Chapter 448 - 303: Digen’s Treasure

"Sigh, what a pitiful group of people." The Lord’s face was filled with sorrow, just like a Kind-hearted Priest who couldn’t bear to watch life fade away.

"Since you’ve chosen to seek refuge with me, how could I bear to watch you drown in a sea of misery?"

"Today, in my name as a Marquis of the Debei Kingdom, Lord of High Cliff Castle, and the Wilderness Tyrant—I declare you officially my subjects! You will be granted formal status in Debei and delivered from the sea of suffering as Wilderness Ghosts. Your fate is now inextricably linked to my glory."

"I will shelter you and grant you land and peace. In return, you must repay me with loyalty and labor. From this day forward, your sweat will flow for me, and your hands will toil for me. Your destiny is now one with mine."

Levi raised the Secret Silver Longsword high, his voice loud and majestic. He subtly enveloped his body in a layer of Holy Light, making him appear glorious and dazzling, stately and tall.

"My Lord, you are like the benevolent sun, embracing everyone equally in your warmth!"

All the Northern Old People raised their hands high and fell to their knees in a great wave. Silent tears streamed down their rough cheeks, dripping onto the soil.

Elderly women hugged their children tightly, sobbing softly as if thanking the Gods for Their mercy. A child, his cheeks flushed red from the cold with two little icicles of snot hanging from his nose, stared curiously at the Knight holding the sword at the front.

Once, their ancestors had also been subjects of a Kingdom, living prosperous lives and enjoying all the glory that came with it. They would plant seeds in spring and await the harvest in autumn, herding their livestock without fearing for their safety.

But disaster always strikes when you least expect it. The fall of their Kingdom turned them into wanted criminals overnight.

When soldiers from an enemy nation pursued them, they fled for their lives. Thus began an arduous journey for survival. Uprooted and displaced, they abandoned their homeland and came to the Kas Mountain Range in the Wilderness, where they lived among savages and bandits.

As generations passed, they had long forgotten the calendar, the name of their former Kingdom, and even how long they had lived in the Kas Mountain Range. All they knew was that their ancestors were once subjects of a Kingdom and had lived prosperous lives.

Now that they had finally become subjects of a Kingdom again, gaining official status and no longer living as precarious tribal savages, how could they not feel a mix of sorrow and elation?

"My Lord, we pledge our loyalty and sweat to you! May your glory last for all eternity, like the sun!" The words of the three Clan Leaders seemed to ignite the crowd’s emotions. More people began to murmur in agreement, their voices gradually swelling into a devout tide: "Thank you, noble Lord! Thank you for your protection!"

"Our loyalty is our last remaining worth."

"Loyalty! Loyalty!"

Their gratitude surged toward the high platform like a tide, threatening to drown the Lord.

Looking down at the emotional crowd of Northern Old People, Levi couldn’t help but think, ’All this loyalty... I hope they don’t think they’re the main course.’

To be honest, he hadn’t expected his little speech to have this kind of effect.

Then again, it probably had something to do with his [Persuasion] skill, which was nearly at Max Level. Besides, these Northern Old People were accustomed to a life of suffering in the Kas Mountain Range. It was understandable they’d lose control of their emotions when suddenly given a chance to touch the sun.

"First, arrange for them to stay in the Slave District. Give each of them a set of warm clothes, and then make sure they get a full meal." Now with hundreds of thousands of Gold Coins in his pocket, the Lord was feeling incredibly generous, issuing commands with a grand wave of his hand. "Once they’ve acclimated, assign them to work at the brick kiln or the blacksmith forge."

The ground was covered in heavy snow, so it wasn’t suitable for farming. Otherwise, these Old People could have been sent to clear new farmland.

Watching the group of Northern Old People go off joyfully to collect their clothes and food, the Lord turned to Leiden beside him. "When the time comes, remember to break up their three Tribes and integrate them with each other."

It wasn’t that the Lord was afraid of them causing trouble, but it was best to avoid it if possible. The sudden addition of more than ten thousand people to High Cliff Castle was something that needed to be taken seriously.

To get them to integrate as quickly as possible, the best method was to break them up and manage them separately. Once they fully identified with High Cliff Castle, they could be allowed to live in the castle’s Settler Area.

"Yes, my Lord."

Leiden nodded. He hadn’t been idle during his trip south; on the contrary, he had taken the opportunity to read many books from Debei and had gained some insights into managing commoners. All that remained was to put his knowledge into practice.

"Also, have them learn to use toilets and about personal hygiene first. Anyone who relieves themselves wherever they please must be severely punished!"

Levi added with great seriousness, having suddenly remembered something.

He was lenient about many things in High Cliff Castle, but he was extremely strict when it came to toilet habits.

He had no desire to walk out his door and be greeted by the stench of piss or to step in shit.

Thanks to his unwavering strictness, High Cliff Castle could be considered a breath of fresh air in all of Debei. Its streets were clean and tidy, without a speck of trash in sight, and there were no strange odors in the air.

This was also why the Half-Elf, Miriel, had left the prosperous Bailiu City to open a shop in a remote backwater like High Cliff Castle.

Even a great city like Bailiu City could not guarantee clean streets and fresh air; visiting the slums there was like walking into a dung beetle’s nest.

He had laid out the broad strokes, leaving Leiden and Baisitina to fill in the details. With that out of the way, Levi prepared to take a trip deep into the Wilderness.

"Levi, are you planning to go to the Wind Speech Tribe alone?"