This is another major advantage of using demi-human slaves—there is no need to pay taxes for them.

Nevertheless, if the Marquis of Sancher were to estimate the number of demi-human slaves:

"I'm afraid it's no less than 500,000."

Why so many? Because the kingdom is too vast!

After all, they had so many nobles, and it would be impossible to satisfy everyone if each earl were to be allocated a territory.

You must understand that the kingdom is a country that values ​​military might above all else.

If one side is more powerful than the other, but the stronger side has no territory while the weaker side does, how should it be judged?

For example, if I win a duel between lords, I can gain your territory.

You can acquire new territories by defeating another count who already owns a territory.

In this way, no one would willingly lose their territory.

Therefore, in the end, every count will be caught in a chaotic struggle over his territory.

The kingdom must prevent such infighting from occurring, as it will only exacerbate the conflicts among the nobles.

However, due to limited land, there will always be powerful nobles who ultimately fail to acquire territory.

What will they do if they have no profits or income? They'll have to start by exploiting the residents.

The original conflict among nobles shifted to a conflict between nobles and commoners.

This further complicated the situation in the kingdom.

What should we do then?

The solution lies in external expansion, thereby diverting internal conflicts elsewhere.

Those capable nobles conquered neighboring countries and turned these regions into their own territories.

That's how he gradually rose to the position of duke during the time of the Archduke of Barlow.

Similarly, before this, kingdoms and empires were not actually neighbors.

Decades ago, the Kingdom of Kant conquered the surrounding weaker nations.

They adopted a strategy of using war to sustain war and earning military merits and rewards until they reached the border with the empire.

When the kingdom discovered the powerful empire of Karencia, it went to war with it.

It was during that time that Aubrey Thor, with his unparalleled bravery, forged his reputation as the "strongest warrior".

From then on, the kingdom learned a painful lesson, halted its expansion, and began to focus on recuperation and development.

They adjusted their strategy and rewarded those soldiers who had made outstanding contributions.

Territories were allocated to them in recognition of their contributions.

In the process of outward expansion, some barren forest areas will inevitably be exposed to human sight.

These remote places are often the most ideal habitat for the subhumans.

As the kingdom's warriors expand outwards, they never forget to incorporate these forests into the kingdom's territory.

While I'm at it, I'll also 'take care' of these demi-humans.

It was precisely because there were abundant demi-human resources within the kingdom's borders that the kingdom captured large numbers of demi-humans and used them as slaves at will.

Eating, sleeping, and catching demi-humans—these are the most ordinary things in life.

Therefore, when the Marquis of Sancher mentioned the quantity, he was not lying.

Even when the royal city was invaded by demi-humans, they were able to rescue thousands of demi-humans.

If you add up the entire kingdom's territory, including all the various forest regions, the total number of demi-humans would only be greater.

However, the Marquis of Sancher remained perplexed about the relationship between the Victor incident and the demi-humans.

Then, Lia continued:

“Marquis Sancher, we have another plan that will allow your son to marry the demi-human he loves most.”

She then added, "But this will require your strong cooperation."

Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Sancher appeared slightly puzzled.

But upon seeing Lia's ambiguous smile, he couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding.

Recalling those nobles who had been tricked by Lia, he couldn't help but feel a chill.

Marquis Sancher's forehead was slightly sweaty, and he felt that he was getting old and his strength was failing him.

Nevertheless, for the sake of his son, he gritted his teeth and continued to ask.

“Miss Lia, please say so. Our Bryant family will definitely do our best to cooperate.”

After hearing this, Lia gave a gentle and intellectual smile and said:

"With the Marquis's words, things will be much easier."

"We need you to use your power as a marquis to gather as many demi-humans as possible within the kingdom."

ah?

Marquis Sancher's already furrowed brows furrowed even more deeply.

My head was buzzing, and I couldn't quite make out what Lia said.

No, is that even human language you're speaking?

Let him go alone to gather all the demi-humans in the kingdom, including those demi-human slaves.

Other earls might not necessarily listen to him either.

If demi-humans were to be fully concentrated as the main labor force, it would inevitably affect the interests of other nobles.

You should know that he is not the only marquis in the entire kingdom.

But seeing the Marquis of Sancher's troubled expression, Lia cleverly offered a solution.

"That's easy."

He then clapped his hands lightly, as if sending a signal.

The moment the applause began, the entire courtyard seemed to tremble.

Immediately following was a booming sound like the growl of a wild beast, which pierced directly into the Marquis of Sancher's ears.

Feeling a sense of familiarity, the Marquis of Sancher couldn't help but look in the direction of the voice.

That was the same bear-man I had seen before, with a powerful and imposing physique.

His muscles were as hard as rock, exuding a power that should not be underestimated.

Behind it followed two tigers that looked as if they were standing upright.

Their faces were serious, their eyes blazing with the ferocity of wild beasts, and their every breath exuded a terrifying pressure.

Upon seeing these three extremely imposing demi-humans appear simultaneously, Sancher admitted.

His heart suddenly stopped for the elderly man.

"Take my steward and them with you, and go ask which marquis disagrees."

"We won't lift a finger; we'll just sit at his house, eat, drink, and have fun, and be guests."