Published: January 4, 2026
Inside the office, I was receiving a report from Words Quarse.
"At noon today, the execution of one death row inmate was carried out."
"Hmm, how was the scene?"
"Yes, it was lively as usual, but some reacted to the inmate’s final words and questioned the suspended sentence."
"I see."
I nodded.
"In the past, suspended sentences for death ranged from over 10,000 to under 30,000 riyen."
"Yes."
"This time, because the crime period was during the post-earthquake reconstruction, the sentence was increased by one grade and executed immediately. It’s legal. Though there’s no need to explain that. After all, a suspended sentence legally only means 'it can be executed at any time.'"
"I see..."
"Hmm?"
Suddenly, I noticed Words Quarse’s reaction.
Since he started the report, his responses had been pretty much the same, and I wondered if something was wrong as I looked at his face.
I saw that Words Quarse had turned pale.
"What’s wrong?"
"I-I’m sorry... it’s due to my ignorance..."
"Oh, this is about the new official you listed, right?"
With Words Quarse’s words, I understood everything and why he looked so pale.
The person executed today was one of the newly appointed officials filling the positions of the corrupt officials I executed en masse since becoming governor.
Words Quarse had listed him, and I had approved him as is.
Within less than a month since his appointment, this man was found to have embezzled roughly 10,000 riyen, subsequently imprisoned, condemned, and executed.
Words Quarse looked fearful, worried about his responsibility and my questioning.
I calmly said,
"This is the difficulty in dealing with corrupt officials."
"Huh? W-what do you mean?"
Words Quarse, with a pale face, tried to look down and avoid my gaze, but surprised, he suddenly looked up at me.
"For example, suppose there’s someone who amassed around 30,000 riyen through bribery or embezzlement over three years. Now, did he increase his wealth by 10,000 riyen each year?"
"Um..."
Words Quarse looked clearly confused.
Knowing he couldn’t really answer for various reasons, I continued without waiting for his answer.
"The answer is no. Of course, it varies by person, but generally, once their assets have grown to a certain extent, the pace of bribery and embezzlement slows down."
"Because they’re satisfied...?"
"That’s part of it, but some think, 'I can take it anytime, so it doesn’t have to be now.' I call this being 'full.'"
"Full..."
"After being full, they only take a little if they feel like it."
"I see..."
"Now, what happens if you remove the full ones and bring in the hungry ones?"
"—! They start eating ravenously."
Words Quarse gasped, and I nodded.
"Then they suddenly start gathering money in bulk. Naturally, if they try to receive large sums in a short period, it puts strain everywhere, sometimes even on the people."
I turned to look out the window with a distant gaze.
"It’s natural to not tolerate corrupt officials, but if you remove the full ones, hungry people will come in."
"That is..."
"So this time, the sentence was increased by one grade."
"Ah..."
Words Quarse was startled.
Only now did he realize that the answer to the people’s doubts was being given.
He was even more shocked.
"Ah, now that you mention it! You did say something like that at the first execution."
"Yes."
I wondered if I had said it, but my thoughts hadn’t changed since then, so I assumed I had.
"That’s amazing... you already predicted it back then..."
Words Quarse was increasingly impressed.
"So don’t worry about it."
"Yes!"
Well then, I thought.
The bad example had been shown; next, I must show a good one. I started thinking about how.
☆
A few days later, at night.
Late into the night, just before the eastern sky began to lighten.
While I was doing paperwork in the office, there came a knock on the door.
"Enter."
Without looking up, I responded with just my voice, and a young maid entered.
"Sorry to bother you so late."
"What’s the matter?"
"A person claiming to be a family member has come. Since it’s late at night—"