meticulous? You really are... thorough!”

”Are you intending to just send a few people directly to Lind?

For someone born into nobility, letting them choose people themselves is fine, but you’re directly sending people?

Are you worried our relationship with Lind is too harmonious?”

Lind, who was flipping through the documents, paused, then softly said: ”Hmm... I never questioned Snow Cloud Peak Command’s stance.

I just don’t want to choose adults who have already established their own theories to enter my castle.

Here in Cain Valley, many things are unique, but some people, like Ted beside my father, are loyal and steadfast. They are absolutely willing to fight for the master they follow, but they also... may feel that I am being restrained by you.

They will certainly do things to protect their master’s interests that may affect our relationship.

What I need are confidants who can turn a blind eye to such matters in Cain Valley, not, uh... this so-called loyalty.”

Then he sighed softly, ”I am a person who is easily swayed, so it’s better to avoid having persuaders around me.”

’Lu Huayu’ raised an eyebrow, sat beside him, and pointed to the third page, ”Look, can you use these people?”

Lind turned the page, exclaiming in surprise, ”What? How could any noble dismiss all their servants?

After all... isn’t there basic food provided by the Temple?”

”Look at the location.

This is the lord’s house in the city where your brother was nearly killed.” ’Lu Huayu’ pursed his lips, ”First, they were tormented once by the Moon Clan, burning down half the city, and then, abandoned by the Great Nobility they relied on... Your brother was being hunted!

No matter how much your father can endure, he couldn’t tolerate the shame of his heir being hunted!

So, the City Lord was thrown out to appease your father’s anger.

As for whether there were any other secret compensations, we don’t know... such matters need not be overly concerned.

That’s just how it is.

However, your father didn’t seem to plan to cut them down entirely; he just stripped them of a layer.

And you should understand nobles; appearances are very important, so it’s enough to keep the servants on the surface.

Those who were prepared for the future, especially the little servants bought from villages and towns, in this kind of catastrophe, there’s no need for maintenance.

After all, if they eat no better than the poor outside and are beaten and scolded, loyalty is almost impossible to foster.”

”I know about this matter, not just those families, but Lucimar also brought some gifts of apology on behalf of the Ismael Family to the castle.” Lind suddenly looked up, ”Some things, given to Ellie.

I don’t know if those things... had any impact on her ending up the way she did today.”

’Snow Cloud Peak’ shook his head, ”The things from the Ismael Family certainly won’t have any problems; you’re being overly paranoid, Lind.

She wouldn’t expose herself for such matters.

If there really is a problem, it should be found on the side of the Hall of Abundance.”

Lind looked out the glass window at the girl in the white robe standing alone in the wind, pursing his lips, ”I understand now.”

’Snow Cloud Peak’ and ’Lu Huayu’ exchanged a glance.

’Lu Huayu’s eyes were full of sneers: Haha~ Scared someone with the curse of the crow, didn’t it? Look at Lind being so cautious!

’Snow Cloud Peak’ helplessly pointed to the Jasmine beside him: The Windmill Jasmine’s fragrance is relaxing enough that even the Undead Tribe cannot avoid it, which he just couldn’t help but comment on.

’Snow Cloud Peak’ waved his hand, also transcribed a dozen pages on his tablet, handed them to Lind, ”Take a look at these from our Proud Sky Alliance as well!

Sometimes, the people on our side might not handle things with the meticulous care of Road Eunuch.

If you’re not accustomed to some things, you can talk to Lu Huayu first.

Although you might not have grievances against us, why should you wrong yourself?

We are allies, and it’s best if both sides are comfortable in our dealings.”

Lind silently nodded, picked up the pen on the low table in front of him, and quickly marked a dozen ticks, ”If you’re going to recruit these trained servants, it’s best to take them all.

Even if they’re still straightforward now, after living entirely different lives from their past companions, their minds will inevitably change.

They’re too young; they can’t handle farming work.

As for girls, it would be good to find a few more of the older ones.

Currently, I need kitchen maids and laundry maids; we can’t have puppets doing servants’ work.

These girls have apparently received training as low-level maids; teaching them the rules is enough since they don’t need to go upstairs.”

’Snow Cloud Peak’ carefully and discreetly observed Lind’s selection criteria, pointed to ’Lu Huayu’, ”Leave this to you, and take the list to get them.”

Then he seriously asked Lind: ”I see you’re not picky about appearances, including women; they all seem quite sturdy. Why?”

”Except for castle maids, mainly those whom guests meet, the nobility usually do not require their servants to be attractive, but capable. Though this is primarily a butler’s duty, from a young age, we’re taught a bit about castle management,” Lind didn’t understand why he asked this, ”Moreover, it would be disgraceful!

Only the most degenerate people would make advances toward laundry maids.”