Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power

I thought to myself that the way she handled things in a straightforward manner like this was quite impressive.

Mary left, and the door closed with a slam.

I turned back to John, who remained.

“Sorry for calling you here all of a sudden.”

“Not at all! It’s the greatest honor to be of assistance to Your Majesty. Honestly, I’ve been waiting for this day almost every day.”

“To be honest, we’re short on manpower.”

I slowly circled around the desk and returned to my seat.

Sitting down, I looked up at John.

“We’ve ruthlessly cut down those who needed to be cut down, including additional cases. Right now, downstairs, people must be wondering what the emperor really has in mind.”

“Your Majesty is just incredible.”

John said cheerfully.

Although his language wasn’t what you’d expect from a man of considerable age and rank—someone who could now be considered a high official—I didn’t mind it at all and ignored it.

John continued.

“It’s no wonder that the small fry can’t grasp your true intentions.”

“That might be fine under normal circumstances, but now we want to rebuild as soon as possible. I don’t want to waste time making people guess what’s in my heart.”

“What should I do?”

John, clearly knowing this was the main point, asked directly.

“I hear you’ve been focusing on cultivating your own loyal followers.”

“Yes, as I told Your Majesty before, I’ve been imitating Your Majesty.”

“Then that makes it easy. You’ll also work here in this land, but what will you do if someone comes to you with a bribe?”

“I’ll hit them with a broom and chase them away.”

John’s phrasing was amusing but also refreshing.

If it were someone like Cres, he’d probably use strong words like ‘outrageous’ or ‘deserving of death.’

Among those who have served me for a long time, only John talks like this. In that sense, he and Mary were a similar pair.

I smiled lightly at John and asked further.

“Do you have anyone among your followers who can do similar things—for your sake?”

“Uh… yes, probably a few.”

“Probably isn’t good enough.”

I said firmly, my face a bit more serious this time.

“If someone does it again, I’ll have to cut them down without question. So it has to be someone who can definitely do it.”

“Then two… no, three people. If those two stoop to corruption, take my head.”

John became serious and hesitated for a moment before saying that. It seemed these two were the people he trusted and could hold accountable.

Looking at John’s expression and the seriousness in his eyes—

I had a vague suspicion, but now I was certain that John's usual behavior was somewhat of a ‘performance.’

Whether in front of me or elsewhere in his jurisdiction, he always acted as a somewhat worldly man.

I knew roughly why, so I didn’t bring it up.

“Then summon those two. Entrust them with the core of the reconstruction—the place where the money flows the most.”

“Understood. I’ll call them immediately. But one of the two still doesn’t have much of an achievement record, so I’m not sure about such an important role—”

“I’ll promote them. Given the current situation, even if they’re incompetent but have no greed, it’s not a problem.”

“That’s amazing, Your Majesty. Saying it so decisively. Understood, I’ll summon both of them right away.”

“Good.”

I nodded.

John asked further.

“By the way, what should I do?”

“You’ll be in charge of rebuilding the waterworks.”

“Waterworks? But the waterworks weren’t that badly damaged—ah.”

John started to speak but suddenly realized something.

I smiled faintly.

“Yes, the waterworks themselves aren’t seriously damaged. But the interests surrounding it have become a major problem. I saw a lot on my way here to Larak incognito.”

“I see…”

“So the reconstruction is about the people, not the equipment. Use a heavy hand. If you can secure manpower, feel free to cut down as many as needed.”

“Understood. Um, it seems that some officials affiliated with the prince still remain…”