Demon Laws
Chapter 14: Supernatural Events In The Rollin Family Ancestral Home

The ancestral home of the Rollin family is located southwest of the Rollin Flat Land. A tributary of the Rollin River flows through here, the ground on its banks fertile. There are several farms and towns around. Tracing this tributary will pass through a beautiful valley.

This is where the great Rollin family first came from. Several hundred years ago when the ancestors of the Rollin family were only low-level nobles in the small village region, the descendants of the Rollin family began to spread in this country.

The carriage passed through the black forest with lush green trees on both sides and fresh air. Along the flat road, from inside the carriage could see the small valley on the left and the tall tower which was the ancestral home of the Rollin family on the right.

After hundreds of years of family glory, the small village hundreds of years ago was gone. The ancestral home had previously undergone many renovations and reconstructions after centuries, already quite large in size.

Red stone walls surround the castle built with white stones excavated from the valley next door. Listen, there was originally a hill there, but the rock mining for hundreds of years had turned it into a valley.

The eldest son of the head of the family coming here certainly attracted extra attention. The three hundred territorial troops living behind the castle had put on equipment and were marching under the red wall outside the castle. The rectangular and semi-circular shaped gate made Dewey sitting on the carriage feel very impressive. Judging from his view, this thick stone wall could be used as a sturdy defense when needed.

This was indeed the imperial martial arts family. The three hundred territorial troops living in the castle were clearly well trained. They sat upright on horses, and were quite skilled in handling horses, the equipment was also good. Dewey only later learned that these three-hundred troops living in the ancestral castle of the Rollin family were the best selected from private forces throughout the territory of the Rollin Flat Land. Their training was pretty good, not even inferior to the local imperial troops.

The black forest outside the castle was a natural hunting ground. Several hunting events will be held here every year, which is a covert exercise for these soldiers.

The main building of the castle has two towers, one of which is very tall. Even higher than a small hill far away. Dewey who had studied family history knew that this was because the previous generation's head of the Rollin family, was strange. The head of the family was a military commander, but he was very interested in astrology. He even married a necromancer. The tall tower was built to make it easier for his wife to observe the stars in the sky at night.

The red carpet stretches from the castle gate to where the Dewey train stops. Dewey had just bowed and was about to descend when a long-awaited white-haired old man appeared next to him. This old man was tall and thin, in a gray uniform, with a colossal and serious manners, conservative and respectful.

As soon as Dewey got off the carriage and just stepped on the ground, this old man bowed deeply then said in a low and slow voice. “Young Master, I am Hill Rollin, the housekeeper who lives here. I've learned of your arrival three days ago. Everyone in the castle is ready to welcome you. Please come with me.”

Finished speaking, the old housekeeper turned around and took Dewey up the stairs. There is nothing wrong with his ethics, respectful and polite, humble but not flattering. Taking Dewey to the red carpet on the stairs, he himself walked outside the carpet, letting Dewey enjoy this kind of honor.

Dewey did not have time to look at the interior decoration details of the castle. The only thing that impressed Dewey was that there was a huge fire-like flag on the wall after entering the castle gate.

The flag was seven or eight meters high, with a width of six meters, occupying the front of the wall. This is the family flag. Two sharp swords were crossed with irises wrapped around the blade. A red flame burns with a crown there.

Entering the hall on the first floor of the castle, in front of him was such a magnificent flag, immediately lining the solemn atmosphere here.

Then all the servants in the castle stood on either side of the hall in neat uniforms, welcoming Dewey's arrival. Dewey wasn't too keen on this weird ‘ritual’. He nodded casually then whispered, “Home Manager, please take me to the study now. While others just disperse, continue your work.”

Housekeeper Hill immediately carried out Dewey's orders. Dewey was immediately taken to the study.

If you can, Dewey would rather call it a library.

Because this place is too big.

In the round room, the top is also rectangular and round, and decorated with some strange plaster patterns. There are also several plaster statues standing to either side. Many of them are some of the leading figures who have emerged from family history.

This room is surrounded by a high bookcase. Wonderful! These bookshelves are two floors high. It is full of all kinds of books. Dewey estimates that there are at least tens of thousands of books stored here. In addition, there are many vaults that hold some important objects, such as family maps, or some ancient and important documents.

Of course, as a family of martial arts, even a workspace had an aura of martial arts. The wall directly across from the door of the study hung a large two-handed sword and a large cutting axe. Both guns were hanging on the wall. Judging from the cold light glistening on the blade, it was obvious there were often maids cleaning and grooming them.

On the bookshelf on one side of the wall were several large cabinets that were deliberately emptied. The closet contains various weapons. But judging from the models, these have all become antiques.

Here was a short bow made by the imperial military a hundred years ago. There were also ancient knight swords, long swords, and black iron wooden bows.

Dewey was interested in these weapons. He could see that these antiques were quite well-preserved. Despite being a matter of centuries old, some of them can still emit a cold luster.

“Some of these were once used by esteemed family ancestors from generation to generation.” Housekeeper Hill said in a constant voice. “This all records the glory of the family ancestor Rollin.”

Due to the shape of the room space, the sound will echo and add a sense of solemnity.

Stroking the old-fashioned table of black rosewood gently, Dewey looked around calmly.

It could be seen that every single object here was strictly treated and cleaned meticulously. But the traces of age are also clearly visible. Many places on the bookshelf have been polished to a smooth and shiny finish. Dewey suspected that the large table under his hand was older than the housekeeper.

“This place used to be the powerhouse of the Rollin family. It used to be a place where the heads of the family thought and made decisions. Every object here leaves a trace of its former glory.” The housekeeper said in a low voice. “Although finally the family center moved to the imperial capital, based on family traditions, any head of the family who returned to the castle or made a short visit should not rest in the room on the first night, so that the family will not be able to take a break, have to spend the night in this workspace, to motivate yourself not to forget the history of family glory and its own responsibilities.”

Silently for a moment, the housekeeper saw Dewey at a glance and then lowered his head. “You are the eldest son of the Earl who is the current head of the family. You came to represent him to watch over the castle. Tonight you...”.

Dewey nodded cooperatively and then smiled. “Tradition is a tradition, it must be adhered to, I am no exception. Although I am not the head of the family, I am the eldest son of my father and represent him coming here. Tonight I will spend the night in the book room according to tradition.”

The housekeeper's raut softened. The tone became warmer. “Well, I'll get people to prepare it. One more thing, I know that you're here representing the Earl to inspect the territory's property. Where will your work begin? After getting word of your return, I've had people tidy up and set up accounts and ledgers of family property income and expenses this year. When are you going to see it? Or wait...”

Dewey circled the table and sat on a rather loud but comfortable sofa behind a large table. He thought before interrupting with a smile. “Home Manager, now I feel hungry after a long trip. Please prepare food for me, then I think I can start reading the books you have provided.”

It seems that the performance here is good.

Dewey soon enjoyed a typical southern aristocratic meal. After eating the sweet pumpkin pie and wiping his mouth, the housekeeper Hill instructed two male servants to enter the book room.

The two maids pushed one cart containing the book of guesswork. The whole book is probably half the head taller than Dewey.

“This is all accounts this year?” Dewey. He began to suspect that this old housekeeper wanted to prank him.

“Young Master, this is all yes.” Old Hill replied seriously. “Documents here cover the area of land measurement of family territory, the area of arable land, expenditure and fiscal income of six cities large and small in the south of Cotte province. The expenditure of logistic supplies of family troops spread in the three places, soldier salaries, supplies, soldier consumption, and others. There is also a wheat harvest and a budget of some new buildings built this year. Other than this, I also made some budgets for next year, but have not finished them due to the rush. I think you won't be leaving here anytime soon, so we still have time.”

Dewey touched his nose looking at the account of the little mountain tub in front of him. “Everything is here?”

“This is only partial. The rest...” The old housekeeper finally said something less serious. “The rest, I think you need to see it for one week.”

Dewey started to cringe. He judged this housekeeper in silence.

This old housekeeper was not like he was joking. But, he did not naively think that a thirteen-year-old could understand these accounts, right? Moreover, to think that a thirteen-year-old child is truly capable of shouldering the entire family treasure.

He should have known that being sent to the ancestral home by the head of the family was a kind of covert exile. Then what was this man's intention in asking him to check this stack of accounts?

Does the old housekeeper feel unhappy at the return of the young master, afraid that he will take the authority that was originally in his hands, and protest?

The power of the subordinates is already great and begins to rise above the head of the employer?

Or did he do the dirty thing in the family property, and now use himself to get away?

Everything has a possibility.

But Dewey did not say anything, not even raising his suspicions at all. Picking up a top account then blowing off the dust, he opened the first page and read in silence.

“Does the housekeeper still want to say something to me?” Dewey's tone turned cold. “I don't like someone beside me when I read.”

“Good, Young Master.” A strange flash appeared in the eyes of the housekeeper Hill. He then opened his mouth, wanting to say something but parried it, turned around and brought the maid out.

After the workspace door closed, Dewey put the account in hand. He stood up, galloping a few steps in the large large workroom and moving his body. Then smile and talk to yourself. “It seems, something happened that is worth waiting for.”

Until nightfall, the housekeeper came to the workspace twice. First, pour some tea for Dewey. Second, bring people to light candles for Dewey after the sky is dark.

Housekeeper Hill was surprised that this Little Young Master had actually read the accounts.

He was not pretending, but reading seriously. Multiple accounts open at the table. It looks like Dewey is counting numbers. After the old housekeeper brought people to light the twenty candlesticks in the study, Dewey asked the housekeeper for some account-related questions.

He didn't ask origin, every question had a point. This was enough to prove that this Young Master meant it. He actually read those boring accounts.

Is... is this the Big Young Master who was rumored to be ‘idiot’ by the family in the imperial capital?

Despite trying to hide it, Dewey still caught the surprised expression of the old housekeeper. Dewey still said something. After the old housekeeper came out again from the workspace, he only then closed the account that had been opened until the last page.

Actually, these accounts are very interesting.

Dewey spent one night. He didn't really look at those boring numbers, let alone check if this account had been faked. After all, he was not a genius. He who does not understand the business at all, it is impossible to know the true fake account.

Maybe no one knows that Dewey reads in a different way that no one else can guess.

Who said that ledgers are only for accounting?

At least, Dewey learned a lot from these books. These things have never been recorded in history books and files that record family history.

Judging from the name and content of the various items in this account, Dewey instantly understood the Rollin family's grip over the region.

In the region, the Rollin family is almost like forming its own system, even having considerable autonomy. Fiscal power and taxation here belong to the family, even the appointment of judges is also determined by the family. Although tax rates are imposed in accordance with imperial law, families may use some special name to change, reduce, or add to.

Importantly, a certain percentage of the taxes collected were handed over to the imperial central treasury each year.

Then, military power. Judging from the details of military use in some of these accounts, the official imperial garrison here was very few. Only two infantry regiments remained on the outskirts of the region symbolically. Noteworthy is that the supplies and baggage of these two infantry regiments are provided by the Rollin family every year. The imperial army did not care.

In most areas, private soldiers are families in the region who maintain local security and order.

Through some of these accounts, Dewey easily mastered the economic, political, military and other status quo of the Rollin family.

If the housekeeper knew that he ‘read’ the ledger like this, his eyes would definitely widen.

Judging from these accounts, Dewey could already confirm at least two things. First, the family has complete control over this place in terms of taxes. Likewise in the military.

There is an important general knowledge of the world Dewey came from. Two important points in the territorial sovereignty of a country are taxes and garrisons.

Now, these two points had almost been controlled by the Rollin family. What does this mean?

That is, the imperial central government almost lost control of the Rollin family's territory here. The center of the empire had lost control over the sovereignty of half of the territory of Cotte province. It has almost become an independent kingdom.

Dewey leaned back on the sofa and thought. This situation made him feel a little surprised. Because when a country's central government slowly loses its authority, it's usually an early sign of unrest.

Dewey sat down for a moment. The room was very quiet, only the occasional sound of candles could be heard.

At this moment, Dewey suddenly stood up and turned around, looking at the wall behind.

On the wall was a large bookshelf filled with thick books. Nothing is strange.

But Dewey vaguely felt awkward. That feeling seems right.

Because his spiritual power was stronger than ordinary people, Dewey was more sensitive to movement around than ordinary people. Earlier, he suddenly felt that he was being snooped on by someone.

A gaze from a hidden corner behind as if watching him silently.

There is nothing strange about bookshelves. Dewey looked up.

The wall above the bookshelf hung a row of portraits.

Portraits of this oil painting line up, from the past to the present. These are all portraits of the Rollin family's heads in order.

In the first position on the left, the somewhat unreal figure on the canvas that looked the longest and the elder was the middle-aged man in imperial uniform. The man on the canvas was a former imperial marshal. The Rollin family's ancestors who won the war and contributed greatly to the empire, as well as winning the Rollin Flat Land from the Emperor.

This person looked extremely excited, having a cold and stern gaze exactly like Dewey's father, Earl Raymond. That look was staring at Dewey.

Dewey tried to take a few steps back, then walked left and right with his eyes nailing the oil painting. Then he smiled and sighed. “Aish, maybe I'm too sensitive. It's just oil painting.”

He turned around and took an account.

Behind Dewey, the eyes of the mashal in the portrait suddenly flickered.

True, the man in the oil painting has a living eye. His eyes that were staring at Dewey's back suddenly flickered.

The human eyes in the painting that were supposed to be stiff, suddenly moved as if alive. The gaze fell on Dewey with curiosity.

At this moment Dewey who was as if he was reading an account, spontaneously turned around and stared at the painting on the wall.

The gaze between the human and the painting collided.

“No need to pretend anymore. I know that you are looking at me.” Dewey lifted the silver spoon in his hand, which he used when eating the pumpkin pie earlier. Silver spoon as bright as a mirror.

“You see me, I also see you with this thing.” Dewey smiled at the painting on the wall. “You don't have to pretend anymore. But, did you not know that peeping like this is disrespectful?”

“....”