They're probably going to war, Labert thought silently.

It can't be for ordinary people, right? In his view, if they encounter a year of famine, it means the Gods are angry, and those who starve to death have weak faith.

The government spending money to buy grain for ordinary people is beyond his understanding.

He originally wanted to find a chance to send out the pie containing the large checks from Hansa Bank, but Schmidt didn't give him any opportunity.

Seeing the crowded and complicated situation at the dock, he could only put the box away, planning to make a visit when the night was deep and quiet.

Busy until nightfall, the transport work was completed on schedule.

Although various "unexpected" incidents occurred, the efficiency of the workers, buoyed by double wages, was astonishing, and they managed to complete the task.

Schmidt watched the last ox cart head toward the warehouse, laughing heartily, and made a gesture of invitation to Labert and others.

"Mr. Labert, you have worked hard. The Port Authority has prepared a welcome banquet, please!"

Although the events didn't unfold as he expected, Schmidt's enthusiastic attitude put Labert at ease somewhat.

Doesn't matter, as long as the counterpart is an official, it's impossible not to be able to win them over.

After the banquet, inquire with the other pioneers of the chambers of commerce about Mr. Schmidt's hobbies.

Fear not an official for being corrupt, but for having no interests.

Whether it's money, women, or something else, it can all be satisfied! Labert thought silently.

Seizing a moment when others weren't noticing, he called his assistant David with a gesture.

David hesitated somewhat, wanting to remind a few things, but was forced back by Labert's murderous glare.

"You have a family, my friend."

This sentence immediately dispelled all of David's hesitation.

The guild leader was right, he had a family and had long since had no way out. This transoceanic grain delivery journey was not easy, and submitting the grain strictly according to the requirements could make money, but not a hefty profit.

According to President Labert's standard, not making a hefty profit means a loss.

A shrewd Samaritan merchant cannot possibly lose money, Mr. Labert already had a plan, but thinking about the horror of this plan still made David anxious.

It doesn't help to panic; some things have to be done.

He quietly slipped away from the crowd, ostensibly returning to the fleet to arrange for tonight's action under the guise of arranging mooring matters.

Schmidt caught sight of Labert and his assistant whispering but did not intervene.

Doing one's own job well and not minding other people's business is his philosophy of being an official.

He believed the wise Lord Governor already had a strategy in place.

The mobile cavalry unit stationed near the Port Authority must not be here for leisure and sightseeing.

Since the Lord Governor had arrangements, he didn't need to take matters into his own hands, just cooperate accordingly.

Schmidt warmly invited Labert and his party into the banquet hall.

Today's banquet was simple yet festive, with dishes made from local specialties, not considered extravagant but abundant in quantity. Blood sausages and pork knuckles were filling, and there was plenty of black beer, in addition to local delicacies like fried meat rolls, salted crusted codfish, and apple pie.

Looking at the table filled with sumptuous dinner, Labert was a bit embarrassed.

Although Samaritan merchants liked leeching off the countries of Rodinia, their dietary habits rejected animal blood.

The blood sausage, a favorite delicacy of the people of the Three Overseas Provinces, was a disaster for them.

Seeing Labert's troubled expression, Schmidt burst into laughter.

"Mr. Labert, if you wish to establish yourself here in the future, you must get accustomed to our diet. Not eating blood sausage is not an option here."

"This is the best blood sausage, even Her Majesty the Empress said it was good, and the Lord Governor has ordered us to provide it periodically, not to mention this crispy knuckle, all local delicacies."

Labert hesitated, murmuring: "But it contradicts our doctrines."

"Your doctrines?"

Schmidt frowned and loudly reminded: "Mr. Labert, the Governor's Territory implements a relatively free religious policy, but this freedom is limited to choosing between Fengrao and Light."

"Our country is in the Fengrao District, where Feng Rao is the mainstream belief. The Lord Governor is a Knight of Light; therefore, followers of the Faith in Light are also welcomed. Other beliefs are heretical in the Governor's Territory."

"I advise you to think clearly as soon as possible, whether to believe in Fengrao or Light."

Perhaps thinking his words were too aggressive, Schmidt pierced a delicious blood sausage, chewing it fiercely, then washed it down with a large glass of beer, saying with a smile:

"Mr. Labert, there's no need to be too conflicted; whether it's Fengrao or Light, both advocate for no dietary taboos, you can enjoy the food without worry."

Labert's face turned dark, but he knew there was no avoiding it.

If he didn't eat the blood sausage, Schmidt would make things difficult for him.

Emre Port is the largest port in the Governor's Territory, and the Port Authority Director has significant power, not someone to be offended.

In his heart, Labert silently cursed Schmidt's ancestors before reluctantly picking up the blood sausage with trembling hands bringing it to his lips.

Gritting his teeth, he swallowed it like poison.

He couldn't taste anything, just felt waves of nausea.

He had to grab the beer mug in front of him, drinking it down fiercely.

He kept his head down, letting the raucous laughter of the Port Authority officials fill his ears.

Since the President ate, the others in the chamber of commerce couldn't say anything, only biting the bullet and eating.

Watching the Samaritans' pained expressions, Schmidt sneered inwardly.

These people would never change.

The Lord Governor is still too merciful. In his view, they should be nailed onto a cross like in other countries.

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