Published: January 4, 2026
One afternoon, I was inside the government building working on paperwork.
John was standing across from me at the desk, and I was reviewing the documents he had brought.
Since becoming the governor of Enlil Province, I’ve skimmed through most matters due to the emergency situation, but John, having served me for a long time, knows me well enough to bring me things of importance.
Today’s documents were just that — court cases, legal matters.
I read through them thoroughly from start to finish.
“...Disputes between citizens, huh.”
“That’s right,” John nodded, wearing a troubled expression.
“We’ll deal with appropriate crimes on our end in an appropriate manner.”
I nodded.
From that statement, I could tell John was wise and usually hid it well.
The word “appropriate” has two meanings.
At that moment, John meant “appropriate” as in “to handle properly and suitably.”
John’s ability to use language so skillfully proved his intelligence, embodying the saying “people are treasures.”
As I was thinking this, John continued with his serious face.
“But, as you can see from what I brought, well...”
“Assault resulting in death, robbery and murder... I see. Each of these could warrant the death penalty if pursued.”
“Yes.”
John nodded and added,
“Well, these times are tough. The people are on edge, desperate to survive, so various incidents happen.”
“True. Sometimes things escalate on impulse.”
“And so, what should we do? We ‘officials’ have the principle of... punish one as a warning to a hundred, right?”
“’Punish one as a warning to a hundred,’ huh?”
“That’s it.”
John clapped his hands and said so.
John, originally a slave, had risen to high office thanks to my patronage, but he still sometimes showed gaps in his knowledge.
However, knowing John well, and having just been impressed by him, I understood that either he was pretending not to know or deliberately avoiding learning certain things.
John’s character was that, though his origins left gaps in knowledge, he made up for it with wisdom — and he was consciously playing that role.
Just as I had admired him moments ago, I decided not to point that out here.
“I’m totally in favor of that,” I said. “At this time, officials should impose the harshest punishments possible. If necessary, we could even consider extermination of entire clans. But then, what about the people?”
“Hmm.”
I nodded in understanding.
Assault resulting in death, robbery and murder — both can be punishable by death, but not always.
Of course, assault resulting in death is lighter, and roughly only about 10% of those convicted face the death penalty. Conversely, robbery and murder is heavier, and the percentage who avoid the death penalty is roughly 10%.
Two crimes that can swing either way, and with severity that’s almost opposite.
John had brought these cases to me, seeking my approval.
I figured he intended to use them as future standards.
I pondered over the phrase John used — “punish one as a warning to a hundred.”
It literally means to impose a severe penalty on one person as a deterrent and example for many others.
That’s what the officials are doing now.
At this moment, anyone caught corrupt or enriching themselves is mercilessly beheaded.
That’s fine, that’s what needs to be done now.
But what about the people?
At this moment, the people are not just citizens, but “disaster victims.”
I understood John’s hesitation about applying “punish one as a warning to a hundred” to them.
In fact, it might be better to be lenient with the people now.
I let out a soft laugh.
“What is it, master?”
“These guys? They all deserve the death penalty.”
“Huh? You mean beheading them?”
John looked a little surprised.
Given the situation and knowing me, he must have predicted I’d be more forgiving.
I continued.
“However, everyone will receive a suspended sentence. One year should suffice.”
“Death sentence with a one-year suspension...”
John pondered deeply.