Fawna's eyes widened at my words, and I could tell she was trying to understand. I had to admit that my plan sounded crazy, but I truly believed that it was the best way to turn this city around.
"You want to scare people into helping the city? That sounds like a difficult task," Fawna said skeptically.
"It's not as difficult as it sounds. Every criminal will have their own idea of what I will do if they don't help, and that is what will scare them. I also have an army of silver knights or, even better, that I can use to enforce my orders," I said as I gestured to the screen with the view of the silver knight who had infiltrated the Manta Manor.
Fawna nodded slowly, obviously considering my words.
"That could work. But what if they don't fear you? What if they stand up to you?" She asked.
"Then they will feel the wrath of my forces," I said with a smirk. "But I don't plan on using force unless it's absolutely necessary. I prefer to use my words and influence to get people to do as I wish. While scaring people is the main goal and keeping them in check, I would prefer just to keep them happy. Honey always catches more flies than vinegar."
Fawna looked at me with a thoughtful expression before she finally spoke.
"I like the sound of that, but how will you make them happy?" She asked, and I narrowed my eyes, and she put up her hands. "I am only asking because you aren't talking to anyone else about these things. Do you think that you have enough information to make all the decisions on your own?"
That was a valid point. "By giving them work that will earn them money, and then places to spend it. I am not sure how Ned taxes everyone, but it is clear that no money is being spent on the city. That will have to change, and I will have to act like a decent ruler to start out with. That means working on the condition of the city and then making it into something that will draw people in. I want people to come to this city, to feel safe and happy here. That will require a lot of work from me and from everyone else. People need to be given a chance to work and make money which can be used to improve the city. That is how I plan to make this city great," I said with a smile, but Fawna gave me an incredulous look.
"Now you sound like you are telling me a fairytale, even though you believe your words. I don't think that you are taking into consideration all the other gangs or the plain old killers and lone criminals. How are you going to deal with them first?" She asked.
"Kill or drive most of them out of the country, then they are someone else's problem. Defang the rest of them that I decided to keep. The first thing will be breaking up the small groups and putting them to work. The problem is that I need to start making some money so I can pay them. I could put bugs in their necks, but for long-term success and keeping them on the straight and narrow, I would prefer them to be happy, and money is a universal sign of happiness, don't ever let anyone tell you differently. If someone says money can't make you happy, they just haven't found the right place to spend it," I said, and Fawna hummed, pulling at her bottom lip.
"I suppose that is a good way to start, but we are still short on money. Couldn't you just make more?" She asked, and I shrugged.
"Sure, but that could cause us problems when I take over the capital and country. Adding more money into circulation, even if it is gold, will cause inflation, and I want to avoid that. People will complain, but I am sure I can come up with a solution. But I need to make sure that it is not something ridiculous. That is why I wanted your opinion because I know you will tell me something honest," I said, and Fawna smiled.
"Well, I can't help you make money, but I do think that you should try to start small. Start with the areas around the city and try to get people to start rebuilding it. Since you are already using your robots for repairs, you could offer people to fix up their buildings or even offer protection. Since we have a way to keep watch, we could hire people to patrol with your bugs at night and in the dark. The problem would be that most people can barely afford to live right now, so it might be hard to get people to pay," She explained, and I nodded.
"That just means that we will have to offer lower rates to certain people. We can do this by not listing a price," I explained, and Fawna shrugged.
"You could talk to Alizra about getting the word out if you are able to capture her. I still don't get why you don't just ask her to come rather than kidnapping her?" Fawna asked.
"I would prefer that Ned thought I kidnapped her. After Thomas spilled the information about her being the one to turn on me, it is completely reasonable for him to think that I would do this. Considering how aggressive I have been, Ned will assume that I will kill her after I am done with her," I explained, and Fawna gave me a worried look.
"Are you going to kill her?" She asked, and I shrugged.
"Too soon to tell, but it is better that Ned thinks I am. Also better than him thinking we are working together. Tonight will effectively be the end of the Manta Clan as it was, and depending on what I get out of Alizra will decide her fate. Ultimately, I don't see a reason to kill her, and having someone in her position working with me would be helpful in the future, and I can absorb the rest of her Clan, That is, only if things go according to plan, and I don't find out anything I don't like," I explained, making Fawna sigh.
"I guess we have to start somewhere," She said, and I nodded but put up my hand.
"I am switching to one of the silver knights so I can talk some sense into Alizra. I have already lost 2 out of three knights," I said and threw my consciousness across the city.