Become their wicked yet gentle lord.

Six victims. Liu Xia clenched her fists. The caravan members formed by Linhu Territory were mostly young, enthusiastic men and women; many of them had actively participated in the first infrastructure construction in Linhu Town…

“We don’t have enough troops to escort them right now… As for the dead and wounded, let’s issue compensation in the name of the lord’s manor. Make a record of their names and families, and we should take care of their families when we have the chance.”

Kira nodded: "What about caravan trade? Should we stop it?"

“Stop for now… no, preserve a few important caravans. Follow Mr. Baron’s method, have soldiers disguise themselves and follow them, lure out a few attackers, and then stop.” Ryūka’s tone was heavy.

Hetia slammed her hand on the table: "Yes! We can't let them get our blood on their hands for nothing. We have to kill a few demonstrators."

"Let Hetia handle this." Seeing Hetia's eager expression, Ryuga realized that after her rapid increase in strength over the past few days, she couldn't wait to test it in actual combat.

"And you, stay with Hetia and follow her instructions, understand?" Ryusha glanced at Megan, who immediately nodded in agreement.

"Let's leave that aside for now. We're not short of money right now; we can buy the necessary items at a higher price, and have Hetia and Megan escort us. As for Anyaberg, I have other plans." (Mei, I'm busy, Lin, are you free...?)

Ryūka issued instructions methodically, and in the end, all that remained was the issue of the rumors about him.

Under the watchful eyes of several girls, Ryuka said calmly:

"Let's ignore this for now and let them talk. The wider the rumors spread, the stronger the reversal will be when we clarify them. That way, fewer people will believe similar rumors in the future."

"I thought you would care a lot," Kania sighed, looking at Ryuka's expressionless face.

"Of course I care, but people can say whatever they want, and I can't expect everyone to be so clear-headed as to keep quiet. Compared to that, I care more about the actual issues of public security."

As the saying goes, rumors stop with the wise. And when faced with enemy infiltration, the best way to deal with it is to raise the awareness and consciousness of the people, especially now that a large number of new people are pouring into Linhu Territory, and some conflicts are occurring between the indigenous people and the newcomers.

Therefore, it is necessary to improve the overall quality of the people. In a world where the bottom population accounts for 90% and everyone has graduated from prenatal education, Liu Xia believes that popularizing basic education is a foregone conclusion.

"I heard that the church has a long tradition of running church schools. The priests in Linhu Town used to run them, but they didn't put much effort into it."

"How about this, contact Sister Lindsay and see if she'd be willing to lend out some rooms in the church to run a free school that teaches basic literacy and, incidentally, subtly teaches stories of territorial conflicts and intrigue, to enhance everyone's anti-infiltration thinking."

“If possible, let Anjaberg and the engineering students who have some free time become teachers as well. Kania, your father is an academic, right? Would he be willing to help?”

"Leave this to me, but even if the lessons are free, it's not certain that many people will come voluntarily. They're already exhausted just dealing with life." Kania shrugged, thinking that Ryusha's ideal was lofty, but not necessarily feasible.

"Don't worry about this... I already have some ideas."

Chapter 3 The Invisible Trajectory

After assigning the tasks, Liu Xia sighed. Linhu Territory was vast but sparsely populated and underdeveloped. Their biggest problem was manpower shortage. Although the development potential was enormous, there was a shortage of soldiers, craftsmen, officials, scholars... everywhere.

"If that princess values ​​this place so much, why has she only sent so few people? Does she know that the neighboring Sochi territory belongs to another faction?"

Faced with Ryūka's complaints, Hetia always felt that she was being subtly mocked. After all, the first batch of twenty soldiers who came with her were indiscriminately killed by her after she took the K18 drug, but even the manpower sent later was indeed insufficient to contend with the surrounding forces.

"I asked Her Highness about this before I set off. She said she was also short-handed, but believed we could manage."

"It sounds like the boss is just making empty promises. Is this little princess really that smart? What if she gets surrounded and intercepted by the Sochi authorities? Ah, no, not 'what if,' it's exactly what we're facing now..."

Liuxia wearily pressed her head against the table, staring at Hetia with a dead fish-like expression.

“This…” Hetia opened her mouth, then hesitated. Her crimson eyes stared at Ryūka for a long time before she finally spoke.

"Your Highness... has a special ability."

"Special abilities?"

"She has a subtle sense of how things will unfold, almost like a prophecy. Although she rarely displays this ability, His Highness assured me before he left that the plan would definitely go smoothly..."

Hetia's voice trailed off as she recalled the various experiences she had gone through since being defeated by Ryukyu... This was hardly a smooth journey!

Upon hearing this, Ryusha straightened up, her eyes widening, and exchanged a glance with Kania.

Although the two of them ambushed Hetia and seized control of the territory, the current development path of the territory does not conflict with the Thirteenth Princess's plans. To put it somewhat arrogantly, if Hetia and Anyaberg were to manage Linhu Territory, it would probably take several years to catch up with the current progress.

If the princess's statement that "the plan went smoothly" refers not to Hetia's personal experience, but to her own arrangements for the Linhu Territory, then this statement seems to be correct.

"This princess is a sorceress? Well, Hetia, you never mentioned this before. It seems I didn't interrogate you thoroughly enough."

Hetia shuddered at the sight of Ryusha's malicious smile. Last night, she had witnessed firsthand how Ryusha treated Megan; to put it bluntly, he had practically tortured her to death. Compared to Megan, what she had experienced was utterly insignificant.

Although Hetia admitted that she felt excited while watching, she had no desire to experience it herself.

"No! I! Her Highness, she..." Hetia waved her hands nervously. She even saw Megan behind Ryusha with a gloating smile in her eyes, as if she was looking forward to seeing someone else suffer the same treatment as her.

"Your Highness, she...she never explicitly stated that she had precognitive abilities, but having been by her side for so long, I've had a vague feeling about it..."

Her Highness sometimes makes decisions completely contrary to her usual cautious style, but these things often succeed in bizarre ways, so I suspect she might have some kind of precognitive ability! Or perhaps she has a similar strategist by her side!

"Okay, I'll believe you for now~" Ryuka reached out and pinched Hetia's soft cheek. Hetia blushed and frowned at the younger boy's actions, a hint of embarrassment in her expression. Compared to his wild behavior, she seemed to find this ambiguous and intimate gesture even more unacceptable.

Ryūka then gestured for Kania to go outside with him alone, and the two whispered to each other outside the door.

"Otus keeps witches, right? Are there any witches with precognitive abilities?"

“I don’t know, but I can’t rule out the possibility.” Kania shook her head. “Witches have all sorts of strange abilities, but neither my mother’s lineage nor ancient documents have ever recorded anything like this.”

Prophecies like that only exist in the shady fortune-telling shops tucked away in back alleys, mostly esoteric readings that appeal to aristocratic young ladies. Mei, what about Lin Mei? Mei's busy, you're here, Lin is here, what about Lin Mei...?

Although magic exists in this world, the Church still exists. 'Prophecy,' a miracle that can reveal the future, even if it truly exists, is a heretical ability that must be eradicated if it is not a blessing or guidance from a goddess.

"I hope not. If our appearance was part of her plan, then this princess is far too terrifying..."

Liu Xia pondered. No one wants to be a pawn on a chessboard, their fate manipulated by an unseen hand. But fate is unpredictable, and no matter what, he must walk the path before him well.

Despite the many difficulties and unknowns, Ryuka finds joy in it all.

Kania pulled Ryuga into her arms, rubbing his head against her soft, sweet chest and caressing his soft hair.

Despite the many difficulties and unknowns, Ryuka finds joy in it all.

Kania pulled Ryuga into her arms, rubbing his head against her soft, sweet chest and caressing his soft hair.

"Ha~ Who cares about her~ My Ryuka~ We've done enough already. Fate is like a boundless sea, and you are my brave little captain~"

Kania lifted Ryuka's head, met the boy's gaze with admiration, and gently raised the corners of her mouth.

"Without you, I might have fallen overboard before even setting sail. Even catching a storm now is a blessing, as long as you're here~"

"Your words are always so sentimental they're almost cheesy, but do witches really have love?" Ryuka chuckled, having just broken free from Kania's embrace, she reached out and gestured above her head.

"Have you grown taller?"

"Is there?"

"It seems a bit too high."

"Really? That's normal for this age." Ryuka's tone was nonchalant, but he unconsciously straightened his back a little. As a man, he was still quite concerned about things like height.

Kania smiled at his subtle movements and expression, then stroked Ryuka's longer black hair with her hand and said in an affectionate tone.

"Your hair's gotten long, let me trim it for you..."

"Atina, have you packed your bags yet?"

Inside the hot spring resort called 'Silver Star Nocturne', Elena passed by Atina's room and asked what was inside the open door. Atina had already packed a package; she hadn't brought much luggage and was currently sitting on the bed reading a textbook.

"Is this the book that Mr. Ryukatsu wrote for you?"

Elena approached Atina and looked at the girl, who was engrossed in reading, with an envious gaze.

“Mm.” Atina nodded. She was never very talkative, but that didn’t stop Elena from considering her her best friend besides her sister.

"That's great. When I get back, I can learn to read and write again, all thanks to Mr. Ryūka for ordering the school to be established. Atina might even become my senior!"

“Perhaps, it’s the teacher.” Atina put down her book and looked at Elena. Her eyes, beneath her long, pale gold eyelashes, remained calm, but the slight tilt of her pretty head and her slightly teasing words revealed a rare sense of humor in front of her friend.

Chapter 4 The first school in Linhu Town

"What? Is this true? Well, you little rascal! Are you showing off?" Elena chuckled and playfully teased Atina, then quickly got up after their playful banter.

"I need to go back and pack quickly, lest Evelyn stuff our bags into a mess."

After Evelyn left, Atina took a letter from between the pages of her book. It was a handwritten letter from Ryūsha. It briefly inquired about Atina's life at 'Silver Star Nocturne' and then recounted recent events in the Linhu Territory.

Finally, there was the news of the school to be opened, and Ruka's repeated hope that Atina could return to teach the children's class.

The letter was earnest; there was no other way, they were desperately short of manpower. Although Ryuga didn't understand why Atina had repeatedly refused to work at the lord's manor before, this request was different from the past.

Students in the Department of Magical Engineering can only temporarily serve as teachers; they will eventually have to return to their work at the Magical Workshop. Furthermore, there are few intellectuals in Linhu Territory to begin with. Apart from wealthy and leisurely individuals like Sister Lindsay and Kania's father, other educated adults have to take on various jobs.

"Ha! The school is right next to the church, and that white-haired nun is there too. You're not really planning to go, are you?"

In Atina's mind, Iduniel began his daily incessant chatter once again.

"You're my host, heretic! Are you really going to hang around a high-ranking nun like this? Well, that's not entirely impossible. Why don't you start familiarizing yourself with the 'Second Restriction' now and then try the 'Third Restriction'? It's very strong, very strong! You can easily kill that nun then!"

"Hey! Please talk to me! I'm going crazy from not hearing a word from you every day! Is that guy really worth the risk? You've only been watching him flirt with other women from afar!"

"Ha! I get it~ I've heard some people enjoy watching their crushes with other people... Atina, you wouldn't happen to be the type who gets excited about that, would you~ Ah~~~ I'm such a poor, cursed sword~ My host is such a 'special fetish'~"

Atina's long-term neglect has made this demonic sword speak out. After sleeping for a thousand years, it has finally awakened, but its host is like a mute, which is driving Iduniel crazy.

Atina simply closed the book, put it in her bag, and left the room she had already cleaned.

She and her twin sisters had only recently moved from the public bathhouse in Linhu Town to 'Silver Star Nocturne', but now they were leaving. However, the sudden change did not cause any ripples in Atina's heart.

In the corridor, maids and waiters greeted Atina warmly. Besides some locals from Linhu Territory, Miss Kira had hired some experienced waiters from Sochi Territory, as well as some of her former employees. Waiters, cleaners, chefs, and other staff had been trained and were in place; the resort was about to welcome a wave of wealthy customers from Sochi Territory.

Atina nodded to each person who greeted her. Although she was not talkative, this well-mannered young woman was universally liked. Some employees from Sochi even initially mistook her for a noblewoman, simply because Atina's outstanding behavior resembled that of the noble ladies they had encountered.

Atina watched everyone working happily and diligently, thinking that this place was once a wilderness. Now, this resort, even the road leading to Linhu Town, has been carefully tamped down, so that even three carriages running side by side are not crowded.

All of this was a miracle accomplished under Liu Xia's leadership, along with the construction of Linhu Town...

Atina thought back to her past with Ryuka: this slightly older boy had always treated her gently, taught her to read, and helped improve their family's life. When Atina was young, her father was disabled, and it wasn't easy for him to take care of the family alone. At those times, a pair of arms, though not yet strong, would always be there to comfort her.

Although they spend less time together now, that young man has become an outstanding ruler who can lead the people of Linhu Territory forward.

And now, he truly needs himself, not the unknown host of the demonic sword, but Atina from Linhu Town.

Looking at everything around her, and the dramatic changes that had taken place in the past few months, Atina had a firm belief in her heart. Linhu Town could live without her, Atina, but it couldn't live without her brother, Liuxia.

Therefore, even though Idunil repeatedly emphasized that Sister Luminova might be in danger, Atina still decided to accept the invitation.

Moreover, even though they've only been apart for a short time recently, Atina has gradually realized that even just seeing Ryuka occasionally is incredibly important to her.

Of course... there's also the salary for becoming a teacher; the amount offered by the lord's manor is really tempting.

'Waaah... Atina, please help me...'

Halfway there, Evelyn was struggling to walk, dragging her heavy luggage. Elena was beside her, carrying a bag on her back and a duffel bag in her hand, completely helpless with Evelyn's enormous bundle.

This child was the most excited about coming to work here, so she brought all sorts of things, big and small bags. Her lively personality also made her very popular with the adults, and her bags were filled with many small gifts and snacks from others.

Atina quietly stepped forward, easily picked up the bundle, and, along with Evelyn, each took one side of it, went to the carriage that had been waiting outside.

The journey was smooth; the roads were in very good condition, except for some mud after the rain, but the carriages didn't get too stuck in the ruts.

Evelyn and Elaine excitedly chatted about what school would be like and whether they would make new friends. The two girls, both from serf backgrounds, were incredibly excited about learning to read.

Receiving an education was something girls like them couldn't even imagine before. Although Kira would occasionally teach them a little, their busy work schedules meant they rarely saw each other, and it couldn't compare to a place like 'school'.

"We've arrived! Linhu Town, we're home!"

As the church spire came into view, Evelyn excitedly leaned out of the open carriage and nearly fell off.

Sister Lindsay waited with a smile at the church entrance, her short orange hair shimmering in the sunlight. She took the three girls and extended her right hand to Attina.

"Little sister Atina, we'll be colleagues from now on."

Lindsay looked somewhat shy behind her thick glasses. She then took out two more gifts and gave them to Evelyn and Elena.

"What's this?" The two opened the bag, which contained eggs and dried meat.

"Every child who registers for school will receive one, but you two are in the last batch, since school officially starts tomorrow."

Lindsay laughed; the little trick Liuxia had suggested was exactly the same as when they recruited the choir. Not only that, the school would also provide a meal for the students every day, a huge attraction for most poor families.

After all, this time Liu Xia issued a mandatory order: all illiterate children under the age of sixteen in Linhu Town must receive basic literacy education. Thanks to the developments in recent times, everyone's life in Linhu Town has improved considerably; otherwise, many families would not have been willing to send their able-bodied children to school.

"Let me show you around. These are the classrooms, which were converted from the old chapel of the church and the warehouse next to it. The classrooms can accommodate a total of two hundred students."

Even with the influx of people from other areas, the current population of Linhu Town is still less than two thousand, so this temporary school is sufficient for the time being.

"Each morning and afternoon session has two different groups of students; they study for half a day and then go home to help out for the other half. In the evenings, Miss Kania's father, Mr. Jono, comes to give night lessons to adults who wish to learn."

Lindsay pulled the switch on the wall to demonstrate to Atina, and several magic lamps lit up the ceiling, emitting a bright light.

Atina walked up to the podium, touching the thick wooden lectern and the blackboard behind her. The knowledge that Ryūka had painstakingly taught her was now hers to impart to John, Nick, and Lina…

"It seems everything is almost ready." Liu Xia arrived at the church at that moment and smiled as she looked at the classroom, which had been renovated and furnished with desks and chairs.