Capítulo 1578: Chapter 290: Ian: I Think This Is a Bit Too Extreme

Ian tempered them with war, reclaiming many rights from the local minor Nobility, even forcibly taking away their freedom to produce—whatever South Ridge needed them to produce, they must produce, and this is the so-called South Ridge plan economy.

Although it sounds quite restrictive, this is a more advanced production model. Surely we can’t implement a pre-industrial primitive market economy in the Terra World, can we? That would be somewhat…

In response to this, Marquis Barton, the elder brother of the South Ridge Nobility, received numerous letters of complaint from the Nobles.

Many Southern Ridge Nobles were crying and complaining about Ian’s hateful face—he is a dictator who, taking advantage of The War, gathered all rights into his own hands. Your Lordship must not be deceived by this demon with a splendid facade!

“Ian, what do you think we should do?”

In response, Marquis Barton, who was having his shoulders massaged by Ian, casually placed the envelope to the side: “They want to file a joint lawsuit against your overreach with the Noble Hall, accusing you of infringing on the autonomy of the Imperial Nobility.”

“I’ll head to the Western Territory this afternoon to meet with Count Sparling, the director of The Imperial Nobility Hall. I’m sure the older gentleman will understand me.”

While massaging the Marquis’ shoulders, Ian was indifferent to the complaints of these minor Nobility: “They should be grateful to me for helping them make money—with their production model, they would still be small workshops in a hundred years, and there would be no competitiveness in the Empire market.”

“But under my control, whether it’s military rations or beverages, military drones or various new types of artillery… they will all shine in the current total war.”

“They can take a share of the profits instead of being killed by me, for which they should be deeply grateful.”

“You seem to have toned down your ferocity.”

Marquis Barton commented: “I thought you would kill a batch of people just as before the war began—these people are just itching for a beating, and you have to strike down more of them.”

“You are a bit too extreme.”

Ian shook his head: “Before the war started, it was out of necessity. The Southern Ridge defense battle has ended, and the front lines are pushing back to the west. Keeping these Nobles around, letting them act recklessly… the Domain Residents will experience for themselves whether it’s more comfortable being managed by me or by those minor Nobles.”

If there is no evil, then there cannot be good; without these short-sighted and obstinate minor Nobility, how could Ian elevate his reputation among the Southern Ridge residents?

The most important aspect of struggle is identifying enemies – only by always having enemies and comparisons can one maintain authority.

Needless to say, with Ian’s current prestige, personally dealing with those minor Nobility seems a bit below him.

In this nine-day period of propaganda and cultivation, Ian’s prestige in South Ridge can almost be described as a True God in the Human Realm.

If Ian visited a place to show support, practically everyone capable of movement would come out to cheer and welcome him. Those who couldn’t move would have others carry them. Everyone considered touching Ian a glory, and anyone Ian shook hands with would boast for a week without washing their hands.

If Ian gave a speech, they would cheer. If Ian made a call to action, they would agree. Whatever Ian said about the development of South Ridge, everyone would carry out resolutely.

No one would disobey – a Hero who can call down heavenly fire and live-broadcast battles to destroy a Fourth Energy Level Great Demon, an iron-fisted ruler of South Ridge, a pioneer of new warfare… what, you aren’t convinced?

They were all so convinced that sometimes they even seemed to give up thinking, and some people even raised some development issues with Ian based on rationality, which Ian didn’t mind. But when Ian thought it over and prepared to answer seriously, the fanatical populace almost beat the questioner up.

What! You dare to question Lord Ian’s decisions? You seem a bit like a Fiery Flame Land spy!

“That’s enough.”

Ian felt these people were clearly a bit extreme, but there was nothing he could do; humans are like that, and ultimately it’s a mistake born of his own charismatic personality and stunning wisdom along with his war achievements. He didn’t blame these people.

Today, Ian’s prestige is so terrifying. So much so that Ian coming to Nauman City to chat with Marquis Barton is actually somewhat a respite from the overwhelming consequences of his high prestige and charm.

It’s better to let the Southern Ridge people calm down first.

It is precisely because Ian’s prestige has reached this level that otherwise, how could these Nobles merely complain to the Noble Hall and Marquis Barton instead of confronting him directly like Baron Issa did?

Because their subordinates dare not oppose Ian, no matter how they struggle, they are just like frogs in warm water, slowly being boiled to death.

“In a new era, the Southern Ridge Nobility needs to embrace a new order.”

In their conversation and laughter, Ian and Marquis Barton established the future operating system of the South Ridge Nobility, which also served as their ‘spoils of war’ after the conflict.

After all, in this battle against the Demon Legion, the vast majority of Southern Ridge Nobility played no role, and it could even be said they were a detriment, so their rights would naturally be diminished.

But those who made contributions, such as Elder Mantle and Viscount Grant, would receive more benefits.

Elder Mantle is now a member of the Supreme Spirit Sect and the Silverpeak Domain. His gains are Ian’s gains, and Adalbert and Sio are the same. Viscount Grant, after reaching the Third Energy Level, has also achieved the remarkable feat of ‘joining forces to slay a Fourth Energy Level Great Demon.’