Master, the Maid Has Prepared Hot Water For You

As the discussion continued, the sky gradually darkened.

Maids in the manor lit candles.

The ordinary candles, unmixed with monster fat, cast a dim light. The spacious main hall seemed veiled in gauze, giving it a unique atmosphere.

After assigning tasks to build Arrow Towers and scout the surrounding map, Loren remembered another matter: a census.

Officials for the City Hall needed to be selected and appointed, but appointments required people. Given Gray Eagle Territory's current situation, there was a severe talent shortage.

They had to pick the tallest among the short, so to speak, from the slaves.

The system could only roughly scan the attributes of individuals; it couldn't gather detailed information about each person. Thus, a census was necessary.

"Tomorrow, besides rebuilding the Arrow Towers, we also need to conduct a comprehensive population census.

The scope of the census will include age, gender, race, level, familial relationships, mastered skills, and education level.

All surveyed data will be categorized and archived, establishing a household registration system.

From now on, all residents joining the City of Brilliant Moon will be classified."

After the census, it would be clear at a glance what talents the territory possessed and what it lacked.

Talent that was lacking could be acquired by purchasing slaves with the relevant skills in a timely manner, while surplus individuals could be arranged otherwise. This would greatly facilitate control over the territory.

"Deen, I'm entrusting this matter to you."

The bearded Deen stood up, surprised and delighted, and bowed tremblingly.

"Thank you for your trust, Lord Loren. I will do my utmost to complete the task!"

Although the old schemer's words were eloquent, a closer examination revealed he hadn't made any firm promises, only that he would try his best.

Loren couldn't be bothered with such petty thoughts.

"If you don't complete it, you won't need to be Ariel's assistant anymore. The City Hall has no use for dead weight."

Deen's beard trembled, and he was instantly terrified.

"Kool, make sure the Security Department is established tomorrow.

Ariel, please expedite the setup of the other departments in the City Hall.

Yas, Sim, be extremely careful when exploring the surrounding territory tomorrow. If you encounter any danger, return immediately. Do not be greedy for merit and rush forward."

After giving instructions to everyone, he looked out the open window. The silver moonlight from the two full moons in the sky resembled the Goddess's skirt, blanketing the entire heavens.

He waved his hand.

"It's very late. You all go back and think about tomorrow's tasks. Meeting adjourned."

As his voice faded, the individuals stood up, bowed, and left the main hall.

In an instant, only Fiana and Butler Bohr remained.

"Master, dinner is ready. Please proceed to the dining room."

"Alright, Bohr."

After activating his Archdemon Bloodline, Loren's demand for food increased significantly. His stomach was already growling.

"Fiana, would you like to dine with me?"

The girl slowly shook her head. "It's too much trouble. I've already eaten."

Loren nodded, not forcing the issue.

The old butler Bohr respectfully led Loren from the main hall, through a semicircular white carved archway, into the dining room.

The main hall was quite austere, but the dining room surprisingly exceeded Loren's expectations, possessing a touch of aristocratic flair.

The long table in the dining room, covered with a white tablecloth, was set with three candelabras. Each candelabra had seven or eight gray, inverted "7"-shaped metal arms, from which candles emitted wisps of white smoke as they burned.

Trained maids, their skirts held in their hands, curtsied gracefully. Their elegant demeanor and proper attire were quite pleasing to the eye.

Loren approached the dining table, and the butler pulled out a chair from the side for him.

After he sat down, a beautiful maid standing nearby picked up the napkin in her hand, folded it neatly twice, and gently placed it on his lap.

Loren looked at the dining table before him. A round white porcelain plate was set in front of him, the candlelight reflecting and dancing on its surface.

To the left of the plate, from innermost to outermost, were four silver knives of different designs. Each knife corresponded to a different dish, indicating which utensil to use for which course, taken from the inside out.

To the right of the plate were forks forged from pure silver. Next to the forks, seven spoons of varying lengths were arranged in order.

The spoons, like the knives, were meticulously designed, even distinguishing between spoons for meat broth and fish soup.

On the side of the plate, closer to the central candelabra, four crystal goblets of different heights were arranged in a row.

The crystal goblets were naturally for wine, but each dish was paired with a specific red wine, and different types of red wine required corresponding crystal goblets to bring out their unique flavors.

All of this was imbued with the unique complexity of the nobility.

Behind Loren, four refined maids stood ready to serve.

This task would normally have been performed by male servants, but there were no male servants in the manor, so female maids had to fill in.

After reviewing the memories in his mind, Loren's expression became somewhat subtle.

In his past life, he had taken many girls to the most expensive restaurants for elaborate French cuisine, but compared to the dining etiquette of the nobles, the many rules of French food were nothing more than a drop in the ocean.

More importantly, this kind of tediousness happened almost every day.

These rules permeated every aspect of the Glorious Nobles' lives.

No wonder Fiana said it was too much trouble.

"Master, this is your appetizer, White Heart Fish Roe. It's the top-grade caviar, containing immense magic, perfect for before a meal."

A curly-haired maid served a dish covered by a golden dome. The moment the dome was lifted, a special, rich aroma erupted along with magic.

Loren's appetite soared.

The food on the Nol Main Plane was similar to some things on Earth, and also possessed things Earth lacked. This kind of food, imbued with rich magic, was not something Earth could have.

Although the plate was large, the food was placed only in the center, looking quite exquisite.

Following muscle memory, Loren picked up the soup spoon from the plate and gently scooped up the pure white roe.

The magic-infused roe melted in his mouth, and once it entered his stomach, the magic dispersed like an explosion of juice, instantly invigorating him.

He almost moaned in pleasure.

He hadn't felt this good even during his final moments.

After each dish, the maid would proactively clear the table and replace it with the next course, along with a suitable red wine and crystal glass, without the master needing to speak.

"Master, this is Crystal Dragon Fish soup."

"Master, this is the side dish, Three-Eyed Demon Rabbit meatballs. Paired with Dwarf rum, it offers a special sensation."

"The main course, Wind Wolf roast. Elf wine is suitable for the magic-rich Wind Wolf."

"..."

These high-end ingredients were gifts from Robert, the President of the Jasmine Flower Merchant Guild.

This shrewd merchant, after Loren conquered the Barbarians and displayed his infinite potential, immediately increased his investment in him.

He gifted him several carriages of precious supplies, valued at over a million Puck.

Loren understood without needing words and accepted everything.

He also gained a new respect for the seasoned merchant. Making such a quick judgment and investing so heavily, this guy was definitely a rare talent.

After more than a dozen dishes, he finally felt full.

Loren's body was enveloped layer by layer by the rich magic, from the inside out.

The constant feeling of being immersed in warm water made him narrow his eyes, almost not wanting to get up.

This is the life. If Earth had this, what need would there be for massage parlors? Even prostitutes would have to get off the streets and step aside.

The main course of magical beasts tonight was worth over fifty thousand Puck.

The annual income of Decker City residents, even if they didn't eat or drink, might not be enough.

If he ate like this every meal, he would spend three to four million Puck a month, and forty to fifty million a year.

This was undoubtedly a lifestyle only High Nobles could enjoy.

Butler Bohr appeared at the opportune moment after the meal.

"Master, the maids have prepared hot water for you. You may bathe at your leisure."

He then lowered his voice and whispered in Loren's ear, "If you wish, you may keep them here as well."

Hearing this, Loren looked at the several shapely, attractive maids beside him, his expression subtle.

"This decadent and corrupt noble life... it's truly enjoyable."