Chapter 691

【 FREE STATE OF MAPLE MOON 】

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King Otto of the Red Maple Kingdom had finally died.

After this self-proclaimed ruler, who had ruled over Maple Leaf Territory for decades, was bound in the square of Zelouan for public display, and Sophia herself announced that the punishment would be decided by the people, Otto quickly found himself facing the full force of the populace’s fury.

The wrath of the masses is never something to be underestimated.

Regardless of whether the emotions expressed by them are good or bad, their most prominent characteristic is that most people are extremely simple and exaggerated.

And the stronger the feeling, the more extreme the display becomes.

Years of oppression, coupled with his brutal acts after forcing the people to convert their faith to an evil deity without regard for their wellbeing, had finally driven the hatred of the populace to a boiling point.

Back when Otto still ruled over them, the people dared not resist, as his extraordinary powers and the fear of retaliation kept them silent. But the moment Otto lost his grip on power, and Sophia, along with her elven allies, defeated the Red Maple Army, all that pent-up rage finally burst forth like a exploding volcano.

Otto von Cappadocia, the vampire who had long hidden among the human nobility, king of the Red Maple Kingdom, and a legendary figure who had once stood just a step away from godhood, was ultimately brought down in the most brutal execution imaginable.

He was beaten to death by the very commoners he had spent decades looking down upon, the same people whose fear and obedience he had long taken for granted.

It was said that so many people had taken part that, when the elves finally went to retrieve his body, almost nothing remained as his flesh had been crushed and torn, reduced nearly entirely to a pulp.

The few remnants that did remain, mixed with filth either discarded by the enraged crowd or originally belonging to Otto himself, emitted a suffocating, nearly unbearable stench.

The sight and smell were so nauseating that even the elven guards vomited on the spot and forced themselves to step away to recover from the grotesque scene before them.

Vampires are unlike other species, for their souls exist in a state suspended between the living and the dead. They are neither fully mortal nor undying, so unless a vampire becomes the Godwarden of a deity, their soul is irrevocably tied to their physical form.

Once their physical body dies, their soul would be extinguished as well.

Thus, at the moment of Otto’s death, he was utterly erased from existence.

With their king gone and their main army routed, the Red Maple Kingdom—which had lasted less than half a year since breaking away from the Empire—lost all means of resistance.

In the following days, the remaining regions of Maple Territory fell almost immediately under the elven assault. Many towns even rebelled on their own, raising the elves’ red banners, joining the holy war against the cultists of the Church of Twilight, and eventually pledging their loyalty to Sophia, who by now was universally embraced by the people as the new Borderlord.

People also began calling her the “Saintess,” as throughout this time, the young woman had shown genuine care for the common people, which embody the teachings of the Goddess of Life.

Combined with her exceptional appearance due to her elven lineage, it was difficult for anyone but the remaining human nobles not to admire the half-elven girl, seeing her almost as a living statue of the Goddess of Life.

This, in turn, helped spread the elven faith more rapidly and encouraged people to convert more eagerly.

After all, people naturally gravitate toward beautiful things…

With a strong and well-equipped army, overwhelming military advantage, and moral high ground, the outcome of this holy war was pretty much decided.

Under the iron-footed advance of the elven army marching south, towns surrendered one by one, much to the disappointment of those players who had anticipated a major battle.

Only the siege of Maple Leaf City, the largest city in the territory and the long-standing stronghold of the Cappadocia family, proved troublesome, as some loyalists of the fallen king had fortified themselves within the city and refused to surrender, determined to defend it to their last breath.

Yet, even this stronghold could not withstand the sheer scale of the assault. Facing the elven army numbering 100,000, supplemented by an astonishing 50,000 to 60,000 militia and mercenaries who had joined during the campaign, the city, which was second only to Augsburg City in terms of fortifications, fell in less than half a day. The high-ranking experts loyal to the Cappadocia Household managed only to prolong the defense briefly.

Without divine protection, no faction could survive in the hostile lands of Seigües. This is how their world works, dominated by extraordinary powers, where the weak can only blame themselves.

With Maple Leaf City fallen, the path from Maple Leaf Territory to the Elven Forest was finally reopened.

Thus, the House of Cappadocia’s thousand-year rule over the Maple Leaf Territory finally came to an end, bringing the six-month-long rebellion to a close.

However, to the surprise of everyone in the territory, the savior of the land, the leading figure who had spread the teachings of the Goddess of Life, Saintess Sophia, relinquished her title as the new Borderlord.

Not only that, but she also announced the abolition of the system of nobility within the Maple Leaf Territory. Instead, she had decided to merge the Maple Leaf Territory with some of the captured southern cities of the Western Territory and rename it the Free State of Maple Moon, combining “Maple” and “Moon.”

In her decree before relinquishing her role, Sophia stated that Maple Moon would have no nobles at all. Slavery would also be completely abolished, and every citizen would be granted equal rights, regardless of their background.

As for its governing structure, in a radical move, Sophia decided to forgo the old feudalistic system followed by most human nations and implemented a new government structure centered on democratic rule. Power would no longer be inherited or concentrated in the hands of a single household; instead, the people themselves would have a say in the leadership and future of the territory.

In this new system, a Council would be established to guide the territory’s development and ensure fair governance. Based on the distribution of towns and city populations, the Maple Moon Council would consist of 137 seats, giving representation to every corner of the territory.

Every citizen who follows the faith of Life, aspires for a better future, and meets certain educational and capability criteria may apply for a seat on the council. Once approved by a two-thirds majority of current council members, applicants become full members and gain the right to participate in major decisions shaping the territory.

The council would then elect a governor to oversee the territory under the supervision of the Church of Life. Each governor would be permitted to serve only a single ten-year term, after which a new election would be held to prevent the concentration of power and ensure continued accountability.

To qualify as governor, one must meet the following requirements:

1. Be a devout believer in the Goddess of Life, uphold her teachings, and remain firmly committed to the path of equality and shared progress within the Maple Moon State.

2. With the exception of the first governor, possess extensive experience governing a town and have worked closely at the local level, demonstrating practical administrative ability.

3. Secure a majority vote in the council election, defeating all other candidates.

This unprecedented reform, which Sophia entrusted to the elves, was printed in pamphlets and distributed from the skies to every major town within the state, becoming known later on as the groundbreaking Reformation of Maple Moon State.

Naturally, such drastic changes caused an uproar.

This reaction was inevitable, as the masses had lived under noble rule for thousands of years, and the sudden dismantling of that system challenged long-held beliefs and traditions. Sophia’s actions, even if not entirely without precedent, were bold enough to leave a lasting mark on history and would undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come.

Of course, following the rebellion, the few surviving nobles who had long resisted such changes had already suffered heavy losses, and in many cities, some households had even disappeared entirely. As a result, although the reforms caused a great stir, their implementation proceeded remarkably smoothly.

Throughout this process, the support of the elven army, the steady spread of the Church of Life’s doctrines, and the approval of the vast majority of the common people all played irreplaceable roles. Together, they formed the foundation that allowed such sweeping reforms to take root without collapsing into chaos or resistance.

After the reforms were enacted, Sophia and a group of priests from the Church of Life moved quickly to establish the new governing framework. They then selected the first members of the council in each city based on their conduct and contributions during the war.

In the end, after a prolonged debate, Sophia was elected as the first Governor of the Free State of Maple Moon, despite having already relinquished her former title.

It could not be helped, since no one aside from her possessed a firm grasp and clear understanding of how this new form of government was meant to function.

Upon assuming office, the half-elven girl wasted no time and immediately announced three major initiatives to stabilize and rebuild the Free State of Maple Moon.

The first was the formal establishment of an alliance with the elves. This included recognizing the Church of Life as the official religion and designating Zelouan as the new capital.

The second initiative focused on recovery and security. A comprehensive assessment of the losses incurred during the war was ordered, followed by coordinated efforts to suppress and eliminate rogue bandits that had emerged during the upheaval. The goal was to restore public order, reopen trade routes, and allow normal economic activity to resume as quickly as possible.

The third initiative centered on long-term development. With the assistance of the elves, schools were to be established in every city to educate the population and cultivate future talent. These institutions would not only provide basic education, but also identify civilians with exceptional potential and teach them how to properly harness their extraordinary powers. In addition, citizens would be trained to use magical tools developed by the elves, further lowering the barriers to supernatural abilities and promoting broader access across society.

“I thought you would choose to become a hereditary lord. I didn’t expect you to truly give up your title. Have you really thought this through?”

At the riverfront dock in Zelouan, Demacia looked at Sophia, now dressed in the official governor’s attire of the Free State of Maple Moon, with visible surprise.

She was wearing a set of modern-styled white clothing decorated with gold patterns, along with shoulder straps adorned with golden tassels. The outfit conveyed both dignity and authority, and Demacia suspected that it had been designed by a player. A pin shaped like a scepter rested on her chest.

In addition, she wore a wide-brimmed white hat bearing an emblem that combined a maple leaf and a moon, the official symbol of the Maple Moon State.

“I have long said that the Maple Leaf needs a thorough reform,” Sophia said. Her gaze was firm and unwavering as she calmly looked out over the shimmering surface of the Vymur River.

“Then you are going to make yourself an enemy of all the human nations out there. Based on my… ahem, experience, your reforms will inevitably draw strong resistance from the nobles especially from the Empire. You might even face military intervention from other countries,” Demacia replied, his tone tinged with concern.

“So what?” Sophia answered without hesitation, a faint, playful smile appearing at the corner of her lips.

“I accepted those risks the moment I chose to follow the Goddess of Life and spread her faith. Besides, aren’t we allies? Demacia, would you really stand by and watch while me and the State of Maple Moon faces danger?”

“Not cute at all,” Demacia muttered, puffing out his cheeks in exaggerated displeasure.

“You’re no better,” Sophia shot back bluntly, not even bothering to hide her amusement.

“Me?” Demacia scoffed. “I certainly would not describe myself with such a cutesy word. If anything, I am cool and brave!”

“Demacia, your audacity is as staggering as ever,” Sophia said, lightly shaking her head. “You know what, several sections of Zelouan’s walls still have not been fully repaired. Given their thickness, I think that using your face as a construction material might expedite the restoration process.

Unbeknownst to the two of them, their typical banter had lost its sharp edge, replaced instead by such light-hearted teasing.

The docks were bustling with people, and ships were constantly docking, with large numbers of people carrying their belongings disembarking. These were returning citizens who had fled during the war, but now that it was over, many chose to return to back their homeland.

Seeing the obvious relief on their faces, Sophia’s expression was briefly clouded with melancholy.

“What is it?”

Demacia asked curiously.

“I was reflecting on those who perished in the war,” Sophia said softly.

“This upheaval… it has likely reduced the population of the entire territory by at least a third. Nearly every family has suffered a loss, and some have been bereft of loved ones entirely. Especially in the regions surrounding Augsburg City, many villages now lie almost deserted…”

“War… is such a cruel thing.” she sighed.

Demacia nodded.

“Indeed. But sometimes, to bring about true change, one must accept that it will inevitably be accompanied by bloodshed. Don’t worry, after darkness, dawn will always come…”

He then turned his head to face her.

“However, the path you are treading now is far from an easy one. But, now that you have chosen to become the Governor of Maple Moon, walking this path will be even more arduous and lonely,” he said solemnly.

Sophia: “…”

“I have decided long ago to dedicate my entire life to this Territory and to the service of the Goddess, to lead people toward equality and prosperity, spreading Her Grace’s light to every corner,” Sophia said firmly.

“Well, half-elves live forever anyway, don’t they?” Demacia said with a casual shrug. “I mean, you’re not gonna be Governor forever, right? Have you ever thought about what you’ll do once your job is finally complete?”

“Once my job is complete…” Sophia murmured, a faint, wry smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

“That day is still far in the future. The path I have chosen is long, and there is still much I must accomplish before I can even begin to think about such things.”

Even so, her expression gradually softened. Her gaze drifted into the distance, as if her thoughts had wandered far beyond the bustling port, tinged with unspoken longing.

“Hmm… If I do manage to accomplish all my goals, then perhaps…” She paused, choosing her words carefully. “I hope to retire to a beautiful small town or an unfamiliar city, ideally somewhere by a lake or along a river,” she said thoughtfully, as though gently sketching the scene in her mind.

“I think Greyhaven would be the perfect place to retire. There, I could wake naturally each morning, attend the temple for morning prayers, feed pigeons in the town square, gather berries in the forest during the day, bask in the sun during the afternoon, and perhaps even join a lively bonfire party at night.”

“The days I spent in the Elven Forest were perhaps the happiest I have known so far,” she added softly. “They were brief, but they felt truly special,” her eyes shining with quiet yearning.

“Oh, come on… be more realistic,” Demacia said with a grin. “All the berries in the forests around Greyhaven were picked clean ages ago.”

Sophia: “…”

She turned to him and fixed him with a pointed stare.

The moment Demacia saw her expression, he realized he had completely ruined the mood. His grin faltered, and he let out a nervous chuckle as he hurried to recover.

“H-Hey, but look at the bright side,” he said quickly. “Greyhaven’s got a teleportation array. You can jump to pretty much anywhere you want. Hmm… you’ve probably never heard of the city of Kenorland, right? Trust me, it’s really gorgeous. There’s flowers everywhere, the fruit trees so plentiful you won’t even know what to grab first. Sweet, crispy, juicy, you name it. You’d totally love it.”

“And then there’s the city of Mirovia, right by the sea… You haven’t seen the ocean yet, have you? The beaches are ridiculously long, the sand’s super soft, and the water’s so clear it looks like a mirror. Honestly, the view alone makes the trip worth it.”

“I’m telling you, if one day you get tired of everything and decide to settle down in the Elven Forest, you won’t regret it.”

As Demacia spoke, the girl’s eyes gradually brightened once more. She lingered in thought for a moment, then gently pulled herself back to the present.

“Well first, I must focus on changing the present. Everything here in the Maple Moon is only just beginning, after all. Moreover, my knowledge and experience are still far too limited.”

“Hey, relax, be confident! A great leader isn’t measured by how much they know, but by how strong their will is. The kind that doesn’t quit when things get rough. That sort of resolve is rare, and it’s more than enough to push through any hardships.”

“And in my view, Miss Sophia, you’re exactly that kind of person,” he added earnestly.

Sophia looked at him in surprise.

She had not expected such sincere words from someone who usually carried himself with so much careless humor.

At the moment, brilliant sunlight bathed Demacia, making him appear far more radiant than usual.

Indeed, upon closer inspection, he was undeniably handsome. Combined with his imposing armor and neatly slicked-back red hair, even those passing human girls could not help but glance at him with faint blushes.

Even Sophia herself had to admit that he—being a pureblooded elf—was naturally gifted with exceptional looks.

Yet just as she found herself momentarily lost looking at his sunlit face, Demacia’s expression abruptly shifted back into his usual teasing grin.

“So? Wasn’t I impressive just now?” he said smugly. “Be honest. Have you fallen for me yet?”

Sophia: “…”

“Demacia.”

“Hm?”

“Why can’t you just shut your mouth?”

Demacia: “…”

Suddenly, a melodious whistle rang out from the merchant ship docked nearby, bearing the logo of the Amway Trading Company.

Since the questline [Sophia’s Request] had already been completed. Many players were gradually returning and that includes Demacia who had chosen to travel by water.

Seeing the players aboard the ship who were waving to him, Demacia couldn’t helped but sigh.

“Well, Miss Sophia, looks like it’s time for me to head out,” he said. “If there’s an opportunity in the future, you’re welcome to visit us in the Elven Forest anytime.”

“Hm… if you’re not there, then perhaps I might actually consider going,” Sophia replied coolly, her lips curved in a lopsided smile.

Demacia: “…”

“Hmph. Still not cute at all,” he muttered, shaking his head with a wry smirk before briskly leaping onto the ship.

The canvas sails were slowly raised, and the ship gradually moved away from the dock.

Under the warm sunlight, wind filled the sails and carried the ship steadily forward, toward the distant horizon.

Sophia watched until it disappeared from view, then slowly withdrew her gaze.

“Thank you,” she whispered.

“Farewell…”

Straightening her posture, her expression firming with renewed determination, she gracefully turned to the accompanying officials and said calmly:

“Let’s go. Back to the manor.”

TL/N: Happy Holidays Everyone~ _(:з」∠)_

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