Green Monster Epic

Chapter 341: Green Lake Village Daily Life

Green Lake Village hadn't changed much, but it also wasn't a small change. With Chieftain Allen leading a group of youths away from the village for more than two years, the tribe, under the leadership of temporary Chieftain Flower Snake, was considered stable.

The demon invasion and the damage brought to the village by the two great battles had been slowly smoothed over in the past two years. One could no longer see many traces of war, except for the glazed ground scorched by the legendary dragon Figglas's dragon breath at the north gate, which was preserved.

"The land near Rapids Bay, everyone must work harder this year and reclaim more land!!"

Flower Snake, full of vigor, was in Allen's stone fort hall with Mauro, Camellia, Pavao, and others, arranging village affairs for the next few months.

"Okay, Chieftain, I'll arrange more manpower to go to Rapids Bay later."

There had been considerable changes among the village council members. In addition to the relatively tall and familiar faces of Pavao and Camellia, several short hobgoblin faces had been added behind the long, rectangular table in the hall, all of whom Flower Snake had promoted in the past two years.

Compared to when Allen was around, although he was considered fair in his dealings, he still preferred to promote useful talents from the Green Field Tribe's old guard or warriors with better skills and strength in the tribe. However, in the two years since Flower Snake took power, he preferred to employ hobgoblins to handle matters.

Firstly, the minds of these hobgoblins were indeed quicker than other goblin species, and they could quickly grasp both learning and skills. Secondly, although the strength of these hobgoblins was a bit lacking, they were hardworking and more manageable. Unlike other beargoblins and earthgoblins, who always wanted to fight or argue, managing them was very troublesome.

Of course, this was also related to Flower Snake's mentality. He was considered an anomaly among beargoblins and had no discriminatory views towards any goblin species. Even if the hobgoblins' skills and strength were lacking, he could treat them equally, and therefore, he was very popular among these hobgoblins.

Although Allen was good at learning and gradually changing some of his bad habits, his prejudice and contempt for hobgoblins still lingered in his heart. This stemmed from the nature of the wilderness natives, respecting the strong and despising the weak, which couldn't be completely eliminated in a short time. Of course, in recent years, Allen had gradually valued hobgoblins, with Koer, Eileen, and Tom, three good students, showing him the advantages of hobgoblins. Therefore, the number of hobgoblins in the middle and high-level management and leadership positions in the tribe had gradually increased.

At this time, the director in charge of reclaiming wasteland was Damien Roland from the former Roland Tribe. In his early thirties, he had become a very good talent in the tribe for arithmetic and overall planning through acquired training and learning.

"When will the personnel replenishment for my Auro Mine be in place?"

Since Pavao advanced to high-tier, he was assigned to take over the affairs of the Auro Mine. Later, as Allen traveled south, Pavao's mine tasks were heavy and lacked labor, so Flower Snake arranged for Mauro to go over.

The remaining beargoblin leaders, such as Black Head and Dog Egg, also had many changes in their powers. Only Camellia's position as logistics director and finance director hadn't changed, but Tony, a hobgoblin, had taken away a lot of her power.

Since Mauro followed him, the Auro Mine was actually divided into two parts. One part was the lignite mine, managed by Mauro. This part was relatively easy. Lignite mining didn't require many people. Although the coal mine was buried deep in the mountains, as long as the coal seam was excavated, the mining difficulty would be much smaller. The only thing to worry about was ventilation, which was relatively simple in a world with magical magic.

However, the pyrite mine managed by Pavao required a large number of people to mine. The mining of this ore required high labor intensity and was difficult to excavate. In addition, the plains around were ravaged by demons, and no additional slaves could be found. Therefore, Pavao's mine production hadn't returned to the output when A'Xiu was there.

"Pavao, to be honest, the village can't help too much with the mine's affairs. You also know when A'Xiu was here, the slaves and laborers were basically captured by him from the wilderness, and he didn't ask the village for help much!"

Flower Snake looked embarrassed. The village couldn't spare any extra manpower to help the mine due to labor problems. Even the slaves who used to be left for farming were now basically done by the hobgoblins and those few humans.

Two battles with the demons resulted in heavy casualties among the earthgoblin and beargoblin warriors in the tribe's backbone, so much labor and work were forced to be handed over to the hobgoblins, who had a larger population. This was also the reason why there were more and more hobgoblin managers in the village.

"Otherwise, let's do this, Pavao, go to the wilderness and look around. If you find a suitable tribe, I'll send a team to go with you to rob them back!!"

"...The problem is, where are there any tribes around the plains now!!"

Pavao frowned. He had complained to Flower Snake about the labor issue many times, but each time Flower Snake gave these reasons and couldn't come up with more constructive suggestions.

Now that his position was getting higher and higher, his sense of belonging to Green Lake Village was getting stronger and stronger. Especially after his eldest son, Barton, sacrificed himself for the tribe, Pavao felt that he should do his best to develop the tribe better, so as not to disappoint the sacrifices of the children.

"If it really doesn't work, let's follow the suggestion I made last time and go to the slave merchant group in Thornburg and spend money to buy slaves back!!"

Pavao had made this suggestion for some time, and he had even proposed contacting some adventurer teams in Thornburg who specialized in slave raiding to help the tribe raid people, but Flower Snake had refused.

Although most of the money and jewelry accumulated in the tribe before were taken away by the legendary dragon Figglas, and the rest was taken by Chieftain Allen during his travels, the four noodle restaurants in Thornburg, after being handed over to Xia Er and the others by Allen, were becoming more and more prosperous, and the profits were increasing steadily. Now they had a stable income of more than 300 gold coins a month.

Therefore, in the past two years, the tribe's public property had recovered, and even because there was no channel to purchase inheritance crystals, the tribe's money and wealth hadn't been spent much. Now there were more than 5,000 gold coins lying in the village's account book.

"This matter can't be rushed. Why should we waste the money that we have worked so hard to earn on something that could have been done without spending money!!"

Flower Snake's expression was slightly cold, and his tone became a bit firm, causing everyone to look at each other secretly.

"Well, now our village doesn't need much ironware either, or we can slow down this matter, slow down!"

Camellia stood up. She didn't want the people in the village to argue over these things, which would only weaken their feelings.

"Yes, yes, we're not in a hurry for the slaves, not in a hurry."

Mauro also chimed in, saying softly, "Otherwise, I'll transfer a few strong laborers from my coal mine to your side. Anyway, the coal I mine in a day will take you several days to burn."

"Okay, let's leave this matter for now, let's talk about..."

When the council meeting finally ended, Pavao returned home with a dissatisfied mood. Soon, Mauro also came to his door with two pieces of braised meat made with new techniques and a jar of malt wine.

Since the tribe resumed production and started reclamation work in Rapids Bay, the food crisis caused by the tribe's population had gradually subsided. In addition, the slaughter with the demons and the reduction of hundreds of people meant that even without the reclamation of Rapids Bay, the cultivated land in the Green Lake area could temporarily meet the needs of daily life.

However, Flower Snake, after all, grew up in an environment where he was hungry, so he valued the reclamation of land and planting grain very much, and the grain accumulated in the village gradually increased.

The excess old grain wasn't worth much money to sell, and the back-and-forth travel far exceeded the income from transporting and selling the old grain. Finally, the tribe spent money to learn the craft of making inferior malt wine from a team of human merchants, which also spawned many drunkards.

"This Flower Snake is getting more and more excessive now. He doesn't put us in his eyes when he speaks and acts. His attitude is even stronger than when Chieftain Allen was here!!"

The two ate and chatted, and because of their close relationship and their shared lineage as Earth Goblins, Pavaao poured out all the words he had been holding back to his friend, Mauro.

"Alas, Chief Allen has been gone for two years, and there's been no reply. No one knows exactly what happened to them."

Mauro also felt a bit sad, his face full of memories.

"Although Chief Flower Snake is not bad, he prefers obedient fellows. In the future, don't argue with him about anything. If you have any problems, report them, and then just listen to the specific arrangements."

"...Alas!"

The two drank the bitter malt wine, their hearts filled with mixed feelings.

At the same time, in Allen's stone fortress, after Da Shan, Camellia, and Mauro left, there were still some figures in the hall who hadn't departed, such as Tony and Damien. Most of them were Short Earth Goblins, with only Shi Sheng, a Bear Earth Goblin.

"These guys, relying on their seniority, always want me to help them solve the problems they report all at once. Is that possible? They don't even think about it. Sitting in my position, I have to consider far more aspects than they do."

"Especially that Pavaao, every time we have a meeting, he brings up his trivial matters to bother me. If I could solve the problem, wouldn't I have helped him?"

Flower Snake now possessed considerable authority. When he got angry, none of the surrounding Short Earth Goblins dared to interrupt, and they all nodded in agreement.

"That's right, Chief!"

"..."

Since Chief Allen disappeared without a trace for more than two years, for most of the tribe, the chief's appearance and smile had become somewhat blurred. On the contrary, the position of Flower Snake, the leader, became more and more stable. After all, if a tribal leader doesn't appear before his people for more than two years, even if he once had high prestige, he can't withstand the erosion of time and the changes in the hearts of the tribe.

"Next time this guy brings up this matter again, I think it's better to change his position and arrange for him to reclaim land in Torrent Bay!"

Tony now showed all sorts of flattering and ingratiating tactics when facing Flower Snake, even more diligently than when facing Allen. At this time, he leaned close to Flower Snake and quietly offered a suggestion.

"Hmm... That's a good suggestion."

Flower Snake pondered thoughtfully, carefully considering the feasibility of this matter, with a strange reverie in his eyes.

"But if he goes to Torrent Bay, who should be sent to be in charge of the iron mine? We can't let Mauro bear it alone!"

"The mine is now desolate because of the slave issues, but it is, after all, the most important industry in the village. It's not stable enough without a skilled Earth Goblin stationed there!"

Tony listened intently to Flower Snake's words, then his mind raced, and he immediately proposed a plan.

"I think it's better to let Chieftain Da Shan take over the affairs of the mine. With him at the mine, we can all rest assured!"

"Da Shan??"

Flower Snake frowned slightly, as if hesitant.

"Is that appropriate? He's currently in charge of the village's hunting team and security defense. Would he be unhappy if we sent him to the mine?"

"Chief!!"

Hearing Flower Snake say this, Tony's face suddenly changed, and he sat up straight, saying in a serious and firm tone: "Chief Allen has been gone for more than two years, and there hasn't been any news until now. It's not that I, as a tribesman, am overthinking things, but the wilderness is full of dangers, and I'm afraid they won't be coming back..."

"Of course, this idea is not just mine alone. If you don't believe me, Chief, you can ask them. Isn't that what everyone is thinking in their hearts!!"

"If Chief Allen doesn't come back, then you are the rightful chief of the Green Field Tribe! No one has any objections to this! As the chief, you reassign a task to Chieftain Da Jiang. What's wrong with that? Why would he dare to resist?"

"The hunting team and the security defense team are the most concentrated places for our tribe's warriors. If you want to control the power, Chief, and make others obey, this position can no longer be filled with other chieftains who are not loyal to you!"

"As long as you control these two positions, even if Allen..."

"You... How dare you!!"

Listening to Tony's words, the more Flower Snake listened, the uglier his face became. He slapped the ironwood table, glaring fiercely at Tony, his eyes as if he wanted to tear Tony apart on the spot.

"Chief, please believe in my loyalty to you. Even if you kill me on the spot now, I have to state these things clearly for you..."

Tony's legs went weak, but when his eyes met Flower Snake's, he didn't back down at all, completely unconcerned about what Flower Snake would do to him after he said these words.

"...Get out!!!"

"Everyone, get out of here!!!"

Flower Snake was silent for a long time, his killing intent ice-cold, causing the temperature of the entire stone fortress hall to drop a few degrees. All the Earth Goblin chieftains present fell silent, not even daring to breathe loudly, but their faces, like Tony's, were eagerly and loyally watching Flower Snake, with only a few guys' eyes flickering.

It wasn't until Flower Snake roared that a group of Short Earth Goblins bowed and slowly walked out of the stone fortress, leaving only Black Head, who Flower Snake had signaled to stay behind.

"Prepare yourself and quickly familiarize yourself with the affairs of the village's hunting team and defense team. When the village council meets next month, these matters will be handed over to you!!"

Without outsiders present, Flower Snake's aura suddenly collapsed, rubbing his throbbing brow. He said wearily to Black Head.

"These dwarves have too many thoughts and great ambitions, but their skills are very poor. They are completely useless at critical moments. I still need you to help me with many things!!"

"You are the person I trust the most. Don't let me down!!"

"Chief, don't worry, I will definitely help you guard the village!!!"

Suddenly receiving such a big promotion, Black Head's bear face was somewhat distorted with excitement. He patted his chest and excitedly made a guarantee to Flower Snake.

Speaking of which, although Black Head and Flower Snake grew up together and were among the first members to go out with Allen, because his skills were sparse and he didn't have any major advantages, he had always been compared to Da Shan, A Xiao, and others, not to mention Flower Snake, the second successful advanced member of the tribe.

Later, Black Head had been working under Flower Snake. In the early days, Flower Snake spoke little and was obsessed with improving his own strength and combat skills, so he delegated most of the matters he was responsible for to Black Head, which also made the relationship between the two much closer than that with others.

"With your words, I'm relieved. Work hard!!"

Flower Snake nodded. Black Head had no other advantages, but at least in terms of loyalty, he was more worthy of Flower Snake entrusting with important tasks, even if he himself might not have that ability.

Tony's other words might not all be correct, but he did hit Flower Snake's soft spot when it came to the hunting team and defense team. After all, this was where most of the tribe's combat power was concentrated, and it had to be controlled by someone more trustworthy and obedient. Da Shan, Mauro, Pavaao, and others might seem honest now, but after all, they had grown up together, and over the years, there had been various small disputes and conflicts between them. Who knew when they would cause trouble over a small matter.

"Okay!!"

"Alright, you can go down too. Remember what I said, and go back and learn about the hunting team and defense team."

"Okay!!"

"Wait!!"

Black Head started to leave, but just as he was about to leave the stone fortress gate, Flower Snake suddenly called him back. Black Head looked back at Flower Snake in confusion.

"If, I mean if, Chief Allen were to come back..."

"Forget it, nothing. You go!"

"Oh!!"

Watching Black Head's departing figure, Flower Snake sighed deeply, his heart churning with various emotions that he couldn't calm down for a long time, with both beautiful fantasies and deep worries. He remained silently in the lonely hall of the stone fortress for a long time, until all emotions gradually subsided, before Flower Snake stood up from the chair that originally belonged to Allen and slowly walked out of the stone fortress.

Don't ask me why Flower Snake would have this kind of change. Everyone, ask yourself, if it were you or me, wouldn't you have changed the same way~~