Chapter 65

Eight years since the establishment of the viscount's territory, fifteen-year-old Sora sat in the office of the Great Tree Hall with a gloomy expression.

Over these eight years, which seemed both long and short, Sora had tirelessly implemented reforms, and as a result, the viscount's territory had fully recovered.

From a technical standpoint, it had not just recovered but was one of the most developed regions in the kingdom.

Thanks to the development of transportation capabilities following the lifting of restrictions on large ships, trade with the Belze侯爵領 (Belze侯爵領) and the Trainen伯爵領 (Trainen伯爵領) was proceeding smoothly.

However, all of this was confined within the viscount's territory.

The state of the earldom, which belonged to his father, the Earl Kleinzelt, was dire.

The earldom had not stopped the outflow of refugees, leading to a sudden decrease in population. In an attempt to compensate for the reduced tax revenue with the remaining residents, famine deaths continued to occur.

The growing discontent could not be contained by Earl Kleinzelt alone. A revolution was bound to happen sooner or later.

However, five years ago, someone entered the Kleinzelt earldom and skillfully shifted the blame to Sora.

The man, the highest-ranking figure in the church, the High Priest Leul.

With no means to cultivate the desolate land, the people of the Kleinzelt earldom clung to the church, which functioned as a mutual aid society.

Even the fact that Sora had been working to support their lives was taken over by the churches in various regions, spreading rumors and claiming the credit under Leul's orders.

High Priest Leul became the savior of the Kleinzelt earldom, increasing his followers and strengthening his power.

It was a solid and conventional strategy, but the difficulty of executing it without giving any room for exploitation clearly demonstrated Leul's competence.

Before long, the number of refugees from the Kleinzelt earldom to the viscount's territory had dwindled to a mere handful.

The living conditions in the Kleinzelt earldom had not improved due to Leul.

However, for the people of the earldom, the words of the church were absolute truth, and this truth included the lie that Sora was the worst corrupt noble in history.

The people of the earldom believed that staying in the earldom was better than going to the viscount's territory, and they turned to the church—only to starve to death.

The church had no means to rebuild the Kleinzelt earldom and no intention to do so. It lacked the ability to secure food.

But it had power. It had the ability to create the illusion of absolute truth.

It fanned the discontent of the earldom, turning it into anger and directing it at Sora.

Even if the number of famine deaths increased, it turned a blind eye.

No matter how many followers starved to death, the church did not get its hands dirty and thus did not violate its doctrines. They starved to death on their own.

"Corruption."

Sora had also made efforts to save them. He tried every method, devising and implementing indirect aid.

Even if his efforts were credited to High Priest Leul, he tried various ways to help the people of the Kleinzelt earldom.

For example, he gave money to merchants to deliver food to the earldom, but it was reported that the food was confiscated and taxed.

For example, he tried to deliver aid supplies by ship from the less guarded sea, but it led to a battle with privateers.

For example, he bought up goods from the villages in the earldom to supply cash, but the taxes were raised and everything was taken.

No matter what method he used, it was overturned by conventional tactics.

To improve the situation, the Earl Kleinzelt and High Priest Leul, along with the church's influence, needed to be eliminated.

Despite this, Sora could not issue the order.

"...There's nothing I can do."

He muttered.

Sora had exhausted all possible methods.

He furrowed his brow, trying to think of a solution, but none came to mind.

Deciding to change his mood, he asked Lazzette for tea when the door to the office was knocked.

After giving permission to enter, Chaff, looking just as gloomy as Sora, opened the door.

"You look miserable."

"Same to you."

In response to Chaff's words, Sora sighed along with him.

Sora asked Lazzette for two cups of tea and gestured for Chaff to sit down.

"So, what's the matter? More bad news as usual?"

Sora asked casually, and Chaff shook his head.

"Even worse news than usual."

Chaff looked at Sora, who was leaning on the desk with a wry smile, as if to say, "I'm used to it."

"So, Father... no, what did that bastard Leul do this time?"

"It seems he has started a full-scale takeover."

Chaff's response piqued Sora's interest.

To take over, Leul would need to assassinate Sora, as Sora was the legitimate heir to the Kleinzelt earldom. Since Leul was not related by blood, he could not inherit the earldom. Marriage to Sora would be an option, but both were men.

Sora tilted his head, wondering what kind of move Leul had made.

Chaff, watching him, spoke solemnly.

"...Lord Sora, you are about to be stripped of your title."