I Am The Only Witch Hunter-Chapter 358: The Farm

Joul Burticker, the Tax Collector of the North. The last time he saw Siderius was when Siderius was just becoming the new Baron. They established a business relationship back then and so far, it had been very fruitful.

Joul took care of most of the issues in the Royal Court for Siderius without him needing to be there. Snowfall had been developing nicely and swiftly. The rumors of the richness of the North even reached other parts of the kingdom.

Even Clan Starcrow had heard about it. And they knew about the feud that their youngest heir, Lyara Starcrow had made with the Baron of Snowfell. They knew that they would have to address it sooner or later. But now, as a Baron. Siderius was not that dangerous.

As usual, Joul and his men arrived at Santa Roberto to collect the tax for this quarter. Joul lifted up the curtains inside his carriage and looked outside. The lively sight of the town outside Santa Roberto made him smile.

"So many good subjects. The Grove would be very happy to see this. It’s time to entrust Siderius with their task."

The carriage walked over the busy street and inside the castle. Joul didn’t bring any bodyguards with him. Snowfell had become a very safe area that he didn’t need to bring any.

At the time, Siderius was teaching the Psychosis Meditation Technique to his other three apprentices. They had also succeeded in grafting their first mutation.

Surprisingly enough, the first one to cross the line was Roland, not Henry. Then it was Henry. And finally it was Rea.

All of them had good knowledge in Alchemy and skills in combat. In Siderius’ eyes, they were still just trainees. But he couldn’t deny that they could stand on their own now.

Ashe had also finished her first mutation and had grafted her second mutation a few days ago. Her Alchemy level progressed naturally fast and had also reached Silver II.

Someone knocked on the door.

"Yes?" Siderius said.

"The Collector is here, my lord." A guard said.

Siderius nodded, "Tell him. I’ll be there soon."

Siderius then turned to his apprentices, "Keep focusing."

He put on a shirt over his sweaty body and left the training room. There wasn’t enough time for him to get properly dressed or shower.

Joul was sitting in Siderius’ office. His feet tapped lightly on the floor.

"Have you been waiting long?" Siderius came inside the office.

Joul turned to him and smiled, "Not that long, Baron of Snowfell."

Siderius nodded. He sat down at his usual spot behind the desk. "If it’s about the tax, you should have talked with my bookkeeper. Is there something else you need?"

Joul nodded, "The Royal Court is very impressed with what you have done with the place. So they decided to let you take over a farm."

"What kind of farm?" Siderius’ brow furrowed.

"A tear farm, of course. When do you have time to visit the place with me?"

"Stay the night here, Collector. We will feast you greatly. We will ride at dawn."

"Good for me."

Snowfell recently had all types of food products that Joul never heard of. He was very excited to check what kind of new things Siderius had invented.

Siderius simply made a few new dishes from his world and created some with his knowledge. They weren’t anything impressive but they tasted very good. Another aspect for Snowfell to get more profit.

The night went fast and tomorrow morning. Siderius was ready to go.

His armor was reforged with the new Strong Steel. They were much stronger and could absorb more force than the previous Dull Steel. The uniform was created anew after the journey to Evria.

He had also reforged Blazing Soul and transformed it into Strong Steel. The Silver Hawk was also enhanced. It was no longer just a Strong Steel Sword anymore and Siderius was able to engrave even more seals on it, enhancing it even further.

Joul approached Siderius. He squinted his eyes at the 30 knights standing behind Siderius. His four apprentices were also there. Thirty five men and women in total including Siderius.

"A little bit much just to see the farm, huh?" Joul said.

Siderius shrugged, "It’s a sensitive location for Eldoria. We must be careful."

"If you say so." Joul didn’t think much and got in his carriage.

Similar to the Groves, Tear Farms were also secretly hidden to the people of Eldoria. Only specific high noble with titles could know where they were.

Snowfell didn’t have any farm. But Scalize did have a farm. Jude Fisher didn’t manage it though as it was managed directly by the Grove. The Grove now wanted to transfer this responsibility to Siderius after what they had seen he did to his territory.

The ride took a few days. It was stretched even longer because of the 30 knights Siderius brought with him.

When they arrived at the location, there was nothing but a thick area of pine trees in front of them.

"There’s nothing here?" Ashe said.

"Please wait, Lady Chatelaine. I will show you the path soon."

Joul jumped off his carriage and approached the thick pine of trees. He took out his Silver Medallion and aimed it at the woods. A light reached out from the medallion and immediately, the trees moved to the side. The lush woods disappeared and behind them was a vast area of gray trees.

"After you." Joul bowed and pointed at the farm.

Ashe’s eyes widened a little bit. The same goes for the other apprentices and the knights. They went inside the ’Farm’.

The Gray Trees inside the Farm were people. Their horrific faces were filled with torment and pain. Some of them looked like they were in the middle of screaming. Their feet sprouted into roots and plunged into the ground. Their hands became big gray branches that sprouted upwards.

These gray skinny trees didn’t have leaves. What it had was a beating purple heart on the surface of every tree’s body. It was at the same location of the heart of the people trapped inside.

There were many workers currently working in the farm. Their eyes were hollow and they moved like a puppet. They held a special glass knife and cut into the tree. Black blood leaked out and quickly formed into crystallized tears. The tears of youth that every witch talked about.

Each time the trees were cut, the soul inside roared of pain and misery.

Ashe and Rea covered their mouths in shock. Roland’s and Henry’s expressions darkened.

This was not the first time Siderius saw this. Because he saw it in other people’s memories already.

All the knights clenched their gauntlets.

"Well. What do you think?" Joul smiled.

"I think it’s time." Siderius said.

"For what?" Joul’s brow furrowed.

Henry drew his sword. It was a Strong Steel curved sword similar to his original sword. He roared, "Kill them all!"