NOVEL NEXT 004 ~ Viscount Trentin
"Aren't you going to wear anything?" Godfallen opened his mouth like a beggar, waiting to be fed.
Riya placed a piece of sliced beef into his mouth. "Such a beautiful dress would get dirty if worn now."
Godfallen chewed on the beef, using his mental power to speak. "Even if it gets dirty, I can solve that with a spell. It's just a piece of clothing. As long as you obediently listen to me in the future, I can reward you with whatever you desire."
Riya's eyes widened, sparkling with excitement. "Really?"
Godfallen nodded and smiled. "Of course it’s true. After all, I am a deity; how could I break my word? Hurry and eat. After your meal, carry me to see Viscount Trentin. I need him to assist me with some matters."
"If he refuses, will you kill him, my lord?" Riya elegantly tore apart a piece of red bread, savoring the meat-flavored bread.
"He will certainly agree," Godfallen scoffed. "Humans are greedy. The reason I had them sell the red wheat was to gauge Viscount Trenting’s attitude. If they return alive, it means the viscount has a need for me. Seeking help from a demon never ends well."
"You’re so clever, my lord." Riya smiled as she placed another piece of beef into his mouth.
"I'm just smarter than you," Godfallen said, stretching lazily. He glanced at Riya, finding her reminiscent of a pretty little puppy. Ever since she had come close to him, his attitude toward humans had shifted to resemble how humans treat dogs.
However, humans wouldn’t cruelly eat the heads of dogs, especially not the brains of clever ones.
After finishing their meal, Riya stood up, clutching her skirt as she entered the room. Shortly after, she emerged wearing her new dress.
The blue-purple Rococo-style puffy dress was already exquisite, supported by metallic hoops that made her look especially regal. Although her aura didn’t quite match the dress, it had to be said that Rhea was beautiful. Perhaps due to her relatively well-off background, she had developed nicely, at least a C-cup.
Riya twirled in front of the dining table and asked with a smile, "My lord, do I look good?"
"Not bad. People are judged by their attire, and in that dress, no one would suspect you were once a little peasant girl. Just keep your words and actions to a minimum, and others will surely think you’re a noble lady."
Riya puffed out her cheeks and said, "I heard that noble girls wear corsets with dresses like this, but the dress you gave me doesn’t have one. Doesn’t that look a bit ugly?"
"Wearing a corset would hinder your ability to work, causing you severe pain and making it difficult to move. You are a servant caring for your master, not a noble girl being served." Godfallen urged her to come closer. "Come here and carry me."
"But this dress fits perfectly; it’s very form-fitting."
"That’s fine; I can hide beneath the skirt." Godfallen burrowed underneath and linked his consciousness with hers, ensuring no one could overhear their communication. "You seem quite familiar with how to wear this dress. Have you worn one before?"
Riya blushed. "Yes, my lord. Let’s go."
Riya stepped out and boarded a carriage, escorted by a group of armed farmers who had banded together for protection.
Godfallen observed everything outside through her eyes. The village layout was well-organized, with small paths and main roads filled with sewage and mud, especially near the wells. This was unbearable for him, prompting him to mutter, "We must improve sanitation upon our return. Human and animal waste cannot be carelessly discarded; it will pollute the water supply."
"But it’s always like this!" Riya leaned against the window. "It’s been this way since I was born and has remained so as I grew up."
"Just because it has always been this way doesn’t make it right. If the sanitation environment isn’t improved, I will personally skin each of you and hang your skins on straw in the square. Let’s see who dares to continue this reckless behavior." Godfallen had always been particular about cleanliness.
Cleanliness and hygiene were extremely important; many diseases stemmed from unsanitary conditions, which was a major cause of the devastating Black Death.
And now, Godfallen certainly didn’t want a horrific outbreak of the Black Death, at least not among his followers.
"What my lord says goes. If it’s a command from the Great One, everyone will surely obey." Riya smiled to soothe him. "Please don’t be angry. How about I tell you a story?"
Godfallen wasn’t particularly interested in the stories told by someone who had just graduated from prenatal education, but after thinking for a moment, he realized that he might learn something significant from folk tales, so he agreed.
Throughout the journey, he listened to Rhea's nonsensical stories, which became more animated as she spoke. He didn’t want to interrupt her, treating it as if he were listening to a series of amusing anecdotes.
Around five o'clock in the afternoon, the sunset had turned red. It was deep autumn, and night fell much earlier.
The carriage stopped in front of a massive estate, where a formidable knight in armor stood at the entrance, flanked by elegantly dressed servants and a butler waiting to greet them.
While soldiers also wore armor, there was a significant difference between their armor and that of knights. The materials and thickness varied greatly; ordinary armor was typically made of cast iron, while knightly armor was crafted from high-quality steel.
Most ordinary soldiers wore mismatched armor, with some even scavenging from fallen enemies, making it difficult to find a suitable helmet.
In contrast, knightly armor not only included a helmet but also had breastplates and shoulder guards that were often customized with the family crest. The two knights at the entrance bore the emblem of a white wolf, the sigil of the Trenting family.
The greatest disparity between ordinary soldiers and knights lay in their combat abilities; knights were required to master at least one form of combat, magic, or prayer.
Riya slowly walked out from the carriage, and the butler’s eyes lit up. Although he had brought back many beauties for the viscount, some of whom were more beautiful than Rhea, she possessed a purity and a hint of sacredness that they could not match. This was likely due to her close proximity to Godfallen in recent days, influenced by the energy he radiated.
The butler stepped forward with a smile. "Welcome. The viscount has been expecting you. May I ask if you have come alone?"
Riya shook her head, smiling as she replied, "My master has accompanied me. If necessary, my master will make an appearance."
The butler immediately became more respectful and led the way, with Rhea following behind.
Upon entering the iron gates, they found a long corridor paved with marble. On either side were gardens filled with various beautiful flowers. Although most had withered, it was still evident that the owner had exquisite taste and wealth.
At the end of the path stood a grand fountain featuring a white wolf howling at the sky, with water gushing from its mouth. Behind the fountain was the enormous estate.
The building was entirely white, resembling a palace. Although he was merely a viscount with a small territory, the family handled most of the defense. If war broke out and the family couldn’t win, he would also be doomed.
In Trentin City, the Trentin family held immense power, and with knights protecting him, he had no fear of assassination. Thus, he did not reside in a dark, damp castle.
A maid slowly pushed open the sacred white doors, and Rhea entered the grand hall, guided by the butler to the reception room.
Inside was a redwood table adorned with silver and jewels, surrounded by four sofas and several chairs. Next to it was a fireplace, with a roaring fire burning brightly.
Riya complained to Godfallen, "Wow, the nobility is really wealthy. They light the fireplace in this weather. In my home, we wouldn’t waste firewood unless it was snowing."
"Is firewood scarce in the village?"
"No, my lord, it’s the durable firewood that’s scarce. The blizzards last a long time, and we need pine wood, but cutting down pine trees is troublesome and difficult, so we don’t dare waste it."
"That makes sense, considering the poverty." Godfallen understood this feeling; he had also experienced poverty and knew the suffering that came from having to endure for survival.
Later, he became obsessed with making money, ultimately leading to his demise, which transformed him into what he was now.
Now, with infinite wisdom and insights into life and death, he had a different perspective.
Two minutes later, a handsome man entered the room. He approached Riya, intending to perform a hand-kissing gesture, but she was completely unaware of such customs, leading to an awkward exchange of greetings. This moment nearly made Godfallen laugh out loud.
The viscount sat across from Riya, trying to maintain elegance and restraint. He smiled and said, "May I meet your master? If your cult is powerful, I might consider collaborating with you. If your strength is average, I will make you aware of the consequences."
Riya appeared somewhat frightened, but after receiving Godfallen's words, she forced herself to remain calm, cleared her throat, and said, "My master has stated that he can fulfill almost all of your current needs. However, if you have no intention of collaborating, my master will have no choice but to eliminate all of you!"
"Your master is quite arrogant," the viscount remarked, downing his drink in one gulp, his eyes filled with malice and anger. "Do you know what five hundred soldiers represent? It means declaring war on the Trentin family."
Riya smiled gently, her tone soothing. "My master has instructed me to convey that we are all adults here. There’s no need for pleasantries; the adult world revolves around usefulness. The fact that my master has come means he believes you might be useful. Now, all you need to do is express your demands. If you are willing to cooperate, that would be best. If not, my master will not hesitate to unleash a massacre."
This was no joke. Despite his physical injuries, he could still eliminate everyone in the city in an instant. With over 160,000 inhabitants, he could easily take control with a mere gesture.
The viscount tempered his anger, taking a deep breath. "My advisors have informed me that red wheat has longevity properties. Can your master grant me eternal life?"
Riya nodded with a smile. "My master wants you to know that he can not only grant you eternal life but also bestow upon you the physical strength comparable to a demigod. But what is the cost?"