Despite commenting that the NPC guards are gullible, the truth was quite far from it.
If it wasn't for his blessing in having the Baron rank status, then these NPC guards would probably give zero care about him and his problem.
Of course, the situation would change once he brought up Receptionist Sandy's name, but the process would be tedious and take way longer.
As Xu Feng patiently waited by the entrance, he heard numerous chattering on the passerby players.
"Hey, did you see the video that OneManMedia posted?"
"Are you serious? Where else do you think I'm heading over to now?"
"Heh, it's a good thing I came to this town for recruitment. Otherwise, I would have been late to the party."
"Indeed, I've heard the Silver Wind guild even temporarily stop their recruitment process to search for those hideouts. Even the Tyrant Fist guild is jumping in already."
'It seems like OneManMedia is quite efficient in his work.' Xu Feng was surprised that the video had been posted already.
Originally, OneManMedia mentioned it would take around 30 minutes or so, but it appeared as if he had mistaken the former's intention.
OneManMedia didn't mean the video itself would take 30 minutes, but the effect and spread of influence would take around 30 minutes.
Needless to say, Xu Feng didn't mind such a surprise once in a while.
At the very least, it proved his eyesight wasn't wrong and that OneManMedia could indeed help lessen his workload.
'I need to find more valuable slaves— I mean subordinates.' Xu Feng thought, pondering who he should rope over to his side. There were a ton of well-known experts in his past timeline, but it was hard to decide on who could truly become a trustworthy subordinate.
Unfortunately for him, he couldn't ponder much, given the NPC guard from earlier had returned with another guard.
"Good evening, Baron. I'm Scott, a sub-commander of the Riverwood Town's guards." Scott introduced himself promptly.
"Good evening, sub-commander Scott." Xu Feng greeted, shaking the latter's hand.
"I've heard from my guard, so please follow me along with those with you." Scott swiftly said after the handshake. It became quite clear that Scott was the type of man who talked little and did more actions.
Shortly after, Xu Feng brought along Clara and the other women, astonishing Scott briefly. Despite his initial astonishment, Scott didn't bother asking many questions and guided Xu Feng to a secure path.
To simplify, the secure path was merely one designed for the guards or higher ranks. It was strictly off-limits to those with citizen status and for players, it would be their adventurer title.
While they were following Scott, Xu Feng noticed Clara's hands trembling slightly, her eyes darting around anxiously as she clutched her tattered cloak tighter around her thin frame.
Her braveness had seemingly vanished now that the adrenaline rush of anger and resentment went away. It was especially true the moment she entered a town— one that was under heavy security, she became even more terrified.
After all, a town was something that even Rolph had to plan meticulously before thinking of attacking.
Additionally, for someone with no citizenship status and always lived in the wilderness, a town could be considered a mammoth-like being to Clara.
"Don't be afraid," Xu Feng whispered, reassuring her.
"T-Thank you…" Clara muttered, feeling somewhat safe with Xu Feng's reassurance.
Sometime later, they entered the Town Hall through another passage.
It was the same passage that Xu Feng used previously when avoiding the players who were camping on him in the lobby.
"I'll be heading back to my work now, Baron." Scott saluted and said respectfully.
"Thanks for your hard work, Scott." Xu Feng nodded his head and gave his appreciation.
As Scott promptly departed, leaving them alone, Xu Feng proceeded ahead with an optimistic smile. "Alright, just act natural, and no need to be afraid. With my presence here, no one is going to detain you or anything."
A few minutes later, they arrived at a discreet Town Hall lobby, something that Xu Feng didn't expect. Usually, the lobby would be bustling with players and numerous chattering, but now, it was unusually quiet and desolate.
He glanced around, and a familiar voice suddenly echoed.
"Welcome back, Baron Lin Feng." Sandy, the receptionist magically appeared from behind him and greeted him merrily.
"What happened here?" Xu Feng turned around and inquired.
"I almost mistaken this place as something else and not the Town Hall." He joked teasingly.
"What a teaser you are." Sandy giggled and explained, "Earlier, it was indeed filled with adventurers, but I have them all evicted temporarily. Their priority isn't as important as yours."
When she said that, her eyes trailed toward Clara and the other women, who were still dressed in somewhat ragged and shabby clothes.
With a single glance, it was clear that these women were held captive. Thus, she had been notified beforehand by Scott and made such an arrangement in advance.
Realizing the matter, Xu Feng took this time to explain their origin, along with his intention of utilizing his Baron rank to grant them citizenship.
"I suppose that's not a problem, right?" Xu Feng asked.
"Of course, not." Sandy smiled and brought him some certification. "These are the papers that will grant them citizenship status for Riverwood Town. As long as you agree to the clause and content of it, the certification will be established and effective immediately."
Taking a few glances at the content, Xu Feng didn't find anything wrong with it. The content was quite simple, with the overall concept being that he would be responsible for them if they were to violate any laws of the town.
To summarize, they were now citizens of Riverwood Town, but their jurisdiction was under him.
Taking off his mask, Xu Feng smiled at Sandy before turning around to look at Clara.
"Well, consider this your new chapter of life." He calmly said and agreed with the clause and content of the certification.
System: Citizenship granted! Using your authority as Baron, you have officially conferred citizenship upon Clara and the women with her. You are now responsible for their well-being and legal conduct within Riverwood Town.