Chapter 160: Touring the Town and the Strip Club (Part 4)
Su Li rode Death's Claw out of the castle, first arriving at the Festival Square in front of the castle.
The square was bustling with at least hundreds of people darting about, and upon seeing a large number of Hesse Guard Knights, the crowd immediately cheered and gathered around.
Very soon, someone spotted Su Li riding Death's Claw among the Hesse Guard Knights, which intensified the cheers.
"It's the Lord!"
"It's the Star of Light of Hesse Territory!"
"Long live the Lord! Your radiance shines over the entire territory."
Su Li smiled and waved to everyone, clearly possessing unrivaled prestige within the territory.
In the powerful Empire, victory is the most effective way to increase prestige.
As long as a monarch can lead their forces to continuous victories, even a brutal rule can garner unmatched prestige within the forces.
Moreover, Su Li is definitely one of the most virtuous lords of the Empire.
Under his rule, regardless of the condition of the serfs, the farmers, commoners, free people, artisans, merchants, and landlords lived quite comfortably. Su Li's tax rebates reach up to 30%, meaning they only need to pay sixteen percent of taxes.
Given the agricultural level of three harvests a year in the territory, numerous opportunities, chances, and the slaves and spoils of victory continuously brought back from conquests, the people of the territory can maintain a 40% gain compared to other territory farmers, making them appear more like people.
They wouldn't compare to the Empire's joke where old farmers look like skeletons.
Su Li then asked Lauren, "Why are there so many people here?"
Lauren immediately explained, "The Monastery of the Healing and Compassion Goddess Church is located southeast of the Festival Square. They provide services to many in the territory, so there is a constant flow of people here throughout the year."
Su Li observed and noticed that many people were wearing leather armor and carrying greatswords, and said, "They don't look like commoners to me either."
Lauren chuckled and said, "That might be because Rossini's Eagle is hosting some event."
"Rossini's Eagle?"
Lauren explained, "It's a tavern, quite a bit far from here. It's positioned southeast of the Medical Church Grand Monastery. It's a favorite spot for the territory's mercenaries. Tavern clients include some mercenaries, adventurers, and Ranger Knights. Their strip show is very famous, with performers rumored to be Dark Elf-blooded Half-Elves. Every month, the arm wrestling champion and every cycle's champion from the Lion Ring Arena get her for an entire day."
"What does having her for an entire day mean?" Su Li asked with keen interest.
Lauren certainly understood the Lord's curiosity; in fact, what man wasn't interested in such topics?
He replied with a smile, "It is as the literal term suggests. For the next day, she becomes the champion's prize, often riding with the champion on horseback like a captive back to the inn. Of course, some generous ones take her to Garden Mountain. It's the highest small hill in the south of the territory with Mole's garden on top, overlooking all areas except the north of the city. The flora is exceptionally lush there, making it a perfect spot for lovers to get intimate."
A perfect spot for intimacy?
Wow, isn't that messing around in the flower field? In the open, too.
These champions are truly wild.
However, Su Li isn't too fond of sharing interests with others, so he didn't pay much attention to the strip dancer.
"I remember the headquarters of the West High Merchant is located southeast of the territory, right?"
Lauren immediately nodded and said, "Yes, Lord, your memory is exceptional. Across the Hammer Road is the headquarters of the West High Merchant. Additionally, Ecter Commercial Street is located there."
Hammer Road is a vital garrison location for Hesse Territory soldiers, where the City Guard Army is stationed. The housing mainly consists of barracks with soldiers everywhere.
Some branches of the Knight Order, the Fiery Sun Goddess Convent branch, and the military prison are also built here.
This Hammer Road is a southeast trending street, safeguarding the security of Hesse Town's outer city.
Thus, Ecter Commercial Street was built to the south, known for selling various adventure products, ancient and witchcraft tools, and spoils of war.
One could say the territory's many trades and professions are mainly active in this direction.
Su Li, looking to inspect the territory's order and sanitary conditions, found this place most suitable, so he said, "Let's pay a visit there for inspection."
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