In the castle hall,
"Gisella, how is the villager's itching treatment going?"
"My lord, your ointment and treatment are very effective. The red bumps on the sick villagers' bodies have improved a lot and are not as itchy as they used to be."
"Okay, that's good, but we can't be careless. We need to continue to observe and apply the medicine."
"Yes, my lord. But we don't have much sulfur left. Could you bring some back from your trip?"
"Well, if I can find some, I'll bring some back." Sulfur has many uses, and even if Gisela hadn't mentioned it, Ed wouldn't have missed out on it.
"Marcus, you're in charge of this spring planting. I don't want any problems to arise," Ed instructed the old butler. After all, food was the most important thing right now, and there couldn't be any issues.
"Yes, my master, I will proceed with the spring planting as you have always done. I wish you good luck on your journey and look forward to your safe return," Butler Marcus said respectfully.
"Roderick, after spring planting, rebuild the houses in Peach Blossom Village. Everyone should participate."
"Yes, my lord,"
"Andrew, how are the roads?"
"My lord, if we head southeast, the road might not be very good. We've scouted a section of it, and it's full of jungles and swamps. Heading east to the river and then following it might be easier, but there could still be dangers." It seems Andrew has been diligently scouting the route these past few days.
Ed tapped his fingers lightly on the table, lost in thought:
Taking the jungle route might be shorter, but the jungle paths are rough and it would be troublesome if the horse got stuck. Let's stick to the riverbank instead!
"Is everything ready?" Ed asked.
"My lord, everything is ready: gloves, iron, food, and furs."
"What's the situation with the personnel and equipment?" Ed continued.
"My lord, the personnel consist of the squad members, plus a few villagers responsible for transporting goods, making about a dozen people. Everyone is equipped with leather armor, half of the squad members have swords, everyone has a regular bow and several arrows, and Eric has a divine bow."
"Yes, very good. We'll set off in three days."
...
"Did you know? Our lord is going to a very far place to exchange salt," said Villager A.
"Oh, Lord, you've worked so hard, traveling so far to exchange for salt. I just hope you don't run into bandits along the way," Villager B said with some concern.
"What nonsense are you talking about? Would the lord be in danger? The lord is our'savior.' I only regret that I just recovered from my illness, otherwise I would have gone too." Villager C was very dissatisfied with Villager B.
Villager Ding watched them quietly without daring to interrupt, afraid that he might say something wrong... especially since his injury had only recently healed.
Since the salt exchange route was to the east, the team had to pass through a village, and Ed had already spotted the villagers waiting outside the village.
He was still a little touched, realizing he still possessed some personal charm. Ed was dressed more appropriately today:
The deerskin boots, the short sword, and the cloak were all covered by a cape.
With his black hair flowing in the wind, he looked every bit the prince on a white horse.
Adelaide, on the other hand, was slightly inferior, as she did not have any rare headdresses.
However, Adelaide has a pretty face, while Ed doesn't, so she only lost by a small margin.
I'll skip the rest.
The horse caravan quickly arrived outside the village.
"My lord, I wish you a safe journey. I have prayed for you."
"My lord, may you have good fortune in your exchange; I will bless you."
"My lord, may you return safely. I will pray for you."
Ed waved to everyone and continued riding forward.
The villagers watched the procession walk away into the distance.
Until it disappeared into the distant jungle...