Seeing that many people refused to kneel, Knight Commander Carlisle frowned. When he was about to get angry, he heard someone talking at the scene.

"Get up, there's nothing to kneel for."

"You are residents of Hope Village, and the Marquis is not the Marquis of Hope Village. We have never kneeled before our lord, so why should we kneel before the lords of other territories!"

"Yes, everyone get up."

"Why are you being so arrogant in our Hope Village?"

"I hope everyone in the village will get up."

“…”

Many people in the crowd shouted.

There was a crowd of people, and no one knew who said this specifically, but voices of rebuttal kept coming.

Behind him, the person who was originally kneeling slowly stood up.

...

...

If others don't kneel, it won't look good for them to kneel!

Besides, it was not wrong. They had never knelt before the lord in Hope Village, although the lord had never shown up.

Seeing this, Carlisle's expression changed.

He had been to so many territories with Marquis Boyle. Except for cities of the same level as their territories and powerful level 3 towns, all other territories gave face to them, the Marquis.

Bowing when meeting a noble is a rule in the human kingdom.

What made him angry at this moment was not only that the other party did not kneel to greet him, but also that these people dared to offend them with words.

In short, they just didn't take the Marquis seriously.

How is this possible???

"Where is your lord?" Carlisle's sharp eyes instantly turned to the soldiers guarding the city, and finally stopped on Zhou Bai and Bayer.

When he saw Bayer, his eyes narrowed slightly, and he immediately said in difficulty: "You Hope Village are so bold that you dare to take in the Undead!"

The undead are not very welcome on the continent of Stan, and are even rejected, but that does not mean that there are no undead on the continent of Stan.

There are some hidden in the human kingdom, and they are basically kept by some nobles in order to make them do some shameful things.

If they succeed, it will be good for them nobles.

If they fail, it will be the work of the cursed undead, and they should be killed.

Speaking of which, the undead are more useful than some personal slaves!

But at this moment, he hoped that the village would allow them to appear in the territory openly, and it was the time to offend them. How could he not take advantage of the situation?

Zhou Bai still found it very pleasing to hear the surrounding residents condemning the convoy.

After all, the other party's arrogance is indeed a bit too big.

As a result, the other party suddenly used Bayer to attack us, and we were completely speechless.

This is also Zhou Bai

She was well aware that such a situation was inevitable as Hope Village developed.

Therefore, she had to determine Hope Village's attitude as early as possible.

Her attitude was naturally "poverty and humbleness cannot change her, power and might cannot bend her", because if she succumbed

She worked hard to develop her territory, not to make herself or her residents bow to others all the time.

Therefore, looking at Carlisle in front of him, he said coldly: "The undead were summoned by our lord through special buildings. It is reasonable and has nothing to do with boldness. Besides, this is the internal affairs of our Hope Village. Do you want to bypass our lord to manage our territory?"

Carlisle didn't expect Zhou Bai's reaction to be like this. When he realized what was happening, his face darkened and he said in a deep voice, "Where is your lord? He should come out to greet our Marquis when he arrives."

"We don't know where our lord is at the moment, so we are here to welcome the Marquis on his behalf. As for the rest, we haven't received any orders?" Zhou Bai said firmly. Since no orders were received, there would be no special treatment.

At this moment, Zhou Bai was glad that his identity had not been exposed or made public.

You can use the tiger's skin to do things.

Your Lordship is the “backer” behind them.

Carlisle: “…”

Just as Carlisle was trying to find a way to fight back, Marquis Boyle, who had listened to the conversation between the two parties, raised his eyebrows in the car.

The people in Hope Village are really arrogant.

But I do have some capital to be proud of.

This time, he didn't come to target Hope Village, but just to see who this Hope Village is that could actually make... it suffer a setback.

A dark light flashed across his eyes, and then he looked at Theodore who was still holding up the curtain outside, and then he went out.

As soon as he came out, Carlisle saluted and said, "My Lord Marquis."

When I was performing the ceremony, I still felt a little uncomfortable.

His "helplessness" towards Hope Village should have been noticed by the Marquis, and I wonder if the Marquis would be satisfied.

Marquis Boyle was naturally dissatisfied, but he knew that Hope Village was different, so he didn't blame too much. He just responded lightly and went down.

Zhou Bai looked at the Marquis Boyle who appeared and was also observing him.

As for the nobles in this world, she had met Viscount Lancelot of Glasgow Village before. Perhaps because Hope Village was on the same level as Viscount Lancelot, the latter's attitude was very approachable. Even though she had not met the so-called "lord", she, the village chief, was treated equally.

But she didn't think the Marquis would share the same view.

She even had some doubts about the other party's purpose of coming to Hope Village.

Since he is a marquis, he must control a city territory and have many capable people under his command. Even if the things in Hope Village are tempting and he only needs to say a word and there are many people running errands for him, there is no need for him to come, at least not at the beginning.

But he came anyway.

Therefore, Zhou Bai was still very wary of the other party.

He just thought so in his mind, but his face did not show it at all, and he bowed politely.

It's just a slight bow! She can do it.

Seeing this, Marquis Boyle raised his eyebrows and even saluted.

After thinking for a moment, I began to understand the other person's thoughts.

Looking at Carlisle, he said in a slightly cold voice: "I told you not to make a big show outside and disturb other residents of the territory. Didn't you remember my words?"

When Carlisle heard this, he instantly understood what his Marquis meant, and quickly knelt down to apologize, saying, "My Lord Marquis, I was wrong."

"I'll punish you when we get back." After saying that, Marquis Boyle looked at Zhou Bai and said, "I didn't discipline my subordinates well, and I made a fool of myself for you. Today, just treat me as an ordinary tourist! I came here because I heard about the delicious food in Hope Village."

Heard?

The Morrison caravan is returning to the city of Loviisa, and the flag of the Morrison caravan is behind them.

Morrison has been back for so long, so he must have sold a lot of things.

If it was in the territory, it is impossible that Marquis Boyle, as the lord, had not eaten it.

But it is understandable that it is not within the territory.

Then why is the Marquis curious about Hope Village if it is not within the territory?

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Zhou Bai's mind, that is, the territorial war that had just ended in Hope Village.

Fasal Village is just a village. Bayer also said that such an aggressive territory must be backed by a large territory.

Could she reasonably guess that the city of Loviisa was the backer of Fasal Village?

But this is just her guess, and it is not true without verification.

But sometimes Zhou Bai still believes in himself.

Thinking about it, Zhou Bai smiled politely at Marquis Boyle, "Welcome, Hope Village welcomes friends from all over the world. In order to entertain people like the Marquis, we have specially approved a piece of land to build a holiday villa! It's a pity that we have just started construction and cannot entertain the Marquis in a short time. Maybe you will have to tolerate it."

Zhou Bai also suddenly thought of some of the "habits" of the nobles. Last time, Viscount Lancelot "disdained" the inn in Hope Village, so this one would probably dislike it even more!

Sure enough, after hearing what Zhou Bai said, Marquis Boyle asked directly: "Doesn't your Lordship have any manor?"

The entire territory belongs to the lord, so it is only natural to build a manor.

He has several manors in his own city of Loviisa, some of which are used to entertain nobles from other territories. This has become a routine.

Since the holiday villa is under construction, he can reluctantly live in the lord's manor and replace some of the furniture with his usual ones.

Zhou Bai shook his head. "No, so far, the only habitable places in our territory are houses and hotels, and the lord doesn't have any manors."

Marquis Boyle: "..."

Isn't Hope Village already a level 3 village? Why is it still so simple?

"So I'm sorry to bother you, Marquis Boyle, to stay in the hotel first. If you are worried about being disturbed by others, you can book the entire hotel, and then the hotel will not accommodate other people." Zhou Bai reminded him kindly.

She also realized that what the Marquis meant was a free treat.

How is this possible???

She would never be such a sucker.

She had better remind them quickly. She thought that these nobles all valued their reputation, so after she said that, they would not question it and would just agree to it.

As long as the Marquis agrees, there will be a "track to follow" for other nobles to come in the future.

Absolutely perfect!

Zhou Bai was once again thankful that his identity was not exposed.

She is the mayor of Hope Village, so it is easy for her to say this; but if she is the lord of Hope Village, it is unacceptable for her to say this.

Indeed, Marquis Boyle and others understood what Zhou Bai said.

Even though Marquis Boyle wanted to show his magnanimity, he was still a little speechless.

The other party meant that not only would he be allowed to stay in a hotel, but he would also have to pay for the hotel himself, right? ? ?

Out of his aristocratic upbringing, Marquis Boyle was too embarrassed to say anything more.

Carlisle, who was standing by, heard this outrageous request and was about to say something for his Marquis.

But Marquis Boyle was the first to speak, "Well, then let's stay in a hotel first. It will be a rare experience!"

"Then, Your Excellency the Marquis, please!" Zhou Bai said respectfully.

The visitor is a guest, and to a certain extent can also be said to be a "boss" who cannot be offended. It really doesn't matter if she can avoid trouble by being more respectful.

Marquis Boyle glanced at Zhou Bai and nodded, "Yes."

Afterwards, Zhou Bai asked Bayer beside him to lead them in first.

Facing Carlisle's angry look, he said apologetically: "Our lord is not in the territory, and there are many guests to entertain later. I can't leave, so let Bayer take you there!"

"Yeah." Marquis Boyle responded lightly. He was also very interested in the undead working in Hope Village!

We can have a good chat on the way.

After a while, Marquis Boyle and his party were led away.

When leaving, Theodore, who had been silent beside Marquis Boyle, couldn't help but look at Zhou Bai again.

He had also heard about Zhou Bai's style of doing things from Morrison, but seeing is believing!

During the whole process, he did not interrupt. Firstly, he was planning to do business with Zhou Bai, and he was afraid that interrupting would make subsequent matters difficult. Secondly, he knew very well that he had no right to speak in the situation just now.

He is just an illegitimate child.

Thinking of this, Theodore followed silently. He would look for Morrison to make connections later when he had the chance.

After they left, many onlookers around them immediately went back.

Obviously, they were people sent by other teams behind to investigate the situation.

After a short while, everyone basically knew how Zhou Bai dealt with Marquis Boyle.

"The people of Hope Village are really brave! He is a marquis."

"But the people of Hope Village seem to be a little special. Under normal circumstances, the residents are absolutely respectful to the nobles. At least no matter what they think in their hearts, they will not let people find fault with them on the surface. But they don't even bother to show it."

"Yes! The Lord of Hope Village has given the residents so much freedom. Isn't he afraid that they will harm him in the future?"

“I don’t know what the other party is thinking.”

"Anyway, even if there are problems in the future, it has nothing to do with us."

"If you have any questions, that's even better. I hope the good things in the village are really good!"

"Then let's monitor more closely and look for an opportunity! Since no one can eat it all, we can only wait for him to get messy. Then it would be a good idea for everyone to share it together."

"It turns out that the Lord of Hope Village doesn't even have a manor. It seems that we can only stay in a hotel today."

"Just stay here for a while! There's a manor being built."

"But that manor will probably cost money."

“I care more about enjoyment than money.”

"This Hope Village is so simple and shabby, it doesn't even have a manor. How on earth is it ranked over 5,000?"

"that is."

“…”

The nobles and their confidants who followed gradually developed their own little thoughts based on what they had just seen.

Of course, the most important thing is that they have a certain understanding of the "rules" of Hope Village.

As we chatted, there was a little more disdain and...jealousy in his expression.

Then, they got off the car one by one, ready to pay a visit to the so-called village chief of Hope Village.

While they were preparing for the visit, Morrison had already met with Zhou Bai first.

He was ahead of the other teams thanks to Lord Boyle's help.

Before others arrived, he had to say hello to Zhou Bai first.

"Village chief." Morrison said to Zhou Bai with his wife and children.

"Is this your wife and child?" Zhou Bai asked Rita and Owen beside Morrison.

"Yes, my wife Rita and my son Owen."

Morrison introduced them, and Rita and Owen also quickly saluted.

Even a little kid like Owen knew the basics of how to salute.

Seeing them bringing their children, Zhou Bai had some guesses in his mind and smiled brightly, "Welcome to Hope Village. By the way, our territory school has already started and is currently recruiting students. If Captain Morrison is interested, you can bring your children to have a look!"

Morrison listened and his expression changed slightly. Has school started yet?

The next moment, he agreed directly, "Okay."

It was at this time that Zhou Bai spoke up, "Did Captain Morrison set out from Lovisa City with Marquis Boyle?"

She wanted to collect more clues. Morrison had a breakthrough, and it would be a waste not to ask.

The important thing is, this news is not a big secret, so it’s normal for her to ask.

Morrison also knew this. Although he had some guesses in his mind, he still said calmly, "How can I be qualified to go out with Marquis Boyle? I am with a caravan in our territory. The person in charge of that caravan is a relative of Marquis Boyle. As for Marquis Boyle, he caught up with our team yesterday."

Morrison also didn't know why Marquis Boyle suddenly became interested in Hope Village.

Zhou Bai listened, his eyes flickering.

That being said, her speculation just now became more and more likely.

Then, Zhou Bai continued to ask for some information about Marquis Boyle, which ended the conversation. "Thank you. Please go to the territory first! The current territory should surprise you."

After seeing the good things about Hope Village, come and embrace it!

As long as Morrison's children go to school in Hope Village, the possibility of recruiting them in the long run is very high.

"Okay." Morrison became even more curious when he heard Zhou Bai say that.

Then, he quickly pulled the team inside.

After Morrison left, several nobles came towards Zhou Bai together.

The look in his eyes when he looked at Zhou Bai was full of scrutiny and... criticism.

"Are you the mayor of Hope Village?"

"How can a woman be the village chief?"

"You hope that the village will be deserted?"

“…”

Several nobles spoke bluntly, their tone was very calm, but the content of their words was undoubtedly provoking people's anger.

The people listening nearby clenched their fists instantly.

On the contrary, it was Zhou Bai,

This group of nobles really deserve a beating even more than Marquis Boyle just now.

Also, could they not know about the conversation between Zhou Bai and Marquis Boyle just now? Yes.

It was precisely because they knew this that they took advantage of their numbers to intimidate the village chief Zhou Bai.

One is to take this opportunity to curry favor with Marquis Boyle. After all, they don't believe that Marquis Boyle will really not be angry.

The second is to test the details of Hope Village and put pressure on her at the same time.

Zhou Bai looked at the group of nobles calmly and said directly, "I am the village chief appointed by our lord. Our territory selects people based on their talent and character, regardless of gender. Could it be that your lords' territories only accept men and not women?"

"Of course not, it's just that there are very few women who can be in charge of a territory! Will your lord leave all matters to you?" As some nobles spoke, there was a hint of ambiguity on their faces.

Zhou Bai ignored the other party's hint and asked directly: "But I know that there are many women who serve as lords. Marquis Catherine is one of them. She has always been a role model for our lords. Because of Marquis Catherine, our lords are not restricted to recruiting talents."

Fortunately, she had made a special effort to learn about some of the top-ranked cities and towns in the human kingdom in the past few days.

The city of Leos, ruled by Marquis Catherine, is a famous big city, not only because it has a female lord, but also because it is a very powerful big city. Its territory ranks among the top five, and no one dares to ignore its existence.

Hearing Zhou Bai say this, several nobles' faces darkened.

The chief of Hope Village is really sharp-tongued.

Now that Marquis Catherine has come out, can they say that women don’t have that ability?

After taking a look at their frustrated expressions, Zhou Bai continued, "Come to think of it, I still don't know which territory you are from? What is your territory ranking?"

She had a hunch.

The territories of this group of nobles are probably not ranked very well.

Otherwise, he probably wouldn't have the mind to embarrass her as the head of Hope Village. Just like the Marquis just now, he didn't take her seriously at all, so he didn't care about her "offense".

Sure enough, after Zhou Bai said this, the expressions of several nobles changed.

Which territory can be mentioned, but why should we talk about the territory ranking? ? ?

Said they were after Hope Village???

Isn't that embarrassing???

Looking at their expressions, Zhou Bai understood instantly.

As expected, it is ranked after Hope Village!

What Zhou Bai understood was also understood by the people around him who refused to leave. They immediately started to "make a fuss" and spoke out of curiosity.

"Where is the territory of the lords?"

"We'll go take a look when we have a chance."

"I think it must be very strong!"

“…”