Edge of the Apocalypse
Chapter 553: There's Not Much Time Left

After listening to Orban's first will, the clerk buried his head in the letter and recorded the count's words word for word. The others exchanged glances, and Grall coughed dryly, and stepped forward, "Count, Baron Allen is still a young man, and I am afraid it will be very difficult for him to fulfil the role you have asked for. Do you have to reconsider the other candidates?"

Oban smiled and said, "Grail, my friend. You don't have to worry about that. Baron Allen is young, but his abilities are obvious to all. I believe he can be a good supervisor. If he doesn't do a good job, there's only one possibility. He doesn't want to."

"Don't worry, count," Ellen bowed. "I'd be happy to take the job."

He looked faintly at Glar and smiled without saying a word.

Glar snorted and retreated, knowing that he could not change Ou Ban's decision. Oban cleared his throat and added, "Twenty percent of my assets are in Daley's hands. She does her best to be a wife and a mother, and she deserves it."

"I don't want your assets," murmured Daley, who was the Count's wife. "I just want you to be fine, my dear."

"The other 20% will be split equally between Farr and the other siblings. 40% will belong to my eldest son, Gills. The remaining 20% …" Oban looked at Zora and smiled. "That's Zora's property."

"Brother, I don't need these." Jorah shook her head and said, "Gills needs them more."

"No, you do. Without this property, it would be very difficult for you to have a seat in the family of the Marquis of Iron Spear." Oban said resolutely. Obviously, he had already considered it for Zora.

Without giving Zora the chance to refuse, Ou Ban continued to make his will. After a reasonable and fair distribution of his private assets, his title was inherited by Gills, who naturally became the new Lord of Ark Harbor. Not only did he have to manage Ouban's territory, he also had to manage the business of the Emerald Pearl Merchant Group.

Ou Ban arranged a few more people for him who could help him. These people were all people who had been with Ou Ban for a long time, including Butler Mace. Their ability to make important recommendations to Gills in terms of daily communication, politics, and business dealings is Orban's support for his son.

Finally, Orban called Gills over and patted his son on the shoulder. "Gills, I know it's too early for you to put these burdens on you."

Gills shook his head and said, "No, father. I'm ready."

"You've grown up," Ou Ban said cheerfully. "That way, I can rest assured."

He looked at the Registrar and said, "This is how I divided the territories. Gills' management includes Ark Harbor, and all of my original territories are under his control. As for Daniel's territories, they included Sunset City, Dawn Castle, and the Bauhinia Territory. Sir Allen, who has full authority over the administration of the Territory and all other policies relating thereto, is entitled to pay the relevant taxes on an annual basis, as required. "

The clerk's pen trembled. Even he understood what Oban meant by the word "complete autonomy". That meant that Alan was a subordinate on the surface, but in reality, he was already an ally, an ally recognized by Oban. Alan only maintained his formal dependency, but the new Earl of Gills could not interfere in his affairs or in the affairs of his territory, as long as Alan paid his taxes every year according to the rules.

In this way, Allen could develop armaments and expand his army according to his own wishes and capabilities, without Gills' consent and approval. To Gills, such a vassal was undoubtedly dangerous. Especially since Alan had all of Daniel's original territories, this was a huge blow to Gills.

Although Gills had yet to officially manage the territory, he still knew a little about it. Hearing Orban's decision, he said anxiously, "Father, aren't you giving Sir Allen too much power?"

He was still too young to ask tactfully. Asking this sharp question directly in front of Alan was a kind of injury to both Alan and Ou Ban. Alan only smiled. He believed that Oban would give Gills an answer. Grar looked at Alan and Ou Ban with the corner of his eyes. He guessed that the two of them had already agreed on some conditions in private.

Orban smiled weakly and said to Gills, "Trust me, son. This arrangement is the best for you. With your current abilities, you can't take care of that much. With Sir Allen's help, you'll be an excellent count."

"But, father …"

He wanted to say something else, but he shook his head and interrupted Orban, "Alright, Gills. I'm already very tired. Stop interrupting me. Just listen carefully. The decisions I've made, and the arrangements I've made, are for this territory and you. You may not understand now, but you'll definitely understand why I'm doing this in the future."

"I see, father." Gills murmured. He turned to look at Alan, a trace of undetectable resentment flashing through his eyes.

Alan sighed in his heart, knowing that Gills still couldn't understand Ou Ban's arrangements. In this way, the two of them might not get along as well as Ou Ban thought.

Ou Ban added some additional things, most of which were personnel arrangements. For example, Grar, he changed his position in the merchant group. A role that appears to be more powerful, but in fact, according to Ou Ban's plan, will gradually become a dispensable role. These plans had been drawn up by Ou Ban, but now it was Gills who was going to execute them. As long as Gills didn't make any mistakes, Grar would gradually fade out of power in three to five years. By the time he discovered it, it was already done, and he was powerless to return to the heavens.

It took an entire morning for the will to be drawn up. In the afternoon, the clerk organized them into regular documents and gave them to Oban, Allen, and a few other witnesses to read. After making sure that they were correct, the people concerned signed their names on the will. Alan was the last to sign, and after he finished, Oban told him to stay.

"Daniel is a subordinate of Rackett. Now that Daniel is dead, Rackett cannot let Daniel's territory remain unowned. You may have to consider how to deal with this problem." "Daniel also has a son. You can make him a nominal lord," Oban said. "This will also facilitate the transfer of power in the future."

Ellen smiled and said, "Thank you for your suggestion, Count. But in fact, I went to Unicorn Castle before coming here. At that time, one of Earl Rackard's nephews was already busy taking over Viscount Daniel's territory. Unfortunately, I happened to be going with Young Master Unte."

When Ou Ban heard this, he knew a rough idea. He smiled and said, "Then I'm really worried for nothing. You know, this is naturally the best thing to do. So, Ellen, what's your next plan?"

"Sir Daniel's territory has just been taken down, after all. What we need to do now is to stabilize the minds of the people. I probably won't expand in the next period of time," he said. Stabilize your territory, build up your potential, and deal with Mr. Rhine. Perhaps I will go to the imperial capital to take a look and get to know some big shots. But before that, I have to return to Storm City. I have some matters to attend to. "

Oban nodded and said, "You can go find Mace. He will arrange a boat for you to go back."

"I see. It's getting late. Please rest, count."

"It doesn't matter. You go and do your thing. The will has been made. You don't need to waste your time with me. Go do what you have to do."

When Alan left, the Countess also came in. Turning around the eastern-style partition, Allen saw Lady Daley washing the Count's wounds herself, and they all had plain smiles on their faces. The afternoon sunlight fell into the room quietly, and the scene in Allen's eyes was filled with warmth. However, he knew that there was not much time left for the Countess and the Countess.

Sure enough, Mace was inefficient. The next day, he had already found a merchant ship for Alan to go to Violet Harbor. However, it was only a few days before the merchant ship set sail. Ellen was not in a hurry to stay in the three-story building that Ouban had arranged earlier. That same afternoon, Belmond finally came back. When he heard that Alan was in Ark Harbor, he met him directly.

After separating from Lily outside Killer Whale Harbor, Belmore and Kira were transported from Taylor to another harbor and returned to Ark Harbor on a passenger ship. After meeting up with Allen, he was surprised to learn from Allen that these things had happened during this period of time. Allen also learned about the changes that had happened at Killer Whale Harbor from Belmond. At the same time, he also learned about Eric's strength from another side. This was undoubtedly an important piece of information for Alan, at least he wouldn't be completely bottomless against Eric in the future.

"By the way, Young Master, Mr. Taylor seems to be interested in cooperating with us. He is one of the Naga Clan's agents in the empire. Although he has lost some superficial properties in Killer Whale Harbor, his business should be more than that." "But now he has to take care of some things," he added. "I'm afraid he won't be able to come to Ark Harbor any time soon."

Allen nodded and said, "I also plan to return to Storm City. Steward Mace has arranged the ship for me and will set sail in three days. Come with us."

Belmond naturally didn't have any objections. Alan saw that there was nothing else, so he let him go down to rest. As soon as Belmore left, someone came to visit, but it was Roger. After not seeing each other for many days, the two of them couldn't help but greet each other. After sitting down, Roger went straight to the point and said, "Is Count Orban in a bad situation?"