OVERLORD VOLUME 14 - Witch of the Ruined Country

Chapter 1: An Unexpected Move - Part 1

A big swig of pale ale was taken from a mug that was almost overflowing.

This used to be a beverage he had no chance of obtaining back in his demesne, but nowadays the taste of first-class booze flowing down his throat felt all too familiar.

He noisily belched out the sweet fragrance of the ale as he set down the large mug, with half of its contents still remaining, back onto the table. If this was one of those wooden mugs he was so used to, he would've slammed it on the table without a thought, but he wouldn't dare do so with the porcelain stuff.

However, even if he did break the mug, he wouldn't have to pay for it, after all, this bar was specially prepared by his secret supporter, Hilma Cygnaeus. Everything was free of charge for any of the nobles he would send to this place, this even extended to their guests.

This kind of investment was to be expected for someone who's destined to become a powerful noble like him, Baron Philip Dayton L'Eyre Montserrat.

All he had to do was to show his gratitude and repay her for this favour later on, for now everything is kept on tabs.

As things stood, even Hilma, whose wealth was beyond comparison to Philip's, was still a commoner and had to bow before authority. Perhaps that was the reason why she was trying so hard to become acquainted to a noble like Philip by supporting his faction on all fronts.

This is what separates the strong from the weak in this world - the difference in status.

Still, he owed her a big favour for all of her efforts.

As a gentleman who held himself accountable for his debts, Philips hoped to improve his social standing as soon as possible. Hilma should also be expecting him to obtain authority above the rank of baron at the very least.

Then he'd have to repay his dues.

If those favours were not repaid as soon as possible, he would be stuck making concessions, having to obtain permission even for things he personally wanted to do.

o have the freedom to do whatever he wanted and the right to use his powers as he sees fit, those were Philip's dreams.

But-

"Why is nothing going my way!"

He could longer hold in his true feelings. Philip surveyed his surroundings. This bar was not a regular peasants' bar. Hilma had converted one of her mansions into a bar so crude noise had no place in it. So, although his voice wasn't too loud to begin with, if there were someone around they probably would've heard him.

After confirming that no one was looking towards him, Philip calmed down.

To allow others to find out that he had failed would be disgraceful.

That's right - he had failed.

Die, you're all trash!

Philip gulped down ale as if it could literally put out the fiery emotions in his heart. This only agitated him further as in his hurry, drops of ale had leaked from the corners of his lips, causing his skin and clothes to feel sticky as a result.

Philip's expression twisted in his anger.

If all had gone according to his plans, the output of his demesne would have been multiplied and he should have been surrounded by people grateful that he's their new lord. His name should've been known to all after his neighboring nobles caught wind of his accomplishments.