Ansel watched in interest as the gangsters were taken in for prison. Though, looking at their still-confident and menacing expressions, he reckoned this was counted as a childish 'timeout' instead.
Ansel's sights followed them as they were hauled out and his eyes inevitably met with the lead gangster's, who was sending him a warning glare.
In response, Ansel crossed his arms and smirked, sending him the middle finger, which made the latter explode and sprint to him.
He easily did so, too, and it was either he was super strong…, or the ties were just for show.
Ansel had a feeling it was the latter.
"Looks like you don't want to escape from a beating, eh?" Ansel smirked, his hands raised and entering a ready-to-kick-butt posture.
However, before Ansel could beat him to a half-dead state, the other of the Lord's guards surrounded the man and took him down, tying him up more snugly.
After securing them all, the guards continued their way with the gangsters in tow. A lot of whom not forgetting to send glares in their direction, threatening. "See how I handle you later!" He yelled, looking at them as if they were already dead meat he'd skewer in a barbeque later.
Ansel and Leo looked at each other with raised eyebrows. They were so confident? Were they going to get released later after their 'time-out'?
However, neither of them pointed it out, knowing they were in another person's territory.
When the crowd regained peace, Matthew—who had appeared unaffected all throughout—raised his hand and everyone became quiet.
"I have actually come here because of a purpose. I have been going from community to community in order to personally congratulate everyone for protecting the territory well. Thank you."
"Nonono, we wouldn't have been able to do it without you!"
"Yes, my Lord, we never would've had the courage if it wasn't for you!"
"Well, the credit is to all of us," he said with a smile. "I have come with good news, as well. When we upgraded, new buildings became available to us."
"A lot of which are useful new structures, such as the Wells."
He paused for effect, looking at the audience whose eyes were becoming brighter and brighter full of hope.
"That's right, the water source. We no longer have to make do with the restaurant gruel as our only source of water.
"We can now bathe again and drink our fills… our territory will get better and better!"
Then he paused, eyes softening and looking a bit distraught. "Unfortunately, the building cost of each one is a bit costly, and there will be a small cost per use afterward.
"So now I request we work together for our home! Would you like to help me? Those who share will get higher limits than the others…"
He scratched the back of his head and looked down, as if embarrassed. "Each one costs about 100 gold each and a lot of resources. After repairing the wall, I do not have any left…"
"Yes Lord! Water! Everyone needs water!"
"I'm willing to share!" One person said, manifesting a few pieces of silver.
"Me too!"
"Don't be embarrassed Lord, you've done so much already!"
"I will share 10 silver!"
"I will share 50!"
Matthew smiled brightly at them, looking grateful. "Thank you, everyone, I will not forget your contribution!!"
Everyone cheered. They will finally have water!
Luke nodded in admiration. "He looks like a pretty good guy!"
Both Ansel and Leo rolled their eyes. Ansel turned his head to Leo, asking with his eyes: Did this guy get scammed a lot?
Leo nodded, 'Yes, always.'
"He almost joined a cult once…" Leo whispered, making Ansel cackle a bit.
Luke seemed to have felt the ridicule, and turned his head to them, puzzled. "Huh, what?"
"Nothing." The two shrugged and resumed watching the show.
This speech of Matthew not only managed to solicit 100 gold and hundreds of resources, but this investment and his constant use of inclusive language would influence people to deeply feel for the territory, increasing loyalty.
It was a bit smart if he really didn't have the money.
But… Ansel had a feeling the cost of that well was definitely lower than 100.
And he did mention before that he had been going from community to community. He wondered how many 'wells' he was able to fund using this method.
Also, he could've also promised the people who shared that they could get the equivalent amount of water for free, instead of just buying a higher limit cap.
His train of thought was interrupted when he saw Luke shake hands with Matthew. His hand slapped his forehead and Leo shook his head.
Then the idiot turned his head to them and called them over. "You guys, come here! Come here!"
The two had no choice but to introduce themselves.
"Ah yes, Ansel Witt." He said with a mysterious smile. "And Luke and Leonard Hugh."
"I've seen your performances. You are very strong."
Ansel frowned at his knowing look. Although he hadn't confirmed it, he could feel the lords could invade his privacy somehow.
Like they could read information about him he didn't want others to see.
It was intrusive and he didn't like it at all.
"Do know we especially welcome those who can contribute to the safety of the territory." Matthew said with a smile, "The conditions are very good. Just say them and we will do what we can."
For a moment, Ansel was tempted to ask him what it was, just out of curiosity. In the end, though, he shook his head. "We're trying to find people. We probably won't be staying for long."
Matthew stared at them for a moment longer than proper, before sending them that winning smile.
"Well, come to me if you change your mind." He said and politely excused himself, heading back deeper into the territory.
For a while, they thought that was that.
However, hours after parting, Ansel felt a weird feeling of stickiness in his back making him frown for a long time.
Their group… was definitely being watched.