Published: January 15, 2026
[Panamera]
I looked up and down the man named Zetros, who introduced himself expressionlessly, then spoke.
"Deputy chief butler at such a young age. You seem capable... So, why did you stay in this town?"
I entered the hall, moving in front of Zetros as I asked. He responded quietly, without changing his expression.
"When this land ceased to be part of the Yelinetta Kingdom, Lord Actro returned to Duke Shitan with the Kingdom Knight Order. However, this town has long supported Fortress Werner, so many of those managing the town were born and raised here. Of course, I am one of them..."
"... To protect the town where you were born and raised, huh? Do you realize that's just sentimental? This one town can't defy the Kingdom of Scuderia. No matter how you're treated, you must obey."
I said that, spreading my hands. Was I being a bit too provocative? I thought so, but testing this unfazed man, Zetros, was interesting. After all, even after all I said, he didn’t so much as raise an eyebrow. I wanted to find a way to make him show some emotion.
"Makan. Bring everyone inside."
"Yes, sir."
After giving the order, Makan and the others swiftly entered the hall and lined up. The guards who had guided us here changed their expressions. Amid the tense atmosphere, Zetros spoke without expression.
"...Of course, I understand. However, this town has already become part of the Kingdom of Scuderia. And we are citizens of Scuderia, not slaves or prisoners of war. I have spent more than a month studying the laws of the Kingdom of Scuderia."
Saying this, Zetros looked me in the eyes. A claim to rights? If it were defiance, it would be foolish, but this seemed different.
We exchanged gazes for a while, but Zetros still showed no intention of changing his expression.
Eventually, I gave in and laughed.
"Haha... An interesting man. But I don’t like being tested. You might be trying to measure me by risking your life, but such petty tactics are unnecessary... Zetros, you probably expect this to some extent, but this town, located on the new border with the Yelinetta Kingdom, is important. I won’t let it become a lawless zone."
As I said this, Zetros slightly lowered his shoulders. Apparently, even if he didn’t show it on his face, he was somewhat nervous. I felt reassured that he was human after all.
"...That is agreeable. So, what kind of system do you have in mind?"
Zetros asked, and I folded my arms, pondering.
"Hmm... First, we need to confirm the current situation. How was the previous system?"
"Yes. There was one magistrate, with about ten subordinates managing finances, budgets, and residents. Each of them had their own attendants or subordinates, sometimes forming sizable groups. Also, there was the Kingdom Knight Order organized by the kingdom, which patrolled regularly, and the Grosser Knight Order organized within this town. Currently, only the Grosser Knight Order remains. It has one knight commander and one deputy commander. There are fewer than a hundred knights, but all are highly trained and elite."
"Oh? Everyone except the magistrate still remains?"
"No. Half of the administrators who worked under the magistrate have followed him away. Their subordinates too. Also, since the town did not manage itself independently, the Touro Trading Company, the primary merchant guild of the Yelinetta Kingdom, has withdrawn its shops. We now live only on industries possible within the town, but shortages in clothing, food, and shelter are increasing."
Zetros answered precisely with the information I needed. I rated him as a very capable man.
"Hmm, half. That shouldn't be a problem. From now on, I will likely be away from the territory during wars. Zetros, you shall become the magistrate and oversee the entire territory. The current administrators and assistants can remain as they are, but you must speak with each of them once."
I said this, and Zetros slightly lowered the ends of his eyebrows. Rather than distrust, it seemed he was holding some doubts.
"...Is it really okay to keep the current administrators? To prevent corruption or rebellion, wouldn’t it be natural to appoint your subordinates as administrators and place the current managers as assistants?"