The Demon King is unfathomable

Chapter 336 The opportunity to make a fortune is here!
In the Bailu area on the far outskirts of the holy city, the morning light in Devol Village is a little cool and moist.

The fields exude the unique fragrance of the soil, which interweaves with the crowing of chickens in the yard, outlining a poetic pastoral scenery.

Old man Maggie sat on the steps of his house, smoking his pipe slowly and squinting his eyes at the mist rising in the distance. His wife was hanging the freshly washed clothes in the yard, and his youngest son was drawing circles on the ground with a stick and playing in the mud for his own amusement.

He has three children. The eldest son became an adventurer and followed in the footsteps of Saint Sith to an unknown place. The second son became a soldier and is serving the Emperor in the New World. Now the youngest son, who is only 6 years old, is with him.

Although the family lived a poor life, they were content.

Old Maji has never been to school and is illiterate, but he has his own philosophy of life.

In his view, life is like the pipe in his hand. It smells spicy and pungent at first, but if you taste it carefully, it has a flavor that cigars don't have.

Of course, he has never tasted what a cigar tastes like.

At this moment, the sound of horse hooves broke the tranquility of the early morning.

Several horses stopped at the gate, and the people on the horses were wearing long robes with the emblem of the Devol family painted on them. The young man in the lead had a bunch of fat on his face and he got off the horse in a nonchalant manner.

This guy is Johnny, a servant of Baron Devol - a notorious bastard.

Johnny looked at the account book in his hand, tucked it under his arm, snorted, and walked lazily into the yard.

"Maji, you old fool, are you still alive? Why haven't you paid the taxes for this month?"

"I have submitted it, I have submitted it." Maggie stood up quickly, with a flattering smile on his face, "I just submitted it the day before yesterday. You can go to the town and ask. Lord Leon has the record."

Disgusted by the smell of chicken shit in the yard, Johnny picked his ears impatiently, with contempt in his eyes.

"You paid taxes to the Empire and the Baron. Are you planning to default on your debts?"

Maggie was stunned, and the smile on his face gradually froze: "Wha...what? Imperial taxes, baron taxes...Wha, what's going on? I've never heard of this before!"

Johnny snorted, his expression becoming more and more impatient: "That's because you have poor hearing. Didn't I make it clear before? What you handed in is from the Empire, and the Baron's has not been handed in yet!"

The Bailu District is an administrative division directly under the Empire and belongs to the Holy City, but not all of this land belongs to the Emperor. Some of it belongs to the Emperor's vassals, that is, barons of all sizes.

The reason for this situation is mainly due to historical issues. After all, the Holy City 1000 years ago was not as big as it is now, with a population of only about 10. But now, an administrative district has more than 10 people, and the area is comparable to that of an earldom.

A system that has been running for thousands of years without any iteration is bound to have various problems.

If a person lives in the barony of Bailu District at the same time, he probably has to abide by two sets of laws: one is the law of the empire, and the other is the feudal law of the nobles.

If he had been dealing with a prodigal master like Titch Cosia a dozen years ago, he would probably not have been able to collect the money. But unfortunately, the one that Old Maggie had been dealing with was the "shrewd" Baron Devol.

Maggie was so angry that she was shaking and her face was flushed. "This is unfair! How can we pay taxes twice? This was never the case when the Cossia family was in charge!"

"What did you say?!"

Johnny's eyes widened, and the expression on his face instantly became fierce. He turned around and waved at the thugs behind him.

"Smash it! How dare this old man mention the name of that unfortunate fellow Kosiah on my territory? He must be tired of living!"

Maggie's face turned pale and he immediately realized that he had said the wrong thing, but it was too late.

In order to avoid giving other servants an excuse to criticize him, Johnny tried his best to show his loyalty to his master.

For a moment, there was chaos in the yard. Several strong thugs rushed in and started smashing things, even tearing down the chicken coop.

"No, no! That's a hen laying eggs!" The old woman in the distance was so anxious that she threw away her clothes and ran to the yard, begging them to stop, but she could do nothing to them.

Seeing his house suddenly smashed, the younger son was so scared that he started crying loudly. The crying sound attracted the neighbors nearby.

Seeing that more people were gathered, Johnny couldn't continue bullying them. He could only glare at everyone fiercely, then stared at Maggie and said.

"Remember, old man, tomorrow is the deadline. If you don't pay the money, you can forget about keeping this shabby house!"

After saying that, he winked at the thugs behind him, led them to mount their horses, caught a few old hens that were still flapping their wings, and left the messy yard in a show of force.

Although he didn't get any money, it was nice to have an extra meal. Master Devol looked down on these chickens anyway.

Looking at the messy house and the wailing old woman, old Maggie stood there with a deathly pale face, as if all the strength in his body had been drained away, and he didn't even have the energy to utter a word.

Somehow, he remembered the old ox that he had taken to the town to sell two years ago.

It was Baron Devol's property and he had some feelings for it, but it was too old so he had to sell it.

When they were about to part, the old ox shed silent tears at him without making a sound. Now, in a trance, the face in his memory has become his own.

He didn't know what to do.

……

The estate of Baron Ralph DeVore.

The sun shines on the manor, and a country-style villa stands quietly, with vines climbing up the beige exterior walls and the red roof gleaming slightly in the sun. The garden is full of flowers, and the artificially trimmed hedges are neat and beautiful, like a landscape in a painting.

Johnny was carrying a heavy cash box, beads of sweat appearing on his forehead. He walked slowly into the study with a flattering smile on his face. There was no trace of his previous arrogance, only humility between his brows.

He carefully placed the cash box on the carpet in front of the baron. When he opened it, it was filled with copper coins. Although it looked like a lot, it was actually not worth much.

Thirty kilograms of copper coins only amount to more than five thousand pieces, which only equals to fifty silver coins.

There was even dirt and sweat on it. Baron Ralph Devol, who was sitting on a carved wooden chair, didn't even bother to look at it. He just felt that the smell of money annoyed him and said with disgust.

"Johnny, I sent you out to collect taxes and you came back with this pile of junk?"

Johnny quickly lowered his head and explained with a helpless smile.

"My Lord Baron, it's not that I'm incompetent. You know, there's really not much money to be made from those peasants. We're already lucky to have collected this much tax this time... We can't really tear down their houses, can we? It won't do you any good, will it?"

No benefit?
That would be a huge benefit!
Ralph just sneered when he heard this and said nothing.

If it were 1000 years ago, the ancestors of the Devol family would never do such a thing of killing the goose that lays the golden eggs, but now it is more than 1000 years into the Holy Calendar, and the farmers on his land are not assets at all, but a complete burden, like moss growing behind the beams of a house.

Because of the ancient feudal contract, as long as those guys continued to reproduce, his land would have to be cut into pieces and used to grow potatoes and wheat in extremely low production methods that could not be sold for much money.

He had long been fed up with dealing with these dirty and smelly farmers all day long. He would never get rich relying on those guys.

Just think about it, if he could demolish all those dilapidated houses, turn the large tract of land that looks like a palette into a winery, and hire professional breeders to grow grapes, not only would his income be far more than these copper coins, his estate would also be filled with the fragrance of grape flowers!

By then, maybe students from art schools will come here to sketch, and I can treat the children to taste the winery’s specialties like an elegant and tasteful gentleman.

That's right—

Not just money!

He will also gain real respectability!

Thinking of this, a smile unconsciously appeared at the corner of his mouth, as if a wonderful life was right before his eyes.

Unfortunately, reality is full of regrets.

The laws of the empire did not allow him to enjoy his rights while ignoring his obligations, nor did they allow him to deprive the peasants of their personal freedom and drive them out of their homes.

After all, this is the emperor's territory, not a vassal state where the nobles can do whatever they want, nor is it the New World where governors and soldiers have the final say.

Otherwise, there would be no need to go through so much trouble. He would have asked Johnny to take his men to wipe out the entire Devol village and then start his new business happily.

He looked at the tea in the cup as if he was looking at his lifeless life.

His expression gradually became cold and sinister, and he spoke slowly.

"Keep going, Johnny, and don't let me down. If you can't collect the money, just tear down their beams. At least they can be used as firewood. Remember, this is an ancient and sacred obligation bestowed upon us by the Empire. If you cannot fulfill it for me, you don't have to come back."

Hearing that harsh tone, Johnny trembled, and quickly lowered his head to agree, then left the room with a bitter face.

He knew very well that the reason he could show off his power in the village was entirely because of Baron Devol's face.

If he left the protection of the Devol family, he would have no choice but to become an adventurer.

After Johnny left, Ralph put the teacup back on the table, looked at the green fields outside the window with gloomy eyes, and muttered to himself.

"You'd better get out of here..."

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

Tea was no longer enough to comfort the fatigue in his heart, so he stood up and walked to the corner of the bookcase, took out a bottle of red wine that he had treasured for a long time, and poured himself a glass.

Through the crystal clear glass, he stared at the bright wine in the glass, his eyes a little vague.

Picking up the wine glass and taking a sip, Ralph returned to his desk and sat down. He picked up the latest issue of "Holy City Daily" on the table, and his brows, which had just relaxed for a short while, gradually twisted into a deep ravine again.

The front page of the newspaper reported the grand arrival of Prince Colin in the holy city in great detail. The entire page was accompanied by a handsome and noble portrait of Prince Colin, and the writing was full of the citizens' enthusiastic admiration and infinite respect for the prince.

Looking at that gentle and confident face, Ralph did not show disgust, but instead a bit of envy and helplessness.

In fact, he did not dislike big figures like Prince Colin. He even admired him and admired his youth and potential from the bottom of his heart.

It’s a pity that the gap in status between the two was too great, and the high and mighty Prince would never pay attention to an insignificant person like him.

However, what worries Ralph is the other figure standing behind Prince Colin——

The man's name was Titch Kosiah, and he would recognize his face even if it was burned to ashes. The newspaper also had news about him, and it also included the title of Baron of Deadwood Harbor -

[Baron Titch Kosiah of Deadwood Harbor returns with honor, and along with him also comes the myth of wealth of the Janna Continent! ]

Seeing this line of words, Ralph unconsciously tightened his fingers holding the newspaper, his eyes revealing deep reluctance and anxiety.

There is an old saying in the Empire: The Demon is not to be feared; what is feared are the demon's minions who are able to penetrate any circumstance.

If His Highness Colin is compared to a demon, then Baron Cosia is undoubtedly the former's minion.

There had been no news for ten years, and Ralph thought that the unfortunate guy had already been buried in the vast ocean. However, he did not expect that he not only survived, but also stayed with Prince Colin, and now returned to the Holy City full of wealth and glory!
Teach Kosiah... Baron of Deadwood Harbor!

The name seemed to carry endless mockery, constantly echoing in his mind.

He could even imagine how that guy was standing triumphantly on the dock at this moment, enjoying the admiring looks of the citizens and the flattery of those lowly reporters.

And what about yourself?

He was just a small baron from the countryside, full of ambitions but with no chance to realize them.

Thinking of this, Ralph gritted his teeth, his eyes burning with flames of jealousy and resentment, and behind that was more fear and uneasiness.

After all, he had seized the title from the Cossia family and even melted the title onto his own family crest.

For a noble, there is no greater shame than this, which is tantamount to erasing all traces of their existence.

Just as Ralph was having a headache over the troubles that were coming one after another, the door of the study suddenly slammed open.

He was startled by the noise and thought it was Teach who came to visit him, but when he saw it was his son who came in, he breathed a sigh of relief but couldn't help cursing.

"You little brat, you didn't knock on the door again! How many times have I told you that you must knock before entering my study!"

"Father, father! Forget about the door!" Frey's eyes sparkled, and he waved the newspaper in his hand excitedly, chattering, "The Royal Arena will hold a knight's meeting. That is the coming-of-age ceremony prepared by Marshal Laco for his son! Do you know what that means?"

Does this mean that Marshal Laco's son is about to come of age?
Apart from this incident, Ralph couldn't think of any other meaning, and he didn't think this matter had anything to do with him.

But Frey obviously doesn't think so. This idle boy loves to watch the excitement the most.

He had a flattering smile on his face and said with a chuckle.

"Dad, you know I've always wanted to be a knight. Knights from all over the empire will come to this event! Can you sponsor me a little money so I can go and watch it?"

Ralph glanced at his son irritably, and his heart was filled with anger again. He pointed at the cash box on the ground and said impatiently, "Take it yourself."

Frey ran over happily, but the moment he opened the cash box, an expression of disappointment suddenly appeared on his face.

"Why are there only these shabby copper coins..."

Silver coins were suitable for aristocratic status, and he was too embarrassed to take out such money.

Ralph became even more angry after hearing this, and immediately raised his head and cursed angrily: "If you had been more motivated, our family wouldn't be left with only these rubbish!"

The more he thought about this, the angrier he got. He couldn't help but slam the table and yell.

"If you have any conscience, you should think about how much money I have spent on you. I sent you to the city to study and took you to high society banquets, but what's the result? You spend all day hanging out with a bunch of idle second-rate people!"

Frey immediately straightened his back unconvinced, and retorted without showing any weakness: "Father, I'm only sixteen! Shouldn't it be your responsibility to support this family? Besides, if you want me to stand up so hard, why don't you give this family to me and let me try?"

Ralph laughed angrily when he heard this, and sneered, "Give it to you? Ha, with your character, that unlucky guy from the Cossia family looks more reliable than you!"

Ralph was stunned for a moment after blurting out these words. He then remembered that Cosia was no longer the unlucky guy who lost all his family fortune. It was not appropriate to use him as a comparison.

Ralph rubbed his temple irritably, waved his hand, and quickly took out a bag of silver coins from the drawer and threw it to Frey, saying as if he was shooing away a fly.

"Get out of here now, don't let me see you!"

After all, he is his son, and the glory of the Devol family will eventually belong to this brat.

It would be nice if I could meet some real friends worth making at the Knights Conference hosted by the Marshal. It would be better than hanging out with a lackey like Johnny, his pet.

Frey took the purse, said "Thank you, Dad!" with a smile, and ran out without looking back.

Before Ralph could breathe a sigh of relief, brisk footsteps were heard outside the door again. A playful face stretched out its head first, and then a swaying skirt followed the brisk steps as it swayed into the door.

The person who came was none other than his beloved daughter, Kawena.

To be honest, she was much more likable with a cold face than with this sweet smile.

Because according to Ralph's experience, whenever she showed this expression, she must be talking to him about money.

"Dad," Kawena said tenderly, with unconcealed excitement in her voice, "My best friend who studies dance at the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts told me that His Royal Highness Colin is going to give a lecture at their school. It is said that he is the most cutting-edge school in the art world... You know that I am most interested in painting. Can I go and take a look?"

As she spoke, she clasped her hands together on her chest with a crazy look on her face. That expression didn't look like she was worshipping some art, but rather like her mind was filled with his highness the prince from the vast ocean.

Ralph couldn't help but groan in his heart. What on earth was wrong with this world?
A prince who has been separated from the empire for five hundred years is now coming to the Imperial Academy of Arts to talk about the most cutting-edge art...

Holy crap, have all the people in this city gone mad?

Ralph felt that he was too awake.

Although he had felt long ago that the world was full of sand dollars, he had never felt that there were so many sand dollars as he did today, even for his own daughter.

Logically speaking, this shouldn't be the case.

It is impossible for a soul that is a human being for the first time to be reborn into a noble family, even if his title is watered down, even if the land he owns as a baron is less than one-third of that of a baron in a remote area.

Ralph glared at her and felt a headache. He simply stopped talking and opened the drawer, took out another bag of silver coins, threw it on the table, and said impatiently.

"That's all I have. Take it. If it's not enough, go ask your mom for more. I don't have any more. Don't even think about it!"

If this little money can allow this little ancestor to roll into the bed sheets of His Highness Colin, it would be a successful investment. Even if he is an illegitimate child, he has a way to make Baron Cosia kneel in front of him and call him daddy.

Unfortunately, after taking a look at the face in the newspaper and then looking at his daughter, he really didn't dare to have any expectations. He even felt that the slightest thought was an insult to the prince.

To be honest, his daughter is not ugly, but that is the Imperial Royal Academy of Arts, where the Holy Light nobles choose their concubines, and her best friend who is learning dancing is probably in trouble.

Kawena happily grabbed the purse and said sweetly, "Dad is the best!" Then she turned around and ran out briskly, even her posture was exactly the same as her son.

It seems like there is no reliable person in this family...except myself who is struggling to support everything.

Ralph shook his head and sighed at the misfortune of his family. He made the sign of the cross on his chest and prayed, but before he finished making the sign of the cross, the door of the study was pushed open again, and it was his wife Eula who came in.

At this moment, that delicate face was full of excitement, like flowers blooming on a dead tree.

Ralph saw her excitement, but he didn't feel any joy at all. Instead, he spoke nervously.

"You're not here to ask me for money, are you?"

Yura was stunned for a moment, then he didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Money? Honey, who asked you for money? Wait, forget about that, take a look at this!"

As she spoke, she quickly walked to the desk, spread out the newspaper in her hand and pushed it in front of her husband, pointing to a striking piece of news on it and spoke excitedly.

"Sir Edmond Dantes met with the mayor of Bailu District yesterday to discuss the establishment of a sugar refinery and a large winery in Bailu District. The investment amount will be as high as 100 million gold coins, and it will involve the transformation of the entire urban area and the construction of infrastructure! You should read this line quickly!"

The moment Ralph saw the newspaper, he was stunned at first, then his eyes lit up and his breathing became rapid.

Dantès?
Of course he knew the last name!
That Sir Dantes is the distant relative of Prince Colin, who is very popular in the Holy City recently!

Not long ago, he sent someone to visit him in an attempt to get closer to Dantes, but the latter happened to be out, and a large group of people with the same purpose as his gathered at the door, so his servant had to return in disgrace.

But this is no longer important.

100 gold coins!
This amount is much higher than the annual tax revenue of the entire Bailu District!

With an investment of this scale entering the Bailu District, land prices are bound to skyrocket!
Even if the winery didn't open here, they could still make a lot of money without doing anything!

certainly--

It would be even better if we could attract this investment, as his land has the cheapest farmers in the Holy City!
"Honey, we are going to be rich!" Yura excitedly pulled her husband's arm, her eyes full of excitement.

Ralph was now fully awake. He picked up the newspaper with trembling hands and read it carefully over and over again. A greedy and excited light gradually emerged in his cautious pupils.

Yura put his right hand on his chest and continued to talk nonstop, "I felt strange yesterday. No one was interested in our farm the day before yesterday, but yesterday many people came looking for rent. Fortunately, I was careful and asked them to go back and wait for two days. It happened that I saw this newspaper today... Otherwise, we would have suffered a great loss!"

Ralph stood up suddenly, slammed the table decisively and said.

"Notify the housekeeper and contact the newspaper immediately to remove the rental advertisement! Now is definitely not the time to rent land. We still need to find a way to get more land!"

He paced back and forth in the room, his chest heaving violently with excitement, as if he saw a huge gold mine right in front of him.

Whether his family can make a complete turn around depends on this moment!

Suddenly, he thought of someone.

The gentleman was the president of the Bailu Branch of the Imperial Royal Bank. He exchanged business cards with me at a cocktail party a few days ago and assured me that I could contact him if I needed any funds.

Thinking of this, Ralph couldn't help but curl up the corners of his mouth, like a hyena that smelled blood.

Here's your chance to make a fortune!
(End of this chapter)