I built a manor in the Middle Ages

Chapter 82 Hoffman Caravan

A winding river flows quietly in a clearing blocked by the black forest in the east of Cooper Castle.

There is a long floating bridge above the river, which has become slightly decayed due to the baptism of time.

Luc reined in the reins and stopped in front of the wooden bridge. He frowned as he looked at the huge crowd at the bridgehead and asked, "How many waves have we seen today?"

Old Eike shook his head without answering, but his face was still serious.

Four and a half days had passed since they left the forest. When they passed the ruined village of Ward on the way, everyone felt a little depressed, but as they got closer to the Twolf Bridge, this sad mood slowly turned into caution.

There is no other reason, there are simply too many refugees on the road
These mostly ragged, skinny victims were pouring out from the south in groups of two or three, like cockroaches. After questioning, it was learned that some of them, like Old Eck and others, had their villages attacked by bandits, but most of them came from the southeast. According to some eyewitnesses, a count in the southeast took the lead in opposing the legality of the current Duke of Burgundy and rebelled. Several knights loyal to the Duke had already died. It seemed that the Duke's second expedition would not be long.
However, the power struggles of the nobility brought hardship to the common people, forcing a large number of refugees to move north. Among them were the people of Provence, who had just settled there after much difficulty, and were forced to embark on a second journey. This time, they hoped to completely pass through Burgundy and settle in Lorraine.
However, at the Twolf Bridge, some of the victims stopped. It was not that they did not want to move forward, but two men with big axes were asking the passing victims for tolls. Those with money paid, while those without money paid for food and clothes. In short, it was impossible for them to cross the river for free. These victims, who had been plundered countless times by nobles from all over the place, were forcibly blocked at the bridge.

"Who are those two people? I've never heard of a bridge toll here before."

One-Eyed Gil put down the wheelbarrow and looked ahead with dissatisfaction.

"When the world is in chaos, all kinds of bugs emerge. It's no surprise that there are two such filthy fellows."

"Ignore them, just go through. Old Eike, you lead the way, and Jill, follow me closely. I want to see if they dare to charge us a toll!"

Luc drew his knight's sword, and old Eck also raised his shield and held the flail in his hand, ready to start smashing if there was any disagreement.

The three men and the horse walked slowly towards the Twerf Bridge. The victims who saw them from afar quickly retreated, fearing that they would be caught off guard. Luc took a quick glance and saw that most of them were old, weak and sick. It seemed that the young and middle-aged people had been absorbed by some nobles.

The two burly men standing at the bridgehead saw Luc and the others. One of the tall men raised his eyebrows and was about to take off the long-handled axe he had obtained from somewhere on his shoulder. However, just as he made a move, he was grabbed tightly by the shorter man next to him who had similar eyebrows and features. "Stand back and let them pass."

"Brother, why? This is our bridge! They haven't paid the toll yet!"

"You're such a fool! We came out here to collect bridge tolls from the disaster victims. Why are you asking for tolls from other people? Especially from a knight in chain mail?"

The short man was furious. He had known for a long time that his younger brother had a low IQ, but he had never expected him to be so stupid. The two of them were free farmers living in a nearby logging site. They usually made a living by farming and stealing and selling some wood. Occasionally they would act as robbers. They lived a pretty good life. But unfortunately, his younger brother might have offended God. He had an abnormal brain when he was born, but he had amazing physical strength and a huge body.

When the tall man heard the word "knight", he seemed to have some bad memories, shuddered, and then retreated with his brother.

Luc passed by the brothers. As if to show respect for him, they lowered their heads and didn't meet his gaze. They walked a long way away. Old Eike looked back and sighed, "Sir, it looks like Hoffman's caravan won't have many traders this time. If it weren't for you, Gil and I would rather go to Cooper Castle to pay taxes and trade than risk crossing the bridge with these two guys."

Hoffman is the leader of the caravan that Luc is about to meet. He is said to be a Bavarian. They are stationed in a hidden place ahead. Luc waved his hand. The two brothers are just a simple episode. Seeing that Luc didn't care, old Eike led a group of people to the location with ease.

Soon after, in a camp with a pile of chopped tree trunks as a barrier, a Hoffman caravan consisting of about fifteen or sixteen people and eight mules appeared before Luc.

Two caravan guards armed with short spears saw Luc from afar and immediately informed Hoffman. A middle-aged man with thinning hair came out after hearing the news and was stunned when he saw Luc's attire.

"Hey, Mr. Hoffman, do you still remember me? I'm Old Eck!"

"Ah, it's you. I thought it was Baron Berry who discovered my affairs. But sir, who are you?" "I am a knight from the Duchy of Upper Lorraine. You can call me Luc. I came here with Ward Village specifically to trade with you. Don't ask me about other things."

Upper Lorraine

Hoffmann showed a look of sudden enlightenment. As a member of the Holy Roman Empire, he certainly knew what had happened in Lorraine. This shrewd businessman remained silent and did not ask any more questions. Instead, he warmly invited the three people in.

"What the hell, you're the first group of buyers here today. This is really different from before. Have all the others become refugees?"

As they walked in, Hoffman complained to Luc and the others who had dismounted.

Luc and Old Eike exchanged a glance and told Hoffman what had happened by the bridge. The travel-roughened man was stunned at first, then furious. He blushed and cursed, "Those two bastards! Are you trying to imitate others and charge a toll? I was wondering why no one came today!"

"Just wait and see how I deal with these two idiots!"

"By the way, what are you guys going to trade today?"

Hoffman cursed but did not forget his duties. He changed the subject and asked about today's trade.

Luc smacked his lips and asked Jill to take out the things in the wheelbarrow. Hoffman had noticed the cargo in the cart from the beginning. When he saw the intact bear skin spread out, his eyes were immediately attracted and he stared at the huge bear skin without blinking.

Bear skins are always valuable, and there is no shortage of good furs in Bavaria, but this has nothing to do with Hoffman. Those monopolized industries are not something a private trader like him can afford to play with.

However, although he liked the bear skin very much, Hoffman was very restrained. He pretended to be nonchalant when checking the bear skin. When he felt the arrow hole, he felt sad and happy at the same time.

"The bearskin is nice, but unfortunately it has six small holes in it. Two hundred pfennigs. I'll take it."

"How many?"

Luc narrowed his eyes. Two hundred pfennigs?

"Hoffman, I must tell you clearly that I'm not ignorant of trade. If you can't give me a suitable price, I'd rather keep the bear skin for myself than sell it to you. Two hundred pfennigs, man, you're so ridiculous! A complete bear skin is about two hundred sous! Even if it has some small holes, it shouldn't drop the value that much."

Hoffman pouted, a little bit grimacing. Seeing Luc's serious expression, he knew he had encountered a difficult seller, so he immediately changed his tone and said, "Okay, Master Luc, after all, this is our first transaction. To maintain our long-term friendship, I will pay 160 sou for this bear skin. What do you think?"

Seeing that the price was fair, Luc nodded and said, "Deal."

Hoffman happily put the bearskin away. Seeing Luc take out three jars of pottery that he had just ignored, he opened them and let him smell them. He said, "A total of fourteen pounds of cider, including the bearskin, for two hundred sous. I'll give it all to you for one price."

"Believe me, if you maintain your integrity, there will be more and more of these goods in the future. Don't miss this opportunity, Hoffman."

Hoffman took the cider and thought Luc seemed more like a businessman than himself. "As you wish, two hundred sous is two hundred sous."

　I've been a bit overwhelmed by things recently, so I'll make up for the chapter I owe you later. You can go to bed first.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)