Evil dragon has a warm heart

Chapter 73 - 73 73 Manor Meeting (Part 1)

?Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Manor Meeting (Part 1) Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Manor Meeting (Part 1) (Chapter Three Transition Chapter; feel free to skip this one if it’s not to your liking.)
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Russell abolished the original kneeling ceremony.

Instead, serfs had to bow when seeing the Lord for the first time each day, and only needed to give a nod of acknowledgement in subsequent encounters.

Even so, the sight of the crowd, all bowing en masse, still shook Russell to his core.

“This is the authority of a feudal lord, this is the glory of the nobility under serfdom, even though I am but the lowest tier of lordship,” Russell reflected, moved by the serfs’ bowing as he arrived at the small market.

The manor meeting would be held here.

The small market had been cleaned once, spotless, except for a faint smell of manure, with nothing else to complain about.

Tables and chairs had all been set up.

The serfs were forbidden to enter, so they gathered outside the market, waiting for the meeting that was about to take place inside.

“Sir, your seat,” Hans greeted Russell with great enthusiasm, looking very obsequious.

But no one would laugh at that; on the contrary, all the serfs envied Hans for being able to speak with the Lord—it was also a symbol of status.

“Is everyone here?” After taking his seat, Russell looked around the circle of people.

Eric, Charles, the sisters Wildcat, four knight attendants, three dungeon rangers, and Hans as the head of the manor crew, six village heads, forty or fifty serf overseers, as well as some representatives elected by the serfs.

Basically, everyone at Wuyao Snake Manor whose name could be called was gathered in the small market.

“Everyone is present, Sir,” Charles replied with a slight excitement, “You can start the manor meeting.”

“Hmm.”

Russell cleared his throat, adjusting his emotions.

This was the first time he was partaking in a grand occasion witnessed by thousands, but fortunately, his predecessor had seen many big scenes at Fluorescent Castle, so he could barely cope with it.

“Cough cough, in the past, Wuyao Snake Manor has mainly focused on planting beans and wheat, and the manor was filled with serfs. Now that Wuyao Snake Manor has annexed Echo Water River Cavern, as the lord, I need to adjust the manorial operations,” Russell stated, setting the tone for the manor meeting, “Before we make changes, we first need to establish a complete system of officials. According to tradition, I will select three officers to serve as Chancellor of Records, Chief of Public Security, and Court Chief.”

He paused for a moment, giving everyone a chance to absorb the news, then Russell continued, “Now, I will announce my selections.”

In an instant, everyone in the small market sat up straight.

Though many had speculated, when it came to the actual selection, unrealistic hopes still arose.

Perhaps the most composed was Eric. As a Phantom Beast Knight, he was already detached from these concerns, and as a loyal follower of Russell, he believed his loyalty would be recognized by Russell and that he would share in Russell’s glory.

Moreover, he had already received the greatest benefit—Kevin the Gold and Silver Wolfhound.

He did not crave more.

Meanwhile, the two most anxious people were Charles, as Russell’s family tutor naturally one of Russell’s confidants. But he had not sworn loyalty, so even though he knew Russell would not let him down, he still feared being left out.

After all, Charles thought carefully last night and realized none of the tasks he undertook was irreplaceable.

Or rather, at Wuyao Snake Manor, only Eric was irreplaceable; everyone else could be replaced.

Clenching his fists, Charles strove to calm his emotions, but the more he tried, the more nervous he became. He could even hear the thumping of his own heartbeat. His gaze was fixated on Russell without blinking an eye.

“Perhaps I should’ve found a suitable opportunity to pledge my loyalty to Russell… Really, I’ve been so foolish!”

Another person who felt restless was Hans.

He was the former estate manager, sent by Baron Roman to oversee Wuyao Snake Manor. Perhaps considering Russell was too young and might not directly move into the manor, the Baron did not recall Hans after enfeoffing Wuyao Snake Manor.

This led to Hans’ awkward situation; it was as if the Baron had gifted him to Russell as part of the manor. But once Russell took up residence, it was clear that the manor no longer needed an estate manager like him.

Although Russell didn’t dismiss him and let him continue as the estate manager, Hans clearly felt that he was no longer needed.

Charles was Russell’s confidant, gradually taking over the administration of the estate’s affairs.

Now that Russell had thrown out three positions, there was no doubt that these were the real official positions of the estate, the most trusted lieutenants in Russell’s mind.

“Will I get a position?”

“Will the lord cast me aside?”

“Great Dragon watch, Mr. Ross watch, Hans prays to you here with sincerity… May the radiance protect, and I swear I will have my old wife pray for you day and night!” Hans incessantly muttered in his heart.

“Ahem.” After a full minute, Russell finally cleared his throat again, ready to announce his choices.

His gaze swept over everyone’s faces, noting Eric’s calmness, Charles’s hopefulness, Hans’ anxiety, as well as the looks of others like the cat sisters, Tom and the other Knight Attendants, Halls and the Dungeon Rangers.

All of this ultimately became part of his noble authority.

Russell had to admit he was growing fond of this feeling. Stabilizing his spirit, he slowly said, “Chancellor of Records Charles.”

Upon completion, Charles clenched his fist tightly.

Then, he let go, rose somewhat unsteadily, took off his hat, bowed to Russell, and spoke with formal language, “At your service, Sir.”

Russell smiled and nodded in response to Charles’s bow, then continued to announce, “Chief of Public Security Eric.”

Eric wanted to speak elegantly like Charles but opened his mouth and couldn’t think of what to say right away.

So, he replied gruffly, “Yes!”

Russell didn’t mind Eric’s blunt speech; on the contrary, he preferred his Knight Commander to be a bit clumsy with words, so he smiled and nodded in response all the same.

Finally, he paused for a dozen seconds before continuing to announce, “Court Chief Hans.”

The announcement sounded like music from heaven to Hans, who immediately knelt and kowtowed to Russell, choking up with gratitude, “Hans thanks the lord for his trust. I will dutifully serve as Court Chief, always abiding by the lord’s will, at your service at all times!”

“Please rise, Hans,” Russell said, lifting his hand vaguely, “From now on, you are the Court Chief of the estate, just call me Sir.”

Hans earnestly replied, “No, no, no, Hans was a servant to the lord before and will remain the lord’s servant in the future. Please allow me to continue addressing you as ‘my lord’!”

Seeing Hans’ sincere plea, Russell could not deny him this wish and agreed to let Hans continue calling him ‘my lord.’
After having announced the three “officers,”
Russell handed over the meeting to the newly appointed official, “Charles, you take charge of the rest of the estate meeting, elect officials, read policies, and ensure the spirit of this meeting is fully implemented for everyone.”

“As you wish, Sir,” Charles, having regained his composure, wore a smug smile on his face.