I'm not a lord

Chapter 200 Appointed Mayor, Reorganizing the City

The greatest significance of autonomous cities is to provide shelter for merchants and artisans within a certain area.

Within the municipality, they will gain the status of 'free persons,' and their private property will be protected to some extent by the city's unique laws.

The price to pay is the loss of the rights and interests of the lords of the region where the city is located.

After all, the land beneath the city must belong to a lord, and the serfs under that lord's command might break free and escape into the city.

Therefore, conflicts between lords and cities are inevitable, and through a long process, a compromise can be reached between the two sides.

For example, the Duke of the Marshland recognized the autonomous status of Three Rivers, and the city council paid an annual city tax to the Duke in exchange for his protection.

This seems very unfair to the Duke.

Sanhe City, together with its western suburbs, has a population of over 30,000, including a large number of wealthy merchants and skilled craftsmen. The wealth it produces each year is astronomical.

However, Three Rivers City only needs to pay the Duke a city tax of one thousand Northern Gold Shields per year, which is equivalent to the annual income of a large baronial territory.

Some might wonder why the Duke doesn't directly rule Three Rivers City, wouldn't that allow him to generate more revenue?

The problem is that if the Duke doesn't recognize the autonomy of Three Rivers, then these merchants and artisans will never settle there.

At worst, they could cross the river, establish a new city on the south bank of the Tranquil River, and submit to other lords such as the Duke of the Valley or the Earl of Mirror Iron.

As the saying goes, if you, the lord, are unwilling to protect us, there are plenty of lords who are willing to!
The relatively decentralized power structure provided merchants and artisans with a relatively wide range of choices.

They only want to settle in municipalities where their property can be protected, and wealth, technology, and even knowledge will naturally converge in these cities.

In order to enjoy the conveniences brought by cities and the flow of goods, even the royal family of the North had to reluctantly acknowledge the autonomy of the capital city of Amber Harbor, let alone the Duke of the Marsh.

Of course, even if the lord acknowledges the city's autonomy, it does not mean that he will give up his influence in the region.

Jürgen, the former mayor of Three Rivers, had a close relationship with the Duke of the Marsh. If he could successfully serve until his retirement, he would have the opportunity to become a senior advisor in the Duke's court.

Lords can also influence cities by appointing or dismissing bishops.

The former bishop of Three Rivers, Rotterge, was appointed by the Duke of the Marsh, and therefore remained loyal to the Duke and never considered surrendering to Lynn.

Now it's Lynn's turn to rule Three Rivers.

Even before he occupied the city, he promised the various guilds that he would continue to maintain the city's autonomy.

He had no intention of going back on his word.

But he certainly won't give up exerting his unique influence over the city.

That evening, at a banquet held in the military tent, Lynn directly appointed the next mayor of Sanhe City in front of a group of city representatives.

“I’ve made my decision. Leon will be the new mayor.”

Leon sat to Lynn's left, his head down and his hands obediently placed on his knees, looking like a shy fat man receiving praise from his boss, completely devoid of the murderous aura he had displayed this morning when he swept through the wealthy district in the north of the city.

Most of the city representatives in the audience looked surprised.

Leon? Mayor?
How are these two words connected? Isn't he just a lowly black market dealer?

Even if he was the first to pledge allegiance to the Earl, he shouldn't have received the top prize of Mayor, right? Given his original status, he wouldn't even be able to gain the respect of the people if he were just a councilor!
Although the representatives were somewhat dissatisfied with the Earl's decision, none of them dared to voice their opposition.

Lynn, riding high on his victory and with his elite troops, summoned these representatives as the new master.

No one wanted to follow in the footsteps of former mayor Jürgen. The remaining few representatives remained calm, including grain merchant Marcel.

They already knew who would win the mayoral title, and they also knew that Leon's sister, Lia, was pregnant with the Count's child.

Marcel even raised his glass and toasted Leon from afar, offering his early congratulations to the new mayor on taking office.

But in private, Marcel was so regretful he almost slapped his thigh in frustration.

In terms of status and position, he, as the second-in-command of the grain guild, was far superior to Leon, this black marketeer.
Speaking of women, his daughter is one of the most beautiful women in Sanhe City!
She's just as good as Leon's sister!
Why didn't he invest earlier when the Earl was still a minor baron?

Otherwise, wouldn't the mayor's seat be his?
I regret it!
Investing, especially in politics, is an extremely risky game for the brave.

Leon risked his life to invest in Lynn, even betting his entire fortune, including his own sister, so he deserved to reap an enormous return.

Moreover, Lynn made him mayor not just as a reward for his bravery.

Leon has a poor reputation and low status in the city. Once he becomes mayor, he will definitely find it difficult to unite the various forces in the city and will have to rely on Lynn's strong support.

Lynn, on the other hand, can influence all aspects of the city through Leon, control the city's power as much as possible, and empower his territory at a higher level.

Both sides can be considered to be helping each other and getting what they need.

Lynn held his wine glass, surveying the city representatives below the stage with their varied expressions, a friendly smile playing on his lips:
“I can assure you that, whether in the past, present, or future, Sanhe City will always be a true autonomous city.”

But during this special period, I believe Leon is the most suitable candidate for mayor.

He was born in Sanhe City, and you are all surely aware of his shrewdness and boldness. I considered this matter for a long time before deciding to entrust him with this important position. He can not only lead the city to a better tomorrow, but also serve as a solid bridge between me and you all.

As Lynn finished speaking, grain merchant Marcel led the way in standing up and applauding, and the other representatives could only follow suit to show their approval.

Leon stood up amidst applause, first bowing deeply to Lynn, and then giving a slight bow to the representatives present.

After the applause subsided, Lynn continued:

"I can also promise you all that I will restore the city's food and raw material supply as soon as possible, and the prices will definitely satisfy you. I will also open the gates of Baihe Territory to the city, so that the goods of all guilds can swim upstream like fish!"

Lynn's series of daunting promises completely ignited the dinner party.

The delegates who had just sat down stood up and offered their most sincere and enthusiastic applause, with some even loudly praising the Earl's generosity.

The twenty or so people produced a terrifying sound that would normally be heard from hundreds of people, almost extinguishing the candlesticks on the table.

Isn't this exactly what they wanted by abandoning the Duke of the Marsh and joining the Earl of the White River?
Cheap food and raw materials, a vast market and an abundant labor force.

Oh, and there are even higher-ranking seats.

But is the pie in Lynn's eyes so easy to eat?
As the applause gradually subsided, he spoke again:
"In order to facilitate trade between the various guilds and Baihe Territory, I believe that a Handicraft Association should be established in Sanhe City, which will include all the existing handicraft guilds and be responsible for unifying the quality, specifications and prices of products."

Of course, the General Association does not interfere with the daily work of the various guilds, nor does it have the right to inquire about the internal affairs of the various guilds.

My initial intention in establishing the association was primarily to promote more advanced technologies and increase the income of urban artisans.

As for the important responsibility of president, I believe it should be undertaken by myself. Does anyone have any other opinions?

This time, the audience fell silent.

(End of this chapter)