From a hired knight to a master of Game of Thrones

Chapter 85 The Boy Who Cried Wolf

Night is about to fall.

Don Quixote and Rodney, who had gone out hunting, returned to Grayhill Village chatting and laughing.

Three villagers, all hunters from Grayhill Village, followed behind them.

Don Quixote looked up at the west side of the village.

A fire broke out there.

He then turned to Rodney and said with a slow smile, "Mr. Rodney, perhaps we should sit at the table now, with a glass of wine in one hand and some delicious food in the other, and chat comfortably all night."

"I think the adults' ideas are very appropriate and I look forward to them very much," Rodney replied respectfully.

"Haha, then let's go to that lively place to rest for a while." Don Quixote said as he walked, "I like liveliness, but it's a pity that if it weren't for your caravan, this place would be empty, with few people wanting to gather together."

"Ah, this is the first time such a lively night has ever occurred in my territory."

Rodney, seemingly lost in thought, hurriedly replied, "Don't worry, sir. I will come promptly if you invite me, and my caravan will come just as soon as possible."

Don Quixote immediately replied, "Lord Rodney, you and your caravan will be friends with everyone in my territory."

"We will remember our friends and never let them down."

The two continued chatting and laughing as they arrived at the food street in Grayhill Village.

Before us, eight bonfires blazed brightly, illuminating the spacious and lively space and dispelling the chill that was even more intense than during the day.

At this time, the food street was frequented not only by Rodney Caravan's workers, hired knights, and free riders, but also by many villagers from Grayhill Village.

In addition, there were the cooks who boiled and roasted food, the women who cleaned up promptly, and the mischievous children running around.

The not-so-big street was filled with a lively and festive scene.

Rodney saw it all, especially the happy smiles on the villagers' faces, especially the Bloodhand banner standing beside the eight blazing bonfires, and especially the Bloodhand mercenary members diligently patrolling the area.

—It's really different compared to other knightly territories around White Harbor that I've visited, and even many minor lord territories.

Very rarely is it like this, as lively as a town in the south in spring, as vibrant and orderly as a town under a great lord, making people feel relaxed and safe.

I really didn't expect that.

I never expected that such a remote village, such a newly established fiefdom, would develop so significantly in such a short time.

These people also looked quite different, and, well, they were quite wealthy.

As Rodney silently observed and pondered, he soon noticed that all the villagers who had come here were eating and drinking, as if each of them had pockets full of copper coins.

Just then, Don Quixote's voice came from the side, interrupting Rodney's thoughts: "Lord Rodney, you shouldn't mind eating here, right? You shouldn't mind sharing the festivities with so many of my subjects."

Rodney snapped out of his daze and hurriedly replied respectfully, "It is my great honor to dine with Your Excellency's people."

"Your territory is really nice, sir. If possible, I would love to stay longer."

"Oh." Don Quixote became cheerful: "Then you and your caravan might as well stay here a few more days."

"We can go hunting a few more times, and your caravan's men will be warmly received here."

—I was just being polite.

For a small merchant like him, the daily food and lodging expenses of all the caravan's crew, hired knights, and free riders were basically borne by him during each trade trip.

Of course, this only covers basic food and lodging, but the daily expenses for food and lodging for nearly twenty people are not insignificant.

Therefore, he rarely stays in other places for too long.

It's neither very safe nor very costly.

Rodney quickly muttered to himself for a moment, but seeing Don Quixote's earnest and expectant expression, he smiled and said, "Since you don't mind us disturbing the peace of your territory, I'm naturally happy to stay here a little longer."

However, compared to some gold dragons and silver deer, it would be better to gain the friendship of a wealthy knight with considerable strength.

As a small merchant who had been trading around White Harbor for quite some time, Rodney naturally knew this.

Gaining the favor of a vassal of the Mandalay family, especially one of considerable power, would greatly benefit his business and his life.

"Well then, Lord Rodney, you and your caravan shouldn't leave so soon," Don Quixote laughed. "I like to see my territory bustling with activity."

"Yes, sir."

Upon seeing the lord, Lady Hannah, who had been busy resolving various issues in the food street, hurriedly stopped what she was doing and came forward to greet him: "My Lord!"

Other citizens passing by, as well as members of the Bloodhand Mercenary Group not far away, also respectfully greeted, whether quickly or slowly, quietly or loudly, "Lord!"

After Don Quixote smiled and responded to each of them, he looked at Madame Hannah and said, "Madame Hannah, I would like to entertain some guests here."

"Could you arrange some good food and drinks for us?"

Upon hearing this, Lady Hannah was both excited and nervous, replying, "Yes, my lord!"

"I'll make the arrangements right away; I'll cook it myself."

Don Quixote suddenly remembered something and added, "Oh, right, Mrs. Hannah, we hunted some game today. Take some of the ingredients you think are suitable to cook or roast."

As he spoke, Don Quixote pointed to some small game in the hands of the three hunters who had followed him.

There are wild rabbits, grouse, snow chickens, turkeys, and so on.

At the same time, Don Quixote gave each of the three hunters a silver deer so they could eat, drink, and rest there.

After doing all that, he glanced at the somewhat bustling food street in front of him.

The seven large stone tables were almost full, and the only empty one seemed to have been just cleaned and prepared for him.

Of the twelve stone stoves, only six were lit, because there were only six villagers in Grayhill Village with extensive experience in cooking and roasting food.

Besides sitting down to eat and drink, many villagers were also standing, eating, drinking, chatting, and children were walking around.

It was as if this place had suddenly become the public activity center of the entire Grayhill Village.

Don Quixote smiled with satisfaction.

This is a scenario he wants to facilitate.

This will allow for more frequent community interactions in Greyhill Village and strengthen the bonds between villagers, thereby improving their ability to coordinate and cooperate.

It can also establish a basic consumption venue, allowing the villagers' money to circulate freely.

Don Quixote and Rodney walked toward the empty stone table that had been wiped clean once again.

Villagers along the roadside respectfully made way for them.

Smoked salmon, roasted venison, roasted wild boar, roasted lamb, as well as bacon and sausage.

These foods, common in the North, were served quickly.

Of course, the finest dark beer from White Harbor is also indispensable.

These dishes seem to have an unusually high amount of black and red pepper added.

Don Quixote liked spicy food, and after a few bites of the sizzling, oily roasted meat, he still found it quite palatable.

He chatted with Rodney while he ate.

Before long, two snow bear paws, cooked until soft and tender, and coated with honey and spices, were served.

Don Quixote picked one up, took a big bite, and his mouth was instantly filled with the aroma of oil.

While eating and drinking.

In the distance, from the direction outside the village, came a series of wild beast howls: "Awoo!"