Chapter 76: This Is the Life a Lord Deserves. |
"Ah?
A noble's chief swordsman is actually an Albino?
This..."
"Not only that, the chief magic officer was once from a lowly race too.
Rumor has it she used to be a prostitute in the back alleys of Tars City's taverns before the lord saved her."
"Ah? That..."
"That's why you see true equality here.
Lord Jonas isn't like the Empire's nobles - he's the brightest torch for our future.
Compared to the freedom and liberation your Destiny faction preaches, this is the better place.
"......"
"Come!
Being allowed into the territory means the lord trusts you enough.
He's never stingy with those who show sufficient talent and loyalty."
......
Click-clack——
Inside the room.
Jonas set down the thoroughly exhausted Katdera.
"Huff... huff... no... no more."
"My dear assassin, care to join the bonfire below?"
"No... I'm exhausted."
Before she could finish speaking, the moment she was released, she curled up in a corner of the bed like a shrimp.
Soon, steady snoring could be heard.
Looking at Katdera's lobster-red skin, Jonas couldn't help but smile.
She really was completely spent.
Only someone with Katdera's physical endurance could have lasted this long.
Seeing her Loyalty had reached 15%, Jonas smiled and removed all the rings from her body.
The pale imprints they left on her fair skin were still visible.
Katdera twitched slightly as the rings came off, her slender legs shifting unconsciously under the moonlight.
After mumbling something indistinct, she settled down.
Jonas tucked her in, made some preparations, then headed out to join the bonfire celebration.
As the guest of honor, his presence was required.
And tonight... there might be another battle ahead.
......
The bonfire's glow reflected off Olivia's wine cup, flushing her cheeks.
As if steeling herself for some decision, she had drunk quite heavily tonight.
The alcohol left her slightly dizzy, even the stray hairs on her forehead standing up slightly.
Charis had already been carried back.
Beside her, Phil whispered, "Sister, Lord Jonas still hasn't appeared...
I saw him leave with that assassin lady.
Do you think he might... lose control?"
Olivia: "Nonsense!"
"Whether it's nonsense or not, you know the truth.
Look, at first you were the only retainer by Lord Jonas' side, but you didn't cherish it...
Now they keep coming one after another.
If you don't seize your chance soon, Lord Jonas might stop paying attention to you altogether~"
Hearing this, Olivia's slightly dazed eyes suddenly filled with panic.
"How could that be?"
"How couldn't it be? Ever since capturing that assassin and Liliana coming to Thunderkeep, haven't Lord Jonas' visits become fewer?"
"I..."
"Listen to me!
Go change into something nice.
With your looks, young master Jonas won't be able to resist."
"I... I... can't..."
Seeing Olivia's hesitation, Phil immediately shoved something into her arms.
"I'll arrange for young master Jonas to visit your room later - what happens next is up to you~"
"I... I..."
......
When Jonas finally arrived at the bonfire site,
giving a speech was inevitable.
Compared to his battlefield demeanor, Jonas now appeared much more approachable.
"My people, I am Jonas of Thunderkeep."
Before he could finish, the crowd erupted in fervent cheers.
"Long live young master Jonas!"
"Long live our lord!"
"......"
......
Feeling warmth in his chest from the spontaneous cheers, Jonas was filled with satisfaction and achievement.
The territory had truly developed to considerable scale.
Waiting for the cheers to subside slightly, he raised a hand.
"Once, Destiny and the Empire seemed like terrifying giants to us. But now, even Destiny Army's elites cannot breach our walls!
Without relying on others, we've established our foothold here!
While the Empire descends into chaos, Thunderkeep is everyone's true home.
I promise you all - we will have a bright future ahead!"
......
"Well said!!"
"Following young master Jonas, none of us go hungry!
The 996 work schedule is truly the greatest support we've ever received!"
"No more extortion or whips from slave masters! Lord Jonas is merciful!"
......
Jonas: "This celebration is for that very purpose!
My people, enjoy this night to the fullest! Let the dance begin!"
With a snap of his fingers, the flames roared up, bursting into dazzling sparks that instantly ignited the square's atmosphere.
Alongside roasted meat, bread, fish cakes, ale and beef were distributed continuously - the festivities would last till dawn.
Everyone was overjoyed.
These were things they'd never seen as natives or slaves before.
Midway through, Jonas began feeling slightly tipsy.
Leaning back in his chair, watching girls of various races swaying around the bonfire, he felt profoundly gratified.
White hair, purple hair, pink hair...
Even cat ears...
What a delightful sight!
This was the life a lord deserved.
Just then, one feline dancer suddenly sat directly on Jonas' lap, looking at him before planting an unexpected kiss on his cheek.
Her soft cat ears tickled slightly.
Her curling tail wrapped around Jonas' waist.
Warm breath brushed his neck.
"My lord, you were my hero too."
Before Jonas implemented his new policies, her Feline beastfolk people could only exist as bottom-tier slaves.
Playthings for noble circles, devoid of dignity or future.
Many perished during winter mornings.
But after Jonas' reforms eliminated the slave-owning nobles,
liberating them while providing work,
unleashing tremendous productivity.
She could hardly believe it herself.
Standing under the longed-for "sunlight," conversing with others,
receiving that coveted respect and stable future.
It reminded her of when Jonas first visited Tars City to select slaves.
......
Jonas' recently quenched fires reignited from this small gesture.
He decided.
This girl before him deserved a proper reward.
As he prepared to rise,
a flustered Phil suddenly appeared beside him.
"M-m-my lord! Sister drank too much ale and is vomiting uncontrollably in her room! Please come quick..."
Phil even tugged at the catgirl's hand to pull her away from Jonas,
earning a displeased huff from the feline.
Jonas frowned slightly.
"Could ale really cause such problems?"
Without further thought, he headed straight for Olivia's quarters.
After a few steps, he glanced back to see Phil's relieved expression.
Understanding dawned on Jonas, bringing a smirk to his lips.
It was indeed time to raise Olivia's Loyalty a little.
......