Chapter 501: The Countess (6000 Bonus)

December, New Calendar 1028.

Aoruben is a reporter for the Mole News.

The Mole News is a second-rate local newspaper in Plymouth, mainly publishing commercial information and gossip.

The winter in Plymouth is colder than usual.

Together with other media reporters, he has been squatting outside Mitra Palace for a long time, holding a camera, flash, shorthand notebook, and signature pen with his reddened hands.

He and his peers wait silently, like hunters in the jungle, wanting to scoop a big story.

"Whoosh..."

"The newly appointed Countess, though small in stature and beautiful in appearance, is unexpectedly dignified."

"Hehe..."

For the press spokesperson coming out of Mitra Palace, only a slight outline can be seen, and a blurred voice comes across.

This newly ennobled Countess is undoubtedly the most explosive news in Plymouth today.

Aoruben suddenly feels that the crowd has gone crazy.

In this era, it is still generally believed that those who reap without sowing, gaining income from land annuities without having to use their brains or hands, are the true upper class!

"And... she is surnamed Sotos, and her title is 'Green Forest Earl'. Could she be a descendant of that legendary Count from ancient times?"

She sits back in the carriage, rubbing her brow: "I am truly sick of these day-after-day banquet invitations, court etiquette, and infighting... Fortunately, it is finally over, and I can return to Green Forest City."

Even if one could find out a bit of fringe information to publish, tomorrow even a third-rate newspaper could sell out!

Countless merchants and middle-class people... all take her as a role model and envy her good luck.

Aoruben listens to the vague words like 'title' and 'territory', struggling to squeeze forward.

"You..."

Unfortunately, his strength is insufficient, his physique is not robust enough, and he did not seize the initial good opportunity, so he can only remain in the middle-to-rear position.

A large number of peers are red-faced, collars disheveled, like crazy beasts, squeezing forward like a tide.

Liliyate feels very proud of this.

Bang!

Aoruben does not notice some depressions on the ground, and coupled with the excessive force coming from behind, he falls involuntarily, his camera dropping to one side.

"Are there too many people in the Countess Guard? Is this an army? This must be an army establishment, right?"

They do not know that if pushed to the limit, perhaps Liliyate would turn them into 'Living Corpse' who cannot speak!

At this time, Liliyate has already ascended to become a 'Living Dead', becoming a Non-human Existence.

At this moment, a commotion comes from the front, and guards come out to maintain order.

"Thank you!"

"This is not some honorary or Court Count at all, not even a Hereditary Count compares... has the ancient feudal system been resurrected?"

Aoruben luckily survives, not being trampled to death by his peers for the sake of a headline—if this had happened, his boss would not have given his family much compensation.

The reporter, completely unaware that he is already facing a Non-human Existence, immediately takes out his notebook and quickly records news items, whether true or concocted through personal improvisation.

Some reporters even habitually raise their hands high, as if they had seen the most ferocious Sheriff or police inspector.

"Including suzerainty over local nobles? And the right to collect taxes?"

Just as she lowers her arm, she suddenly discovers a handsome gentleman, indescribable in words, sitting opposite her.

'No... this cannot be!'

Seeing the crazy scene of the crowd, Liliyate lifts her glasses, stops the movement of getting into the carriage, and makes a brief statement to the reporters.

It can be said... this Countess has simply become the number one major landowner in the kingdom, aside from the Royal Family!

No, if the real estate of the Sodom Royal Family were divided per capita, it might not even compare to that Countess!

Just at this moment, a lady wearing noble attire, wearing many emblems, and wearing glasses walks out of Mitra Palace.

"As you all can see, I am the Green Forest Earl—Liliyate Sotos! A descendant of the ancient Sotos Family, I will restore the glory of the family!"

"The entire Green Forest City and surrounding areas designated as a territory?"

The Sotos Family, which had already declined, has finally been restored to glory in her hands!

Seeing the crowd in a state of chaos, about to form a stampede, a palace guard following behind the Countess finally cannot hold back and shouts: "Quiet!"

Seeing this, Aoruben immediately throws his cigarette on the ground to extinguish it, holding his camera and magnesium flash, and squeezes into the crowd.

Every one of his facial features is exceptionally perfect, even exceeding the limits of what humans can comprehend, yet it makes Liliyate feel a trace of familiarity.

At this time, he hears the peer handing him a match speak in a puzzled tone: "To be honest... I am still very surprised... His Majesty the King would actually ennoble a Countess, that is a hereditary title, with a permanent seat in the Upper House! And... it actually passed in Parliament! Could that Liliyate Sotos be a hidden billionaire who bought off all parties and the Royal Family with one million, or even ten million Pounds?"

This voice seems to carry an invisible power, making the crowd instantly become quiet.

Just as he is stomping his feet and blowing on his reddened hands, a peer next to him leans over: "Aoruben, want a cigarette?"

Aoruben takes the cigarette, lights it with the other's match, and after taking a puff, feels the cold on his body seemingly dispelled quite a bit.

Watching those reporters asking questions frantically, Liliyate maintains a ritualistic smile, turns, and walks onto the carriage.

Another reporter leans over, obviously also very interested in gossip: "The Royal Family finding a direct descendant of the Sotos Family and granting a title is indeed something that can increase Glory. This is a very good gimmick... you know, the public is always very interested in the deeds of that legendary Count, and it is easy to ignite a flashpoint!"

Bang bang bang!

Flashes like explosions erupt with fire and smoke, recording the true face of this newly appointed Countess of the kingdom onto black-and-white negatives.

Aoruben elegantly exhales a smoke ring: "As far as I know... this Countess did not make political donations; on the contrary... she might even be able to obtain a fief."

Then, he sees the peers in front suddenly clamor: "Incredible!"

She is not tall, and walks toward the carriage with light steps.

She gazes at Aaron, a layer of mist appearing in her eyes: "Is it still the Aaron I know?"

"Then... that is all."

By now, even a Grand Duke only possesses a large amount of real estate within a certain county, obtaining a certain income from it every year.

In fact, many nobles are even secretly selling off their real estate.

"Nobles who own land and can collect annual rents every year," the peer said with even more envy.

His eyes even turned somewhat bloodshot: "You sons of bitches, don't push me... the headline is mine!"

"Let's reintroduce ourselves."

Aaron revealed a faint smile: "I am Aaron Sotos! The abdicated Green Forest Earl..."

(End of this chapter)