"We finally arrived."
Looking at the gigantic gate leading to the city, Azel's expression was complicated. Not that he wasn't pleased. It's just that he felt it was too much...
When looking at the entire territory from the map he was carrying, Azel felt that the attitude of the people in the palace was exaggerating. The territory he owned was equal to or slightly wider than that of the Marquis. That kind of thing sure attracts a lot of trouble.
Within the Empire, there are three types of nobles. First, of course the Imperial family. Second, there are the high-ranked nobles which includes Dukes, Marquis, and Counts. Lastly, there are the lower-ranked nobles namely Viscount and Baron.
Each noble has their own territory. Even the high-ranked nobles was also given the privilege of raising other nobles under him. However, elevated noble titles are only useful in their respective regions. For example, Marquis A appointed a Viscount. That viscount was a noble in Marquis A's territory. Whereas when he was in Marquis B's territory, his title was void.
In conclusion, the higher the rank that elevates a nobleman, the more useful the title is. A Duke and a Marquis could raise a Count, but their degrees were different. Except for the division of territories, the peerage was almost the same as the European peerage in Azel's previous life.
Although they can raise nobles, each noble has their own limit of eight people. A Duke can have 3 Marquis and 5 Counts in his territory. A Marquis can have 3 Counts and 5 Viscount in his territory. While the Count can have 3 Viscounts and 5 Barons. Of course, they all bowed to one Emperor.
In the Black Sun Empire, territories are divided into five parts. The Central Plain, the most rich and fertile central part is the territory that the Imperial family manages and is often called the Royal Capital. The other four regions which were slightly smaller than the Central Plain were divided according to the cardinal directions administered by the four Dukes under the Emperor. Of course, the Dukes would pay a lot of taxes every year.
From that explanation, it was clear how much land a Marquis owned. As far as Azel knew, the territory given to him belonged to a noble who was executed for betraying the Empire. Many nobles coveted such a wealthy location. People who came out of nowhere like him and immediately took their places were bound to become targets of hatred.
Not to mention, because he was given independent territory, the Duke who controlled the southern part of the Empire lost almost a quarter of his territory. Azel felt that he was being forced to become a gladiator and was told to fight a giant lion at the start of his fight. He really has a headache.
'Fuck! those hateful bastard!'
Azel cursed inwardly. The sentence of hope that doesn't live up to expectations really still applies in this world. Wanting to live a relaxed life without much thought, now he's actually getting into a lot of trouble that makes his head feel so heavy.
The reigning Duke's power alone was a 6th tier demon. Whereas his father, the Emperor was a 7th (late) tier demon. It might not take long for him to break through the 8th tier. Except for the Dukes or Emperors of the previous generation, no one is as powerful as the current Emperor.
The three former dukes who retired were 7th tier demons, but Azel couldn't tell which level they were. As for his own grandfather… that old monster was actually a level 8 demon. As for Azel's grandmother, she had died before he was even born.
Usually the Emperor or nobles will have several wives and concubines, like his father who had 3 wives. But his grandfather was different, he only had one wife. The old man was known for his wisdom and strength. He could be considered one of the Heroes of the Demon race.
'Of course... he really hates me. Made of the same material, instead of becoming a gem… I'm just a useless charcoal.'
Azel thought as he remembered the old man. As the Emperor in the previous era, his grandfather had little knowledge from the ancestors and guessed that Azel awakened the Eye of The Lord. The reason is simple, he had golden eyes that looked beautiful.
Of course Azel immediately refused. At first the grandfather didn't believe it and he was finally beaten to confess. After enduring it for quite a while, the old man finally gave up. His different irises could only be considered a mutation because in legend the Eye of The Lord was shown with two golden irises instead of one.
Even though he had been tortured by his grandfather, Azel did not hate but felt a little sorry for the old man. First, he felt sorry for dashing his grandfather's hopes. Second, Azel's father and mother hated his grandfather because he thought he didn't want to practice because of the trauma. He himself chose to shut himself up, but little did they know that it was his grandfather who was the victim. Yes... Azel somewhat regretted that.
'But that old man was even cruel towards his own grandson!'
Azel cursed inwardly. He actually wanted to take revenge but eventually forgot about it. What's revenge? It was an existence of the eighth level! A pinnacle existence in this world.
The reason Azel said that was because he had never heard of a Demi-God level demon except in story books. He himself wasn't sure whether such an existence was just made up or real. Because it doesn't really affect his life, Azel decides to forget about it.
"We have arrived, sir!"
Hearing Camellia's voice, Azel snapped out of his daydream. Looking outside the window, a majestic building came into his eyes. It was the castle that belonged to the previous Marquis. Of course, now the building and its contents belong to him.
By now, the occupants of the castle had been 'cleansed'. From the Marquis family and the people working in the castle, they were removed. So, the people who work in this place are new people.
Passing through the gate, many knights lined up to welcome the new lord of this territory. Stopping right by the steps leading to the main castle, the carriage door was opened by the coachman. Azel came down from there followed by Camellia.
"Thank you very much for your hard work, Mr. Coachman." Azel said with a calm expression. Causing the coachman to be taken aback, perhaps because his appearance was different from what the person had previously remembered.
"It is an honor to serve you, Prince!" said the old coachman, bowing politely.
"For the items that are brought, you guys can move it. Me and Camellia will go in first."
"As per your order, Prince."
Under the surprised eyes of the old coachman, Az and Camellia entered the main castle building.
Passing through the giant door, Azel saw many beautiful women in maid outfits lined up on the left and right of the hall. Seeing his arrival, they all immediately bowed respectfully while shouting together.
"Welcome, Sir!"
"Raise your heads," Azel said with an indifferent expression. Seeing them rise and look at him with curious expressions, he continued, "Who's in charge here?"
A very beautiful adult succubus bowed politely. "This lowly servant is in charge as the head maid, sir."
"Name?"
"This servant is called Isabella, Sir."
"in that case, take me to the former Marquis' office."
"You just arrived, wouldn't it be better-"
"Just do as I say." Azel interrupted Isabella's words coldly.
The woman looked terrified before bowing politely. "Forgive my rude attitude, sir. I'll take you to the office immediately, please follow me, sir."
"yes."
After walking for a while, they arrived at a large room. There are two giant shelves on the left and on the right of the room. Of course, the shelves were filled with books. In the middle of the room, there is a table and chairs for relaxing. In addition, there is a work desk near the big window.
Azel walked over to the window. Gazing at the scenery outside, he could see the sights of Black Lily City. Apart from the fact that this building is tall, the building location is also on a high hill. So wide viewing distance is a natural thing.
Looking at the prosperous and beautiful city, Azel let out a long sigh. His eyes flashed an inexplicable cold glint.
"Because it's so precious, it makes too many people want it."
****