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It seemed that today was not only an opportunity for them to rise.

If handled well, perhaps even their families and friends could get a taste of the government’s patronage.

Subsequently, their speeches became increasingly active and radical!

Mr. Filro Portman even proposed forming a slave-hunting squad to take advantage of the fact that the Northerners had just taken over the Kafhoka Plains and couldn’t properly govern it yet. They could pass through and abduct some people to supplement the territory, taking no more than ten days for a round trip. If done well, they could bring back hundreds of people in one go.

That place produced excellent farmers who could be put to use!

In these times, commoners didn’t harbor much loyalty to the nation. As long as Murphy could guarantee the rights and future lives of these slave workers, they wouldn’t mind changing lords.

To be honest, this proposal was quite feasible and resonated with Murphy, but after careful consideration, he didn’t adopt it.

Given Transia’s current dire situation, it was unwise to provoke those barbaric and belligerent Northerners. Professor Winston Malcolm also strongly opposed such inhumane actions.

Of course, this astute professor also provided a more formal reason:

“War refugees will soon arrive, gentlemen.

I have experienced the Ten-Year War almost in its entirety, and I can tell you that the number of people displaced by the war in the six surrounding provinces of the entire war zone is astronomical. Therefore, we need not challenge the Northerners for the sake of a few hundred people.

What we need to do now is to build a series of basic administrative structures to ensure that we can accommodate those people who will soon arrive.”

Professor Winston Malcolm pushed up his glasses frame and said earnestly:

“The southern borders of Cato, East Prussia, and Saxony have been the frontiers of the Portia Federation for hundreds of years, and now they have been occupied by the Goldflower Kingdom.

General Loren’s army maintains strict discipline, but the other border guards have already been driven nearly insane by the war. Their looting, oppression, and even massacres of the locals are commonplace. As long as the Count opens his arms to them, countless oppressed commoners will be willing to migrate here.

In my view, the population problem is not that urgent. What must be addressed now is food supply and the restoration of order throughout Transia.

Even if it’s just nominal restoration, it would be enough to reassure the people!”

At this point, the professor hesitated for a moment, looked at Murphy, and said:

“And, my lord, I believe you should now carefully consider what will happen after the war ends. If the Goldflower Kingdom and the Kingdom of Nordtov do not intend to annex Transia but treat us as a military buffer zone between the two countries, then I estimate that envoys from both sides will soon come to visit.

You must be prepared to negotiate with them.

This is really very important!

Although it may seem undignified to say this, Transia’s peaceful transition of power now depends on the attitudes of the two countries.”

“They will recognize my rule! I have no doubt about that,” Murphy shook his head and looked at the others, saying:

“Gentlemen, there is an important piece of news I must tell you. I have received accurate intelligence from my vampire kin that the once-in-a-century Black Disaster originating from the Dark Mountain range is brewing.

At the latest, six months from now, it will ravage the continent again. Unfortunately, Transia will face another trial.”

“Good heavens!”

The others exclaimed in shock.

Even Professor Malcolm was so startled that he stood up.

Anyone living in the Transia region could not be unaware of the “Black Disaster.” After all, whenever that calamity occurred, they were inevitably the first to suffer. It was a disaster passed down from generation to generation, and worst of all, it was not just a legend.

The gnoll bandits now found all over Transia were the “souvenirs” left by the last Black Disaster.

Upon hearing that the Black Disaster was imminent, those who had just been feeling proud about obtaining official positions and knighthoods instantly changed their expressions.

The look of wanting to immediately turn tail and run could not be concealed.

“Gentlemen, you all have status now, please be more dignified,” Murphy rapped on the table to silence the meeting room.

He said:

“There is no need to be overly alarmed. The Blood Vulture Clan has decided to fulfill our responsibility of centuries by taking the frontline against the Black Disaster. Before we collapse under the blessed night, you will all be safe.

Most importantly, even if you run now, if Transia cannot withstand the onslaught of gnolls, you will still suffer the calamity.

Unless you can directly flee to the legendary new continent.

So in my view, the current matters must still proceed.

And they must be accelerated!

But look on the bright side.

With the impending Black Disaster as the backdrop, neither the Goldflower Kingdom nor the Northern barbarians of Nordtov would want to take on the hot potato that is Transia at this time. This means that as long as we can endure this Black Disaster, we can stand as an independent nation on the continent.

Moreover, they need the people of Transia to stand in the way of the ferocious gnoll tide.

They need us to die in their stead, which means we can demand a lot.

As long as we don’t go too far.

I think we can now obtain everything we need from them, whether it’s weapons, resources, or even people!”

The vampire lord elongated his voice and said:

“More importantly, the Countess of Anderma’s territory can still be divided into at least three baronies, and she currently lacks the talented individuals who can take charge in times of crisis, just like me. She lacks outstanding vassals to serve her.

Think about it, if we can build ten cities in Transia, then there will be ten lord positions to be allocated. What if we build twenty?

What if our territory continues to expand?”

As far as I know, the vast area beyond the Foul Swamp, approaching the Dark Mountain range, is considered fertile land, yet no one dares to claim it due to its proximity to the dangerous region.

That is a territory comparable in size to the entire Transia region!

This means that there could also arise two to three new countships and at least eight baronies. The merit of pioneering and establishing rule in this crisis region is something even King Louis and the Wolf Queen would not dare to deny!

The entire human race and the entire continent would view us as heroes of exploration!

Alright, gentlemen, I admit that I’m tempting you with power that has not yet been obtained, drawing an alluring and perfect pie out of thin air.”

Murphy narrowed his eyes.

His ears were listening to the changes in the attitudes of the people before him, like a pianist who was not quite Proficient trying to grasp the rhythm’s pulse.

He said:

“But the opportunity for class advancement only comes once in a lifetime. If you miss it, it’s missed, and your children may resent you in the future. And when you are old and feeble, waiting to die alone in a strange place that doesn’t accept you and sees you as a refugee, will you not even for a moment feel regret!

Why didn’t you muster the courage when Count of Kadman showed you a promising future?

Becoming a hero and a pioneer requires only a little courage!

I will declare to you that when the Black Disaster comes, I will fulfill a lord’s duty and stand in front of you. Before I fall, your dreams and ambitions will not end. As long as we do not stop, the path to the future will continue to extend.

I deeply believe this.

Even though I am a vampire, hmm, why don’t I take this opportunity to explain my plans for rebuilding Kadman City to all of you, my current vassals?”

Murphy stood up.

In the oppressive atmosphere, he walked over to Baroness Miriam, placed his hand on her shoulder, and said:

“I will build a massive and prosperous city on the ruins of the old district. I will make this new city the most radiant pearl of all Transia!

I will erect statues of the ruling regent and the first generation of pioneers in the most prominent spot in the square, so that everyone who sees them will sincerely praise the supreme wisdom of the first Crimson Regent and her courage that would make any man feel ashamed!

Then, they will know!

Even a commoner woman without a surname can leave her own glorious mark in history.

We should not take pride in our noble bloodlines that we could not choose, but rather make our bloodlines noble through our deeds!”

Miriam’s heart skipped a beat.

Murphy’s words perfectly struck the deepest, hidden ideal in her heart.

Or perhaps it should be called ambition.

But the vampire did not stop there.

He continued forward, placing his hand on Professor Malcolm’s shoulder.

He said:

“I will establish a new order for the new city, and the most fundamental rule of my city will be one! I will make this city and my territory a place of equality for all! Everyone who enters here, everyone who is willing to live in this land!

Regardless of their race, background, beliefs, or past, as long as they are willing to contribute to this land, they are my subjects, they are citizens of Transia!

The foolish racism will be utterly abandoned on this land!

And the history professor who personally accomplishes this great feat may have felt his life was unremarkable before, but I believe he will also find solace at the end of his life for his lifelong aspiration!

He can bid farewell to his eventful life without guilt and walk into history with glory.

To become eternal in the songs of a thousand voices!”

Professor Malcolm’s body shuddered violently.

As a scholar who had experienced war, his dedication to ideals had not faded despite the brutal realities he had witnessed.

It was precisely because he had witnessed strangers indiscriminately swinging their swords to slaughter others due to differences in race and background that he wanted to see those obstacles to human progress eliminated.

He knew it would be difficult.

He could hardly even see someone who could understand him in this era.

Except for

Except for the unique vampire standing before him, who had joined him in delivering relief supplies over a month ago.

But Murphy still did not stop.

He continued forward.

Placing his hand on Franks Shovan’s shoulder, marked with an “otherworld fish,” to the surprise of the chef full of roguish air, his lord spoke for the third time:

“My new city will also be a place of law and order!

All those living here will extend their lives under the same legal system, and there will no longer be damned vampires dragging away their poor nieces, nor foolish but greedy officials withholding the hard-earned money they make each day.

Nor will there be the insane scene of a once upstanding citizen being forced by shameful famine to risk walking the path of arms smuggling in order to protect their family, to allow their children to have enough to eat.

It will be a wonderful future!

It will be a new era where everyone can live freely as long as they abide by the law.

I seem to have already caught a glimpse of it. Yes, a stable life will no longer be a fantasy, even if it is a distant legend elsewhere, but in the city we will build together, it will be reality!

It must become reality!”

He patted Shovan’s shoulder, causing the roguish chef to lower his head and wipe his eyes.

He did not know where Lord Murphy learned of his past, but at this moment, he was willing to believe the “romantic” and “gentle” promises of this Midnight Descendant.

“Of course, my city will also be a place of religious freedom.”

Murphy walked behind the most silent Sister Jules, gently placing both hands on the elderly nun’s shoulders, his tone gentle as he said:

“There will be no more tragedies of families separated and friends turned against each other due to differences in faith. In my city, in my territory, all believers willing to abide by the rules and laws can freely choose to worship their own gods.

Even a religion declared heretical ten years ago!”

Perhaps you don’t believe it, Auntie, but the truth is that the nature god Avalon once whispered to me.

He said I was a different kind of vampire and told me that I had His sincere believers under my command. He ordered me to take good care of her.

Of course I will do so.

The pious Auntie Jules, I will do so!

I will rebuild magnificent churches for nature’s Avalon within my territory.

Of course, I will also do the same for the followers of the Winter Wolf Church, and I will allow the worshippers of the Earth Mother to build underground altars, even the eastern believers of the legendary Astral Realm dragons and the followers of the Creator from the vast yellow desert.

For the new city we build together will open its arms to all who are homeless.

Not only feeding their bodies, but also comforting and properly caring for their souls.”

“Oh Avalon above.”

The silent elderly nun felt her soul trembling.

She did not know if this was her god conveying some clear divine message through Lord Murphy’s mouth, but she truly felt a warmth in her soul.

As if it were the time when the old nature religion had not yet collapsed, when the souls of nature believers still had a place to return.

She was willing to believe this was a promise from the divine through Murphy’s mouth, that a sacred land for believers would slowly rise in this land beset by darkness, even if it currently seemed only a beautiful fantasy.

But even to dream, one must first sleep.

“In the city I am about to build, every coin will be well spent, and every ordinary person dreaming of wealth can realize their wish, instead of clearly having enough talent yet only languishing fruitlessly for decades under the exploitation of fools.”

Murphy stepped forward again, placing his hand on the broad-shouldered Lady Palen’s shoulder.

He said in a low voice:

“The pursuit of wealth is not a shameful decline, only those who know how to use the wealth in their hands can truly accomplish something.

And it is not unacceptable for one who has already lived over half their life to have achieved nothing on the path of pursuing dreams, for as long as the flame of ideals does not die out, you still have the next fifty years to realize the ambitions of your childhood.

Yes!

You will become the richest businesswoman on the entire continent.

I have not the slightest doubt about this.

I also believe that the city we build together will become the starting point of your legend of wealth.

Right here! Right now!

Ah, listen to the beautiful sound of coins rolling, it will guide our lost souls to the true city of wealth, the city of ambition built by Lady Palen herself.”

“Can I really do it?”

Lady Palen said apprehensively:

“Can I really become a wealthy person?”

“Of course, my lady.”

Murphy smiled at the soul before him, uneasy from having her desire awakened:

“I believe this wholeheartedly, I believe your future wealth will make everyone envy you, you just need to muster a little courage, truly just a little.”

After saying this, he walked to the side of the last vassal.

Gently placing his hand on Mr. Portman’s shoulder, then chuckling softly, he leaned down and said into the ear of this embarrassed, already balding former policeman:

“My new city will also be a true city of desire, where all men will view it as heaven, and big-assed little chicks thirsting for wealth will offer their beautiful bodies to the nobles of this city.

Be a little bolder, Mr. Portman, that is just the life every man desires.

Not just humans!

Dwarves, halflings, even those ascetic elves!

If you want it, power will make it happen for you.

No need to hide it, Sir Portman, indulging desire is also a privilege of the elite.

Hmm, when you become a true elite, you’ll realize that the perfect world you imagined is hardly worth mentioning compared to the true perfect world of desire. Why be bound by a boring marriage?

A gentleman with such strong desires as yourself can achieve his ideals, pursuing happiness is not just a dying man’s delusion.

You just need to muster a little courage.

Of course, you should probably start training your body now, for the sake of your wonderful future life, have you considered becoming a vampire?

It can keep you energetic every night.”

“Of course, of course, if I had that opportunity.”

Mr. Portman coughed a few times.

He sat upright, striving to present the image of a proper gentleman.

And all of this was seen by Murphy.

He turned around and spoke six sentences to his six vassals.

When he took his first step, including Miriam, everyone was filled with fear and trepidation, but by the time he returned to his seat, a light called “Ideal” had appeared in everyone’s eyes.

Well, no point in lying now.

It was the light called “Desire”!

It burned in their eyes and hearts, overpowering their fear of danger, overcoming the constraints of reason, allowing desire, under the sly prodding of a vampire, to finally shed all disguises and brazenly display itself for the first time in the souls before him, under the guise of ambition and ideals.

Like a kindled wildfire, once ignited, it is very difficult to extinguish.

“I will build a new city in my territory!”

Murphy spread his arms and declared loudly:

“I will call it the ‘Crimson Citadel’!

It will be a city of glory, equality, justice, faith, wealth, and desire!

I cannot do this alone.

But I believe that with your help, all our ideals and ambitions will be realized!

It is a city that embodies the dreams of all of us, it will stand tall in Transia!

It will stand for ten thousand years!

Now

Gentlemen!

Tell me, what is your answer!

Leave? Or stay!

Run away? Or stand firm!

Be a coward? Or choose to be a hero?

Tell me, what is your answer!

Your lord is waiting, do not make me wait too long.”