Hill had just entered the Earth Elemental Domain on the bottom floor of the Magic Tower when he was mercilessly driven out by the Clan Leader.
Pushed outside, Hill’s keen ears caught the sound of Korenden yelling through the crack, arguing with the leader, "It’s your own incompetence! How can you blame me for being faster! Don’t stop Hill from talking to me!"
Hill hurriedly sped up and ran without looking back. He would be foolish to get involved in such disputes.
Back in the study, List had already gone to deal with the matter between Olivia and the villagers. Hill took out a book and settled down to read it slowly.
"Sir," List came up around noon, bringing with him a lavish lunch and inviting Hill to dine in the living room.
Looking at the richly laden dining table in the middle of the living room, Hill couldn’t help but laugh. Indeed, there’s nothing that a good meal can’t comfort. List truly grasped the essence of this saying.
After enjoying the feast to his heart’s content, Hill tidied himself up and sat back at his desk, "Alright, what other unfortunate matters are there?"
"Priestess Olivia has accepted your letter of recommendation," List spoke slowly, "I have informed her to leave within three days.
I’ve applied for the right to manage the chapel in the control core of the Lord’s Mansion, and the Deities have already approved it."
Hill nodded quietly. The God of Time and Space and William had no desire to rule through divine right, at least for the moment. The Temple of Time and Space was more about exercising oversight.
The literacy classes that once buzzed in various Temples, with more and more literate individuals, and as William’s Academy gradually emerged, have slowly faded away.
Hill had noticed that the Temple of Knowledge was beginning to build a library, which seemed to be in agreement with the Temple of Time and Space.
During this period, William had been unifying the laws and policies of the three nations, so even with the emergence of the Demon, he hadn’t made an appearance.
And although Hill’s friends and relatives were all very anxious, in the eyes of the others in this world, the handling of this matter was perfect.
Even if it had not been Hill, but those two Archmages who had stayed in that place, they would definitely have met their demise; to others, it was not a great loss.
Hill also understood that if he were not there, Fran and Adrian would still think that the Undead Tribe alone had managed the Demon very well.
As long as it’s not their own people dying, who cares?
"Those ladies have decided to stay," List said gravely, "They’ve sworn divorce oaths before the god!
Their husbands’ assets that were bestowed by sir have already been reclaimed by me on your behalf and re-gifted to these ladies."
Hill nodded coldly, "Don’t forget to revoke their rights to enter our lands."
"It’s already been done. They can only stay in the small square in front of the chapel now."
"Olivia had better pray that these people really have a bright future," Hill shook his head. "She still doesn’t understand that what the nobility consider an ’unhappy’ life at least guarantees food and clothing.
Spiritual pursuits should come after being able to support oneself.
The salary these people received from me, they would be lucky to get half of it once they leave. And their wives, they have received quite a sum.
Without ever feeling the pressure of providing for a family, their pursuit of material comforts is quite high.
I wonder how far Olivia will climb before their money runs out. I for one am not particularly interested in blessing her."
"These people have been added to the permanent ban list. Sir need not think about them anymore."
"I am not someone with nothing better to do," Hill laughed, "What else is there? Spit it out! No need to distract me."
"It’s still the matter with the Earl," List said slowly, "After receiving your message, Manton took people with him, knocked the Earl unconscious, and then they left."
"Only the Earl?" Hill asked sharply.
"Yes, the Countess does not plan to leave that Marquis," List replied. "Edgar has chosen to follow his mother."
"So what’s their situation now?"
"Prince Edward’s camp was too close to where the Demon appeared.
The small hill also collapsed at that time. Without the protection of Defensive Magic, many people died.
They were also attacked by some Demons that had flown out.
Prince Edward is dead.
His Sky Knight son, it is said, went to protect his own mother first and did not manage to take care of Edward.
The Countess’ whereabouts are unknown, but we do not need to concern ourselves with her. I just asked someone to look for Edgar; he has disappeared."
Hill frowned, "Send out a task to the Undead Tribe to look for Edgar. What on Earth is Manton thinking?"
"They have stopped in a valley these past few days, and Manton sent a message through the Undead Tribe. He suspects that Edgar is not the Earl’s child."
"What?" Hill exclaimed in surprise.
"The Earl didn’t make a big scene, so he’s likely suspicious too," List said with a frown. "Edgar’s hair color is getting darker. It’s rare for Saral Nobles to have dark hair."
"So she found a backup that quickly?" Hill was extremely astonished, "It’s not like the Earl can’t have children! He has so many illegitimate children!"
"Mr. Adrian said it’s probably a kept affair gone wrong," List spoke slowly. "She doesn’t even know whose child it is. She had to wait for Edgar to grow up.
But if Edgar truly isn’t of the Earl’s bloodline, he definitely couldn’t pass the noble blood oath at the age of 8. And time is running out."