The next morning, the castle looked very busy. Because yesterday afternoon the new landlord had arrived, today the castle's knights, maids, and stewards had gathered in the grounds, They were waiting for their new master to give a word. Of course, this is just a formality.
They all knew that their new master was a famous Prince in the Empire. Yes... infamous for its ugliness. Even so, those people didn't mind at all and were instead happy. Their work would definitely become more relaxed. But what they don't know, the things in their minds are just an illusion.
Azel who just came out of the main castle building looked so gloomy. This is because of what happened last night. After dinner, he immediately looked for documents about the knights and the castle's maids.
Seeing that most of the people's levels were level 1 or 2, Azel became gloomy. For which he was somewhat grateful, most of them were young talents. Most of them were over fifteen and less than twenty. Of course, there were some low level old knights. At best, there were two old knights at level four.
The level of the knights under him were truly worse than the Viscount's knights. Maybe equal or slightly better than Baron's knight. This is really sad and embarrassing.
Within the Count's knight order, there were at least ten level 4 demons. Of course, it wasn't the old demons who should retire. The count itself is usually at level 4 (final) or level 5 (Initial). As for the Marquis, usually those who get the title are at level 5. Whether it's the initial or the final stage.
Standing in front of the knight order and the castle's maid, Azel stared coldly. the castle's maid, Azel stared coldly. Those people did not dare to act impolite for fear of losing their lives. Even though they were somewhat dissatisfied with Azel's attitude, they still complied with all of his requests because he was a Prince.
"I only have one sentence to say to you."
When people thought that Azel would say 'please help', 'please take care of me', or something like that. The sentence that came out of the Prince's mouth was completely different from what they had imagined. Even that sentence was immediately imprinted in their hearts.
"All of you... TRASH!"
The crowd immediately went into an uproar. They immediately whispered and started cursing Azel in their hearts. But when Azel looked at them coldly, the people immediately fell silent.
"You guys must think I'm wrong. But that's the truth. Don't you believe it? Then I'll prove it.
You know what people in the Imperial Palace think?
'Ah! This trash prince… why give him such a powerful knight. It was just a waste of the Empire's resources. Using trash and country bumpkins is more appropriate for him. After all, he only lives for fun.
Of course, I was furious when I saw you guys. I even feel disgusted. Dumped at the border like this. Not only has my quality of life decreased, even my safety has been taken for granted.
Shit! I can't even sleep well!"
Seeing Azel who was grumbling, the people immediately fell silent. But they also realized that everything their new master had said was true. They are considered trash and are used to serve larger trash. When they saw Azel who wasn't being hypocritical, they somehow felt a tinge of admiration.
"Not only strength, territory management is also very badly done. You know? I really have a headache.
Shit! I just want to live leisurely and comfortable, ok? Why do I have to live a life like this?
I'm really lazy and want to live quietly, but conditions don't allow me. From now on, I'll be a little serious.
Most of you would think I was just talking nonsense, but..." Azel raised his right hand while pointing up.
"One year. No need to think much and do what I say in one year. Be my follower in just one year.
I will make this army and region more prosperous than before. At the very least, this place is no less prosperous than the territory of the three former Counts in my area of control.
If I fail, I'll triple your salaries and I won't care too much about government affairs. Do you dare to accept my challenge?"
The guys looked at Ciel with strange expressions. They felt that the Prince sounded too arrogant. But Ciel's request didn't cross the line or anything like that. Even without betting, they have an obligation to obey the prince's words. Of course, the Prince's request made them even more sincere.
"Looks like you guys agree. Then, the new rules will start tomorrow! For today, you guys are working as usual. That's all, I don't want to say too much. Disperse!"
"Yes sir!"
After dispersing the people, Azel headed straight to his office together with Camellia and Isabella. Arriving at the office, he immediately took out a pile of blank paper, ink, and a bird-type Demonic Beast pen. hair
Sitting on the work chair after putting things on the table, Azel looked at the two girls who followed him.
"Camellia."
"Yes, Master?"
"Because last night I counted the number of knights and maids and their levels, now you separate them according to their age and potential."
"yes!"
"Isabella?"
"Servant here, Sir?" Isabella bowed politely.
"Black Lily City along with several of the surrounding cities are managed by the former Marquis personally, right?"
"That's right, Sir."
"Find the former Marquis' closed private business. It will rightfully belong to me. Don't let the former Count, Viscount, and Baron dare to meddle in it.
Besides, the location of our territory is in the south. This place is fertile and also one of the food production areas, right? Find out the farmers and what they need. Don't forget to check taxes.
Everything related to the incoming and outgoing funds… I want everything on this table before noon!"
"Yes sir!"
Azel leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He then thought of the six former nobles under the Marquis who were executed. There were actually eight, but two of them were found guilty and were eventually written off along with the Marquis.
'They didn't even come to greet the new master, huh?'
Opening his eyes, a cold and cruel glint flashed through them.
"Forget it. First of all, I'll come up with a knight development plan," Azel muttered.
Clicking his tongue, Azel started writing plans in his head down on paper. The young man decided to disband the old knight order and create three new regiments. They will be called Strikers, Defenders, and Watchers.
Strikers, as the name suggests, those guys specialize in striking. They will be trained in basic training and the direction of development will be fighting on the battlefield.
Defenders, as the name suggests, those people specialize in defending.
They will be trained in basic training and the direction of development is area defense and the use of heavy weapons.
Watchers, as the name suggests, those people specialize in observing. In other words, a supervisor assigned to the Count and Viscount's territory under him. They would be trained in basic training and the development direction would be hand-to-hand combat. In addition, they will be trained to be spies.
Within those three regiments, Azel planned to create a group of specially trained elites. For now, he would select 25 people in each regiment. They will be called Shadow Striker, Shadow Defender, and Shadow Watcher.
"Hmmm... seventy five people. I would spend a fortune to train them," Azel said with a bitter smile on his face.
After making plans regarding rebuilding and training Knights, time flies by, it's already midday. Azel then took six pieces of Demonic Beast skin and started writing the invitation letter.
Azel plans to invite the former nobles in this region. In his invitation, of course he did not behave politely. The young man clearly wrote the words 'Former' Count and Viscount. That meant Azel didn't value them and would easily replace them.
'If they act politely, of course I will reply politely. Otherwise... why should I behave politely?'
Azel thought with an indifferent expression on his face. While focusing on writing, a knock sounded from the door.
"Enter."
The door opened, the figure of an exhausted Isabella came into the room. She was carrying a stack of papers. Not caring how tired she was, the woman hastily bowed.
"Forgive me for being late in carrying out your task, sir."
"You got it?"
Seeing that Azel wasn't angry, Isabella was surprised. She quickly replied, "Everything is here, Sir."
"Good job. Bring it here!"
Looking at the beautiful woman who was doing her job well, Azel smiled gently. He wasn't angry and instead looked at Isabella intently.
'Hmmm...a sight like this can be considered as an after-work eye washwash.'
****