5: A nobleman is a nobleman!

The next morning, warm sunlight shone through the window onto Lister's face. His tightly closed eyes adjusted to the glaring light before slowly opening.

"That was a great sleep!" he said, stretching his body widely.

Just then, a perfectly timed knock sounded at the door.

"Knock, knock, knock!"

Thomas's respectful, inquiring voice followed: "Young Master Lister, are you awake?"

"Just woke up, Thomas. What is it?"

Upon hearing this, Thomas's voice came again: "Replying to Young Master Lister, the territory's magistrate Bessie David and Treasurer Jeremy Neil are waiting in the castle hall. Shall you arrange to meet them?"

Lister looked surprised; he hadn't expected these two corrupt officials to arrive so early.

Could it be that they wanted to show off their 'diligence' to him, the new lord?

After a moment of thought, he said, "Thomas, arrange the meeting. I will go down shortly."

"Yes, Young Master Lister."

Regarding how Thomas addressed him, it was at Lister's instruction; he felt that 'Young Master' sounded more intimate. Of course, only Thomas and Red were allowed to use this title, and only in private.

After washing up, he went to the first-floor hall.

At a glance, he saw two middle-aged men standing in the center of the hall. They were plain-looking, of average height, and both wore coarse cloth clothes with patches, looking quite shabby.

However, beneath that shabby attire were lumps of fat practically bursting out. Although they had tightened their belts, he could still see it.

For a moment, he couldn't help but sneer inwardly. If they were going to pretend, they should at least do a better job of it—like losing a few pounds of fat.

Seeing him appear, the two immediately wore fawning smiles: "Noble Lord, magistrate Bessie David (Treasurer Jeremy Neil) have come to pay our respects and await your orders."

"Orders?" Lister teased: "I dare not accept that. Coming to disturb my sleep so early in the morning—I wonder who is ordering whom?"

As soon as he finished speaking, their expressions changed instantly, and they hurriedly bowed their heads: "This is our fault. We hope the Lord will forgive us."

Thomas, who was attending nearby and knew the inside story, felt a bit surprised, but his excellent professional demeanor kept his face impassive.

Watching the two whose heads were almost bowed to their toes, Lister curled his lips slightly. He had originally wondered how capable these two guys were, but it turned out they were just straw bags.

Just a few words had scared them; they were completely unworthy of their positions.

Time ticked by, and finally, when their bodies began to tremble, he spoke slowly: "Haha, you two magistrates take it too seriously. I was just joking."

"The fact that you two came to see me so early shows your serious and diligent attitude toward work. How could I blame you?"

"Alright, begin your report on the matters within the territory."

After speaking, Lister, attended by Thomas, sat at the head of the round table in the hall, radiating the dignity of a noble.

Even though it was nearing winter, their backs were already soaked with sweat.

Accustomed to throwing their weight around on this land, they realized that their previous assessment of this eighteen-year-old youth was completely wrong.

All that talk about him being timid, weak, and innocent was total bullshit.

Nobles are nobles!

Coming to their senses, the two hurriedly thanked him respectfully, barely straightening their useless old waists, and sat in the seats to Lister's right.

Next, a series of reports began.

It must be said that although these two had no shame, no morals, and even bad backs, they did have some working ability.

In just a moment, Lister had an understanding of the various matters within the territory.

Ironthorn Territory currently covered over 15,000 Dan-mu (approximately 90,000 mu in his previous life), with a population of over 2,500, split half-and-half between free citizens and Serfs.

Although the land was not considered small, the area of reclaimed Cultivated Land was less than half, only over 7,100 Dan-mu (about 43,000 mu). It couldn't even meet the minimum allocation of 48,000 mu of Cultivated Land for 80% of the total population (about 2,000 farmers), which was 4 Dan-mu (about 24 mu) per person.

Under these circumstances, how could the living standards of the Serfs and the tax revenue be good?

According to the account books in his hand, last year's output in the territory was just shy of 215 gold coins. After deducting the 10% tax for the Kingdom and the Church respectively, 172 gold coins remained. Then, the lord took another 40%, leaving only 103 gold coins.

The currency in this world was divided into gold, silver, and copper, each with a ratio of 1:100. 103 gold coins divided among over 2,500 people was only about 4 silver coins per year.

Taking the filling black bread as an example, one loaf of black bread was normally about 500 grams, and 1 copper could buy 5 loaves. 4 silver coins would be 2,000 loaves. It seemed like a lot, but that was for a whole year, and they couldn't just eat bread every day; their nutrition wouldn't keep up.

Therefore, even without personally inspecting the living conditions of those Serfs, Lister knew that they probably didn't get to eat meat a few times a year, or perhaps not even once.

From this, it was evident how detestable the two who had embezzled 300 gold coins were.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but glance at the two sitting stiffly in the seats to his right; the killing intent in his eyes was almost tangible.

Instantly, a strange chill rose from their spines. Looking up, they saw Lister wearing a 'gentle smile'.

"Haha, you two magistrates are truly capable."

"It is truly a blessing for all the Serfs that Ironthorn Territory has officials as diligent and dedicated to the people as you."

When saying this, Lister's tone was noticeably heavier.

Although the two had doubts, they didn't think much of it, assuming he was just very happy.

Soon, the report was finished, and Lister sent the two away.

At this moment, Thomas, who had witnessed the whole process, exclaimed: "Young Master Lister, I fear not even the late Viscount could match your demeanor now. This old servant is truly impressed."

"Haha, Thomas, when did you learn to flatter?" Lister teased with a smile: "Alright, I'm a bit hungry now. Is breakfast arranged?"

"It is already arranged, Young Master Lister. This old servant will have the maids bring it up now."

After speaking, Thomas clapped his hands, and immediately, several maids wearing black and white maid outfits slowly walked out, carrying trays.

Lister was a bit surprised; he hadn't expected Thomas to find maids to serve him so quickly. His efficiency was terrifying.

As the maids set down the trays, he looked them over. He had to admit, Thomas had a good eye.

Although they were a bit thin, each of them was quite pretty and not very old, especially the last young girl...

Her appearance was in no way inferior to the great beauties of the golden age of Hong Kong stars in his previous life. She was like a lotus rising from the water, and her inherent fragility made one feel a desire to protect her.

However, as he looked at her, he felt she looked somewhat familiar, so he couldn't help but ask: "What is your name? Have I seen you somewhere before?"

Hearing this, the young girl curtsied and said respectfully: "Replying to the Baron, my name is Flora Carlo. You saved me and my grandfather in Moding Town the day before yesterday."