Chapter 65 - The Journey III: Ivy Village

Their journey continues as two days had passed. Everyone was slowly starting to become exhausted after not sleeping in a proper place after three days. Elliot looks behind, checking if the others were alright.

"Are you alright?" Elliot asked Emelia, who looked uncomfortable, sitting on the horse. She nodded her head despite the continuous body pain all over her body. But Elliot didn't take her answer, "Let's stop in the nearest village. Everyone here needs proper rest, and our food supply would be gone within four days."​​

"No, it's alright. Let's keep going," Insisted Emelia. She didn't want to drag them down, extending days from their arrival, "If we stop, our plans will be ruined."

"I agree with His Imperial Majesty," Argus joined to side with Elliot as he was worried about Emelia's condition, "We haven't eaten a proper meal for days. We might faint before we arrive by the borders."

"Well, then it's decided. We could already see the village right in front of us," Elliot said, pointing towards the village.

The five of them got off their horse, leaving them near the village. As they walked closer to the village, they were surprised to see its condition. Elliot's brows furrowed, "This…was this village always like this?"

From afar, anyone would think the village was in great condition. But as they walked into the village, it was totally different. The outer houses were built well, but the inner houses were built as if a storm had passed by.

Whoever is responsible for this village didn't maintain this place properly.

A small kid ran in their direction but tripped onto the ground, landing on his forehead. The worn-out clothes made it visible that he hasn't eaten for days.

"May I ask these travelers what their business is in our village?" A scruffy old man who had a long white beard asked, struggling to walk towards them with a wooden stick. Even the poor old man looked as if he had not eaten for days.

"We are traveling merchants who stumbled upon this village to resupply our food. May I ask what is happening here?" Said Elliot while the old man stared at his golden eyes. To the old man, Elliot and the others didn't look like traveling merchants.

"Please follow me," Said the old man making his way to his house, instead of conversing where others could hear. The old man preferred the conversation to be private. At the same time, he had a gut feeling Elliot would listen, unlike those noblemen who shoved him away.

Argus and Alan stood by the door while Emelia, Elliot, and Tanya stayed inside the house to listen to the old man. "This village is under Marquess Rovil. This village has been under the Laster family for the past twenty years. Initially, it was his younger brother who took over this village, but then his brother died due to an illness resulting in Marquess Rovil being the new owner," The old man brings a certificate out of his drawer, giving it to Elliot.

"So why is the village in this state?" Elliot asked the old man, who only could frown. The old man answered, "As you know, Marquess Rovil is part of the council. If we fight him, it's like fighting the Emperor. Those who are in the council are people we should obey no matter what. That's how it has been."

Elliot clenched his fist under the table. This is the reason why he wanted to disqualify him as part of the council. Is power the only they wish for? This might not be the only village in this kind of condition. Elliot bowed his head, "I apologize for not taking action earlier. Please tell me more what Marquess Rovil did."

The old man looked surprised and, at the same time, confused why Elliot was apologizing, "Why are you apologizing, young man?" Elliot straightened his back and said, "My name is Elliot Lucius Renaud. The current Emperor of the Vivan Empire."

The old man's face turned pale, and he immediately got out of his seat, but then Elliot stopped him as he didn't want the other villagers to hear. The old man couldn't l look at Elliot after saying those things about Marquess Rovil. He was scared to death.

"I know it's too late to apologize, but then I wish to save this village. This village doesn't deserve this kind of leader. So I beg you please tell me more so I can help this village," Begged Elliot, lowering his head and along with Emelia for the old man to be convinced.

The old man grips harder onto his wooden stick, "If His Imperial Majesty can save this village. Then I would be happy to help you." Finally, the time has come for this village to prosper once how it was back then. Just reminiscing on his younger days, happiness filled him in.

"We were forced to pay taxes that were out of the league because of that some of the villagers, specifically women, were forced to work in his estate. Some came back covered with bruises while some came back dead," Elliot frowned upon hearing that. The old man continued, "Not just that we were forced to work. If not, we will not be supplied with food. Not just that but those who worked for the Marquess were all underpaid."

Overtaxing, forced labor, and underpaying. Yes, those still exist until this day. But it is something they can't do about it. Nobles overtaxing the people isn't a rare situation. It was rather common to do so. And because of that, a law was implemented. If a noble violates the law, spending years in prison is their punishment.

But adding the other two, which are forced labor and underpaying Marquess Rovil would live his life in prison. Now, this could be used to kick Marquess Rovil out of the council. Elliot placed his arms onto the table and sighed. He wondered just how many villages are affected?

"I am a failure as an emperor," Muttered Elliot, but the old man didn't think so. He stood up just to comfort him by patting his back. The old man spoke, "Don't think that way, Your Imperial Majesty. Those nobles who came here never listened to my words. They just flee to another."

"If I knew about this earlier. The casualties would be fewer," He couldn't forgive himself for not overseeing this problem. Was it because this village is quite hidden in the forest? No, this isn't an excuse for him.

"This old man here wishes for His Imperial Majesty not to take this into his fault. The person who should be is Marquess Rovil himself," The old man smiled while Elliot felt a calming aura around him. He lowered his head after feeling the gentleness of the old man, which was similar to his father.

"I will fix this problem as soon as possible. Within two days, my men will come and help restore this place. Food, clothing, and shelter will be provided. I swear to the sun," Said Elliot as he stood up while the old man nodded his head.

Elliot didn't waste time and wrote his instructions down on paper. That paper consisted not just instructions but also proofs for Marquess Rovil to spend his time rotting in prison. Other villages under Marquess Rovil will now be under Count Belos. Those villages that are affected will not pay taxes for the next three years. Reconstruction of houses and buildings will be shouldered by the Emperor.

"I know it's impossible to bring those who are dead alive. But then I hope this is enough for me to compensate," Said Elliot as he folds the paper, giving it to Argus, who called a bird to send the message.

The old man didn't know the Emperor was this devoted to his work. Just like the previous Emperor, who did anything to help the people and fend the corrupted ones. It's sad how those who have power have the power to do whatever they want.

They won't be caught breaking the law not unless someone higher than them finds out and punishes them. The old man thinks Elliot is worthy of being the Emperor despite being young. Those rumors saying Elliot doesn't do his job and spends his time killing people are all lies. In the end, the truth will come to light.

"Young man, I have something to tell you," Called the old man and took a sip of water before continuing, "Those who treat the weak with kindness are those who will succeed. Those who disrespect the weak are sure to fail."

Elliot lowered his head once more, "Thank you very much."

Emelia had been listening to their conversation for the whole time, and it was her first time seeing Elliot in this kind of state. A bit of happiness sparked in her as this village was going to be saved. Though Emelia felt lots of criticism will be thrown towards Elliot. It's not like she wanted to be worried about him. It just happens so.

The old man then turned to look at Emelia, asking, "Is this Lady perhaps your lover?" Emelia shook her head in denial while Elliot had a sudden change on his face. He smiled, saying, "Not yet. But soon she will."

"No, he isn't and never will be," Said Emelia storming out of the house.

"Ho, ho, ho, One shy Lady, I assume," The old man rubbed

his beard, and Elliot agreed, nodding.