In Joseph Territory, word that Miss Nico would become the next marquis had already arrived by magical communication, and the entire territory had entered a celebration.
Crates of malt liquor were carried out, and the hams stored in the castle were brought out as well. Even at night, Joseph Territory blazed with bonfires and magical lights.
Residents who knew a little magic kept casting trick magic into the sky like fireworks, enveloping the entire territory in a cheerful atmosphere.
"The first thing the young lady did after taking office was reduce taxes! All taxes in Joseph Territory will be waived for three years, then halved for the next six. She's truly too kind!"
"I knew the young ladies would succeed. The lord and lady were such good people, and their daughters are just as kind."
"If the lord and lady hadn't bought us time back then, we probably would have been flattened by Feiersi, the Earth Dragon."
"Me too. There was even an earthquake then, and my house collapsed-"
"Ah-"
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Praise came in an endless stream. They had already received kindness, and now there were tax reductions too. Add in the free food brought out from the castle, and this was their happiest moment.
Meanwhile, several merchants who had come to purchase beast hides watched coldly from a distance.
"Laugh. Enjoy your final revelry. Soon, you'll be reminded of the nightmare of the Earth Dragon-"
A black-robed figure gave a sinister smile. Beneath the shadow of his hood was Bishop Kunding of the Shadow Church.
The hatred he felt over his plans being ruined and all his schemes coming to nothing was now ready to be vented on these weaklings.
I can't beat the Sword Saint, but surely I can bully commoners?
You're all going to die!
However, wantonly