I was a lord farming, how did I become an emperor?

Chapter 236 The Great Lord of Nature

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……

Red Griffin Castle.

Inside the study, candlelight flickered.

At a heavy oak desk, a voluptuous and beautiful woman leaned back in her chair, flipping through parchment letters scattered on the table with one hand.

The beautiful woman's long hair cascaded down like a waterfall, its dark brown strands shimmering in the candlelight.

The dark red dress accentuated her graceful figure, and the curves of her chest rose and fell slightly with her breath.

Her face wasn't stunningly beautiful, but it possessed a captivating charm.

And this woman was none other than Avril Lavigne's stepmother, Susanna.

At this moment, Susanna frowned slightly, her beautiful eyes filled with anger as she stared at the secret agent captain kneeling on the ground.

"Tell me, what do you mean by 'disappeared'?"

Susanna's voice was low and tinged with impatience.

The head of the secret service team was bowed, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

“Madam, we tracked them down to the tavern in Stone Road Town, Falcon Territory, and then they disappeared.”

The head of the secret service trembled, as if afraid that his words would provoke a thunderous wrath.

"Missing?"

The letter in Susanna's hand made a slight tearing sound, and her tone suddenly rose, tinged with sarcasm.

"An entire team, just vanished without a trace?"

The head of the secret service team swallowed hard, lowering his head even further.
"There was a fire at that tavern, madam, everything has turned to ashes."

"Logically speaking, that's where the team last appeared, and all the information from the investigation points to that place."

"But we didn't find any intact bodies in the mass grave in the town, so we can't be sure if they went somewhere else or were carried off by wild dogs..."

Ordinary fires rarely burn a body to ashes; at most, they char it black and make it brittle.

As a secret agent captain who frequently handles corpses, he was well aware of this.

"And then you concluded that it disappeared?"

Susanna threw the crumpled letter at the head of the secret service team in the face.
"Aren't you going to continue the investigation? Aren't you going to interrogate the tavern owner and bartender?!"

"I've checked, Madam."

The head of the secret service team's Adam's apple bobbed, and he hurriedly explained:
"But the tavern owner and the bartender both died in the fire."

"Even some of the drunkards who frequented the area couldn't escape."

Seeing Susanna's expression grow increasingly cold, the head of the secret service quickly added, "We also arrested the tavern owner's nephew, but after a thorough interrogation, we found nothing else. Perhaps it really was an accident..."

"Accident?"

Susanna's tone was slightly mocking, "They are all elites; none of them will escape a fire?"

"Perhaps they've all been drinking..."

The head of the secret service spoke in a low voice, and after he finished speaking, he couldn't help but steal a glance at Susanna's expression.

This time, Susanna remained silent, lost in thought.

If you've really been drinking, you might not be able to react in time.

But since the body wasn't found, Susanna felt something was wrong.

Was he assassinated?
"Baron Ace of the Falcon family said he hadn't received any information and didn't know such a team existed, telling us to investigate ourselves."

"What a useless man, he has no sense of responsibility whatsoever."

Susanna slammed her hand on the table and demanded, "Does he not want to cooperate with us anymore?"

The head of the secret agents answered cautiously in a low voice.
“Baron Ace said… he already has a lover, and it is not elegant noble behavior to steal someone else’s love.”

Susanna's gaze suddenly turned icy, and she paced back and forth in front of the desk.

"That's not what that guy said before!"

"He must know something and he's terrified!"

"A cowardly piece of trash like a rat, he's no match for Baron Blackpine Ridge, and he's not worthy of cooperating with us!"

Susanna's voice was filled with hysterical anger, "No wonder his father failed, all the men in the Falcon family are useless!"

“Send someone to contact the lords in the northern wastelands; I remember none of them are married.”

Susanna now resembles a resentful woman abandoned by a man, eagerly searching for the next one to prove that "if you don't want me, there are plenty of others who will."

"Yes, Your Excellency."

The head of the secret agents readily agreed, secretly letting out a long sigh of relief.

This matter is now mostly resolved, and I no longer need to suffer.

Feeling a little more relaxed, the head of the secret agents forced a fawning smile, trying to ingratiate himself.

“Madam, the Baron of Blackpine Ridge is utterly insignificant.”

The head of the secret service leaned forward and lowered his voice, "After the old count passed away, the title naturally belongs to young master Kolank. In fact, Avril doesn't need to worry at all."

She remained silent for a moment, the candlelight flickering in her eyes, casting a sinister glow.

"What do you know?"

Susanna seemed to be thinking of something hateful, her left hand clenched tightly, her nails digging deep into her palm.

She turned and stared at the head of the secret service.

"The old goat hasn't made a will yet, and he's even hidden the family seal!"

"Without that seal, Kolank cannot directly become the legitimate heir!"

The captain of the secret agents' smile froze on his face, and his throat felt like it was blocked by something, leaving him speechless for a long time.

According to the unspoken rules among nobles, titles were indeed inherited by the first son.

However, according to imperial law, the eldest daughter can inherit the title unless a specific will is made.

Susanna slowly sat back in her chair, a ruthless glint in her eyes.

“I made an agreement with that old goat that the title must belong to Coranke.”

Her voice was so low it was as if she were talking to herself.

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have banished that slut to such a far place. I would have dealt with her in the castle, even if I were accused of it."

“But that old goat suddenly started dragging his feet a few days ago, saying that the family seal could not be found.”

"Although we don't know if he did it on purpose, the best thing to do now is to get rid of Avril."

Susanna snapped out of her daze and looked at the silent head of the secret service.

"Proceed according to plan first. If the people in the Northern Wasteland are also cowardly and useless, then we'll have to resort to the most primitive methods."

"Understood, I'll arrange it right away."

The head of the secret agents nodded heavily, stood up, bowed, and left the study.

Susanna leaned back in her chair and stretched languidly, instantly highlighting her stunning figure.

After stretching, Susanna finished tidying up the letters on the table, lit them on a candle, and threw them into the brazier.

"Why did the old goat suddenly change his mind...? Did he find out about Kolank's past?"

Susanna subconsciously touched her lower abdomen. "Impossible, even I can't be sure whose it is..."

"Boom boom boom!"

The sudden knocking startled Susanna, sending a chill down her spine.

"who!"

“It is I, your most loyal butler, Frank, madam.”

An old voice sounded.

"Oh, come in."

Susanna lowered her guard, and her voice became slightly languid.
"what's wrong?"

"I'm sorry to disturb your rest, Madam."

Frank bowed and reported with a smile, "Old Jack, who was in charge of transporting the sludge buckets (urine buckets), drowned while fishing, and his nephew took over the job."

“To prevent such an unfortunate thing from happening again, I want to replace all the older people in the castle.”

Frank respectfully presented a list to Susanna.
"Here is the list. If you agree, I will carry it out tomorrow."

Susanna glanced casually at the list; many of the names were unfamiliar.

There were sixty or seventy servants in the entire castle, plus over a hundred guards, most of whom Susanna didn't recognize.

Susanna didn't even recognize the old Jack the housekeeper mentioned.

After all, how could the Countess possibly know an old man who takes out the trash?
"Just handle these people according to your list."

Susanna glanced at the list and, noticing that none of her trusted confidants were on it, nodded casually.
"Remember to give the list of new servants to Sir Auphile, so that he can find out the servants' origins before using them."

"Yes, ma'am."

Frank bowed slightly. "Then I won't bother you any longer."

After saying this, Frank left the study and carefully closed the door.

Susanna also stood up immediately.

"We should go check on that old goat."

……

...The army of Black Pine Ridge has been stationed and resting in the Ice Breath Wasteland for a week.

The battlefield has been completely cleaned up. The supply team from the Ministry of War brought food and fodder when they arrived, and transported the corpses of the lizardmen back to Black Pine Ridge when they left.

The total number of corpses was 337, and the number of prisoners was 53.

Some were killed in Baron Camille's town, and the rest escaped.

There was nothing they could do; those lizardmen were too familiar with the Icefield Mountains, and once they went inside, the Wolfhoof wolf riders couldn't find them.

They couldn't withstand the extreme cold any further.

Sejuani, Geralt, and five Lynx-men ventured into the Icefield Mountains to continue their search for the escaped creatures.

However, even just these 390 lizardman corpses instantly made Rhodes's pockets swell.

Now that Baron Bronn has pledged allegiance to Rhodes, there's another channel for selling lizardman corpses, so there's no worry about them not selling.

The army's camp was stationed on the outskirts of Icebreath Town, and Baron Camille came here every day.

The day before yesterday, we delivered some bread; yesterday, some dried fruit; and today, we delivered some firewood to the barracks.

They seemed very enthusiastic, but the supplies they brought were only enough for a team of 100 people to consume for one day.

Rhodes wasn't being dismissive; after all, things delivered to one's door are always good.

However, Rhodes had to spend time receiving Baron Camille every day.

However, besides delivering firewood today, Camille also personally led the way, guiding Rhodes to the copper mine in Serpent's Tail Canyon.

Snake Tail Canyon is not large in area, with only six or seven hills around it, but in the middle there is a pool of water about half the size of a playground.

Judging from the traces of dry land around it, it seems that the water will rise again in the summer.

Rhodes was also surprised to find that the seemingly ordinary-sounding Snake Tail Canyon actually had mountains and water.

It is worth mentioning that after Rhodes signed the agreement with Camille, Rhodes' territory gained a new area called Serpent Tail Canyon.

However, this territory has a time limit within the system.

This made Rhodes realize that if he wanted to turn Razor Plains into something like Blackpine Ridge, he could go back and sign a transfer agreement with Avril.

Because it was designated as territory by the system, Rhodes could see the approximate location of the copper mine even before he reached his destination.

However, Rhodes kept quiet and continued to follow Camille's lead.

The vein was located halfway up the mountain in the canyon. Once they arrived at their destination, Rhodes understood why Baron Camille had been able to discover the vein.

Because this is a semi-exposed copper mine, it can be discovered as long as someone has hunted here.

Rod walked around the vein and was surprised to find exposed copper ore just a hundred meters away.

"Baron Camille, your copper mine should be considered a medium-sized vein, right?"

Looking at the area of ​​the vein, Rhodes roughly estimated, "This can be considered a mine, right? The reserves must exceed 100,000 tons. You're really generous."

"As you said before, it makes no sense not to mine."

Camille looked up at Rhodes. "Besides, it's not that precious."

Camille's words surprised Rhodes, and looking at Camille's knight, Dost, he also remained calm.

Could it be that the Ice Breath Hills have many mineral veins?
Oh, by the way, Moonlake is a marquisate, so the mineral veins within its territory must be far greater than I imagined.

Rhodes snapped out of his daze. "Since you don't have the energy left, I'll take over for now."

Rhodes waved to Vivian.
"Let's go. Now that we're here, let's plan the locations of the mine and the village."

"Yes."

Vivian then took out the prepared scrap paper and followed behind Rhodes.

"The canyon is narrow and easy to defend, and there is a water source behind it, making it suitable for building a mountain stronghold."

"Mark the mountain peak where we just stood, and use it as a lookout post for our sentry post."

"Farmland can only be marked on the east side of the canyon. We'll leave it for now."

"Yes, the road here still needs repairs..."

……

Vivian lowered her head, the charcoal stick rustling on the paper.

Rhodes spoke quickly, explaining that Vivian couldn't write and instead drew special marks on paper.

Camille followed behind, keeping a close eye on Rhodes and listening to his instructions.

After a busy day, I explored the entire Snake Tail Canyon and sketched its basic topography on paper.

"Yes, although you're still not as good as your sister, you've made progress."

Rod looked at the scrap paper on the wooden board and nodded in approval.

Vivian wanted to pout, but realizing there were other people around, she lowered her head.

"Yes, Your Excellency, I will do my best to satisfy you."

Rod chuckled twice and carefully put away the toilet paper.

Camille spoke up first: "All the important matters have been taken care of. Baron Rhodes, are you free tonight?"

"I have had the kitchen prepare a dinner and would like to invite you and your knight to join me."

Camille smiled apologetically and said, "You helped us defeat the lizardmen, but I haven't been able to treat you to a proper meal. That's very impolite of me."

Rhodes didn't want to attend aristocratic banquets, especially when there was no benefit to it.

There are many rules of etiquette at the dinner table, and you might not even get enough to eat.

However, Camille had invited him multiple times, and Rhodes couldn't refuse without a good reason.

"Okay."

Rod readily agreed, "Then I'll take the liberty of bothering you tonight..."

Just then, Gala, panting heavily, ran to the top of the mountain, knelt on one knee,
"Holy Lord, the convoy transporting the potions has entered the Ice Breath Hills and will be passing through here soon. Should we stop them?"

Rhodes turned around, raising an eyebrow slightly.
"So fast?"

A joyful smile appeared on Rod's face.

"Don't disturb them, let them go on ahead, and we'll follow behind them."

"Yes, Holy Lord!"

Gala nodded emphatically and ran quickly down the hill to relay the order.

"Baron Rhodes, why did that messenger address you as 'Holy Lord'?" Camille asked curiously.

"It's just a respectful title used by the local tribes. They like to call me that, and I haven't asked them to change it."

Rhodes casually said, "Although I am a lord, I still respect certain racial cultures."

Camille smiled and agreed, "Yes, you are indeed very open-minded."

"However, I will not be able to attend the dinner tonight."

Rhodes looked somewhat helpless, then said seriously, "We have more important things to deal with now."

Camille's smile vanished, replaced by a cold expression, and she nodded earnestly.
"Of course, dealing with the reptilians is the most important thing."

After the victory, the army did not withdraw. Combined with the contents of the previous letter, Camille knew very well that Rhodes' goal this time was to completely wipe out the lizardmen.

Although we don't know what kind of medicine was sent, it must be very important.

"Thank you for your understanding, Baron Camille. You are very open-minded."

Rod smiled and praised, "Your future husband will definitely have a very comfortable life."

Camille smiled and lowered his head, saying nothing more.

"Then let's hurry up and go, your business is more important."

"it is good."

Rhodes hurried down the mountain, mounted the Night Fury, and quickly returned to the military camp.

The Shadow Guard squad escorting the frost resistance potion had arrived, and Rhode immediately summoned Durant, Gunle, and Ryan to his side.

"The medicine has been delivered, but it is impossible to estimate how many people it will be enough for at the moment."

Rhodes's gaze swept across everyone's faces. "So, as I instructed beforehand, give the elite troops you selected first."

"Yes, my lord," the crowd replied in unison.

Rhodes then waved to Vivian.

Vivian handed Durant a stack of scrap paper.

"These are the dosages for different body types. Strictly follow them and do not exceed them."

Rhodes instructed, "If anything unexpected happens, come and report immediately."

"Yes, Lord Lord."

"Alright, go and carry it out."

Rhodes waved his hand, and the crowd bowed and withdrew.

Rhodes then took out the wooden jar he had kept and asked the guards to summon Sao and the others.

Before I could even open my mouth, a system notification suddenly popped up.

[Five mineral veins in the territory have been explored, and 500 tons of metal ore have been mined and 100 tons of metal have been smelted. Entry: Mineral Vein Lord (Purple)]

[Crop Lord, Animal Husbandry Lord, Hunting Lord, and Mining Lord unlocked; Attribute: Nature Grand Lord (Gold)]

coming!

Rod's eyes lit up. Mining two iron mines was fast!
The additional miners have finally unlocked the [Vein Lord] title!
The notification that 【Nature Grandmaster】is complete has also popped up successfully!
Rhodes hurriedly handed the wooden jar to Vivian, bypassing the [Mine Lord] and clicking on the [Nature Grand Lord]'s information first.

(End of this chapter)