At the time of parting, the old cattle silently shed tears at him, without making a sound. Now, in a daze, the face in his memory has turned into his own.

He really didn't know what to do.

...

Baron Ralph Devor's Estate.

Sunlight bathed the estate, where a countryside style villa stood quietly, beige walls covered with vines, the red roof shimmering faintly under the sun. The garden was a riot of colorful flowers, the neatly trimmed hedges as picturesque as a painting.

Johnny carried a heavy cash box, beads of sweat on his forehead, wearing a fawning smile as he slowly walked into the study, completely devoid of his earlier swagger, with only humility written on his brow.

He placed the cash box cautiously on the carpet in front of the Baron, and upon opening it, it was filled with copper coins, which looked like a lot, but in reality weren't worth much.

The thirty kilograms of copper coins amounted to a bit more than five thousand pieces, which would only convert to fifty silver coins.

The coins were even smeared with dirt and sweat, sitting on a carved wooden chair, Baron Ralph Devor didn't even bother to glance at them, only feeling the stench agitating him, he remarked with disgust.

"Johnny, I sent you to collect taxes, and you bring back this heap of worthless copper?"

Johnny hurriedly lowered his head, full of helplessness, forcing a smile as he explained.

"My Lord Baron, it's really not that I failed to do my job properly. You know too, there's really nothing to squeeze out of those peasants. For this tax collection, getting this much is already something... We can't really demolish their houses, can we? That wouldn't help you either, right?"

No benefits?

The benefits are immense!

Ralph merely sneered at his words, without any reply.

If it were a thousand years ago, the ancestors of the Devor family would never do such a thing as killing the goose that laid the golden eggs, but now it's over a thousand years into the Holy Calendar, those farmers on his land are not considered assets at all, but burdens, like moss growing on a rafter.

Due to ancient feudal contracts, as long as those people continue breeding, his land had to be divided and farmed with extremely low productivity crops like potatoes and wheat which couldn't even be sold for much.

He's long tired of the days dealing with these dirty and smelly farmers; relying on them, he'd never make a fortune in a lifetime.

Just think, if he could bulldoze all those shabby houses, and plan the vast land like a palette into vineyards, hiring professional breeders to plant grapes, his earnings wouldn't just be these copper coins, his estate would be filled with the fragrance of grape blooms!

By then, maybe even art school students would come here to sketch, and he could, like an elegant and tasteful gentleman, invite the kids to sample the vineyard's special produce.

That's right—

It's not just about money!

He would also gain genuine dignity!

Thinking this, a slight smile unconsciously appeared on his lips, as if a beautiful life were right in front of him.

Unfortunately, reality is filled with regrets.

Imperial law does not allow him to enjoy rights while ignoring obligations, nor permit him to deprive those peasants of their personal freedom, driving them out of their homes.

This, after all, is the Emperor's domain, not a vassal state where nobles can act recklessly, nor the New Continent ruled by governors and military scoundrels.

Otherwise, there'd be no such trouble; he would've long ago sent Johnny with people to drive everyone away from Devor Village, and happily started his new venture.

He stared at the tea in his cup, as if gazing at his lifeless life.

His expression gradually turned cold and sinister, speaking leisurely.

"Keep collecting, Johnny, don't let me down. If you can't bring back money, take apart their rafters, at least they can be used for firewood. Remember, this is an ancient and sacred duty bestowed upon us by the Empire, and if you cannot fulfill it for me, you need not return at all."

Upon hearing the ruthless tone, Johnny shivered, quickly nodded in agreement, wearing a bitter expression as he exited the room.

He understood very well that the reason he could show off in the village was entirely because of Baron Devor's influence.

If he left the protection of the Devor family, he could only become an Adventurer.

After Johnny left, Ralph put the teacup back on the table, casting a gloomy gaze over the verdant fields outside the window, muttering to himself.

"Best if they all just get out..."

The door closed, and Ralph's tense nerves finally relaxed a bit.

Tea was no longer enough to soothe the fatigue in his heart, he got up and went to the corner of the bookcase, taking out a bottle of long-cherished red wine, pouring a glass for himself.

Through the crystal-clear glass, he gazed at the vibrant liquid inside, his eyes somewhat unfocused.

Tipping the glass for a sip, Ralph returned to the desk, picking up the latest edition of the Holy City Daily, the relaxed brows once again furrowing into a deep groove.

The front page of the newspaper devoted an extensive section on the grand arrival of Prince Colin in the Holy City, the entire page filled with text accompanied by a portrait of Prince Colin, handsome and dignified, the writing brimming with the citizens' fervent admiration and boundless respect.

Looking at that gentle and confident face, Ralph's own face didn't show loathing; rather, it revealed a bit of envy and resignation.

He really didn't detest high-profile figures like Prince Colin; he even admired them, sincerely respecting his youth and accomplishments.

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