Chapter 572: 572
Count Hawes and his wife, Annie, sat in the car.
The earl gently pushed open the window, revealing a crack. He looked out at the beautiful scenery outside the window. He tried to find a shadow, but he could not see anything. The earl, who was in his prime, instantly felt ashamed from the bottom of his heart. He hated his own weakness and incompetence.
Someone was sacrificing themselves.
Yet, he had placed his hopes on someone else.
I hope that person’s sacrifice and sacrifice can save my career and… Family.
Hawes looked across.
A faint fragrance wafted through the carriage. It was the rich charm of a fully bloomed flower. Sitting opposite him was his wife. Her hair was tied up elegantly and elegantly, and she held a small ivory fan. Her voluptuous body was wrapped in a sea-blue long dress. The white skin exposed at the cuffs and collar was enough to make any man want to move.
This was his wife, his Annie, the mother of his daughters.
She was known for her gentleness, elegance, and erudition. The salon she held was the most famous in the city and even the entire province. She was his treasure, making him proud and envious of every man in Far Harbor. Such a wife deserved the careful care of the man who had her.
However, Count Hawes, who had a smooth career, a happy life, and a promising future, had a dark side that was not to be revealed to outsiders. No matter how beautiful a woman was, there would be a day when he would get tired of playing with her. Over the years, he was used to having fun outside, but this was not the most ridiculous thing. The most ridiculous thing was that when he looked at his elegant and dignified wife, who was voluptuous, the darkest desires would occasionally surge out of his heart.
He often fantasized that a pair or a few pairs of hands that did not belong to him would tear his wife’s beautiful dress apart, revealing her soft and tender body like a white sheep. Then, a dark body would forcefully pull her delicious white and tender body into his arms. The body that did not belong to him could be strong, or it could be old and dry. It would be best if it emitted a strange smell and was stained with filth. Then, this filth would pollute the noblest and purest.
Those who were twisted, screaming, laughing, struggling, compromising, those who were pure were tainted, those who were persistent were abused, and the treasures in his heart were tainted by ugly foreign objects. He actually got a leap of imagination from them. It was just like when he was young, he also thought of the fair body under the maid’s skirt. Now, he had become an adult and thirsted for more excitement.
This kind of dark and immoral fantasy was enough to make his soul tremble. It was the best seasoning for his passion to wane and pursue excitement in the past few years. Fortunately, he could still control himself and understand the difference between fantasy and reality. When he played with other people’s wives, he imagined his wife being treated like this, and then he could arouse even greater excitement and impulse. However…
However, he chose the wrong side and made the wrong choice, owing a huge loan. The person who controlled all of this was like a god in the clouds, who could crush him into powder with a finger. All struggles and resistance were useless. If he wanted to live and protect his family business, he had to exchange for the forgiveness of that person.
And his wife had said the word sacrifice.
Naturally, this arch dam elder brother from another world began to make wild associations.
He objected sternly, but the evil voice in his heart was whispering. The strong reaction was only to cover up the throbbing in his heart. He had even died last night. This had not happened in more than twenty years, and the content of the dream had not disappeared from his mind. He dreamed that his wife was…
“Governor, you should be here.”
A voice that was filled with melancholy but still gentle and pleasant sounded in his ear.
The earl quivered and came back to his senses. He silently leaned forward slightly, pulled the thin blanket on his knees, and forced a smile.
“.. Yes, it should be.”
Annie looked at her husband strangely. She seemed to have thought of something and comforted him gently.” Don’t worry too much. You must be under a lot of pressure recently.”
Looking at her beautiful smile, the Earl felt ashamed again.
“.. Yes.”
That was it.
This was good.
Annie doesn’t need to do anything because the governor will do it for us.
He gripped the letter in his pocket tightly.
This morning, the Heuss Manor had received a letter from the governor himself. In the letter, Lord Norman said that all of this was because of his wrong decision. The economy and people of the entire province had been affected. The respectable gentlemen had suffered heavy losses, and some had even ended their lives in despair. This matter had to end here and as soon as possible. He would fight for everyone’s vitality at all costs.
He had originally harbored a grudge against the governor and also felt that this letter was just a flowery statement.
But soon after, the butler who went out to inquire about the news brought back shocking news.
The governor had written letters to all the nobles in the distant port overnight and sent them out this morning. It was also this morning that Lord Norman bid farewell to his family members in the courtyard of Golden Moon. Many people had fainted from crying. From family members to guards and servants, everyone knelt down to see them off.
It was like sending off a hero who was about to die.
The former governor took off his luxurious robe and shoes. He wore only a coarse linen shirt and carried a bramble on his back. Facing the bone-chilling cold wind in the morning, he knelt in front of his house.
Then, he walked on his knees, kowtowing every three steps, and headed towards Tidal Manor.
From the richest and noblest Tulip District in Distant Harbor, through the flourishing commercial district, through the residential district, and even through the slums, he knelt down step by step in such a pathetic and humble manner.
When Earl Hawes heard this, he was so shocked that he was speechless.
He even secretly went to take a look.
The governor who held the administrative power of a province, the influential person who could call the wind and summon the rain in the distant port, the spiritual leader of all the nobles in the Blue Wave Province, and the governor of Goethe’s territory were crawling like a dog.
He saw many nobles, townsfolk, and even commoners at the scene.
He also heard the governor’s shouts. Apart from kneeling and kowtowing in the ancient way of the Aurora, Lord Norman begged for His Highness Kant’s forgiveness.
Kant, please calm your anger. Kant, please impose all the punishment on this sinful subject. Please let this matter end as soon as possible. No more bloodshed, no more soaring prices, no more unrest in the province.
For the livelihood of more people.
Seeing that scene from afar, Earl Hawes felt tears roll down his face. He was shaken by that noble soul. A dignified and dignified lord, in the most humble manner, was as lowly as dirt in front of the commoners. He threw away all his dignity and begged Kant for mercy like a dog just to protect more people. He could not do that, no matter what.
If a commoner saw him like this, he would commit suicide on the spot.
He used the Eagle Eye Scroll to see it. Almost everyone was crying. Be it the nobles, the commoners, or the lowlifes, they could not bear to see the Governor being so humble and pitiful. The elderly noble was cowering in the cold wind. However, they did not dare to say anything in fear of Kant’s tyranny.
But his noble soul was enough to move everyone.
Even the humblest and most detestable lowlife would be moved by such nobility.
So… Will you forgive us?
If the governor begged him like this…
We’ll show our submission and we won’t go against him anymore. In that case, His Highness Kant will forgive us, right?
In that case, Annie wouldn’t have to go…Everything would be fine.
He was both touched and ashamed.
He was touched by the governor’s responsibility and sacrifice, and ashamed of his own cowardice.
He had to rely on the sacrifice of others to protect his family.
“Lord Norman…He is a noble like a saint and an example for us forever.”
She had no way to repay his kindness, so she could only praise him a little more.
This was also the rule of the nobles.
Just like how Kant single-handedly ended the war and defeated the elves, the entire Goethe sang praises of his name. Anyway, it did not cost money. There was no loss in boasting and coaxing.
It was a different story when Kant expressed his hostility towards the nobles.
Hawes sighed.” From today onwards, his name will resound throughout Goethe and even the entire continent. All the nobles will remember his humiliation and sacrifice today. This is his glory, not humiliation. In order to save and protect, he suffered and sacrificed, but the gods will remember…”
He seemed to be immersed in this gratitude and praise, but he did not notice his wife’s hesitation.
An uneasy expression flashed across Annie’s face.
“Weng…”
At this moment, a sound that sounded like the chirping of insects came from outside the carriage.
” What’s wrong?” Hawes shivered. Annie leaned over.” What’s wrong?”
From the window, he could see rows of black floating objects taking off from Tidal Sound Manor and flying towards the entire city. The earl looked at them and panicked.” It’s Kant’s puppets!”
These flying little things had black eyes. The day before, he was blocked in the Hall of Justice and was forced to hold a sign in front of that eye and spin around, just like Brother Dong.
“What is Kant trying to do?” he asked uneasily. He…”
” We admit defeat, Your Highness Kant. We beg for mercy.”
A familiar voice came from afar.
“Governor?” Hawes was shocked.
He looked out but did not see the Governor. The voice came from the sky. He looked up and found that the aircraft was different from the previous one. It was hanging an alchemy device that looked like a morning glory.
A voice came from within.
Then, another voice sounded, filled with disdain.
” Kant!” The voice was very young and recognizable. Even though he had never heard it with his own ears, Hawes was still the first to react.” Kant!”
After all, he was a noble and had seen the world. It was easy for him to think of the current situation.
” Kant used alchemy skills to replay his conversation with the Governor!”
“What is he trying to do?” Hawes asked blankly.
Annie did not say anything. The lady pursed her lips and listened carefully. His Highness Kant’s voice was different from what she had imagined. But more importantly, the emotions contained in the voice.
The woman seemed to understand something.
Her heart clenched…Things didn’t seem that simple.
“Heh.”
In the study, Kant looked at the old man who was kneeling on the ground with contempt. His expression was emotionless.
He never allowed anyone to kneel before him.
It was the same this time.
Norman’s body trembled slightly. He could sense that something was wrong from Kant’s words.
“Your Highness…”
His voice was gloomy and weak, as if all his energy had been sucked out, leaving only a numb shell. The former governor said in a low voice,” We have lost, Your Highness. You have crushed all our will to resist. We tremble under your majesty and no longer dare to have any rebellious thoughts. You have won a complete victory. The miracle two days ago was even more dazzling than a forbidden spell. The entire world will be shocked by your power…”
Kant crossed his legs and stared at his fingers without saying a word.
Norman said in a low voice,” I’m here to offer a surrender form and ask for your mercy and forgiveness. There’s no need to chase after you after victory. The world has seen your strength. Please show them your mercy. A proper forgiveness will not harm your dignity, and it will only bring you more respect…”
“Heh.”
Kant laughed again.” You’re scared just like that? You’re not going to fight anymore?”
” We wouldn’t dare. We were wrong, Your Highness. We don’t have the courage to resist in front of you. It was our arrogance and arrogance that blinded our eyes. We know we were wrong.”
” Please stop,” the former governor said shakily.” Please forgive us.”
“Why?”
” Why should I forgive you?” Kant asked. Give me a reason?”
“If I’m not wrong, you were the ones who started the whole thing, right? You thought that you were noble nobles. Even if you betrayed me, even if you accepted the money of the Imperium, and even if you spread rumors about me, I shouldn’t have killed their entire family. I should have even pardoned them.”
“If I don’t do this, it means that I’m not giving you face, so I have to teach you a lesson. Isn’t this the purpose of you starting a food war? What, you can’t afford to play anymore?”
He said slowly,” You guys, even children know to stand firm after losing and getting beaten. What’s wrong with you guys? If I don’t follow your rules, it means that I’m not giving you face. When you deal with me and get beaten up by me, you know the pain, so you come over and beg me to stop. If you want to fight, you fight. If you lose, you shout to stop. If you shout to stop, you think you can leave safely. You think I’ll let you off. How can there be such a good thing in the world?”
Norman said in a low voice,” No, we are not such shameless people. Just like how the defeated will pay ransom, we will repay your kindness and forgiveness with enough returns. The amount will definitely satisfy you. You can control our business. From now on, we will also become your most determined followers. We will fight for you and clear all enemies for you…”
“Are you worthy?”
He interrupted her disdainfully.
Norman looked up in surprise, his face pale.
” A bunch of cowardly people who only have the heart to fight. They joined forces to cause a big commotion, and all they did was f * cking start a war on grain prices. What a f * cking loud thunder! It only made a few raindrops fall, and I almost died laughing on the streets.”
” When the nobles of the entire province saw the opportunity to make money, they surrounded you like dogs that ate sh * t. The nobles of an entire country were waving flags and shouting for you, but they were defeated by me with a raise of my hand. The nobles of the entire province were trapped in it. You shameful things, are you worthy of being my dogs?!”
“Repay?” Kant sneered. Compensation? Holding shares? I’d find it troublesome to give you these useless things for free. I want your property, wealth, and women. Do I need you to give them to me? Is there anything I can’t get in the current Far Harbor?”
“As long as I’m willing, everything of yours will fall into my hands. The things that I can get myself are already mine. You’re using my things to repay me, and you want me to forgive you? Norman, if this is the kind of nonsense you’re here to beg for mercy for, you can go home and wait for your death right now-you’re wasting my time!”
Kant’s tone was stern.
Norman lay in front of Kant and fell silent for a long time.
“That’s right…”
Then, he said softly,” We have suffered a crushing defeat. In front of you, we have no threat or bargaining chips. We are no longer qualified to negotiate with you. It seems hopeless to use any conditions to exchange for your mercy. Then, Your Highness Kant…”
“Pity? How about pity?” he asked.
” What?” Kant frowned.
“I beg for your mercy, your mercy for us, your pity for this city, your pity for this province.”
Norman’s tone was gloomy as he slowly said,” Yesterday, as far as I know, there were seventeen people who committed suicide. They were nobles with hundreds of years of inheritance, young and strong rising stars, business geniuses, and talented artists. They made stupid decisions and owed huge debts. They couldn’t get new loans, their businesses couldn’t turn over, and their food couldn’t be shipped out.”
” Then they committed suicide, leaving behind a huge debt, as well as despairing orphans and widows. Their brothers, servants, and subordinates were fighting for the family business, leaving the debt to the poor widow. The widow had no one to take care of and protect her. A brothel or a courtyard was the only way out. She would become a plaything, and even her daughters. The number would increase.”
” Not just them. A large number of nobles and merchants will go bankrupt. Their shops will close, and those who are employed will lose their jobs. They will not be able to earn money, buy food, or support their families. This catastrophe will spread from the upper class to the lower class, engulfing everyone, not just Distant Harbor, but the entire province. Countless people will suffer. They have no choice but to pray…”
” That’s why I beg you, Your Highness, to pity them for their sake. Please end this calamity as soon as possible. I’m willing to bear all the responsibility for this incident and bear all the cruel punishments. Your Highness, enough people have died and enough people have been injured. I…”
As he said this, his tone began to choke.
The governor’s voice echoed through the speakers in Distant Harbor.
His deep tone was very infectious. Despair and compassion spread. The nobles were already in tears, and the civilians were also moved to tears because the governor mentioned them. How noble a person was, yet he still considered their livelihood.
Distant Harbor, immersed in emotions and prayers, heard a loud voice.
“Pah!”
This voice woke them up from their emotions.
Kant looked at Norman with a solemn expression.
“I said…” He said,” Let me ask you something.”
Norman looked up in surprise. He had not expected such a development. Was he not such a kind person? Didn’t he always pity the lowly peasants?
Kant asked directly,” If this food war goes according to your plan, and the price of food rises, triggering a civil revolt, I’ll lose. What do you plan to do?”
Norman immediately said,” We can swear to God that we have no choice but to fight back. We still maintain the greatest respect for you. We just want you to understand our thoughts a little. Even if we win, we will negotiate with you in a respectful manner to get a good result…”
“No-that’s not what I’m asking,”
Kant stared at him with a gaze as sharp as a sword.
” What I’m asking you is that the price of grain is rising uncontrollably from five copper coins to two silver coins, or even three, four, and five. The civilians will not even be able to buy two taels of grain for a day, and they will not be able to eat for a few days, or even more than ten days. They will be malnourished, and even go crazy. They will eat everything they can grab in endless pain, including leather, mud, and garbage, before they starve to death in a twisted way! What I’m asking you is, how do you plan to deal with this?”
He took a step forward, and the anger and killing intent in his eyes finally erupted.
Norman’s heart trembled. Frightened by this killing intent, he couldn’t help but fall back.
“Answer me.”
Kant said coldly,” When I set up the counterattack against you, I asked Han Zezheng to ensure that no one in Distant Harbor would starve to death. He prepared a dozen pages of plans and arrangements for this. I want to know if there are any plans in your plans to prevent the poor in Distant Harbor from starving to death due to the high grain prices.”
” After I win, the first thing I’ll do is to distribute five days ‘worth of food to the civilians of the city for free to make up for their fear, hunger, and excessive expenses in the past few days. I want to know now, in your plan, is there a plan to appease the situation after winning?”
He took another step forward.
His killing intent was already as cold as ice.
Norman subconsciously stepped back, but he could not say a word.
“No, I didn’t.”
“You motherf * cker.”
“There really isn’t.”
“I knew it long ago. I knew it long ago. I know all about your morals.”
” But, noble noble lord.”
“I still want to say it.”
“F * ck your mothers.”
“It doesn’t matter if these people starve to death? It didn’t matter even if the lowly peasants starved to death? If a hundred or a thousand of them starve to death, the surrounding villages and towns will replenish them. They are like weeds that will continue to grow even if they are cut off. How can they be worthy of your attention?”
Kant reached out, grabbed Norman by the collar, and lifted him up.
“Do you remember what I told Han Zezheng to tell you when you went to look for him?”
“I said-you’re all bugs.”
“Do you think I’m acting tough? Do you think I’m insulting you?”
“Wrong, you are worms, selfish worms, greedy mosquitoes, cruel ticks. Damn you, how dare you raise the price of grain? Do you know how many people will starve to death because of your plan? You knew, but you didn’t care. F * ck, I wanted to kill your entire family back then. Now, you still dare to talk about pity in front of me. Are you worthy? Are you worthy?”
“You bugs!”
He threw the governor to the ground with all his might, and the other party let out a miserable cry.
Kant’s expression was cold as he stepped on his back.
It was like crushing a bug.
“Beg for mercy, pity, and say that someone committed suicide. Nobles, great artists, young and promising businessmen. Even if I kill all of you, one by one, and your entire family, can their corpses fill up this Tidal Sound Manor? I can’t!”
” But if you win, I’m afraid all the graveyards in this city combined won’t be enough to accommodate the poor who starved to death during this period!”
” But even if the grain prices skyrocketed, the famine in the distant port, and more than half of the 200,000 people starved to death, is that a lot?”
“Not much! Because this continent, this land, this country, or just this city, since ancient times, thousands of years ago, the corpses of those who died because of famine, malnutrition, overwork, lynchings, and epidemic diseases, because of your inaction, cold-blooded cruelty, and even voluntary murder, can fill every inch of this city! Their screams added together are thousands of times louder than the sound of the wind in this sea!”
“When have you ever listened to their voices? When have you ever cared about their lives?”
“Is this the first time you guys are doing this? How many times have you and your ancestors used the same method? Since when did you turn a blind eye to the lives of the commoners? When will you understand that your blood is as hot as theirs? When will you understand that your lives are as fragile and precious as theirs?”
Kant squatted down and grabbed the man’s hair.
“You’re asking me what I want to do? Why not? Why didn’t he stop? You ask me why I want to be enemies with the nobles? Why did he treat you in a crueler way?
This is my answer.”
” I don’t like killing. My goal has never been to destroy you, nor to kill all of you.”
” What I want to destroy is your self-righteous indifference, cruelty, and cruelty,” he said slowly.” It is your privilege and ability to trample on living beings as you please. As long as anyone dares to play with such power and use the misery of living beings as a tool to achieve their goals, I will appear before him.”
“I will use his and his family’s blood to intimidate the other despicable scoundrels. I will execute his entire family and exterminate his entire family. I will use whatever method can intimidate you and eliminate these despicable and depraved low-level lives to the greatest extent. My benevolent law only applies to ordinary living beings. I will not check whether your family is innocent or not, because no matter how innocent they are…”
“There will also be no innocent civilians who have no choice but to let you decide their deaths.”
“So, listen up.”
The camera controlled by the iron son turned to Kant.
” I am Kant.”
“I’m looking at you.”
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[PS 1: Upgraded!] 7,000 words! Where are the tickets?