Chapter 280: [Another Perspective] Lord Panamera’s Reign of Terror

[Panamera]

I looked the man named Zetros, who had introduced himself while remaining expressionless, up and down before speaking.

“A head butler at that age? You must be excellent… So, why did you remain in this city?”

I walked into the hall, moved in front of Zetros, and asked the question. Zetros answered quietly without changing his expression.

“When this land ceased to be the territory of the Kingdom of Yelenetta, Lord Actro returned to Duke Sitan with the Kingdom’s knights. However, since this city has supported Fortress Werner for a long time, many of those who manage the city were born and raised here. Of course, I am one of them as well…”

“…To protect the city where you were born and raised, is it? Do you understand that is nothing but sentimentality? There is no way a single city can defy the Kingdom of Scuderia. No matter what treatment you receive, you have no choice but to obey.”

I spread my arms as I told him that. Did I get a little too carried away? I thought that, but testing this man named Zetros who wouldn’t change his expression was amusing. After all, even after saying this much, he didn’t move a single eyebrow. I wanted to force some emotion out of him somehow.

“Macan. Bring everyone inside.”

“Yes.”

When I gave the order, Macan and the others quickly entered the hall and lined up. At that, the guards who had guided us changed their expressions. Amidst the spreading tension, Zetros opened his mouth, remaining expressionless.

“…Of course, I am aware. However, this city has already become part of the Kingdom of Scuderia. And we are citizens of the Kingdom of Scuderia. We are neither slaves nor prisoners of war. I spent over a month dedicating all my time to studying the laws of the Kingdom of Scuderia.”

Zetros said that and stared into my eyes. An assertion of rights? If it were rebellion, it would be foolish, but this seemed to be different.

I watched him for a while, our gazes intersecting, but Zetros didn’t seem to intend to change his expression.

Eventually, I was the one who gave in and started laughing.

“Fu, hahahaha…! You are an amusing man. However, I do not like being tested. You may be trying to measure me by risking your own life, but such trivial bargaining is unnecessary… Zetros, as you have likely predicted to some extent, this city located on the new border with the Kingdom of Yelenetta will be an important location. I won’t turn such a city into a lawless zone.”

When I told him that, Zetros lowered his shoulders ever so slightly. It seemed he was at least nervous, even if he didn’t show it on his face. I felt like I finally confirmed he was human.

“…That is excellent. Then, what kind of structure are you considering?”

Asked that by Zetros, I crossed my arms and groaned.

“Hmmm… First, I need to confirm the current situation. How was the structure until now?”

“Yes. There was one magistrate, and ten subordinates who managed finances, budgets, and residents. Each of them has servants and subordinates, and in some cases, organizations with a considerable number of people. Regarding the knights, there was the Kingdom Chivalric Order organized by the kingdom that patrolled regularly, and the Grosser Chivalric Order organized in this city, but currently only the Grosser Chivalric Order remains. The Grosser Chivalric Order has one Knight Commander and one Vice Commander. There are less than one hundred knights currently belonging to it, but they are all mighty knights who have undergone rigorous training.”

“Oh? Did everyone except the magistrate remain?”

“No, half of the administrators who worked as the magistrate’s subordinates went with the magistrate. Their subordinates did the same. Also, since the city was not operated solely by its residents, the Touro Trading Company, the primary trading company of the Kingdom of Yelenetta, also withdrew its stores. Currently, we continue our lives only with the industries that can be conducted within the city, but there is an increasing shortage of necessities for food, clothing, and shelter.”

As Zetros accurately answered the information I needed, I evaluated him as a capable man.

“Hmm, half of them. Then there shouldn’t be a problem. From now on, I will likely be away from the territory every time there is a war. Zetros, you shall become the magistrate and manage the entire territory. The remaining administrators and assistants can stay as they are, but let me speak with everyone once.”

When I announced that, Zetros lowered the ends of his eyebrows slightly. Rather than distrust, he seemed to have doubts about something.

“…Is it really alright to keep the administrators as they are? To prevent corruption or rebellion, I think it would be natural to place Lord Panamera’s subordinates as administrators and those who have managed things until now as assistants.”

“No problem. Have the administrators keep a journal and submit a weekly report. You check everything, and if you suspect even the slightest corruption, tell my subordinates. Even if the suspicion is groundless, I won’t hold you responsible. Conversely, consider that if you overlook corruption, you will be punished severely.”

“…In other words, if I intentionally overlook embezzlement, it is not the administrator who embezzled, but I who will be imprisoned?”

He asked with narrowed eyes, so I smiled and nodded.

“Exactly. Let’s see… If you overlook corruption regarding money, let’s say one year of imprisonment. If you overlook movements like rebellion, let’s make it two years.”

When I answered, Zetros frowned. Seeing that, I laughed as if exhaling and added one more thing.

“Ah, I forgot. Any administrator who shows signs of rebellion, such as tax evasion, illicit acquisition of profits, or gathering private soldiers, will have their head cut off. Literally, snap.”

“…Understood. I will make this known to all administrators and assistants.”

Zetros said that in a stiff voice and bowed deeply.

It seems he remained in this land with considerable resolve. Even with this much intimidation, he maintained this attitude. His feelings for Fortress City Cayenne must be genuine. If so, if I make the land prosperous and life becomes even a little better than before, Zetros will surely work hard just for that.

“Now then, guide me to the Chivalric Order. Let’s seize control of the military first.”

“Understood. Then, I will guide you to the barracks.”

Saying that, Zetros obediently followed my instructions.