Edrick's day to day activities were mostly set in stone ahead of time, his priority being to turn his new body into something to be proud of, Zixuan had been a complacent little fool, not only when it came to his own flesh, but also to his own desires, a few orders to Linmin was all that was necessary to drastically alter the lord's life style.
From what Anoteros knew, the region was rather poor and uncared for, most of the income was made through agriculture and cattle, particularly sheeps, the people tried their best to make a living from whatever source they could but there was nothing they sold that other regions did not produce in greater quantity, of better quality and at a cheap price as well.
They were simply outmatched and relegated to an existence in misery, it had already been the case under Zixuan's leadership, and it would only be getting worse from there, Edrick was not planning on improving the situation, as the poverty of his populace was actually a good thing to him.
Already used to be walked on and without any hope for the future, they were like dolls he could do whatever he wanted with before throwing them away.
'Why was this idiot wallowing about? This is paradise' he thought, taking a bite out of mutton chops, gorging himself on this scrumptious delicacy ever since arriving into this world, putting on some weight which was to be burned and refined into muscle mass.
Linmin, as per usual, was standing behind him as he ate like a ravenous beast, one with table manners, but a beast nonetheless, his lord was feasting on so much food lately that it was almost worrying, eating many lambs and muttons whole in very little time, not leaving any part behind, even the eyes and brain were always eaten as well, every bone a perfect white.
But his lord's complexion and health seemed to be improving, so it wasn't his place to question any of it, in fact, it wasn't his place to question any of Edrick's antics it seemed.
Not wishing to be called by the name of the family that sent him away was one thing, but completely changing it and even his looks through an unknown method was an entirely different can of worms.
"They breed some other animals beside sheep, correct?" he spoke up, cleaning the corners of his mouth with a napkin, having just finished depriving a lamb's skull of all that it had to offer.
"Yes, there are a few who produce goats and rabbits"
"Bring me some of that as well" standing up, Edrick placed one hand on Linmin's shoulder, looming over his servant.
"I'll be needing another girl"
"Did the first one leave?" frankly, the servant felt ashamed to have so easily complied with this order, especially when it became clear what this demand was for once Anoteros got his hands on her.
But he had thought that this would be a one time thing, a momentary moment of madness on his master's part perhaps, just an occasion to let his anger out on someone…
"She departed, I would say" Edrick shook his head as though disappointed.
"I was expecting someone a little bit tougher than this, find a woman of good constitution, alright? And if you can't, bring multiple" he added before disappearing into his room.
'Departed?'
Linmin stood in place, stunned into both silence and immobility, that sounded rather cut and dry, especially when he hadn't seen her exit the room since arriving… And Anoteros was very insistent that everything should be tightly locked at night.
So, by all means, it meant that she- Or whatever was left of this woman, was still in his room.
"My Lord! Should I dispose of it?" he loudly asked whilst the door was not yet shut.
All he got in response was Edrick's hand peeking out, the index gesturing for him to get over here.
Which he did with much apprehension as he approached the entrance, almost fearing that his lord would put his previous threat to execution the instant he got too close, but instead, he was treated to the sight of a bruised, battered corpse laying on the ground.
Little was left to the imagination as to what sort of acts had taken place inside of this room.
Rather than staring at it, Linmin instead diverted his attention to the desk tucked away in a corner of the room, it seemed like the lord had also taken it upon himself to make his own education.
This was all very confusing, his master was simultaneously going down a terrible path, and bettering himself in very positive ways, Linmin might feel that it would be appropriate to voice his concerns was only the former true, but not in this context.
"I suppose I was a little bit too rough- Where did you find her originally?" a smile never leaving his face as though this was all amusing, Edrick inquired about a meaningless detail.
"She was on her own, living on the streets… I didn't want anyone to notice that she was missing…" replied Linmin, he had learned of her name at one point, but did not dare use it when this was what the woman had been reduced to, this was his fault too after all.
"Mmh, make sure to pick one that's beloved by her parents next time, alright?"
"But My Lord! This could land you in some trouble! What if your family learns of your actions?! What if the people grow disgruntled?!"
"Relax, it's just a little bit of fun, no need to get on your high horses…" chuckling as if Linmin's concerns were inconsequential, Anoteros pointed to the corpse.
"Dismember it and preserve all the fat parts, ground the rest and throw it in some woods- Also clean that room and change the sheets while you're here, I'll be training outside" slapping Linmin's back on the way out without providing clarifications, Edrick was focusing on the screen in front of his eyes.
It was all coming together rather nicely, he hadn't even paid attention since acquiring this girl, but it seemed like the depraved cultivation system was rather generous, the wording making it seem like it wasn't actually developed with Anoteros in mind from the get-go.
And more like it was meant to fall in the hands of the average joe, so of course, it was rather pleased with the brutality of its user.
The rewards weren't anything too stellar however, being that it was mostly money, intel that was to be passed onto him like Zixuan's memories had been, and also a few things to cleanse himself of anything he might have caught whilst having some fun.
Thinking about using one of the latter just to be safe, it occurred immediately, a satisfying coldness permeating his entire body.
'Handy… I wonder what it'll think when I eat the remains as well?' Anoteros had done many things, one might say that he had done nearly everything that was even slightly reprehensible, and although he enjoyed the majority, Edrick had never been a fan of the taste, but it wasn't repulsive and should also count toward this little system of his.
Thinking about this, he grabbed a crudely fashioned weight and began exercising.