Is this cheat code from Bika? Just do it!

But after being locked up for three days, when they saw Fiora's cold face and stern eyes, they couldn't help but shiver. Clearly, she had suffered a lot inside.

Fiora is the head of the Public Security Department. She maintains the order of Winterfell with an iron fist and never tolerates illegal and criminal acts.

Those who dare to cause trouble in Winterhold deserve this punishment. Let's see if they dare to do it again next time.

"Lord Link, they wouldn't dare to cause trouble openly now."

Luca pulled out a palm-sized notebook from her pocket. This notebook was used to record all kinds of intelligence and information, and it was filled with dense writing.

She skillfully opened the package and handed it to Link, saying softly, "They're all talking about whether to use civilians for smuggling to evade customs duties."

It turns out that all those arrested in the past few days, after being locked in a small dark room for several days, eventually left the Ministry of Public Security in great fear.

Amidst the rumors of one person spreading to two, and two to four, the Ministry of Public Security seemed like a place where demons resided, inspiring fear in all who heard of it.

Fiora is the number one demon. She shows no mercy to criminals. Two people who were fighting one second will hug each other the next second after seeing Fiora, crying and shouting that they have been missing their brothers for a long time, as if this can alleviate their crimes.

Some lazy people deliberately caused trouble hoping to get free meals and lodging at the Ministry of Public Security, but being locked in the small dark room for three days drove them crazy.

It was dark and small inside, without a ray of light, and the air didn't circulate, making people feel extremely depressed and afraid.

"smuggling?"

Link took the notebook and began to carefully flip through it.

This intelligence was gathered from the second floor of the Oakwood Tavern. The Oakwood Tavern is one of the liveliest places in Winterfell, and its business is booming.

Just look at the second floor; every time it's mealtime, all the private rooms on the second floor are booked by businessmen.

Inside the private room, the merchants engaged in all sorts of boasting and flattery, discussing business matters, exchanging trade information, and sharing tips on making money.

Some conversation snippets, etc., would pass through the holes in the room and enter the ears of those eavesdropping underground. They would all be compiled into a book, and then selected by Luca, Asagi, and others before being sent to Link.

"Interesting. They actually thought of evading tariffs. It seems we really can't have too much hope for these merchants' integrity."

Link's lips curled into a cold smile, his eyes revealing a hint of disdain.

The fact that merchants would think of using ordinary people to break down large orders into smaller ones and evade customs checks is just like the personal shopping agents on Earth.

No, there's a slight difference. The costs here are lower, and the merchants earn more, only needing to give the common people a small fee for their hard work.

Link felt that these money-grubbing businessmen should not be underestimated. Whenever their interests were involved, they would come up with all sorts of wicked ideas to seek personal gain.

"Lord Link, should we arrest them all?"

Suddenly, a military knife appeared in Luca's hand. This knife was her usual self-defense weapon, and its blade gleamed coldly.

Her eyes flashed with a cold light as she brandished her military knife and said, "I'll go and take them down right now."

"No, that's too lenient on them. Anyone who dares to break the rules should pay a price."

After a moment of contemplation, Link shook his head and said...

This time, he decided to make an example of someone to warn other businessmen with ulterior motives.

He lets the merchants make money in the hope that they can contribute to the economic development of Winterfell, but if they don't follow the rules and act recklessly, then they won't be able to make money either.

"Lord Link, what have you decided to do?"

Luca asked with some curiosity, her eyes wide and expectant as she looked at Link, wondering what ingenious plan he had to deal with those merchants.

"Next time they smuggle, I want to catch them red-handed, seize all the goods, lock them all in a dark room, and after three days, drive them all out of Winterfell and blacklist them so they can never come back."

Link said calmly, a hint of determination in his eyes.

Since these businessmen are unwilling to make money honestly within the rules, then they shouldn't try to make money at all. Let them go find other ways to make money. Let's cut off their source of income and show them the serious consequences of breaking the rules.

"I'm afraid these businessmen will cry themselves to death in the toilet."

Jin Meiting chuckled lightly, imagining the desperate expressions on the merchants' faces when they learned that their goods had been seized and they had been driven out of Winter City, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

Those merchants here enjoy the business opportunities and wealth brought by Winter City, but they are still not satisfied and want to make more profits through smuggling. They are really greedy.

"Have Lina strengthen surveillance along the territory's borders; I don't want to discover any illegal immigrants."

Link said seriously that Winter City is currently at a critical stage of development, and any external interference or sabotage could affect the city's development and stability.

He needed to keep a close eye on all the changes in Winterfell, only in this way could he ensure that Winterfell remained standing in the North and continued to grow stronger.

"Yes!" Jin Meiting and Luca responded in unison, and then went to carry out their respective tasks.

Link sat in his study, gazing at the scenery outside the window, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

He knew that the development of Winterfell would not be smooth sailing, and that there would be more challenges and difficulties in the future, but he was confident that he could lead the people of Winterfell to overcome all difficulties and create a better future.

171. Greenhouse

"Whoosh...whoosh..."

Link stood quietly under the eaves, his breathing slightly rapid, turning into wisps of white mist in the frigid air, drifting away like wisps of smoke. He stood tall, his gaze fixed on the distance, his heart filled with astonishment.

He never imagined that the temperature in the North would plummet so quickly after June, as if overnight it had plunged from warm summer into the depths of winter. There's a saying, "One autumn rain brings one chill," suggesting a gradual coolness that allows time for adaptation to the changing seasons. But here in the North, the speed of the cold was beyond imagination, like a wild horse running rampant, catching him completely off guard.

It had only rained a few times, yet the biting chill swept over him like a surging tide. Every gust of wind felt like a sharp knife, mercilessly cutting into his skin, making him shiver uncontrollably. Link shook his head helplessly, a wry smile tinged with resignation at the unpredictable weather. Then, he turned and slowly went back inside, his footsteps echoing in the empty room. He went straight to the wardrobe, pulled out a military overcoat, and put it on.

This military overcoat was as thick as a quilt, heavy in my hands, as if bearing the weight of protecting me from the cold. Link had won this kind of overcoat in a lottery. At the time, he thought there were quite a few, taking up a lot of space, and he even grumbled that these overcoats would be completely useless in the Northern summer. Who would have thought that it would only be June, and he'd already have to take it out to ward off this sudden cold? Life is truly unpredictable.

He wrapped his military overcoat tighter around his body, the coat clinging to him as if providing warmth. He walked slowly toward the dining hall, each step cautious, for the ground outside was covered with a thin layer of ice, and he could easily slip. The cold wind cut like knives across his face, the biting chill turning his cheeks instantly red. He instinctively hunched his shoulders, burying his head even deeper into his overcoat.

As he reached the dining room door and pushed it open, a wave of warmth, like a gentle embrace, rushed towards him, a stark contrast to the chill outside. The warmth made him involuntarily take a deep breath, as if trying to absorb it all. He saw a stove in the corner, burning brightly, its red flames leaping merrily like playful little sprites. The heat emanating from the flames warmed the surrounding air, making him feel as if he were basking in the warm spring sunshine.

"Uh, where is everyone?" Link walked into the dining room, his gaze sweeping around, but he didn't find anyone. The dining room was extremely quiet; the only sounds were his own footsteps and the crackling of the firewood burning in the stove. Only a large plate of steaming buns sat on the table. Each bun was plump and white, like a cute little baby, emitting an enticing aroma that made one's mouth water.

"Click!" Just then, the dining room door was suddenly pushed open, and a gust of cold wind rushed in, like an invisible hand lifting the tablecloth. The cold wind made Link shiver, and he instinctively wrapped his military overcoat tighter around himself. The next second, the door was quickly closed again, as if the cold wind had only made a brief visit.

Fiora rubbed her sleepy eyes and staggered in. She was wearing a thick military overcoat, with a fluffy scarf wrapped around the collar, making her look exceptionally warm. She carried a baseball bat in her hand and had a sword at her waist. She looked both comical and heroic, like a female warrior preparing for battle, yet with a hint of sleepiness in her eyes.

"Good morning, Lord Link!" Fiora stood up straight and greeted Link respectfully, her voice still carrying a hint of sleepiness.

"Good morning! No need to go out on patrol today," Link said softly, his voice gentle and calm, like a spring breeze. He walked to the table, picked up a meat bun, and gently tore it open. The filling was plump and juicy, with a fragrant aroma. He put half of it in his mouth and chewed slowly. The filling was delicious and juicy, with a very good texture, which greatly satisfied his taste buds, and a contented expression appeared on his face.

"Huh? Don't we need to go?" Fiora was a little surprised. She had already put on her leather armor and was about to go out on patrol. She stared wide-eyed at Link, as if confirming that she hadn't misheard.

“No need. You’re the Minister of Public Security. You don’t need to go out on patrols every day. Going every two or three days is enough,” Link said with a smile. His smile was like the warm winter sun, making people feel warm and at ease. Seeing Fiora’s somewhat puzzled expression, he patiently explained, “The temperature in the North has been fluctuating too much lately, and everyone is quite tired. Taking a proper rest is essential for working better. Like a machine, if it keeps running non-stop, it will break down sooner or later.”

“Great!” Fiora nodded, a look of delight on her face. Not having to go out on patrol every day was just what she wanted. She thought to herself, “Finally, I can sleep in!” and a bright smile spread across her face.

"Then I'll have to sleep a little longer today. Ugh, it's so cold outside." She said, rubbing her hands together, trying to warm them up. Her hands were red and swollen from the cold, like two little radishes.

"Click!" The dining room door opened again, and Inessa stepped out. She was wearing a thick, soft pink cotton coat, which made her look quite adorable. A fluffy hat with a small embroidered bow added to her playful charm. Her little face was rosy from the cold, like a ripe apple. The door quickly closed again, keeping the cold outside out.

"Why are only a few of us eating breakfast today?" Inessa asked, looking around the dining room with a puzzled expression. Her gaze swept over Link and Fiora, her eyes filled with confusion.

"They woke up, ate something, and then went back to sleep," Inessa said with a smile, her smile as bright and charming as a spring flower. She walked to the table, picked up a steamed bun, and took a bite. "This steamed bun is delicious, Lord Link, you should have some too." The aroma of the bun filled her mouth, and a satisfied expression appeared on her face.

“I see,” Link said casually, eating a steamed bun. “By the way, Inessa, how’s the orphanage doing lately?” He had always been concerned about the orphanage; after all, those children were innocent and needed more love and care. His eyes were full of concern, as if those children were his own family.

Inessa swallowed the bun in her mouth, her face beaming with a smile. "The orphanage is doing very well now. Thanks to the stoves you gave us, none of the children have gotten cold." She thought of the children playing happily in the warm rooms, and her heart filled with warmth. The children's laughter seemed to still echo in her ears, filling her with immense comfort.

"Moreover, those stoves can boil water and cook rice at the same time, and they can also raise the indoor temperature. It's really killing two birds with one stone," Inessa said excitedly, her eyes sparkling as if those stoves were the most magical things in the world.

"That's good!" Link nodded, feeling a sense of relief. He had only put the stove on the market for a day or two when winter arrived; the cold snap from the North came so quickly, it was truly frustrating. He watched the snowflakes falling outside the window, like pure white feathers, fluttering down and covering the world in a silvery blanket. He fell into deep thought, his thoughts drifting far away.

He was thinking that if it weren't for the northern mountains blocking most of the cold air, Winter City would probably be similar to the other side of the mountains, a land of ice and snow year-round. What a terrifying sight that would be! The entire city covered in ice and snow, with people struggling to survive in the cold. No wonder the demons wanted to attack the central continent but found it difficult to cross; the harsh environment alone would likely cause many deaths on the march. This frigid weather acted like a natural barrier, hindering the demons' advance.

"Alright, I'm full. I'm planning to go to the market this afternoon to buy some things. Inessa, would you like to come with me?" Fiora stood up, patted her stomach, and said contentedly. A happy smile graced her face, as if she couldn't wait to go to the market.

"No, I don't really want to go out today." Inessa shook her head; she wanted to sleep in and get some rest. There had been a lot going on at the orphanage lately, and she was indeed quite tired. A hint of weariness shone in her eyes, but even more so in her love and responsibility for the children.

"Okay, I'll head back to my room then." Fiora waved and left the dining room. Her steps were light, as if she were looking forward to the afternoon's shopping. Her figure gradually disappeared at the end of the corridor, leaving only the crisp sound of her footsteps.

Watching Fiora leave, Link looked at Inessa. "Inessa, if you have time, come with me somewhere later." His eyes held a hint of mystery, making Inessa curious. Inessa's eyes widened, filled with anticipation and doubt. She wondered: Where is Lord Link taking me?

Inessa paused for a moment, then immediately replied, "Okay." She suddenly realized that she rarely had time alone with Lord Link; this was the first time. For some reason, her heart suddenly raced, and she became quite nervous. Her hands unconsciously tightened around the hem of her clothes, and a blush rose to her cheeks, as beautiful as the sunset.

"Are you full?" Link looked at the dazed Inessa with a puzzled expression. He noticed that Inessa's expression was somewhat unnatural and couldn't help but feel a little confused. He frowned, his eyes filled with concern.

"I'm full!" Inessa nodded. Actually, she had only eaten about half full, after all, it was just two steamed buns. But at this moment, she was a little nervous and had no appetite for anything else. Her mind had already flown to the place Link was taking her, and she kept imagining what that place would look like.

“Let’s go!” Link noticed Inessa’s nervousness but didn’t point it out. He tightened his military coat and strode outside. His steps were steady and powerful, as if carrying an invisible strength that made people feel at ease. Inessa stood up, quickly turned back before taking a step, picked up two steamed buns, stuffed one into her mouth, and slowly chewed, her mouth stretching into a large bun shape. As she ate the bun, she followed behind Link, still wondering where he was taking her.

The two left the dining room and went into the backyard. Snowflakes were falling from the sky, each one a tiny, white sprite dancing in the air, draping the world in a silvery blanket. The snow covered the earth, trees, and houses, transforming the backyard into a fairytale world. Link opened an oil-paper umbrella to shield himself from the falling snow. This oil-paper umbrella was being improved by the research department; the complex process of making the umbrella frame limited the production quantity. A batch of umbrellas had been tested in the market, but the price was too high, so they were taken off the shelves until the improvements were completed. Therefore, an oil-paper umbrella in the city was currently being sold for three hundred copper coins, becoming a luxury item in the eyes of many.

Link was heading to the vegetable greenhouse in the backyard. This greenhouse had been built more than ten days earlier than those outside the city, so the vegetables inside were already ripe and ready to be picked. Inessa gazed curiously at the white building ahead, where servants were constantly clearing the snow. The servants, dressed in thick cotton coats, were diligently sweeping the snow around the greenhouse, afraid that the weight of the snow would damage it. Their faces were covered in sweat, but their eyes were filled with determination and perseverance.

"My lady, what is this?" Inessa asked curiously. She rarely came to the backyard and everything here felt completely unfamiliar. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity, as if this were a mysterious world.

“You’ll see once you come in,” Link said with a mysterious smile. He walked to the entrance of the vegetable greenhouse, pulled back the thick straw curtain blocking the doorway, and went inside. The straw curtain rustled, as if welcoming their arrival.

Inessa tilted her head in thought for a moment, then quickly followed, pulling back the straw curtain to go inside. The moment she stepped into the greenhouse, her first feeling was one of warmth, as if she had suddenly stepped from the cold winter into the warm spring. The warm air enveloped her body, making her feel incredibly comfortable. Then she was stunned by what she saw before her.

The entire greenhouse was a lush green expanse, with many different kinds of vegetables that Inessa didn't recognize growing on the ground. These vibrant green vegetables swayed gently in the warm air, as if beckoning to her. Glistening dewdrops clung to their leaves, shimmering like pearls in the sunlight. Inside the greenhouse, many wooden frames were covered with vines, from which hung numerous green gourds. These gourds were round and plump, radiating an enticing sheen, making one yearn to take a bite.

"M-My lady, how is this possible? In this weather? How could there be green vegetables?" Inessa exclaimed urgently, her voice filled with disbelief. In her understanding, this climate couldn't possibly produce such fresh vegetables, especially not in Winterhold in the North. Her eyes widened, her mouth agape, as if she could fit an egg inside.

"Hey... this is a kind of magic called science. If you want to learn, I'll teach you later." Link's lips curled up, his tone full of teasing. He found Inessa's surprised expression quite amusing. He felt that Inessa's reaction was just like his own when he first saw this vegetable greenhouse, full of surprise and disbelief.

"Really? You can teach me this?" Inessa's light red eyes widened as she stared at Link in disbelief. She found it utterly incredible. If she could learn this "scientific magic," more people could enjoy fresh vegetables in the future. Her eyes were filled with longing and anticipation, as if she were seeing a hopeful future.

“Of course, once you've learned it, you'll have to teach it to those students.” Link squinted, his mind already filled with plans. Science would inevitably be passed on to him sooner or later; as for how many years later, that would depend on the size of Winterfell's talent pool. He hoped to cultivate more talent, allowing science to take root, sprout, and flourish in this land. He believed that in the near future, science would change this land, making people's lives better.

"I..." Inessa was stunned. Had she heard correctly? The adults were planning to teach these things to the students? She felt it was a very heavy responsibility, but she was also full of confidence and anticipation. A determined light shone in her eyes, as if she were ready to meet the challenge.

"What are you daydreaming about?" Link picked a cucumber from the vine and tossed it to Inessa, saying, "Here, try this cucumber. You can eat it as fruit or cook it." Link had already maximized the use of the greenhouse by planting various vegetables: eggplant, chives, celery, rapeseed, spinach, and bok choy, among others. He didn't care whether they were suitable or not; he just planted them all. Then he used some wood ash and other soil fertilizer. This first greenhouse planting was an experiment, laying the foundation for the second planting. He hoped that through continuous experimentation and improvement, the vegetables in the greenhouse would grow better.

"Crunch!" Link rinsed the cucumber with water, washed it briefly, and then popped it into his mouth with a crisp sound. It wasn't quite as sweet as some others, perhaps because it was grown in a greenhouse and received less sunlight. But in this cold winter, being able to eat such a fresh cucumber was a rare treat. A satisfied expression appeared on his face, as if he were savoring the most delicious food in the world.

"Crunch, crunch..." Inessa's eyes lit up at the first bite. She found the cucumber incredibly refreshing and delicious, a flavor she had never tasted before. The sweet juice burst in her mouth, making her feel incredibly refreshed. She finished the cucumber in a few bites, a satisfied expression on her face. Never before had she felt such happiness in eating fresh greens during the winter season. She thought of the children in the orphanage; how wonderful it would be if they could also eat such fresh vegetables. Their bodies would surely be healthier, and their smiles brighter.

"Sir, I can eat some more..." Inessa suddenly covered her mouth and fell silent. She gazed at the cucumber, thinking that if she were to sell it, it would probably fetch over a dozen copper coins per cucumber. She felt she shouldn't be so greedy with something so precious. Her eyes revealed a hint of hesitation and reluctance, but even more so, a deep love and responsibility for the children.

"Pick some if you want to eat them." Link finished a cucumber, glanced around, and said casually, "It's our own food, don't overthink it. Of course, eat what you want." He felt that these vegetables were meant for everyone to eat, and there was no need to be stingy. He hoped everyone could enjoy these fresh vegetables and feel the beauty of life.

"Uh..." Inessa paused, her cheeks flushing slightly. She had overthought things. She thought Link was hinting at something, and felt a little shy. But she quickly understood what Link meant, and a bright smile appeared on her face.

172. Nothing to do

In the quiet of the day, Winterfell seemed shrouded in a veil of languid inactivity. However, Link, the city's energetic and imaginative lord, once again had a sudden whim and decided to organize a unique boxing match. This news spread like wildfire throughout Winterfell, instantly igniting the once tranquil city.

Boxing, a sport brimming with power and passion, is like a giant, mysterious magnet, radiating an irresistible charm that draws countless eyes and captivates many. In Winterfell, those shrewd and calculating businessmen like Cliff and Vickson, whenever they have a spare moment, eagerly rush to the ring. They don loose boxing clothes, tighten their gloves, and their eyes reveal excitement and tension as they spar back and forth. Although their movements are somewhat clumsy and their footwork not particularly agile, their earnest dedication is undeniably moving.

Cliff and Vikson were truly lacking in boxing talent. In every sparring match, they were consistently outmatched, losing every single one. Cliff, though tall, was somewhat clumsy, often overextending himself with his punches, causing him to lose his balance; Vikson was relatively more agile, but lacked stamina, becoming breathless after just a few rounds. However, they possessed an indomitable spirit, fighting on despite repeated defeats. Each time they were knocked down, they would quickly get up, dust themselves off, and their fighting spirit would reignite in their eyes. That tenacity was rather endearing, drawing knowing smiles from those around them.

Later, the two men became even more enthusiastic. Feeling that sparring alone wasn't enough, they decided to fund and meticulously train their own boxers. They searched far and wide for promising young people, providing them with training facilities and professional guidance. The trained boxers became stronger and more agile. They trained diligently in the ring every day, sweating profusely, striving to showcase their skills in competitions.

Believe it or not, these seemingly brutal and intense boxing matches are incredibly popular. On the day of the match, the area around the ring is often packed with spectators, three or four layers deep. Some people stand at a distance, standing on tiptoe and craning their necks to try and see what's happening in the ring; others squeeze to the front, pressed tightly against the edge of the ring, as if that would allow them to experience the passion of the match more closely. Children excitedly weave through the crowd, letting out joyful shouts from time to time; while the elderly sit on the sidelines, smiles of contentment on their faces, reminiscing about their own passionate youth.

Perhaps, deep within everyone lies a glimmer of violence, only to be restrained by the shackles of morality and law in daily life. Boxing serves as an outlet, allowing people to experience the exhilarating thrill in a safe environment. As boxers fiercely clash in the ring, the audience's hearts rise and fall with their movements. Every punch seems to strike the audience's hearts; every knockdown elicits gasps of surprise; and every successful counterattack brings cheers and thunderous applause.

Especially the people of the North, whose blood runs in war, have an innate interest in this highly competitive sport. In Winterfell, boxing has become a culture, a culture symbolizing courage and strength. Young and old alike are passionate about boxing. In their spare time, they discuss the boxers' performances, analyze match tactics, and even imitate the boxers' movements, engaging in simple sparring sessions in the streets and alleys.

"Lord Link, the boxing match is about to begin," Luca said respectfully, bowing slightly as he spoke softly. His voice, though not loud, reached Link's ears clearly. Link was currently sitting on a chair on the high platform, lost in thought. His gaze was somewhat unfocused, as if he were considering the match's flow and potential problems. Hearing Luca's reminder, he snapped out of his reverie.

Link slowly stood up, his posture upright and confident. He wore a magnificent purple robe embroidered with gold patterns that shimmered in the sunlight. His hair was neatly combed back, revealing a handsome and resolute face. His gaze swept over the crowd below, taking in the expectant and excited looks in their eyes. His eyes exuded an air of authority and confidence, as if telling everyone that the match would proceed smoothly under his control.

Then, he raised his voice and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, today is the opening day of our boxing match. This is a grand event full of passion and challenge, with eighteen warriors signing up to participate in this fierce competition. They come from different social classes and have different backgrounds, but they all have a brave heart and are fighting for honor and dreams." Link's voice was loud and powerful, echoing throughout the entire arena.

"You should all be fairly familiar with the rules of boxing by now, so I won't go into detail. Now, I want to focus on the rewards for this competition." Link paused, his gaze sweeping across the audience again. Seeing the expectant looks on their faces, he slightly raised the corners of his mouth, revealing a mysterious smile.

“The winner will receive a gleaming gold coin and a trophy symbolizing honor. This gold coin is no ordinary coin. It's enough to allow an ordinary family to live a comfortable life, with children wearing new clothes and eating delicious food, and the elderly no longer having to worry about the trivialities of life. And this trophy is the highest recognition of a boxer's strength and courage. It will forever be engraved with the victor's name, becoming his lifelong glory.” Link said, gently stroking the trophy beside him, his eyes revealing envy and admiration.

"The second-place winner will receive a reward of ten silver coins. These silver coins can also add a lot of convenience to life. You can use them to buy some daily necessities to improve your living conditions, or you can save them to prepare for future development."

"The third-place winner will receive a reward of one hundred copper coins. Although it's not as much as the top two, it's still a substantial reward. It can allow you to relax and have a drink at the tavern when you're tired."

Looking at the rapid breathing of the crowd below, Link's lips curled into a meaningful smile as he said softly, "Boxing matches are held four times a year, with a thrilling showdown every quarter. This means everyone has ample time to train and prepare, striving to excel in the next competition. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced boxer, you have the opportunity to prove yourself in this competition. Perhaps you'll be standing on the podium next time."

The people below stared wide-eyed, their faces filled with shock and delight. Everyone was stunned by the generous rewards, especially the first-place prize—a single gold coin! For many ordinary people, this was an astronomical sum. Many had never even seen a gold coin in their entire lives, let alone owned one. This caused many who hadn't registered to deeply regret their decision, inwardly blaming themselves for not signing up sooner. They began whispering amongst themselves, some even declaring on the spot that they would definitely register for the next competition.

Needless to say, among all these rewards, the most prestigious is the first-place prize. A single gold coin is enough to allow an ordinary family to live comfortably for several years, free from worries about daily necessities. Children can receive a better education, and the elderly can enjoy better medical care. Many have secretly resolved to register for the next season's competition. It's foreseeable how fierce and intense the competition will be in the next season's boxing matches. Every participant will give their all for that gold coin and trophy, training diligently and constantly improving their skills.

"Then, let the match begin," Link called out, then gracefully sat back in his chair. His movements were composed and confident, as if everything was under his control. His eyes were focused on the ring, awaiting the start of the match.

Other matters will naturally be taken care of. For example, Fiora, who is now serving as a referee, has recently become fascinated with boxing and even asked Link for several sets of boxing gloves. In her spare time, she practices with her sisters, including Dilva, and their seriousness is in no way inferior to that of professional boxers. Fiora is tall and agile, and her performance in the ring is outstanding; every punch is accurate and powerful, and every dodge is swift and nimble. Her sisters are also very hardworking; they learn from each other, encourage each other, and improve together.

"Lord City Lord, which contestant do you favor?" Vikson, seated on a step below the platform, looked up and asked expectantly. His eyes gleamed with excitement, as if he couldn't wait to know Link's opinion. "I'm going to place a bet! Maybe I can make a fortune this time."

The platform where Link sat was a two-tiered structure. He sat at the highest point, overlooking the entire arena, seemingly in complete control. Behind him was a huge banner embroidered with the emblem of Winterfell, fluttering in the breeze. The next tier was where merchants of some standing, such as Cliff and Vickson, and some officials from the Winterfell government sat. They were dressed in magnificent clothes and wore exquisite hats, looking very impressive. From here, they could watch the match up close and easily exchange ideas and discuss the game. Their faces were filled with excitement and anticipation, and they frequently whispered among themselves, discussing the match's progress and the players' performances.

"I don't know yet. After all, the competition has just begun. As for betting, it all depends on your luck," Link said calmly, a hint of mystery in his eyes. His voice was calm and steady, making it impossible to discern his true thoughts.

The betting he was referring to was a gambling platform run by Link. For example, even before the competition started, you could predict who would win. If your prediction came true after the competition, the payout would be a hefty 10 to 1. This meant that if you bet one copper coin, you would receive ten copper coins if you won. This was a huge temptation for many people.

Furthermore, if you can correctly predict the order of the top three finishers, the odds are an even higher 180 to 1. If you guess correctly, you could become rich overnight. You can use that money to improve your life and realize your dreams. If you predict who will be the first eliminated player, the odds are 1 to 1. Although the odds aren't high, they are still quite attractive.

There are dozens of ways to play, the most exciting of which is guessing the order of the players from first to eighteenth. If someone guesses them all correctly, Link pays out 1,800 gold coins. This is undoubtedly a huge temptation, making many people eager to try it. Imagine how wealthy you would be with 1,800 gold coins! You could build a luxurious castle, have countless servants and riches, and live a carefree life.

The announcement of this bet stunned everyone. Many people, hoping to give it a try, decided to place a bet. After all, the minimum bet was only one copper coin, and many commoners thought, what if they were incredibly lucky? They could become rich overnight. They took out their meager savings and went to the betting area, carefully choosing the players they thought had a chance of winning.