Chapter 16: Lacking Soldiers

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Wang Lun didn’t take this matter to heart because the rice planted before was only a month away from maturity.

As long as the treasury could still support until then, the food issue could be improved to some extent.

Besides, it wasn’t only rice that they planted. There were also foods such as vegetables, which would be completely sufficient for them.

The simple greenhouse that was constructed back then would play a huge role.

“My lord, I know you’re not the kind of person who fails to realize the seriousness of matters. But why does it feel like you are turning a blind eye to this crisis?” Bran stopped moving his knife and fork and said.

Wang Lun lifted his head and wiped his mouth with a napkin. “I am not turning a blind eye to the situation because right now, we still have available capital.”

“Capital?”

Bran was a little puzzled.

Wang Lun looked around and said, “Have you forgotten that we still have rice that hasn’t matured yet? According to my projection, in a month, we will be able to harvest them.

“Also, remember the greenhouse I had someone build earlier?”

Bran nodded and said, “Of course, I do. It was an incredible sealed building.”

Bran certainly knew about the greenhouse as he was the one who had supervised its construction. He understood its design inside out as well.

Wang Lun nodded and said, “Yes, it ensures that we have sufficient food to consume all year round. Although it looks rather simple and crude, it will supply us with enough food.”

Hallmark, on the other side, finally finished his meal and joined in the conversation, “Has such a thing always existed in this world?”

Hallmark’s expression was no less than that of a bewildered person’s.

Wang Lun laughed. “Yes, my knight. It is commonly used in my hometown.”

“My lord, I heard that you came from the East?” Lucy also joined in.

“Yes, the East has a great kingdom.”

“You guys were unaware of this. Back then, when Earl Miller’s youngest son was on the verge of death and none of the doctors were able to cure him, our baron stepped in and the son recovered! It was like a miracle!”

Hallmark couldn’t help but reveal Wang Lun’s previous heroic deed.

Wang Lun immediately humbled himself and kept repeating a few words: “Keep a low profile. Keep a low profile…”

“Oh, really? There must be a God living in the Eastern kingdom, my lord!”

Bran heard Hallmark’s narrative and said in some surprise.

“Bran, God will never go to the East,” Wang Lun chuckled.

After finishing their meals, the group lay down the cutleries and several servants went up to carefully clean up the table.

Hallmark continued asking Wang Lun about the Eastern world. On the other hand, Bran put up a worried frown.

Wang Lun answered Hallmark’s strange questions while paying attention to Bran.

“Bran, what’s wrong? Are you still bothered by something?” Wang Lun asked.

Bran quickly blinked and sucked in a breath of air. “I’m worried about something, but I’m not sure if I should say it.”

Wang Lun said, “Let us hear it. We can discuss it together.”

Bran’s expression didn’t change the slightest, but became increasingly heavier instead.

“We are in for a long, cold winter, which means that almost no crops can survive at our location on this continent. When the time comes, I’m afraid it will lead to trouble.

“That’s true. Otherwise, there wouldn’t have been wars all year round. The half-beasts will also give in and be at the mercy of the nobles just because of the lack of food.”

Hallmark made a significant statement.

Perhaps no one in Yale City truly understood the meaning behind wars, not to mention these people around the dining table.

The perennial wars were the cause of the scars on Hallmark’s face, and the cause behind him being on the verge of death in the past.

Hallmark couldn’t be clearer on what exactly caused the wars.

Wang Lun arrived on this continent only a short time ago, so it went without saying that he didn’t understand the state of the world. He also had no idea that crops wouldn’t be able to survive this long, harsh winter.

It was at that moment that Wang Lun had a thought. It was only late autumn and yet, the temperature was so cold that it wasn’t exaggerated to compare it to that of the winter season on Earth.

Wang Lun subconsciously grabbed the coat on his body and looked up at the sky, saying, “After you said so, I’ve come to realize why it’s already so cold even before winter arrives.”

“If news of the rice spreads, Yale City will definitely be attacked by bandits in a frenzy. They are a group of desperate men who are willing to do anything to survive.”

Bran continued to talk about his worries.

It could also be said that not only would the bandits go crazy for food, but ordinary people would also do unexpected things for survival.

“Hallmark, what’s your opinion?”

Wang Lun turned around and looked at his knight.

Hallmark rubbed his hands together, placed them by his mouth, and blew a breath. He had been sitting there without moving, so he felt the chilliness that swept his body.

Upon hearing Wang Lun’s words, Hallmark sat upright and said, “I’ll say a few words then. Yale City’s population has exceeded 10,000, but the problem is that there are less than 500 people who joined the army.

“In short, we’re seriously lacking soldiers.”

Wang Lun said, “Don’t we have advanced weapons? 500 soldiers should be enough to deal with any dangers.”

“My lord, you’re underestimating them. There aren’t only just one or two bandits,” Bran said. “I have spent more time in Yale City than you, so I know this place well. Last time, those bandits weren’t worth mentioning at all. I’m not the only one who knows and has experienced the chaos in Yale City.”

This statement reminded Wang Lun of Robinson’s caution to him.

However, he didn’t give up. It could also be said that he wouldn’t give up.

“What if we further upgrade our weapons?” Wang Lun continued. “With upgraded weapons, one of our soldiers can go up against 10 bandits at once. We will then be able to render any attack useless, won’t we?”

“What do you think, my brave knight?!”

In the end, Wang Lun gazed at Hallmark.

Hallmark was definitely more experienced in battles than Wang Lun. And now, the latter was seeking insight and advice as to whether the plan was feasible.

Hallmark was apparently put in a tough spot. He rested his chin on his hand and clicked his tongue. “Even with the advanced weapons we have now, I’m still not certain that we can completely withstand their attacks.”

He raised his head and said, “But if we do equip our soldiers with stronger weapons as you suggested, the battles can still be won, my lord.

“At least we will be able to survive this winter.”

Hallmark added one last sentence.

“But what kind of weapons are you going to bring in again, my lord?”

“You’ll know when the time comes!”