[Panamera]
I looked over the man named Zetros, who had introduced himself with an expressionless face, from top to bottom and then spoke.
“Head butler at such a young age, huh? You seem capable... So, why did you stay in this city?”
I stepped further into the hall, moved in front of Zetros, and asked. He didn’t change his expression and quietly answered.
“When this land ceased to be part of the Yellenetta Kingdom, Lord Actro returned to the Shitan Duke’s domain, taking the kingdom’s knights with him. However, this city has long supported Werner Fortress, so many of the city’s administrators were born and raised here. Of course, I am one of them…”
“...You stayed to protect your hometown, huh? Do you realize that’s just sentimentality? This city alone can’t oppose the Scuderia Kingdom. No matter how you’re treated, you have no choice but to obey.”
I said, spreading my arms wide. Perhaps I’d gone too far, but I found it amusing to test the man who didn’t change his expression no matter what I said. After all, even with everything I said, not a single muscle in his face twitched. I couldn’t help but want to get some sort of reaction out of him.
“Macan, take everyone inside.”
“Yes, sir.”
Upon my command, Macan and the others quickly entered the hall and lined up. The guards who had been guiding us up to this point now looked uneasy. A tense air spread throughout the room, but Zetros still didn’t change his expression. He opened his mouth.
“...I understand. However, this city is now part of the Scuderia Kingdom. We are citizens of the Scuderia Kingdom, not slaves or war prisoners. I spent over a month studying the laws of the Scuderia Kingdom.”
Zetros said, his gaze fixed firmly on mine. Was he asserting his rights? If this were a rebellion, it would be foolish, but it seemed he wasn’t doing that.
I locked eyes with him for a while, but Zetros still didn’t show any sign of breaking his composure. Eventually, I lost and couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Hahaha...! You’re an interesting man. But I’m not fond of being tested. You might be trying to gauge me with your life on the line, but there’s no need for such pointless games. Zetros, you must have some idea of what’s coming, but this city, located on the new border with the Yellenetta Kingdom, will become an important place. I won’t let it turn into a lawless land.”
As I said that, Zetros’s shoulders slightly lowered. It seemed that, despite showing no expression, he had been tense after all. It was a small comfort to see that he was, indeed, human.
“...That is reassuring. Then, what kind of governance do you propose?”
Zetros asked, and I crossed my arms and pondered.
“Hm... First, we need to assess the current situation. How has the administration been functioning up until now?”
“Yes. There was one steward and ten subordinates, including those responsible for managing finances, budgets, and the residents. Each had their own assistants, and in some cases, sizable organizations. Additionally, there was the kingdom’s knight order that would periodically patrol, and the Grozar Knight Order, which was formed here in the city. But now, only the Grozar Knight Order remains. The Grozar Knight Order has a commander and a deputy commander, and the current knights number just under a hundred, though they are all well-trained and highly skilled.”
“I see. So, everyone except the steward remained?”
“No, half of the managers who worked under the steward chose to follow him. The same goes for the subordinates. Also, since the city didn’t have its own production, the first trading company of the Yellenetta Kingdom, the Turo Trading Company, has withdrawn its stores. The people here are surviving on only the industries available within the city, but there is an increasing shortage of food, clothing, and other basic necessities.”
Zetros answered my questions with precision, and I couldn’t help but think that he was a man capable of handling work.
“Hm, half of them left, huh? It doesn’t sound like much of a problem. In the future, I’ll likely have to leave my lands for war. Zetros, you will be appointed as the steward and manage the entire territory. The current managers and assistants can remain as they are, but I will have a talk with all of them first.”
As I said this, Zetros’s eyebrows lowered slightly. It wasn’t a look of distrust, but rather one of confusion.
“...Are you sure it’s fine to keep the current managers? If you’re trying to prevent corruption or rebellion, it would make sense to place one of your subordinates as the steward and leave the former administrators as assistants.”
“There’s no problem. The managers will keep journals and submit reports every week. You’ll review them. If there’s even the slightest hint of corruption, inform my subordinates. Even if the accusations turn out to be false, I won’t hold it against you. However, if you overlook any corruption, you will be severely punished.”
“...So, if I intentionally overlook embezzlement, I would be imprisoned, not the manager who committed the crime?”
He narrowed his eyes and asked, and I smiled and nodded.
“That’s right. If you overlook financial corruption, it’ll be one year in prison. If you fail to notice signs of rebellion, it’ll be two years in prison.”
As I answered, Zetros’s forehead creased. Seeing this, I couldn’t help but chuckle a little and added one more thing.
“Oh, I almost forgot. If any of the administrators show signs of tax evasion, illegal profits, or raising private soldiers, those who make such moves will be executed. Quite literally, a clean cut.”
“...Understood. I’ll make sure all the managers and assistants are informed.”
Zetros said this in a firm voice, bowing deeply.
It seemed he had a fair amount of resolve to remain here. Even with my threats, he kept his composure. His feelings for Cayyenne Fortress City were likely genuine. If I could improve the land and make life better than before, I was sure Zetros would work diligently for the betterment of the city.
“Now, then, shall we head to the knight’s quarters? I’ll first take control of the military.”
“Understood. Please, follow me to the barracks.”
Zetros said, obediently following my orders.
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