Chapter 55 - 51: Standing on the Old Lord’s Head

Chapter 55: Chapter 51: Standing on the Old Lord’s Head

Several days later, the half-month treatment for the Red Itch Plague finally came to an end.

The people of both the inner and outer city had received the baptism and blessing of the Holy Water.

Lian opened the Inner City Gate, allowing all the commoners from the outer city to enter the Inner City Square.

Nobles and commoners alike gathered to listen to his speech.

The midday sun cast green shadows as it filtered through rows of evergreen trees.

The nobles held parasols and sat in their carriages, while the commoners curiously squeezed into the crowd, gazing ecstatically at the magnificent buildings around them.

They rarely had the chance to visit the Inner City Square, which was adorned with exquisite fountains and various intricate sculptures.

The most striking of all was the giant, 20-meter-tall statue of Moria. The old Lord was depicted in sharp Armor, wearing a lord’s crown inlaid with green gems. His left hand held a Scepter symbolizing power, his right hand held a platter symbolizing a bountiful harvest, and a Treasure Sword hung at his waist.

Of course, the most conspicuous figure was the new Lord standing on that very crown: Lian Moria.

Lian was confident that from this spot, most people could see him and hear his voice.

To ensure Lian’s safety, the cool-faced, short-haired beauty, Sophie, stood beside him.

A Magic Amplifier and a guardrail had been temporarily added to the crown.

Below the statue, rings of Guards stood watch, ever vigilant for any potential danger.

"Why is Lord Lian standing on the old Lord’s head?"

"The old Lord abandoned us and fled, so who cares? If he hadn’t racked up so much debt with the Empire Bank, our Green Shade Territory’s social standing would surely be higher."

"That’s right. If it were Lord Lian, he definitely wouldn’t have accumulated so much debt."

The people craned their necks, looking up and discussing in small groups.

"My dear nobles, Knights, commoners, and new residents, I am your Lord, Lian Moria."

Lian smiled and waved to the crowd.

The square immediately erupted in fervent cheers.

Enthusiasm is contagious. Even the more reserved nobles couldn’t help but cheer along with the commoners.

They immediately regretted it, feeling it was an undignified act.

Once the crowd quieted down, Lian continued,

"Not long ago, our Green Shade Territory faced an unprecedented crisis. Our people were found to be infected with the Red Itch. But in just half a month, we overcame it!

"We have made history, ensuring the Red Itch is no longer the dreaded Plague everyone fears to speak of. The number of Green Shade Territory residents who died from this outbreak is in the single digits. As your Lord, I am very proud."

"It’s all thanks to Lord Lian!"

Someone in the crowd immediately shouted, and a series of copycat cries followed.

"It’s thanks to Lord Lian!"

"Praise Lord Lian!"

"Praise the Green Shade Territory."

Lian waved his hand, signaling for the crowd to quiet down.

Finally, a different voice emerged.

"Lord Lian, are we truly cured? Will the Red Itch Plague really not return?"

Andre, dressed as a commoner, asked excitedly.

That was right. He was a plant, placed in the crowd by Lian.

His purpose was to wait for the right moment and set up Lian’s next lines.

"An excellent question."

Lian said, "This is the first time we have defeated the Red Itch. But as everyone knows, it is an extremely vicious disease. To verify if we have truly recovered, over the next week, everyone must come to the Lord’s Mansion for a free Trait Test. The Trait Test will give us the most direct answer."

"A Trait Test? But don’t those cost a lot of money for a single test? Are you really giving them to us for free?"

Andre asked.

The commoners were instantly thrilled. Although they were all born with Traits, many of them had no idea what Traits they actually possessed.

Trait Tests could usually only be performed at a church.

The church would perform the tests for free on newborn nobles, but not on commoners.

For a commoner to get a test, it was like seeking out a master for a fortune reading—they had to pay an exorbitant fee.

Lian’s generosity in allowing everyone to receive a Trait Test immediately drew rapturous cheers from the populace.

"Yes, everyone will have the opportunity to be tested. This is both your right and a mandatory duty. If the test detects a lingering case of the Red Itch, you need not worry. I will continue to provide treatment. This is my promise to the people of Green Shade Territory."

Lian announced magnanimously.

"Praise Lord Lian! Long live Lord Lian!"

"Praise Lord Lian! Praise the Green Shade Territory!"

As fervent cheers rose once more, Lian felt the time was ripe. He coughed twice to clear his throat and said,

"The Red Itch has made me aware of a serious problem within our Green Shade Territory."

"A problem? The people of Green Shade Territory are already very fortunate. This is the only place where someone with the Red Itch can survive. Elsewhere, they are buried alive. What problem could we possibly have here?"

Riel shouted from within the crowd.

She too had been forced to act as a plant for Lian.

"Yes, being buried alive when you get sick—that is the most serious problem! The people of our Green Shade Territory lack healthcare security! Having to passively wait for death after falling ill—that is the biggest problem!"

Lian said gravely.

Everyone fell into deep thought, drawn into Lian’s line of reasoning.

"Lord Lian, this is not a problem unique to Green Shade Territory. The entire Holy Empire faces this issue," said Omari Hani, the Minister of Finance.

Lian looked at Omari Hani questioningly. "Just because the entire Holy Empire has this problem, does that make it right?"

"Well..."

Omari Hani was at a loss for words.

"It’s not right! It’s not right!"

The young noblewoman Riel shouted excitedly from the top of a carriage.

Her father, Romayada, desperately wanted to pull her down and even sent several servants to try, but the nimble and petite Riel evaded them all.

"Yes, it is not right! I want the people of our Green Shade Territory, from this day forward, to have care in their old age and support when they are sick! I will take responsibility for your lives and your health! Not only do we have the Witch Sophie to protect our home, but we will also have robust medical and social security! Our Green Shade Territory will become the safest and happiest territory in the Holy Empire!"

Lian declared with surging passion.

"What are ’medical security’ and ’social security’?"

Karel Dennis asked.

"Medical security means that when you fall ill, the Green Shade Territory guarantees it will not abandon you. As long as you pay a certain portion of the medical fees, you will receive Healing."

Lian explained, "Social security means you have the right to permanent residence in the Green Shade Territory and will enjoy the protection of the law. Any bandits or robbers who try to harm you or steal your property will be punished."

Lian temporarily refrained from mentioning social insurance, feeling that such things needed to be introduced gradually. The immediate goal was to promote the Green Card.

"Then how do we obtain this security?"

Riel and Andre asked in unison.

Three cards of different colors appeared in Lian’s hand.

"You only need to possess a Green Shade Territory Identity Card to enjoy this security."

Lian smiled, showing the crowd enlarged versions of the Identity Cards.

"The ones you get won’t be this large; this is just so you can see them clearly. The gold one is the Golden Card, custom-made for nobles. For just 100 Gold Coins, you can enjoy the three forms of security and five special privileges."

"Wealthy merchants and the middle class can choose the Silver Card. For only 100 Silver Coins, you can get a Silver Card, which comes with a personal account at the Green Shade Territory Bank and access to high-value loans."

"As for the commoners, you only need to pay 100 Copper Coins to receive a Green Card. The Green Card is a symbol of your identity. Once you have it, no one has the right to drive you away, unless you commit a serious crime."