Chapter 1304 - Hints and Clues (II) (1/2)
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
“In short, we just let those birds conduct the search themselves.”
Hill Fawkes produced a pencil and sketched a tree diagram on a piece of paper. “Since we pay for information instead of the person who collects them, the more information he gets, the more he earns. To obtain more information, he’ll find a way to hire more people to do the work for him. In His Majesty’s words, it’s called a top-down approach.”
“I see,” Edith commented, who immediately grasped the nature of this management style. “To expand the lower-level organization, we, as the stem of the tree, must give them some incentives to make sure that they keep working for us.”
Hill nodded and said, “Exactly. Scouts and detectives are all at the very end of the chain. They won’t change much over time. Therefore, the information would become more reliable as time progresses, although their search area can be fairly limited.”
“But they’re essentially Rats…” Iron Axe said, frowning.
“No, sir. This is the interesting part. The stem and the branch don’t have to be managers and subordinates neccessarily. Soldiers have to listen to officers, but Rats don’t necessarily need to obey Rats.”
“As long as we promise that they’ll benefit from their work, Rats can also make nobles work for them,” Edith supplied slowly.
Hill looked at Edith approvingly and said, “Yes, these incentives don’t have to be gold royals. Everyone has their own need. We simply need to know what they desire, and it doesn’t have anything to do with social classes. This means that secondary agents can be people of different socio-economic status. The reason that the information we’ve collected so far is not that comprehensible is that the Rats are still digging the surface. Once nobles start to join us, we’ll have more valuable news.”
Iron Axe pondered for a moment and said, “Even if that’s true, it’ll probably take a long time for nobles to work for us.”
“That might be the case in peacetime,” Hill returned. “However, the Kingdom of Everwinter is now undergoing dramatic changes. I believe that this process will be largely shortened. In fact, some messages have already provided us with a hint.”
“Like?” Iron Axe questionsed while stroking his chin.
Hill explained smilingly, “According to our statistical report, we’ve been receiving fewer reports about the nobles. Most of them, if any, are negative news, such as debaunchery, public brawling, etc. Rulers shouldn’t be like that in wartime, which reflects that the rulers of the Kingdom of Everwinter have abandoned their duties to protect their people. They’re having a lot of pressure, so they need to let these negative emotions out in some way. I believe that such things started after the evacuation unit of the First Army defeated the alliance army formed by the nobles.”
Hill took a pause and resumed, “Although at that time, I was in the City of Glow in the Kingdom of Dawn, I can imagine what a huge blow it was to the nobles. When people begin to feel insecure, they would put their hope in anyone that could help them, even if this person is someone that they despise the most. Sir, please rest assured. You won’t wait for too long.”
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In the Snow Reflection Castle in the Kingdom of Everwinter.
“Sorry for the long wait. His lordship isn’t feeling well today, so he can’t come out to greet you. I would advise that you call on us on another day,” the butler suggested as he swept a bow. “Once his lordship feels better, he’ll let you know.”
The hall was instantly stirred.
“We’ve been waiting for weeks! Even if he’s infected with some serious disease, at least he can come out and say a word.”
“I don’t believe a single word he says. We fought for him, and where’s our lands?”
That’s right. Even if he’s not well enough to meet us, he should at least hand us the deeds!”
“This bulter is lying. I saw Viscount Narnos come out of the castle four hours later after he got in.”