In the Royal Knight Order's headquarters, having completed a series of cumbersome rituals and officially become the Count of Transjordan, Losa finally found time to interrogate his captives.
"Julia Ethan." ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⚑𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⚑𝕟𝕖𝕥
Losa inquired, "I seem to have seen you before? You watched the duel between Belian and Baron Guy, correct?"
Julia answered nervously, "Yes, I was standing on the step below Princess Sibilla at that time. I am the wife of Baron Hernus of Hebron. After the baron's death in battle, I inherited his territory and title."
Losa knew Hernus to be a lower vassal within what was once Count Reynard's, now Count Losa's domain, possessing a castle and jurisdiction over several villages.
Losa asked, "Did Baron Hernus really die in battle?"
Julia's face revealed a hint of unnatural expression: "No, I killed him. If he were alive, it would be difficult for me to hide my secret of being a vampire."
She glanced at the onlookers nearby and added, "I specifically chose a baron without inheritors to seduce."
Losa nodded, "Quite honest. From now on, in my capacity as your lord, Count of Transjordan, I hereby reclaim your holdings in Hernus. And your unfortunate accomplice, whose poor lord's wife is she?"
Julia opened her mouth and sighed softly, "She is the widow of Baron Malfoy, and apart from a castle, she owns several estates and shops in Hebron."
"Quite the same pattern indeed."
The word 'widow' already explained everything.
"Your mastermind is Lady Stephanie, isn't it? But I don't understand, what kind of price did she pay to persuade you two vampires to target me?"
Julia bit her lush red lips, looking sorrowful: "She has control over our secret of being vampires. If we don't work for her, she threatens to expose our identities."
"Would you fear her threat?"
"We can't bear to give up the human noble identities we secured with much effort."
Losa mocked, "Truly hard-earned."
Julia, disheartened, said, "Master, after all your questions, I also want to ask you one. I want to know how an ordinary human can gain the allegiance of so many extraordinary individuals?"
Losa sneered, "If it weren't for still needing you, I, an ordinary human, would have already sent you to see the Heavenly Father."
"Show respect to the master!"
Furinijira said haughtily.
Julia seemed to have been electrocuted, her body shook and convulsed, screaming, "Your Highness, Your Highness, please stop. I know I was wrong."
Under Furinjira's control, bound by a blood curse that commands lower blood races, Julia's life and death hung on her will.
The blood race of the "Yesterday's Giant Ship" world, while not exactly the same as those of this world, shared commonalities that could be modified to achieve equivalent effects.
The reason for keeping Julia was because, as a local lord of Hebron, she was far more familiar with the situation here than Losa, an outsider.
He wanted to abolish the tax farming system and reclaim the dispersed power from their hands, naturally still needing her.
Although the tax farming system could collect taxes and put less pressure on administrative resources, Losa preferred regaining their land and power and dispersing them to systematically loyal soldiers.
He did not want them to collect fifty in taxes from the inhabitants in his name and turn over only ten.
Wouldn't that become "the people's money is three-seven divided, the gentry's money entirely returned"?
"You may withdraw now."
Losa waved his hand, not caring about the charming appearance of the vampire before him, nor considering making her a confidante. Once utilized, if she had any merits, he might grant her a way out; if not, he would outright dispose of her.
"Hans, bring in Laine, Model, Ulm, and Andreas. I have matters to discuss."
These four, long-time loyal followers of Losa, entered the hall with some trepidation.
"Master, what do you need from us?"
"You have served me long and have made significant contributions. With His Majesty's grace, I have been bestowed the title of Count of Transjordan, expanding my lands by tenfold, requiring the management of many lower vassals. Thus, I intend to establish my court in Hebron, entrusting many vacant courtier positions to you whom I trust the most."
The four expressed a mix of surprise and joy.
Though loyal, it didn't mean they lacked desires for pleasure, luxury, and wealth. It was just that when these conflicted with 'loyalty', they would unhesitatingly choose loyalty.
Losa rose, drew his Armed Sword, and placed it on Laine's shoulder: "Laine, in the name of the Count of Transjordan, I appoint you as the Stable Chief in my court, responsible for acquiring and breeding superior warhorses."
Laine exclaimed with joy, "Thank you for your grace, Master."
Losa smiled and advised, "Warhorses are the foundation of the army. Your responsibility is crucial. Do not slack off."
He turned to Model, "Model, I appoint you as the Sheriff of Hebron, commanding the City Defense Army to maintain the security of Hebron."
He emphasized, "I require you not only to protect the rights of Christians but to a certain extent, to protect the rights of heretics."
Not treating both equally is because, if so, who would be willing to convert?