Monster Girl Development Master

Page 18

He wouldn't allow anyone to compete with him for his interests, especially a stupid brat whom Cross despised.

Despite harboring deep malice, Neil maintained a warm smile on the surface, even letting out a hearty laugh: "Haha, it seems you're a little bothered, nephew, but..."

“I bet you’re going to say next, ‘Don’t bother with these idiots. They’re just too worried about safety. After all, we don’t have any bloodline members here, and none of us are as daring as you, nephew.’”

"Don't associate with these...these..."

Neil finally sensed something was wrong. More sweat broke out on his face, and he immediately stopped his exaggerated movements, preparing to retreat towards the manor guards.

"What's wrong, Zhuang Sen?"

Nia got out of the carriage. The commotion outside made her unable to sit still. It wasn't that she didn't trust Zhuang Sen, but she just wanted to help him.

Zhuang Sen realized he had been dragging his feet for a while, so he simply said, "Nia, grab him."

Neil's anxiety finally subsided. He couldn't believe that Zhuang Sen would be so reckless. Wasn't he afraid that capturing him would disrupt the entire operation of Thorn Manor? Wasn't he afraid that Zhuang Sen would fight to the death?

The answer is, don't be afraid.

Because he simply doesn't have the right to fight desperately.

Nia raised her hand, and a stone bullet condensed in her palm before shooting out, shattering Neil's right leg. His agile movements instantly lost their balance, and he fell flat on his face, letting out a piercing wail: "Charge! All of you, charge! Kill these bandits!"

The manor guards stirred, instinctively pointing their spears at Zhuang Sen and his group. Their sheer numbers gave them a certain air of authority. However, this intimidation vanished the moment the vengeful female warriors raised their weapons and assumed a charging stance.

The manor guards were indeed numerous, several dozen in number, all robust young men. However, their only weaponry consisted of a wooden spear and a simple helmet. Compared to the vengeful female warriors, who wore scale armor and chainmail beneath their robes, they were no different from farmers. Moreover, even these manor guards knew that they were no match for a single bloodline warrior.

And so their last bit of momentum vanished, and the manor guards reluctantly dropped their spears and raised their hands.

"Sir Rom, lock this fat pig up first, we'll deal with him later."

"Yes, my lord."

Rom dismounted, easily lifted Neil, who was missing a calf, and walked towards the manor. Neil struggled unwillingly, wailing, "No! You can't do this to me! I'm a nobleman! I'm also from the Leon family."

Zhuang Sen scoffed, "You dare to use the surname Leon? Have you awakened your bloodline?"

Even nobles have their own hierarchy of discrimination. Those with higher bloodlines look down on those with lower bloodlines, and those who have awakened look down on those who haven't. There has even been a long-standing advocacy to expel those without bloodlines from the ranks of nobles, although it's not a mainstream voice yet, since bloodline awakening isn't something you can do at birth.

But for someone like Neil Leon, who hasn't awakened at forty and has ruined his body like this, no one would care if Johnson killed him. However, just to be on the safe side, and to prevent Count Cross from using this as an excuse to cause trouble, Johnson decided to spare his life for now, so he could interrogate him and squeeze some money out of him.

—Just by looking at him, you can tell he must have embezzled a lot.

Wouldn't this mean making a fortune to start a business?

Thank you for the gift of nature!

……

Once Rom dragged Neil into the manor, no one stopped Zhuang Sen and his group from entering. The female warriors drove the carriage into the manor and directed the servants to unload the goods. Zhuang Sen then looked at the tense manor guards and asked, "Does anyone know where your blacksmith shop is?"

Although Thorn Manor is an agricultural estate, it still needs a blacksmith shop. Farm tools break down and need to be repaired and forged. Not to mention, in this border region, they need to be wary of roaming bandits and packs of wild animals, so self-defense weapons are also essential. Thorn Manor's geographical location means they can't go anywhere else to find a blacksmith.

Additionally, the information about Thorn Manor mentions that there is a blacksmith shop here.

"I! I know!"

"I know, sir!"

"My home is right next to the blacksmith's shop!"

Surprisingly, but quite naturally, the manor guards turned to Zhuang Sen without the slightest hesitation. This was to be expected; Neil didn't seem like a charismatic leader, but they couldn't let their guard down completely.

Zhuang Sen pondered for a moment, then randomly picked one that looked good and tossed over a silver coin: "You, you, take me there. Everyone else, go do what you're supposed to do."

Aside from one person who was overjoyed and picked up the silver coin, the other manor guards weren't too disappointed. Given their behavior just now, they could have been hanged for treason, but they received no punishment at all, which was already an unexpected surprise.

It seems the new master is a good man, much better than Master Neil!

Chapter 40: The Anti-Zhuang Sen Alliance

"Sir, we are here."

"Well, back off."

After dismissing the militiamen who had led the way, Zhuang Sen looked at the blacksmith shop in front of him. The structure was similar to that of the one in Glorious Manor: a small wooden hut for living quarters, with a shed attached to the outside. Inside the shed were basic equipment such as a forge, iron spade, and bellows. However, compared to the one in Glorious Manor, the size, quality, and workmanship of these machines were far inferior; after all, they were only used for making farm tools.

Although disappointed, this was within Zhuang Sen's expectations and not a major problem. He could spend a few days preparing it and have the ordinary blacksmiths assist him. As for Master Nia's exquisite works, that would naturally require starting from scratch. Fortunately, that wasn't difficult either, as the Harper family was very familiar with it, and he could handle it.

After a preliminary inspection of the future pillar industry incubation base, Zhuang Sen looked at Nia: "What's wrong? You look like you have something to say. Do you think the tools here are not good enough?"

Nia shook her head: "Although it won't work, I know what you've prepared, Johnson. I'm just wondering, Johnson, if you arrest that governor, won't it affect your reputation? Won't it affect your rule here?"

Seeing Nia's worried face, Zhuang Sen casually pinched her twice, making the little one squint her eyes before continuing to explain, "Don't worry, that good-for-nothing doesn't have that much prestige. The farmers won't rebel for him unless we do worse than him."

Nia nodded as if she understood, but not quite. Her education had not included how to rule, and she was now simply trying to think of ways to help Zhuang Sen out of a simple, excessive concern for him.

Zhuang Sen's appetite was whetted, and mischievous thoughts were bubbling up inside him. He deliberately teased, "Besides, even if these farmers really wanted to rebel, could they possibly win against us?" Including his father-in-law, Rom Harper, Zhuang Sen had a total of three bloodline users. Once they were armored, taking down seven or eight hundred old farmers in plain clothes would be child's play. If they could lose, it could only mean they were pure AI, and even then, a simple AI.

Nia nodded in relief: "Oh? But if all the farmers die, won't there be no one to farm?"

Nia blinked her big eyes and looked at Zhuang Sen nervously, as if she took his words seriously and tried her best to persuade him to change his mind.

Zhuang Sen continued to feign indifference: "That doesn't matter. Our future income comes from the forging industry. How many acres of wheat can we earn from a single suit of armor?"

"Ah, um..." Nia clutched her head in distress, speechless. That's how nobles are; people are just a part of their property. If they get in the way of making money, then they don't need them.

Nia's kind nature made it hard for her to accept this, but since Zhuang Sen wanted to do it, she could only help... No! Nia looked up and finally noticed the wicked smile on Zhuang Sen's lips, and immediately puffed out her round face.

It looks like a cute pufferfish.

Zhuang Sen thought this to himself, but didn't intend to say it aloud—he'd wait until he found a live pufferfish as a sample.

"Honestly, you're just teasing me, you bad Zhuang Sen."

Nia gently tapped Zhuang Sen's waist, pouting her lips; her face practically screamed "coquettish."

Zhuang Sen squatted down and kissed her lips: "Okay, enough joking. I plan to distribute land to the farmers—we don't make money from the farmland anyway, and we'll only be here for a year at most."

Selling off ancestral land without a second thought, especially when it's benefiting the old man. Besides, it's Earl Cross's own fault for being unfair, only giving the manor without a title or fiefdom—that means he can take it back anytime. It's not even his own land; what's the point of Zhuang Sen cultivating it?

A massive gold rush, secretly training assassins, and then meeting at Xuanwu Gate – that's the best plan.

During that year, Johnson planned to vigorously develop military equipment, "win over" the Church of War and the Church of Healing, and send his good brothers and sisters down to meet Jem Lyon as soon as Old Deng left.

If Zhuang Sen can cultivate a few monster girls who have awakened three times during this period, then he will personally send Lao Deng off on his way.

"Is that so? No wonder he's Zhuang Sen!" Nia nodded excitedly. She didn't understand governance, but she knew the importance of land. For the serfs of the manor, owning their own land was absolutely the greatest dream, even a fantasy. If Zhuang Sen really distributed land, let alone that pig Neil, even if Earl Cross came, they might dare to challenge him, though it wouldn't really make any difference.

"Alright, the blacksmith shop has been inspected. Let's go take a break."

Zhuang Sen picked up the little cutie and walked towards the main building of the manor.

……

Meanwhile, in a wealthy and magnificent manor that even boasts a rock fortress, a group of Leonians gathered together.

Anjie sat at the head of the long table, her short legs, wrapped in white stockings, resting on the crossbar of the high-backed chair. She said seriously, "Everyone, I don't want to waste time. You should all know why we've gathered here today, but if anyone still doesn't know, or is unwilling, you can leave now."

No one left, and Tim even banged on the table: "Angie, don't waste time. Is there anyone here who doesn't want to get rid of that unruly bastard Zhuang Sen?"

Ange was very unhappy with Tim's interruption, but she didn't show it. She glanced around at the Leonians at the long table and, seeing that no one was preparing to get up and leave, continued, "Since no one is leaving, I'll tell you about our plan. It's actually very simple: we'll blockade Zhuang Sen and force him to grow cabbages only in the Thorn Manor."

"As you all know, Johnson has taken over the Harper family. Obviously, he'll rely on military equipment as his main source of income, so we need to block that avenue! At the source, we need to cut off his channels for purchasing ore and forging equipment, at least making him pay far more than normal prices, increasing his costs. At the same time, we need to contact various chambers of commerce and prevent them from buying Johnson's goods. I want to make sure he has goods but can't convert them into cash!"

Tim spoke again: "Your plan sounds good, but the Falau Chamber of Commerce won't listen to us."

“Yes, we cannot stop the Falao Merchant Guild’s determination to help Zhuang Sen, but we can stop their carriages. Agnes, Strau, Admiral, I want you to block the road to Thorn Manor and not allow any merchant guild other than ours to go to Thorn Manor.”

The three people whose names were mentioned nodded. They were considered Anjie's supporters, and the manor they were assigned to this time was located on the only road leading out of the Thorn Manor. As long as they blocked the road and set up roadblocks, the goods from the Thorn Manor would really not be able to be transported out.

"And you all, I know we're all in competition and you're all thinking about making more profit. Zhuang Sen's weaponry will definitely make money too, but please think about it: if this madman Zhuang Sen becomes the successor chosen by our father, how long will our heads still be on our necks?"

Leon and his group, who had initially expressed some dissent and wanted to discuss the distribution of profits, fell silent.

Many of them had witnessed Johnson tearing Jem's throat bone out.

"I agree."

Tim spoke first, followed by a chorus of voices, and it was ultimately passed unanimously.

The anti-Johnson alliance was formed.

"Well then, let's adjourn the meeting." Ange jumped off her chair. "Finally, I welcome everyone to purchase supplies from the Blue Raven Merchant Guild. As part of our alliance, I'll give you a 1% discount."

After saying that, Ange was the first to leave the spacious room, and her guardian knight immediately came to greet her: "Master?"

“The plan was a success.” Ange glanced back at the room where the noise had started coming from again and shook her head. “Get the manpower ready. In a while, we’ll have a large supply of high-quality and inexpensive weapons.”

Blockade, price suppression, and gluttony.

Miss Ange is about to win!

Chapter 41: The Nun Visits the Manor

A large convoy of vehicles slowly passed by under a red flag with yellow wasps. The twelve vengeful female warriors were spread out and barely managed to keep an eye on the massive convoy of twelve carriages. Their robes were stained with obvious blood, indicating that the journey had not been peaceful.

Wealth is tempting, and the Church of Vengeance is not as powerful as the lord's family. They encountered three groups of bandits of varying sizes along the way, but their fates were all the same.

Several patches of land in the forest have become more fertile.

Dantalian gripped the reins, gazing at the manor ahead, her heart pounding with excitement. She could finally see Zhuang Sen again; heaven knows how much she had suffered these past few days without him. She wanted to hold his hand, to hug him, to drink his blood… Ah, calm down, Dantalian, calm down, at least not in front of Nia.

The priestess, who had been diligently preparing for the church's construction for several days in order to circumvent Count Clos's restrictions, was now experiencing some sexual repression.

The convoy slowly made its way across the main road and into the Thorn Manor. The vengeful female warriors brought by Johnson were in charge of lookout and guard, so there was no need to question Dantalian and the others about their identities.

"Priestess Dantalian, you must be tired from your journey."

The vengeful female warrior stepped forward to greet her and gave her directions, "Lord Zhuang Sen is currently at the blacksmith's shop. Go straight in this direction, then turn..."

Dantalian said irritably, "I haven't even asked yet!"

The vengeful female warrior winked and teased, "So where are you planning to go now? I'll show you the way."

The members of the Church of Vengeance have a close relationship. Most of them are orphans who were adopted and raised, and they grew up together, including Dantalian. So even though Dantalian became a priestess and a person of noble blood, the Vengeful Warriors still dared to joke with her and knew about Dantalian's little thoughts.

Dantalian snorted and said matter-of-factly, "I'm going to find Nia. Where is she?"

The vengeful warrior rolled her eyes. Everyone knew that Nia and Johnson were practically inseparable; seeing either of them was no different than seeing the other. But this didn't stop the vengeful warriors from teasing her.

“It’s also at the blacksmith’s shop, my lord.” She answered Dantalian’s question first, then added, “But priestess, please be careful when you go there. Don’t see anything you shouldn’t. Healing abilities probably can’t cure a sty, right?”

"I have important business to attend to! Besides, Zhuang Sen is not that lewd and dissolute."

The second half of her sentence sounded a little guilty – didn't she know whether Johnson was lewd or not?

The vengeful female warrior had grown tired of seeing Zhuang Sen and Nia showing off their affection these past few days, and scoffed at Dantalian's stubborn statement: "Fine, fine, but seriously, Dantalian, don't let yourself be outdone by even a little girl. You were here first, after all."

Dantalian was getting impatient: "If you're so good at talking, why don't you go and do it yourself?"

The vengeful warrior's eyes lit up: "Priestess, are you telling the truth? Then I really..."

Dantalian took a deep breath: "What are those people doing over there? Are they getting farm tools?"

The vengeful female warrior pouted, thinking to herself that sisters really couldn't compare to men; the topic was changed so quickly: "No, those people are probably registering heads. Lord Zhuang Sen gave an order to remeasure and redistribute the land, and the farmers have been praising Lord Zhuang Sen like a god these past few days; speaking of which, you've come at the right time, we've been so busy these past few days, finally someone can come and share the work."

Dantalian nodded: "As expected of Lord Zhuang Sen, you are indeed kind-hearted!"

“Ah, right, right…” The vengeful female warrior patted the horse’s head. “Alright, alright, if you want to find Lord Zhuang Sen, hurry up and go. Stop pretending here and wasting time.”

"I have important business to attend to!"

Dantalian turned her horse around, but didn't forget to emphasize.

The vengeful female warrior suppressed her smile and reverted to her cold and ruthless soldier mode.

Dantalian arrived at the blacksmith shop, which had been completely renovated and was still under expansion. Knowing the land was about to be redistributed, the farmers became the most diligent bricklayers, meticulously following the instructions. The ordinary blacksmiths had already begun work, but for now they were only forging their own items; Zhuang Sen didn't plan to take out his plate armor, at least not until the blacksmith shop was upgraded to a blacksmith workshop.

Although as long as plate armor is still being sold, it is impossible to avoid the leakage of the technology, but it is best to delay as long as possible, and it would be best to wait until the reputation is established and the brand is established.

Looking at this thriving and bustling scene, Dantalian revealed a faint smile. Not in front of that humanoid heat switch, she wouldn't be troubled by Lamia's bloodline nature. Just like when she wasn't in front of Zhuang Sen, Nia was a dignified, quiet, and slightly shrewd noblewoman, not a spoiled little cutie who wanted kisses, hugs, and being lifted up high all day.

People behave very differently in front of loved ones and in front of strangers.

Crossing the construction site, Dantalian saw Nia intently hammering away at the sword blank, with Zhuang Sen looking at her with doting eyes. A surge of intense excitement and a hint of anger rose within her simultaneously, prompting Dantalian to quicken her pace and approach Zhuang Sen: "Zhuang Sen, Nia!"

Zhuang Sen and Nia looked up at the newcomer, both showing expressions of delight:

"Dantrian!"

"Sister Dantalian!"

However, after Nia finished speaking, she didn't stop what she was doing, but continued to hammer the sword blank: "Zhuang Sen, I still have to work for a while, why don't you go and entertain Sister Dantalian?"