Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Title: Heaven’s Mandate Lord!

“Thank you, Master!”

Cinderella said happily.

Seeing the way everyone treated her and witnessing the title Richard gave her in public, Cinderella felt a respect like she had never experienced before.

Amidst the crowd’s cheers, many people danced and excitedly discussed the scene.

After spending time together, the commoners no longer feared the witch.

They even started to feel some affection for her.

It seemed that witches were not as terrifying as the legends said.

Perhaps the shadow cast by the witch Duran incident many years ago made them believe that witches and sorceresses were all brutal, evil, bloodthirsty, and inhumane.

Although Duran hadn’t killed anyone from their ranks back then, she did slay many water demons, but it was later rumored that she had become the Swamp Witch.

She had even commanded numerous monsters under her.

Naturally, these people were afraid.

For many years, they lived in constant anxiety.

The reason they didn’t flee Long Eagle Territory was partly due to its remote location. If they escaped, they feared that encountering monsters on the road would leave them with no chance to survive.

Another reason was that their lives were like those of swine, with no hope for the future. Living or dying didn’t make much difference to them.

So they simply resigned themselves to fate, not caring when the Swamp Witch might come to invade Long Eagle Territory.

What they didn’t know was that it wasn’t the Swamp Witch sparing them, but that they held no value to her.

With the time and energy it would take, the witch would rather venture deep into the forest in search of something to increase her own power—perhaps even a way to restore her youth!

But the commoners, being ordinary people, had no way of knowing the actions of the Swamp Witch.

That’s why when they first saw Cinderella using magic, they reacted in terror.

Some even thought she was the Swamp Witch in disguise.

It was only after spending so much time with her that they finally understood: not all witches are evil.

Moreover, seeing a witch publicly appointed as an advisor by the lord filled them with hope.

Could it be that they, too, might have a chance to be recognized by the lord and land an official post in the future?

The lord had always called them pigs, but in fact, they could see the truth.

Although life had been hard during this time, they had enough to eat, warm clothes to wear, and the town was filled with latrines, with flowing spring water beside them. After relieving themselves, they could use a wooden ladle to pour water to wash away the filth, which would then flow into a biogas pit below.

They had already become accustomed to clean, sanitary surroundings, and they absolutely refused to return to their former way of living.

When they first heard Richard say he hoped to eventually regard them as “people,” it had seemed an unreachable dream.

After all, not only in front of Richard but even in front of the knights and squires, they felt deeply inferior.

But now, seeing a witch with a bad reputation being granted a position by the lord, they realized that Richard’s earlier words weren’t so far from them after all.

This was the effect of recognizing talent without prejudice.

Everyone’s motivation was suddenly ignited.

They decided to work with all their might, even if it killed them!

The change in the commoners’ mindset was immediately noticed by Richard’s system.

[Detected increase in commoners’ loyalty. Current overall loyalty: 95.].

[Population growth rate: 100%. Work enthusiasm: 100%!].

[Due to your loyalty surpassing 90 points for the first time, your territory gains the “Invigorated” effect. Population growth rate: 105%, work enthusiasm: 105%, lasting for one month.].

[Bonus attribute from Invigoration: Current crops will increase yield by 20%. This effect lasts until the current harvest!].

[Reminder: Your commoners’ loyalty is about to reach the maximum. Upon reaching the maximum, they will gain the “Passionate” effect, further increasing several values. Please continue your efforts, Host!].

Richard was overjoyed upon seeing this.

The population growth rate had surpassed normal levels. The extra 5% meant people were willing to have more children, and it also indicated a lower infant mortality rate!

And with a 20% increase in yield, the 40,000 acres of wheat would produce as if 3,000 more acres had been planted!

An extra 3,000 acres of harvest—how wonderful!

The joy of the harvest was already beginning to take hold!

And this was just the beginning.

…

On the other side, Cinderella felt an unprecedented respect, and her emotions peaked.

If, previously, Richard had been like a god descending from the heavens in her heart—majestic yet kind, someone she loved and revered deeply—

Then now, Richard had thoroughly imprinted on her soul. Even her every bit of magic seemed to dance for him, and her eyes were filled with endless love.

At this moment, even if Richard told her to die, she wouldn’t hesitate. She wouldn’t ask the reason.

As long as it was something Richard wanted, she would willingly risk her life to accomplish it!

No one could stop her from offering her devotion!

…

[Detected that your subordinate Cinderella’s loyalty has reached 110%. You have earned the title: Heaven’s Mandate!].

[Your current status in the Lord System: Heaven’s Mandate Lord!].

Suddenly, a system prompt rang in Richard’s ears. Hearing this, he was momentarily stunned:

“Heaven’s Mandate Lord? What does that mean?”

[A lord with the Heaven’s Mandate title gains experience points from the strengthening of their domain’s members, and their own power synchronously increases!].

Richard’s eyes lit up.

So this is the lord mode? As long as my subordinates grow stronger, I can continue to improve without limits. And this design ensured that no subordinate can ever surpass his power.

In other words, he would never have to fear any rebellion!

However, he suddenly frowned and asked:

“What if my subordinates are killed? Will my strength weaken?”

[A lord enhanced by Heaven’s Mandate is not affected by the loss of subordinates. Even if they die, the lord’s power will not diminish!].

[The power gained through this process is based on the strengthening journey of your members and is irreversible.].

“So, even if all my subordinates die, my strength won’t change? If I recruit a new subordinate and they grow stronger, I will still increase in strength?”

Richard asked this to clarify whether he needed to rely on the remaining subordinates to “make up” for any lost strength.

[Yes, Host!].

Hearing this, Richard felt reassured and then asked again:

“What can I use Heaven’s Mandate experience points for?”

[Heaven’s Mandate experience points can be used to draw various skills, allowing you to enhance yourself in a more structured way!].

“Excellent!”

A smile immediately spread across Richard’s face.

This system was truly useful.

Every time, it brought him pleasant surprises!