Chapter Fifteen: It Doesn’t Matter, I Will Take Action

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Johan accepted Lady Ordos’s goodwill. In truth, he did not mind her desire to use him, just as he sought to gain something from her; it was a mutual exchange of needs. He cared little for her character or morals, for he had no interest in befriending her. Nor did he concern himself with her soul—she could never be his partner or lover. What he truly valued was her exquisite body, the only thing that mattered to him.

When a person is hungry, if a hot meal is served—so long as it is not poisoned—who cares whether its ingredients are refined or if it suits one’s usual tastes? Moreover, this meal was indeed a delicacy, rich in color, aroma, and flavor.

“Although Red Hazel Town is remote, the Ordos family’s mining transport route runs through Central Street, so the road is maintained and relatively easy to traverse,” Lady Ordos explained.

Johan nodded, glancing at her high heels—footwear designed much like rain boots, meant to ease passage through filthy areas.

The snow had ceased. The sun peeked faintly behind the gloomy clouds. The townsfolk had conscientiously swept the central street. Wastewater flowed alongside the blackened, dirty snow. Johan walked down the street in a finely crafted, meticulously detailed magical robe. Beside him, Lady Ordos wore an ornate gown, stubbornly opening her neckline to reveal a generous cleavage despite the biting wind.

Johan looked at the stunted, uneven houses of the town, all bearing the marks of age and decay, and cautioned:

“If you truly wish to take control of the Ordos family’s assets, you must win the support of the town’s residents; otherwise, you will appear isolated and powerless.”

Lady Ordos was pondering whether the slight redness on her skin from the cold wind would diminish her charm.

Coming back to herself, she lifted her skirt to avoid the flowing meltwater. “I’ve considered this. The people here are old-fashioned and traditional. In the past, my father’s two centuries of family prestige ensured no one dared oppose him, but I am merely a woman, and I have a daughter...”

Her voice faltered. The chilling memory of Seriad tearing open her father’s neck and sucking his blood still sent shivers down her spine.

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Seriad had only fed on servants before; naturally, Lady Ordos could not fully empathize. Yet that scene reminded her that, in Seriad’s eyes, she and her father were no different—both potential prey someday.

With that thought, she moved closer to Johan, disregarding propriety and hesitation, and took his arm:

“I must offer them enough benefits to win their hearts, to make them understand that other Ordos family members ascending to power would bring no change to their lives—but I am different.”

“Oh? And how do you intend to do that? Tell me,” Johan asked with interest, feeling the pressure from Lady Ordos’s chest against his arm.

“Simple—tax cuts and wage increases,” she said confidently.

Johan was somewhat surprised. Such measures were common knowledge to him, but for a place like Red Hazel Town, for a pampered woman who spent her days relying on men, to think of such tactics was impressive.

These two strategies had been tried and tested by politicians across many human worlds throughout history to rally popular support.

Of course, whether these promises could be fulfilled was another matter. But when the time came, stepping onto the stage and declaring, “I will oppose the sixty percent tariff hike; I will provide more jobs and raise wages,” could win support and votes.

“Not bad. What gave you the idea?” Johan asked.

A faint blush graced Lady Ordos’s soft cheeks. “I read it in a serialized novel. The protagonist’s steward managed the duchess’s estates and faced a similar crisis. He used tax cuts and wage increases to win people over and overcome the threat.”

Johan almost laughed. No matter what books one read, being able to apply what one learned and find effective solutions deserved praise.

“But have you considered that other Ordos family members might copy your strategy? If they make the same promises, how will you respond?” Johan warned.

Lady Ordos lifted her chin, confidence shining on her face. Her proud bosom gave her an air of ambition:

“Mr. Mage, you come from the big city, where people are clever, shrewd, and wise. But the people of Red Hazel Town are different.

Take the other relatives of my father, for example—they were born supreme, treating the townsfolk like cattle and horses. They believe these people only need enough food to eat and take the current situation for granted. They would never consider tax cuts or wage increases.”

Lady Ordos had lived a pampered life for nearly twenty years, no different from other family members. Yet her childhood was far less privileged.

The shadows cast by her early life and hardships left psychological scars that would take a lifetime to heal. She could never forget the mindset of the poor—how they truly think.

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Though outwardly she was a stunning wealthy merchant’s wife, inwardly she remained the poor girl who longed simply to be well fed, who harbored a passionate desire and possessiveness for beautiful clothes and jewels, willing to pay any price for them.

Johan looked at Lady Ordos again.

His assessment of her value and place in his mind had not changed much, but his impression had improved slightly.

She was still a decorative vase, but no longer felt empty.

Rather, it held some water inside—still somewhat unsteady, but at least standing more firmly than an empty vase.

“Good. When the day comes for you to formally step forward and inherit the Ordos family’s estates, you will be able to handle most problems on your own.”

Johan summoned his staff. “If violence is needed, it doesn’t matter—I will intervene.”

Lady Ordos felt her heart settle.

Finally receiving his direct promise stirred a rush of excitement and a quickened breath. Was she about to obtain all she had ever dreamed of?

For a poor girl, identity, status, and wealth still depended on a husband, never providing true security—unless everything was controlled by herself.

As for the mage she was currently relying on—so young, handsome, and powerful—he could not possibly stay in Red Hazel Town forever.

He would leave eventually, wouldn’t he?

This thought did not threaten Lady Ordos; rather, it made her cherish the time he spent in town. This might well be the lifelong romance she sought—the only chance.