PoV John

-*Clop* *Clop*

Listening to the clop of hooves, I thought about a lot of things that happened recently. About the deal with the monster, about the fact that I left my children with him… it was the best solution. If I get caught by nobles, at least they'll be safe.

I turned my gaze to the person next to me. Murad. What is it? Although it explained that it is only a clone of the main body, it is... unbelievable. It also sold me birds. They're part of it, too.

Am I doing the right thing by helping it? I don't even know his goals. Gathering my courage, I said

- Murad. Can I ask you something?

-Sure.

-What are your goals? What do you want to achieve?

After hearing this question, Murad thought about it and then said.

- Protect my family. So that they live well. No matter how much it takes, I am ready to do my best for this. To do this, I need to develop. I also want to know more. Understand others.

Its answer left me speechless. It sounds too... humanly. It's the monster that can devour the living being, even their souls, but it says such things. Is it lying? But why would it?

After some time of reflection, I decided to leave this question for later. Time will tell how true his words are. For now, I can only go with the flow.

-I'll help you in any way I can.

- I appreciate it. We will arrive in Pogente in a couple of days. Do you have a way to contact the nobility?

-Well... there are two ways. The first one is a bit risky. The second one is very dangerous.

- I'm listening

- In the first case, we can address the nobles directly. It will take a lot of time, but there are few risks. No one will attack us without finding out where we are from. If we first attract a minor nobleman and then through him those who are higher, everything can go well. I think with luck everything will pass in a month.

- What about the second way?

- We can sell the birds to the Chambers of Commerce. As soon as they know the full value of this acquisition, they will try to find out who we are and where we come from. Who supports us and how risky it is to attack. The biggest plus is that you don't have to look for buyers. The best solution may be a deal with several chambers at once. This will deter them from rash actions. However, the chambers of commerce are run by the highest nobles from the richest families, they have wide influence and can quietly resolve this issue with each other and then catch us. I don't even want to think about what might happen. I'm just a simple merchant, it's too hard for me to understand them. They are too insidious and malicious.

-Let's then proceed according to the first way, it seems to be the safest. If anything happens, just leave me and run. Even if I die, the head will contact you.

-O-okay...

...

We easily passed through the city gates, paying a certain amount to the guards so that they would not check our cargo.

Having come to the city, I began to look for a place of residence and a place of life. Having solved these problems, I found that the wallet is now empty. Looks like I'm going to have to start looking for clients early.

When I was about to leave, I noticed that Murad wanted to follow me.

- No, no, stay here. There is no need to scare away customers and make sure that no one breaks into the house.

*Well, if you need me, call me through the connection*

I was taken aback for a second. I can communicate with him with my thoughts?! Thinking about it in confusion, I went outside and headed for the market.

It is necessary to look for clients carefully. I was specifically looking for those who had a sword in their belt but had no guards. They will most likely be knights. They do not have much influence, but they can attract the attention of wealthier nobles.

…

The Village around Gorta

PoV Murad

Golden fields of wheat. Everything looks very nice. The stems are weakly swaying in the wind. The peasants are harvesting. Everyone works, men, women, and children. All to collect the harvest before the crops die.

From books, I learned a lot about the society of the empire. Some peasants work in the fields. As harvest is harvested and most of it goes to the nobles as a tax. Part of the remaining grain will be used as food for the winter and as crops for the new harvest. But this doesn't mean the peasants do not gain anything. The nobles protect them and protect them, and help them if necessary. That's their duty.

Although this restricts the peasants, the whole species lives and thrives thanks to this. The chance that a predator will meet you after leaving the house is minimal, there are places where you feel safe and warm. Intelligence opens up opportunities to explore the world and the environment. Doing things that amazing. This... fine.

I want to explore all this and understand. How they live and how they feel. But there are many unknowns in distant places. Blokinia, Khanates, Lands of the Castrix Family, and much more. If it wasn't for the limited connection range, I would have already gone there.

Thinking about all this, I walked slowly in the direction of the manager's house. In the village, life goes slowly and peacefully. Except for the militia, who actively trained under the shouts of the commander

- Get ready! Lunge! Hold the formation! You would have been killed in battle already! Even if you had armor, you would have died like dogs! Hey you, who holds the shield like that?! If I had fought you, you would have already lost your head! - Tornhelm trained the militia to fight in formation. They arrived a week ago. Although he often shouts at them, they have become very close to the militia. Their fighting skills have improved a lot in a week. And their number also has increased. Now we have 15 militia, and if you include mercenaries, then 20.

Nodding to the mercenaries, I went to inspect the surroundings. I walked slowly towards the village headman. After a couple of minutes of unhurried walking, I noticed the headman who was talking to a peasant. He noticed me and hurriedly came up and said

- Young Master. What brought you here?

- How is the harvest going?

- Everything is fine so far, no brigands bother the peasants yet. If everything goes well, we will collect everything within a week.

- That's good. Tell the blacksmith to have the last set of weapons ready by tomorrow.

- He said he was almost done. I'll personally notify you when he's done.

-Alright. If you need me, I will be in my office

…

PoV Willy

- Baron Willy, we have collected more than 52 brigands. -The 1 level Warrior reported the current situation. It's already the 9th brigand gang I suppose? I stop count after the 4th.

- Great, this amount is more than enough. Are newbies under control?

-They already start some conflicts and fights with others. It's better to start early otherwise they will start killing each other.

-Tch. Useless trash.

Though we have collected a lot of brigand gangs, they too often arguing with each other. This rabble is ready to kill each other. It looks like I'll have to attack right after the harvest, otherwise, their number of brigands will be strongly decreased.

A level 1 warrior is standing next to me almost all of the time, thanks to the spirit that haunts me. I have already attacked several times. If not for the warrior's help, the situation would be dangerous.

- Baron Willy - The 2 level Warrior entered the room, seems like he wants to ask something from me.

- What's the matter?

- When should we attack? I need to say something to them, otherwise, they can act unpredictably.

-In a week. They usually harvest during this time. In the meantime, let them prepare for battle.

-They are already becoming difficult to control. How should I act?

-Remember this. For them, a sword is more convincing than words. Service seems attractive in comparison to death. Kill a couple for edification, you'll be surprised how obedient they