Gospel of Blood

Chapter 141: Vassals and Feudal Lords

"Is the mithril mine running out?"

Charlotte blinked slightly.

Charlotte was not unfamiliar with mithril, a precious mineral that had appeared in many fantasies in her previous life.

It was extremely valuable, with a shiny silver-white appearance, dazzling and beautiful, much stronger than steel yet lightweight. It also possessed excellent affinity with magic and storage capabilities. Many magical equipment, artifacts, and even divine artifacts relied on it for their production, making it a rare magical material.

The Castell family was founded on the Castell Silver Mine, or more accurately, on the mithril within it. Even the wealthy elves on Luna Island were willing to pay high prices for it.

If what Baron Sharon said was true, then the income of the Castell family would indeed sharply decline.

Thinking of this, Charlotte sighed inwardly.

Even the richest mine would eventually be depleted. It seemed that Castell County was also in need of a transition in its economic structure.

Of course, even if the income decreased, 500,000 gold tana was not a small amount.

"Does the Crescent Royal Family know about the depletion of the mine?"

Charlotte asked.

The Crescent Royal Family was a partner in the Castell Silver Mine, and most of the output of mithril mines was actually taken by the royal family.

Baron Sharon sighed.

"The royal family is not aware yet. Even if they were, they probably wouldn't care. After all, the royal family takes the richest vein of mithril, and that part hasn't been affected much. The part that has been significantly affected is only our family's."

Charlotte thought for a moment.

"Alright, I understand. When I return to the county, I will personally inspect the mithril mine."

The depletion of a mine could be easily determined upon investigation. Charlotte estimated that Baron Sharon was not lying to her.

But at the same time, she did not completely trust his words.

The attitude inadvertently revealed by the other party was clearly treating her more as a child than a Lord. She would not completely believe all his words.

She decided to investigate for herself after returning to the county.

After discussing the matter of the mithril mine, Charlotte noticed that Baron Sharon seemed hesitant, as if he had something else to say.

She was intrigued and asked.

"Baron Sharon, do you have something else to say?"

Baron Sharon nodded and said solemnly.

"Lady Charlotte, indeed, I have something else to say. I do not know how Sebastian gained your trust, but this elf... is a well-known traitor of Luna Island."

"Castell County has always had economic ties with Luna Island and can be considered a good partner. If Luna Island were to learn of his relationship with you, it might hinder the relationship between our family and the elves."

"Many nobles in the county have trade relations with the elves. If our relationship with Luna Island is affected, it may damage your prestige and support in the county."

"Moreover, forgive me for being blunt, but I do not believe that a Silver Moon would willingly serve you wholeheartedly, especially considering he is a leader of the underground gang. He... may have grander ambitions!"

Baron Sharon's expression was serious.

Through his words, Charlotte could clearly feel his hostility and wariness towards Sebastian.

Charlotte felt somewhat helpless.

The relationship between her and Sebastian was indeed not easy to explain. The concerns of the County's knight were understandable.

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Of course, regardless of others' attitudes, Charlotte would not abandon Sebastian, her only blood servant and a Silver Moon bodyguard.

But at the same time, responding to Baron Sharon's words required strategy.

After all, the other party represented the vassals of the family, and her response might also be transmitted to the county through him.

The Count was indeed a rather special position.

Charlotte was not like the protagonists who transmigrated into emperors or kings, where the whole country was under their control, and the only headache was how to balance and compromise with their subordinates.

Nor was she like many protagonists who started from scratch, building their own forces and having the final say on their own territory.

She had a little of both sides, needing to consider both.

She had already dealt with crises as a vassal.

But as a lord, perhaps it was just beginning.

Lords still needed the support of vassals, much like local officials who took office in the China government and needed the support of their old subordinates.

Perhaps vassals were of lower status and weaker, but when facing a new lord, they often had a unified stance and interests, and could completely sideline the new lord.

Even though Charlotte had not yet fully understood what the relationship between Gods and belief was in the world of Myria, she knew from history and myths that the first step to becoming a God was to have one's own power and develop one's own beliefs.

Referring to the paths of predecessors, even if it was for the sake of becoming a God in the future, Charlotte could not fight alone but needed to prepare in advance, stand firm in Myria, and have her own forces.

But at the same time, Charlotte could not rely on the power of the True Ancestor to suppress and dominate her subjects.

If she did, she would truly be no different from the Evil Gods, and no Evil God... had ever truly grown strong.

The County was a good starting point. If she wanted to completely control Castell's county, it was essential to gain genuine loyalty from the vassals.

She couldn't show weakness, nor could she appear arrogant or ignorant, leaving a bad impression.

"Sebastian's loyalty is beyond doubt. He owes a life debt to Castell, and he has sworn allegiance to me before the Gods. He has already been tested by the Gods, and I will take care of this matter."

After thinking for a moment, Charlotte said.

Hearing Charlotte bring up the banner of the Gods, Baron Sharon opened his mouth to speak but ultimately said nothing in opposition.

In a world with Gods, the Gods were the masters, and this move could be said to be quite astute.

After much hesitation, Baron Sharon could only sigh slightly.

"If he has gained the recognition of the Holy Court, then there is nothing for his subordinates to say. I just hope that you... will consider the feelings of Luna Island's elves and the nobles."

...

The convoy from the Castell's county settled in the manor, and Charlotte hosted a grand welcome for everyone.

The members of the convoy would spend two days in Borde, leaving behind goods and funds from the County while purchasing goods from Castell's commercial partners in Borde City.

Charlotte took this opportunity to gain a thorough understanding of her domain through these knights and attendants who had come from afar.

As for Baron Sharon, who led the convoy, he did not stay in the manor.

It was said that he had a small villa in the western district of Borde City and had many friends to visit, even having a small gathering these nights.

However, just when Charlotte thought that the baron would not return to the manor at night, he suddenly hurried back.

As soon as he saw the elegant girl sitting in the hall, listening to music and drinking sweet milk, he hurried forward and asked seriously.

"Lady Charlotte! I heard... that you have sworn to the Gods not to marry?!"

The high-footed cup in Charlotte's hand paused slightly.

She knew that the inevitable question had finally come...