Subscriber of the Gods Episode 282
Episode 282. Poison Mine
The territory that Ethan received was called the Limu Territory.
“The family that rules over the Limu Territory is the Baron Hendan family.”
Hera began to explain.
The Baronial House of Hendan had been working for the Marquis of Drenne for quite some time.
Because he had run the territory so reliably from the previous head of the family to the current head of the family, he was greatly trusted by both the Marquis and the people of the territory.
Therefore, in this Rimu territory, the influence of Baron Hendan was considerably greater than that of Marquis Dren.
“And simply receiving land does not mean that it becomes part of the Wickus estate.”
Hera said.
“The Baron Hendan family was quite good at running the Limu estate. That must be why they won my father’s trust. Even if you worked hard for the Marquis, my father was the kind of person who would kick you out if you made even the slightest mistake.”
Because of this, the nobles who managed the estates of the Marquis of Dren changed hands very quickly.
But the Limu Estate was different.
“But Baron Hendan has ruled the Rimu territory from the previous head of the family to the current head. That means he is a capable person. The people of the territory also have a very good reputation.”
There’s no way the territory will function properly even if you kick him out and put Ethan in charge.
“We need to win the hearts of the people of Yeongji, but that won’t be easy. How long do you think it will take to finish this? I think it will take at least a year.”
It would take that much time to completely incorporate the Limu Territory into the Wickus Territory.
“1 year?”
But Ethan stared at Hera as if asking what she was talking about.
“I will finish this work within a week.”
“A week? That’s impossible! Even if Baron Hendan could be forced to step down by force, the people of the territory would never accept it. And there’s also the problem of the poison in the underground mines. If the state of the territory is not normal and you put too much pressure on the existing lord and the people of the territory… … .”
Hera stopped talking as Ethan shook his head.
“Hera, isn’t what you’re hoping for, to quickly stabilize this poisonous territory and completely incorporate it into the Wickus territory?”
“Yes, that’s right. But the process… … won’t be easy.”
“Hera, do what you have to do.”
Ethan declared.
“You don’t have to worry about this.”
* * *
Limu Estate.
“Your Majesty.”
“Ha, what is this situation? The poison from the mine is now spreading to the surrounding territory, and you’re saying you’ve handed over the territory? You’re saying you can’t help me since it’s no longer a marquisate?”
Baron Hendan, holding the letter, was filled with anger.
It was a letter from Haidt Dren, saying that this Limu territory had been incorporated into the County of Wickers without consulting him.
I had expected that the Marquisate of Dren would be shaken by the death of the Marquis. However, I never thought that he would foolishly hand over the land.
“Haight Dren, you idiot! Why on earth, why on earth did you hand over the land?”
I heard that the current internal situation within the Marquis is quite difficult. Perhaps they handed over this area where the mine is located in order to deal with the internal issues first.
“shit.”
I can’t just let it be taken away like this.
What kind of land is this?
“What should we do, my lord… … .”
The governor of the Limu Estate looked at Baron Hendan with an anxious expression.
“This is the result of loyalty. Giving this land to Wickus is ultimately telling me to step down from this position?”
Baron Hendan ground his teeth.
The result of generations of loyalty was like this. My anger was not subsiding.
“Don’t worry. Count Ethan Wickers won’t be able to kick us out so easily. To rule this territory, we need to win the hearts of the people, and the people of the territory will not welcome another noble coming to the Rimu territory that the Hendan family has ruled for so long.”
The people of the estate are very satisfied with the way Baron Hendan runs his estate. So they will not easily accept a new lord other than Baron Hendan.
Of course, Baron Hendan had no intention of giving up his land so easily.
“I can never give up my land. It’s the land my father has worked hard to cultivate his entire life. It’s the land that has been prepared to last for decades, no, over a hundred years.”
Baron Hendan continued to discuss with the governor how to deal with this situation. But soon after, his subordinate came in.
“My lord! Count Ethan Wickers has arrived!”
“First of all… … prepare to welcome them.”
The Rimu Estate has now been officially incorporated into the Earldom of Wickers. In this situation, he cannot be forcibly kicked out or treated unfairly.
“I have no choice but to convince him somehow to keep my position.”
* * *
“……yes?”
“The territory will continue to be run by Baron Hendan. The situation has developed into this due to various circumstances, but we welcome you to the Wickus County.”
The reception room of the Limu Royal Residence.
Because of the circumstances, he could not welcome Ethan and his party in a flashy manner. However, Baron Hendan welcomed him as kindly as possible, hoping to make a good impression on Ethan.
I was upset because of the Hite Dren, but there was nothing I could do about it.
And rumor has it that this guy named Ethan Wickers was a very talented guy, even at his young age.
It was said that the reason the Wickus Estate, whose name was unknown, was able to grow to its current size was because of Ethan Wickus.
Baron Hendan had also heard stories about the Wickers Estate since it had grown in size and expanded to the vicinity of the Marquis of Drenne.
There were many stories, but I heard that the business aspect in particular was tremendous.
Right now, Baron Hendan has also experienced lightweight magic through his subordinates in the lightweight workshop. He has also seen quite a few subordinates change the color of their clothes using dyeing magic.
This was a major source of anxiety for the Baron. If he had a strong business acumen, he would approach this territory with a businesslike perspective, and if that happened, there was a high possibility that he would be ousted and Ethan’s man would be put in the position of lord.
But what Ethan said as soon as he sat down was shocking.
“I, I’m not in my right mind right now. I’m sorry, but could you repeat what you just said?”
“I see you’re surprised. I’ve done some research on the Rimu Estate. It’s been run very well. I heard that it’s been run well, following the example of the late Lord Hendan.”
For a moment, Baron Hendan made a tearful expression.
“There is no need to establish a new lord in such a land. This Rimu territory has simply been incorporated into the Earldom of Wickers. I will not make any significant changes to the territory, Baron Hendan.”
You said you wouldn’t touch me. I didn’t expect you to tell me that story as soon as you got here.
In other words, doesn’t that mean that you will recognize his authority as it is now?
“Are you surprised?”
“Oh, no… … That’s not it… … .”
Ethan smiled as he looked at Baron Hendan.
Many emotions surged through Baron Hendan’s chest.
Her mind was full of things to say to Ethan, but when he actually acknowledged her, she was speechless.
I had already thought about how I would argue with Ethan if he asked me to leave because he was going to appoint a new lord.
However, since Ethan continued to leave the management of the estate to Baron Hendan, Baron Hendan’s worries ended up being meaningless.
Please continue to run the estate.
He even praised the management of the estate that had been maintained since his father’s generation. I never dreamed that I would hear such words from such a young count.
Baron Hendan looked at Ethan with a moved face.
The general standing next to him could only blink and look at Ethan’s face as things turned out much better than he had expected.
“You must have other concerns. I heard the mining problem is serious.”
“… … Ah, yes. As you know, half of the territory’s population is currently evacuated due to the toxic fumes from the mine. The toxic fumes have risen to the surface and are now trying to cross the territory’s borders and escape.”
“I came to solve that.”
“……yes?”
“Now, this is our Whikus County. Of course, we have to solve the problem of the territory.”
“Hey, are you saying you can solve it?”
This statement was also, of course, unexpected.
The problem of the estate is ultimately one that Baron Hendan must take responsibility for.
Although this territory has been incorporated into the Earldom of Wickers, the current lord is Baron Hendan, so this is something he must take responsibility for and resolve.
Baron Hendan anticipated that if he failed to resolve this issue, he would use this as an excuse to threaten to step down from his position.
But nothing lived up to expectations.
Ethan was saying that not only would he keep the seat, he would also take care of this matter.
“No need? Well, a veteran like you might have already finished preparing.”
“Oh, no! It was a really tough situation. Thank you so much for your help, Count Ethan!”
The hostility towards him had already disappeared.
“Please help me! I would be grateful for your help!”
Rather, a strong sense of loyalty was building up within Baron Hendan.
“Tell me more about the situation.”
* * *
“The most urgent task is to evacuate the people of the territory before the poison spreads further.”
Ethan, after hearing the situation, decided to deploy his troops and block the poison first.
“The situation is such that the archbishop of another territory is coming this way. If the archbishop comes, we will be able to control the poison that has spread to the ground immediately.”
“But who knows when it’ll come? The poison continues to spread. Well, I can see it from here too. At that rate, it won’t take long for the poison to spread to Yeongju Castle.”
Through the large windows of the castle, I could see the poison creeping up.
The crimson poison moved along the ground, writhing like a living creature. It looked like a snake.
A temporary defensive line was set up, but it seemed insufficient to block the poison.
The poison spread through the gaps between the rocks, staining the ground and corroding buildings.
“… … Count Ethan, is Marquis Dren taking this seriously? This is a very serious matter.”
Baron Hendan closed his eyes as the poison continued to spread.
“You are thinking seriously about it. That is why you gave me this land.”
“……yes?”
“It seems like they’re trying to take it back under the pretext of poison. It seems like Baron Hendan and I both think we can’t stop this poison.”
“So that means… … you’re just going to watch until the damage gets worse. You’re using us… … .”
“You want to get the most out of your deal with me. The lives of the people of the territory and the various buildings in this territory are not that important. You won’t even consider it a loss.”
“Human life… … .”
Baron Hendan’s hands trembled.
They grew up in a greenhouse and believe that each human life has different values.
Even if a few of the Yeongji people die, they think that if they can use that to strike Ethan, that’s enough.
It was a huge disconnect.
It felt like the standards for thinking were different from mine.
Baron Hendan has completely abandoned his loyalty to the Marquis.
At least if it was Marquis Dren, he wouldn’t have shown such an attitude. Although Marquis Dren wasn’t a good man, he was a man with some goodness.
Unlike the Marquis, who pursued rational choices based on experience, his current successors were all incomprehensible.
“The fact that a successor has not been decided yet means that the other candidates have not refused this job either?”
Ethan didn’t bother to answer.
“Fuck… …Fuck!”
Baron Hendan sighed and bowed his head to Ethan.
“I’m sorry for making you look so ugly. But I’ve definitely made up my mind.”
“I will hear your thoughts after this matter is over, Baron Hendan.”
Before Baron Hendan could say anything, Ethan cut him off.
“I won’t force you to do it. Just look and evaluate.”
Ethan intended to make any fief belonging to the Earldom of Wickers into a good place to live.
Capturing the hearts and minds of the people of Yeongji.
‘That’s what maximizes the power of the spirit.’
* * *
“Ugh, sob, mom!”
“Hurry up! Come here quickly!”
“But at home… … at home I have a younger sibling… … .”
“Evacuate quickly!”
“Sir, the youngest child in our house is… …!”
“First, evacuate! We’ll rescue you, so hurry!”
It was a mess. As the poison continued to spread, the people of Yeongji were in a hurry to abandon everything they had and evacuate.
But even so, not everyone was able to evacuate.
The poison spread very quickly.
The people of Yeongji, who were working in the mines without even knowing that they were climbing up to the surface, were desperate to escape, and in the process, they ended up not being able to take care of their own families.
In such cases, the strength of the knights was needed, but since their bodies were not multiple, there were limitations.
“The venom is too… … strong.”
“Damn. I can’t get them all.”
It’s urgent to help evacuate right away, but the poison continues to spread.
Then someone approached behind the knights.
“Schudlen.”
“yes!”
Shudlen’s appearance disappeared for a moment. Then, in an instant, he entered a place filled with poison and rescued the child. He did so so quickly that he seemed to be completely unaffected by the poison.
“This… is stronger than I thought. It’s dizzying.”
The knights looked surprised at the sight of Shudlen rescuing the child in an instant.
These were knights who knew very well how strong that poison was. That’s why they knew very well how amazing it was that Shudlen was able to hold out unharmed.
“Oh my, thank you. I really appreciate it.”
“Don’t worry. We’re here to solve this problem.”
“Oh, who are you… … .”
“You are the new owner of our Limu territory.”
Baron Hendan appeared with reinforcements.
“My lord!”
“Bird, you have a new owner?”
“As of today, our Limu territory has become part of the Wickers County, not the Dren County. I know you’re all confused, but I’ll give you a more detailed explanation after this matter is over.”
Baron Hendan said.
“From now on, the underground mine problem will be taken care of by Count Ethan Wickers, who is here! Everyone, put your worries aside and evacuate!”
Ethan saw Baron Hendan.
“I’ll be back soon, so please do your best to prevent the poison from spreading any further.”
“Yes, Count.”
Baron Hendan nodded, looking at Ethan with eyes full of trust.
* * *
“The poison is so strong. What on earth is this poison?”
“Count, carry me. I can’t let you step on this poison myself. I’ll carry you and run to the underground mine!”
Yeri and Schudlen were quite motivated.
In particular, Schudlen seemed quite excited after saving the child earlier.
“They say there are evil spirits.”
“A demon?”
“… … .”
For a moment, Schudlen’s expression hardened.
“Mr. Shudlen, are you afraid of evil spirits?”
“Let me ask you something, Yereka. Are there people who are not afraid of evil spirits?”
At those words, Yereka pointed to herself.
“It’s me.”
And pointed to Ethan.
“And Ethan, you too, right?”
“No, I’m also afraid of evil spirits. They attack your mind. Then you two will be possessed by an evil spirit.
“Then I guess there’s no reason to be afraid… … .”
Yereka shrugged.
“Then I guess I should take the lead.”
Naturally, Yeerika stood in front and Shudlen stood behind her. And Ethan stood behind Shudlen.
‘It’s an evil spirit.’
The difficulty of exorcising evil spirits varies depending on their level.
‘If it’s this venomous, then I guess it must be a very high-level evil spirit.’
The speed at which the poison spreads.
And the power that swallowed up the bishop of the Holy Light Church in one breath.
‘We need a surefire way to eradicate it.’
Ethan turned on the new world right away.
Since it was my first time using Shinsegae in a long time, there were a lot of messages and new notifications.
But Ethan started by searching for keywords.
-[Exorcise]
It was a very simple keyword.
“oh.”
As soon as I searched for a keyword, the algorithm recommended a new product.
-Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit [Difficulty: Medium]
A god whose name you can tell just by looking at the description.
“nine tailed fox.”
fantasy,
