System: Build My Own Territory-Chapter 726 - 247: This Is Robbery (10,000 Words)

Boer felt a growing tension within his heart.

He sensed something was amiss.

If it were just ordinary surveillance.

As long as he offered some money, the guards or soldiers watching the road would surely let them pass immediately.

After all, guarding the entrance is merely part of their routine work.

They would never bother to make life difficult for merchants with legal and compliant status.

Instead, they’d prefer to look the other way and pocket the benefits.

However, the scene before him...

Boer looked directly at the middle-aged man, full of inquiries, and asked, "Sir, what do you mean by this?"

"I am from Morgan Town and a registered merchant with the Merchant Guild."

"Furthermore, I have lawfully paid the passage tax according to Morgan Town’s regulations."

"On what grounds do you refuse to allow my smooth passage?"

Listening to Boer’s calm and clear words, the guards behind him stepped forward, their faces serious.

They wore weapons on their bodies.

Yet, without Boer’s directive or the Guard Captain’s orders,

they did not make any reckless moves.

For should any error occur, they would face direct confrontation with swords.

Seeing Boer’s guards surround him, the short-haired man showed no anxiety. Instead, he grinned.

"Mr. Boer, no need to be tense."

"I, Vergil, am just following orders."

"Lord Joao has declared that from today, any merchant wishing to pass through Morgan Town must re-pay the passage tax, trade tax, and property tax!"

Hearing Vergil announce the three taxes nearly word by word,

Boer’s eyes widened instantly.

He couldn’t believe it and exclaimed, "Trade tax and property tax?"

"Are you joking?"

"My goods have returned from Kakasong City, entering Morgan Town’s warehouse."

"The Frank Manor’s charge for passage tax can be accepted."

"But I’m not selling in Morgan Town, so why should they charge a trade tax?"

"As for the property tax... this is utterly unreasonable!"

Boer’s voice was firm and resolute, with words of conviction.

Many townsmen who wished to pass and were stopped heard him clearly.

They couldn’t help but agree.

"Yeah, this is too outrageous, isn’t it?"

"Morgan Town has never had such a rule!"

"Does Frank Manor see us as pigs in a pen?"

"Let us out!"

"..."

Feeling the atmosphere growing increasingly intense, with names of townsmen congregating,

Boer discreetly shifted, positioning the townsmen in front of him.

However,

the next second,

sching~

sching~

The continuous sound of unsheathing swords and knives echoed through the crowd.

The sounds were clear, instantly silencing the townsmen who had been yelling.

They stared at the soldiers’ silver-white blades, daring not to utter another word.

Boer’s brows furrowed deeper.

It is undeniable that Morgan Town is exclusively controlled by Frank Manor now.

His intention in saying those words was merely to stir up the townsmen’s emotions to pressure the soldiers.

But he did not expect.

For these soldiers to draw their weapons among them.

At this moment, the sound of galloping hooves emerged from outside the town, coming closer.

Sand and dust rolled as riders approached, with the frontmost tall and burly figure sharply tugging the reins.

Amidst the urgent neighing of warhorses, the horse’s fore-hooves rose high.

As they lowered again, the galloping horse finally stopped.

Seeing the figure, Boer’s heart grew heavy.

It was Joao Frank from Frank Manor!

Joao remained mounted on his horse, scanning the townsmen and Boer’s carriage convoy with his gaze.

The gaze ultimately settled on the short-haired man.

In a deep voice, he asked, "Vergil, what’s happening?"

Upon hearing Joao call his name, Vergil promptly sheathed his longsword, stepped forward, and approached.

Vergil replied respectfully, "Lord Joao, these townsmen wanted to cause a stir to leave Morgan Town, but I stopped them."

"Also, there’s Boer’s convoy of carts wanting to leave the town to conduct business."

"But after I informed him of the need to pay passage tax, trade tax, and property tax, he fiercely refused."

Joao’s icy gaze swept from Vergil to the townsmen, landing directly on Boer.

He nudged his horse’s belly, and the pain prompted the horse to step toward the still-closed barrier.

Vergil saw this and hurriedly summoned several soldiers to lift the barrier for Joao.

Even though the barrier’s gate was now open,

when Joao arrived, none of the previously yelling townsmen dared to cross.

They didn’t even utter a sound.

They quickly made way, avoiding any direct confrontation with Joao.

Only the sound of panting horses and hooves striking the cobblestones remained.

They were merely ordinary Free People of Morgan Town.

But it didn’t affect their understanding of why Frank Manor was the only one left in Morgan Town.

What frightened them the most was the rumor.

It is said that Joao Frank, with his formidable strength, led a team of manor soldiers to hold back the soldiers of the Three Great Estates trying to invade Frank Manor Castle at the gates.