Chapter 306: Chapter 229: Heir? You’re Just a..._2
"I will see to My Lord’s tasks," Rosa replied, her expression somewhat reserved as she absorbed the Lord’s instructions concerning her daughter. It was impossible to know what she was thinking.
However, Lance paid her no mind and turned to another matter.
"Moreover, during the chaos caused by the Witch attack, you stabilized the school, ensured the students’ safety, and did an excellent job mobilizing parents to help maintain order."
Lance affirmed her previous arrangements. At that time, with the soldiers on the battlefield, the town was briefly vulnerable. It could have easily descended into chaos if mishandled.
Although it might sound inappropriate, her influence over the children enabled her to easily mobilize their parents. It was because she stepped up to maintain order that Barton was freed to go to the battlefield.
In any case, she had stabilized the home front. Otherwise, who knew what problems might have arisen.
"Now, tell me, what else do you desire?"
The official commendations and rewards had long since been distributed, but Lance never stinted on those who made contributions and was even more willing to invest in capable people.
"I want Joan to serve by your side, My Lord," Rosa said plainly. "I don’t care for other rewards; my life is already quite good now."
Upon hearing this, Lance frowned. "You should know this place isn’t some Church monastery. This is a school, and I don’t engage in that sort of thing."
Lance’s tone was a little sharp. He had previously instructed that religious ideology must not appear in the school, and as the principal, she should have been very clear about this.
"My Lord, when you saved my daughter and me, you said she could serve you. And Joan is a very smart and obedient child. She understands your concern for her, My Lord, so please rest assured," Rosa quickly added, showing she understood his unspoken point.
Lance pondered for a moment, seemed to grasp her meaning, and then looked at her with a peculiar expression.
This woman has clearly misunderstood something, Lance thought. He cared for Joan because her Extraordinary Talent was significant and worth nurturing.
Besides, the girl is only twelve years old! What kind of joke is this?
Lance pursed his lips, speechless for a moment, then sighed and explained, "I saved you both because I couldn’t stand seeing those people bullying others right in front of me. If it had been someone else in your position, I would have done the same.
"I like Joan because I admire her intelligence and kindness. By that logic, I like you too, because I admire your ability to manage the school for me.
"A child needs time to grow, and as her mother, you should respect that. You need to tell her that her focus now should be on studying hard and striving to contribute to Hamlet as soon as possible.
"As for you, don’t misunderstand. As long as you work diligently, I will ensure that you and your daughter can live stable lives. Hamlet is your home, and I will not abandon anyone."
Lance clarified the matter directly. He had considered mentioning her Extraordinary Talent but decided against it. Sometimes, knowing too much is a burden for ordinary people.
"My Lord, your lesson is well received."
Rosa understood his words and sighed in relief, though a wry smile touched her lips.
Few mothers wished to send their daughters away. It was just that she had always been unsure of the Lord’s intentions, and he had shown considerable interest in her daughter.
She still remembered the promises made when he rescued them. It was a matter she would have to face sooner or later, so she thought she might as well take this chance to secure a future for her daughter.
Now it seemed she had overthought things, but this realization also strengthened her conviction.
Indeed, My Lord is different from those Imperial Nobles. He is someone trustworthy...
These exchanges dampened Lance’s interest. Having finished his tour of the school, he took Wang Cai and left, heading elsewhere.
Just as he stepped out of the school, he noticed the graves at the entrance of the former Church being dismantled and excavated.
He hadn’t been present at the time, and the matter had nearly caused public outrage. Barton, prioritizing stability, had been forced to shelve it temporarily.
Upon his return, a few words from him had easily persuaded those who previously obstructed the work to begin excavating the graves themselves.
The remains would be cleared out. If claimed, they would be cremated, and the ashes delivered to a new cemetery built on the other side of town.
In truth, those buried here were from the town’s prominent families, many of whom had been killed by bandits. Consequently, most of the remains were unclaimed.
Unclaimed remains were simply collected and disposed of in the sea. After all, cremation consumed firewood, and Lance was not one to waste resources on such things.
By the looks of it, it would take some time for the few people working there to completely excavate the area. Afterwards, this land could be repurposed...
Lance was envisioning his plans when a soldier rushed over.
"My Lord, a report! A group claiming to be Hamlet’s Heir injured the guards outside town and forced their way in!"
Lance didn’t react immediately, but a strange expression soon appeared on his face.
"Wang Cai, let’s go!"
"Damn peasants! Who gave you the guts to question my identity?!"
"How dare you block my way! Do you know who I am?!"
The fat man kicked the soldier on the ground vigorously. Veins bulged on his neck, and his face flushed red as he yelled hoarsely, his expression one of extreme, almost drug-induced, excitement.
It was all coming back... everything was coming back...
In the Nobility circles of the city, he was a nobody, practically at the bottom, oppressed and mocked. But here, he was the supreme Lord.
Years of accumulated negative emotions were finally unleashed. He had repressed them for too long; even these peasants dared to be insolent before him!
However, his body, ravaged by wine and women, gave out after just a few kicks, leaving him gasping for breath. He hitched up his slipping belt but didn’t forget to command his Knights.
"Beat him! Beat him hard! Beat him to death for me!"
Two men in Knight’s armor, though without their helmets, stood to one side. They knew full well how vile their lord was but showed no reaction to the scene.
As Knights, they were also part of the Nobility. They felt nothing for these peasants, not even considering them human.
Not to mention, their families’ fates were tied to this lord. Securing a Knight’s Domain through this venture would be perfect for them.
These days, acquiring new fiefs was difficult, which was why they were willing to act as their lord’s dogs.
Hearing the order, they stepped forward without hesitation, ready to brutally beat the young soldier.
Just then, the thundering of hooves announced the arrival of a troop of well-equipped Cavalry. They charged straight at the group without slowing, forcing the fat man to stumble back a few steps in fright.
The two Knights paused and involuntarily retreated to the fat man’s side.
As the riders drew near, their leader gestured. The Cavalry displayed impressive skill, splitting their formation to flow around the intruders and encircle them.
"Who are you? Why are you attacking Hamlet?" Reynard reined in his horse. Noticing the injured soldier on the ground, his furious words boomed from within his helmet. His Longsword was already drawn.
The circling Cavalrymen also drew their weapons, poised for battle.
And that wasn’t all. The rhythmic marching of several squads of soldiers approached rapidly. Each man was fully equipped, his expression calm but radiating a killing intent—the mark of veterans who had survived countless battles.
These soldiers quickly surrounded the three intruders. Seeing their comrade beaten to the point of spitting blood, fury contorted their faces.
Spears were leveled, and muskets aimed at the enemy, awaiting only their officer’s command to annihilate them.
Despite the murderous atmosphere, the fat man seemed utterly oblivious, even laughing as he said, "HAHAHA! Excellent!" The fat man nodded at Reynard in approval. "Knight, you’ve trained these soldiers well. There will be handsome rewards."
He didn’t understand military affairs, but he could tell these soldiers were far superior to the City Defense Force units garrisoned in cities. As expected, soldiers from the frontier are tougher!
With such soldiers, who would dare provoke me now?
He glanced at the new buildings under construction nearby and the bustling townspeople. Everything signaled prosperity. This truly is a fine place!
He knew he’d made the right choice. Instead of being targeted by those people in the city, it was far better to be a local Emperor here.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became. He couldn’t wait to inherit this domain.
But why are they still looking at me like that?
"Knight! Have your soldiers stand down at once! I shall forgive your impertinence."
"Motherfucker! Who the hell do you think you are?!" Dismas, known for his foul temper and intense animosity towards the Nobility, immediately shot back at the arrogant man.