Chapter 29: Countermeasures

To get rich, first build roads.

Julian had originally used this phrase to persuade Ophariel, hoping to bring in wealth from outside after the road was repaired – but from the current situation, wealth was nowhere to be seen, while trouble came quite quickly.

Julian and Ophariel certainly didn’t believe the other party’s excuse. It should be known that this Bird family was the main culprit who had used schemes and tricks to deceive and seize Felix’s family land, and exiled him here. From a standpoint perspective, if they sent someone to check whether this little unfortunate had died or not, it would be quite normal, but to personally visit was not so normal. Moreover, even if there were some documents to be handed over, it would be enough to just send a representative to handle it. There was no need for a viscount to personally come. Therefore, both of them had very deep doubts about the Bird family’s visit this time.

As for this Viscount Euwen, Julian had never heard of him, and Ophariel was also clueless – after all, she had been absent from this world for thirty years, and there were many things she didn’t know. And now, their focus was on why the other party suddenly proposed a visit at this time.

Although Ophariel had said that it was very normal for nobles to interact and visit each other, Julian was currently only the lord of a noble fief, and didn’t even have an official noble title yet. Given his identity and current status, at best he was just a baronet. It should be said that in the short term, no one should be willing to associate with such a low-status noble. Even if someone wanted to come, it shouldn’t be someone of the rank of viscount.

“It seems things are a bit off,” Julian swirled the teacup in his hand, his expression still relaxed and leisurely, forming a stark contrast with Ophariel who sat beside him, frowning deeply in thought.

“My lord, have you perhaps committed some offense before?”

“How could that be?” Faced with Ophariel’s inquiry, Julian put on a very innocent expression.

“You know, I’ve always been law-abiding. How could I do such a thing? Moreover, no matter what, I’m a victim, aren’t I?”

Ophariel felt her head starting to ache again.

“…Forget it, we’ll only know why they’re coming when they arrive. And now, we have more important issues to deal with. Lord Julian, you should understand, if those nobles are really coming to cause us trouble, then we must do our best not to let them find trouble, at least not on the surface.”

In the end, it still comes down to increasing the number of servants.

Julian shrugged. On this continent, buying and selling slaves was not illegal. Some were due to poverty and voluntarily sold themselves into slavery, while others fell from grace in conflicts and wars between nobles or countries, and then became slaves. Of course, these slaves couldn’t be bought anytime, anywhere. In fact, they were considered luxury items, and not everyone could afford them everywhere.

“I understand. I’ll handle this matter.”

“Eh?” Although she had a premonition, after hearing Julian’s answer, Ophariel was still a bit surprised.

“You’re going? My lord, are you sure you want to handle this personally?”

“What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

“Well…” Faced with Julian’s counter-question, Ophariel was momentarily at a loss for words.

“There’s no problem, but just for buying slaves, such a small matter doesn’t require you, the lord, to personally go, right? I can take a few servants to handle it. As the lord, you should stay in the castle and manage the overall situation.”

“No, no, no, Miss Ophariel, I don’t think so,” Julian shook his head, then held up one finger.

“I promise you, if I do this, the effect will be better… Don’t worry, leave it to me. I guarantee I’ll give you a satisfactory answer.”

Hearing these words, Ophariel couldn’t help but look at Julian in confusion, unable to understand why this young lord was so confident about this. The reason she requested to go herself was mainly because she didn’t trust this lord. From the situation in these days, Julian obviously didn’t understand, nor care about these daily affairs between nobles. Many things that should be paid attention to, he had an attitude of letting things take their course, and didn’t care.

But what Ophariel needed were people who were well-educated, maintained etiquette, and could act in the capacity of noble servants.

But did this lord really understand her requirements?

“You don’t need to worry about this. I have my own discretion.”

I hope that’s really the case.

After seeing what Julian did to those bandits with her own eyes, Ophariel was very clear that the words of this young lord should be taken with a grain of salt. However, after all, she was no longer a princess, and when the lord gave an order, she could only obey.

“Then, I’ll stay in the castle and take care of the remaining affairs. My lord, do you have anything else to instruct?”

Hearing Ophariel’s question, Julian thought for a moment, then said.

“Regarding the road repair, there’s no problem anymore, right?”

“Everything is going smoothly, my lord,” Hearing Julian’s inquiry, Ophariel took out a report from beside her and carefully checked it.

“The road has been repaired and seems to have no problems. Everything is being carried out strictly according to requirements. However, in terms of expenses, it seems to have slightly exceeded the budget.”

“We’re not short of money now, just make up the difference directly.”

Robbery is indeed a profitable business.

The night was deep.

As the three hands on the clock in the hall once again aligned into a single upward line, heavy, slow, and regular clock chimes sounded, echoing in the quiet castle.

The light instantly dimmed.

Supernatural wind blew through the hall, swirling and gathering at the high ceiling. At this moment, the suits of armor placed around the hall as decorations also raised their heads. A flash of bright red light passed through their helmets as they looked towards the figure slowly walking down the stairs. After Julian brought them back to the castle, these Wraith Warriors had returned to their original decorative form. This couldn’t be helped, as the Wraith Warriors’ movement consumed power. Therefore, before absorbing enough soul power to materialize, in order not to consume this power, they continued to maintain their decorative appearance, quietly staying on their pedestals. This was not without benefits for Julian. They could not only serve as decorations but also silently monitor the entire castle. Presumably, no one would discover that those suits of armor placed in the corridors and hall were actually living beings.

“Good evening, everyone,” Julian walked down the stairs, looking at the Wraiths floating and swirling not far ahead. Listening to their soul whispers mixed with the cold wind, penetrating straight to the heart.

“I think everyone has heard what our young lady said,” Julian said, adjusting his formal wear.

“So now I need everyone’s assistance… But you must understand, this is not as simple as before, and it will require considerable sacrifice from you… I hope everyone will consider carefully. Of course, be careful not to let our noble and beautiful princess discover.”

The soul storm suddenly spread out. The Wraiths’ unique mental communication unfolded at this moment. Even those Wraith Warriors disguised as armor, the red light in their eyes flickered unsteadily, changing with the degree of soul communication.

Julian smiled, looking at the empty hall before him. In fact, these Wraiths were his best helpers. Although Ophariel was also quite outstanding, the human heart is difficult to fathom. Julian found it hard to judge whether the princess would still accept him after learning his true identity. Of course, this wasn’t a big problem for Julian. He just needed to make her his woman… But this would also take time. Although in terms of action, this matter itself could be done in a very short time, to make her submit to him both physically and mentally, there was still a long way to go.

But it doesn’t matter. This is also part of the game.

The soul storm began to gradually weaken. The originally formless, cold wind had stopped. The red light dots of the Wraith Warriors, like jumping flames, trembled for a moment, then stabilized again, before disappearing into the dark abyss.

It seems a conclusion has been reached.