The Herb King

No one said anything after Joseph was taken away. With Aethelwolf's current status and power, he could do whatever he wants. Only a fool would go against a Level 5 Esper.

"King Aethelwolf, if you need anything, just tell me. I'm ready to rally the entire Reynolds Household for you." Julius Reynolds said with a cold smile. Although he had some dealings with the Maynard Household, it wasn't to the extent that they were good friends or allies. In fact, it was more of a contractual relationship.

"King Aethelwolf, our Rayden Household is also at your command! Just give me a word and I'll come running!" Jericho Rayden didn't want to be outdone.

Julie Irish smiled at Aethelwolf. She didn't say anything, but Aethelwolf understood the meaning of her gaze.

"Thank you, everyone. If I ever need help, I'll tell you guys right away. However, I'll handle the Maynard Household myself." Aethelwolf muttered with a light smile. He could sense the massive change in everyone's attitude. Now that he was now a Level 5 Esper and the King of Barden Territory, no one dared to treat him casually anymore.

The banquet continued after that short interlude.

All the guests here were important members of the Leone Empire and they didn't think much of Joseph. He might be the son of Lucas Maynard, but he was merely one of the heirs of the household. It wasn't even certain if he could inherit the position and now that he had provoked King Aethelwolf, his life was destined to be a miserable one.

After the banquet concluded, the guests left the Lassiter Household's estate with satisfied smiles.

When the last guest left, Aethelwolf brought Chris with him to the prison. Only Joseph Maynard was currently locked up in the cell.

At this moment, Joseph Maynard who was tied up in chains became hysterical when he saw Aethelwolf and Chris.

"Release me! It wasn't me! It was my brother, Dave Maynard, who planned of murdering Enrique!"

The chains made clanking noises as he tried to break free from his restraints, but his world essence seemed to be ineffective.

Aethelwolf opened the prison cell and entered with Chris. "I'll give you a spare key to this cell. You can do whatever you want to him. You don't have to worry even if he dies." He muttered calmly as he handed a key to Chris.

Hearing this, the corner of Chris' lips curved upwards, forming a cruel smile that looked incredibly hideous in the eyes of Joseph.

"No! No! No! He will kill me! Don't leave me alone with this lunatic!"

Aethelwolf ignored his pleas and left without turning back.

"Ahhh!!"

"Heeellpp!"

Joseph's agonized cries echoed behind him, but Aethelwolf merely flashed an indifferent smile.

***

Soon, the news about Aethelwolf becoming the King of Barden Territory reached the ears of every citizen of the Leone Empire. They also learned that Aethelwolf was now a Level 5 Esper!

Everyone was feeling jubilant when they heard the news because the presence of a Level 5 Esper would increase the prestige of the empire!

The people living in Barden City and its surrounding area were also happy when they heard that their land would be renamed Barden Territory. They believed that their territory would be prioritized in the development plans of the empire. This would give more job opportunities for the normal folks and even the merchants and nobilities living in the territory would also receive benefits.

Meanwhile, Aethelwolf was now inspecting the construction of his fortress. It was already half complete and because he no longer needed to be discreet in his actions, the progress of the construction was now much faster.

Aethelwolf had already lifted the Illusory Runes and the Conceal Runes since they consume a lot of energy and resources to maintain their activation.

"King Aethelwolf, this is the newest report of our progress. I've already compiled everything." Rendell handed him a folder.

Aethelwolf was still not used to the new address, but he didn't correct Rendell since he would have to live with his current status.

Aethelwolf checked the data and nodded his head in satisfaction. The workers became energized after learning of his new identity. They also felt more secure since they no longer have to worry about the Imperial Family's scrutiny. "Good job! How many days do you need to complete the construction?" He asked as he returned the folder to Rendell.

Rendell pondered deeply before answering. "With our current speed, we'll probably complete the fortress in three to four days. If we hire more men, we can finish it in two days."

"Not bad! Keep up the great work." Aethelwolf smiled as he patted Rendell's shoulder.

"I'll do my best!" Rendell answered joyfully. He was happy that Aethelwolf was pleased with his work.

"I'll leave the matters here in your hands. Just tell me if you need anything." Aethelwolf left after saying these words. He then headed to Barden City. Ramiel was currently recruiting soldiers there and a lot of people signed up when they heard that the new King was looking for soldiers.

When the carriage drawn by Gryphons landed in Barden City, everyone exclaimed in surprise.

"What magical beast is that?!"

"Those creatures look very intimidating! I'm scared!"

"Look at that crest! It's someone from the Lassiter Household! Could it be our King?"

The crowd chatted excitedly as they stared at the carriage and the Gryphons.

Suddenly, the door of the carriage sprang open and four figures alighted. It was Aethelwolf, Aenwyn, Olivia, and Einar.

Ramiel already knew that they were coming. He walked up to them along with his subordinates and they all bowed to Aethelwolf.

"Greetings, King Aethelwolf!"

"Greetings, King Aethelwolf!"

When the crowd saw this scene, they became even more excited. They kneeled and also paid their respects to their King.

"Greetings, King Aethelwolf!"

Aethelwolf smiled lightly at everyone. He felt warm in his heart when he sensed the sincerity on everyone's faces. At that moment, he decided that he would do his best to protect these people.