I Become a Landlady in the Game World

His appearance was observed by the person who had just saved him; they immediately asked, "What are you thinking?"

When asked this, many eyes around them turned toward Milovan.

Seeing this, Milovan could only reply, "I just think that the situation in Barnes Village is too dangerous right now, not only for the territory but even more so for us."

"How so?"

Milovan hesitated for a moment but then spoke up, "On my way here, I heard some people mention that the number of soldiers who deserted from the soldier team this time is much more than the rumored few hundred."

"How many are there? The information is too tightly sealed, and it all happened in the middle of the night."

"The first batch that deserted along with the Professionals numbered over three hundred, and after the Lord arrived at the scene, he dispatched a soldier team of over a thousand men."

"Over a thousand men? Since he sent over a thousand men, they should be able to catch some, right? Maybe we will have some results today, if they manage to bring anyone back..."

"If they could bring them back, that would be great, but in reality, none of those thousand-plus men have returned," Milovan drew out his tone.

"How is that possible?"

"It's not possible!"

"Exactly, if over a thousand soldiers had left, wouldn't that mean there are hardly any soldiers left in the soldier team?"

"If it's true, then it's no wonder the Lord fainted from anger, right?"

"..."

At first, everyone found it hard to believe, but as they talked further, they started to feel that the number was accurate, as minor losses wouldn't be enough to concern their Lord—it had to be a massive number of people.

The news instantly quieted the scene.

Many realized that in the face of insufficient combat power in the territory, should a Territory War break out, the main force would have to be them, the Professionals.

At this, many grew restless.

There is a significant difference between being the primary and secondary fighting forces.

The former must fight to the death, while the latter could retreat at any time.

Adding to that the shortage of manpower, if the battle intensifies, many could die.

"Where did you get this information?" many people earnestly looked at Milovan.

They desperately hoped the news was false, as it would mean they were not completely backed into a corner.

"I just overheard a few soldiers discussing it; I don't know if it's true or not, but I felt that it's more likely to be true. I wish it were false!"

"No wonder the territory now forbids us from leaving."

"If we all left, the territory would truly be finished."

"This upcoming Territory War really is dangerous."

"What do we do? Are we supposed to just sit here and wait for death?"

"My family and children are here! If the territory fails, don't let us become slaves to another territory."

"Isn't the territory going to explain anything to us? Are they just dragging their feet until the Territory War forces us to agree?"

"..."

As everyone let their imaginations run wild, the atmosphere at the scene turned increasingly chaotic.

The crowd was uproarious.

The more they thought about it, the more terrified they became.

The time had come.

Thinking this, Milovan continued, "Even if the territory officials come forward now, I think it's too late. They'll probably just try to placate us in a few ways: first by offering good benefits to keep us here, likely offering significant compensation; second, they might waive the deposit required to leave the territory, allowing us to leave anytime, but absolutely requiring that we cannot leave Barnes Village before the Territory War; finally, there might be high rewards for Professionals who participate in the Territory War—either money or a position, but for Barnes Village at the moment, neither is significant. The benefits come after the war, but by then, one must still be alive to enjoy them."

With this lengthy explanation, Milovan silently sighed in relief inside.

He had finally voiced those thoughts.

He could now look for an appropriate opportunity to slip away.

Meanwhile, many in the audience were deep in thought due to Milovan's words.

They wondered if they would stay in the territory under such conditions.

Likely, they would.

They had not fled like the others who had just deserted Barnes Village because they did not want to leave this place; despite its many flaws, it was the birthplace of many, and unless absolutely necessary, they did not want to start anew in another territory.