I Become a Landlady in the Game World

"Watt, you've changed," Maimaiti abruptly burst out after digesting Watt's words.

Setting aside what Watt had said, his attitude now was truly worlds apart from his former self.

The Watt who once yearned for the big city was now willingly staying in a Level 3 village and even advocating for it.

It was an inconceivable turn of events.

Of course, it also meant that, in Watt's heart, Hope Village had surpassed Bengala Town.

A territory that could change Watt's perspective surely couldn't be inferior to Bengala.

Barnes Village would likely be unable to compete.

Watt hadn't expected that after delivering such a serious speech, this would be the reaction he received.

Had he persuaded him or not?

While Watt thought this to himself, he couldn't help but continue to speak in favor of Hope Village, "I changed because of Hope Village; never did I imagine that one day I would be so moved by a village."

At that moment, Watt's genuine emotions broke through and touched Maimaiti, tugging at his heartstrings.

"Barnes Village won't easily let people leave the territory, especially our Mercenary Team," Maimaiti stated directly, tossing the problem back to Watt.

If they were to join Hope Village, then Hope Village would have to provide them with sufficient assurances.

Hearing Maimaiti's softened stance, Watt's heart leaped with joy.

"Our territory will coordinate a timely rendezvous outside Barnes Village when the moment is right. As for leaving, it depends not only on us but on you as well..." Watt said with a meaningful tone. "Your Mercenary Team must know some gatekeeping Soldiers, right? If you could introduce us, I believe things would become much simpler."

Not all Soldiers were staunchly loyal to the territory; internal disputes definitely existed, and they were Barnes Village's security weakness.

If they could tear open such a breach, their subsequent actions would be all the simpler.

He thought, as the main contributor to this endeavor, his Contribution points would likely be substantial.

In Hope Village, Contribution was akin to prestige. Even without entering the Lord Mansion or the barracks, those with high Contribution were highly respected in the territory.

After all, it represented the efforts they had put into building the territory.

Speaking of which, this was his first time participating in a territorial mission, and he truly hoped to deliver an impressive report card for the territory.

Since he'd already planned to develop himself in Hope Village, naturally, he also hoped to elevate his status there.

Higher prestige would make it more convenient for his Mercenary Team to recruit mercenaries in the future.

Maimaiti paused as he listened to Watt's words, then asked, "What benefits could we enjoy in Hope Village?"

Watt's eyes sparkled at the question. "The benefits are numerous. Your team won't be dispersed upon entering Hope Village; you can establish your own Mercenary Team on-site. You'll also enjoy the residents' benefits. With a Contribution of 500, you can take the Lord Mansion staff examination or join the barracks to become a Soldier. Children can enter School at the age of six... As for your treatment after joining Hope Village, we have also received prior assurances that, based on your performance, a certain amount of Contribution points and settlement funds will be awarded."

"Settlement funds? How much?" Maimaiti asked instinctively.

He was less concerned about Contribution; just as now, his sense of belonging to Barnes Village was not that strong, so what sense of belonging could he have to a completely new Hope Village?

Tangible benefits were what mattered most to them.

"It won't be much, a few hundred copper coins to several Gold Coins, I guess. It varies depending on the Level. Hope Village Residents visibly enjoy their benefits, and we're not currently lacking a population. Barnes Village is a special case; our territory merely hopes to take it with the least cost possible," Watt explained, careful not to arouse unrealistic expectations.

Listening to Watt's frank words, Maimaiti fell silent.

The issue wasn't big or small, and deciding on it right away was somewhat difficult for him.

Seeming to sense Maimaiti's thought process, Watt said directly, "You can take your time to think it over and give me an answer, but it's better to be quick. I'll also be contacting other Mercenary Teams. If you make a decision soon, being the lead, you'll gain more benefits."

"Mhm."

"Then I won't disturb you any longer. You can discuss it with your team," Watt said, casting a specific glance at the few mercenaries that Maimaiti had kept around.