With a slight smirk tugging at my lips, I stepped toward the chosen five, letting my presence settle over them like a heavy cloak.
Their postures stiffened—as they should.
Power wasn't just about what you said. It was about how you made them feel.
I owned this town.
And soon enough, they'd all understand that completely.
"You five will decide amongst yourselves which region you wish to govern," I declared, my voice smooth but firm. "I'll leave that choice up to you. However—"
I let my voice drop into something sharp, cold, and full of malice.
"I don't want any infighting."
The way their bodies shriveled slightly in response told me they got the message loud and clear.
Ah.
Am I really that scary?
I pondered the thought for a second before dismissing it.
All I had to do was take one look at my reflection in the mirror, and the answer became painfully obvious.
The most prominent feature on my face—my blood-red scarlet eyes.
They weren't just intimidating. They were terrifying.
Even I, on occasion, found myself unnerved by them.
Seriously—you wouldn't want to lock eyes with me at midnight.
Letting the tension settle, I softened my tone just slightly.
"As for the maids," I added, "it will be up to them who they choose to serve. Consider that a matter of luck. I only hope for good things from you all."
With a calculated smile, I placed a firm hand on each of their shoulders in turn, my touch just a little heavier than necessary.
A reminder.
A silent promise that failure wouldn't be tolerated.
"Keep up the good work."
They swallowed their nervousness, nodding respectfully.
Good.
At least they weren't completely useless.
With pleasantries out of the way, it was time for the real business.
"Now," I said, my voice turning authoritative once more, "whoever governs the Southern region will oversee the construction of the arena. It must be large enough to hold at least 200 people at once—while still having room to spare."
Their backs straightened further, the weight of responsibility pressing down on them.
"As for the Northern region," I continued, "its ruler will be responsible for establishing the childcare center. It must be built as close to the castle as possible."
Each of them nodded in turn.
Obedient.
I turned back toward the crowds, their cheers still echoing through the town square.
"People!!" I bellowed, letting my voice carry across the gathering. "As I previously declared, mining operations will be temporarily halted. However—"
Silence.
They knew better than to interrupt me.
"During this period, you will all be provided with daily necessities. In return, you will devote yourselves to the construction of the arena and the childcare center. I expect this to be completed as swiftly as possible."
Instead of immediate cheers, the crowd paused, absorbing the weight of my words.
They were… thinking.
Ah.
They were learning.
This was progress.
I let a moment of calculated silence stretch between us before raising a casual hand.
"That's all for today. We will meet again next month—with our next chosen five."
And just like that, I turned away, making my way toward my waiting carriage.
The delayed eruption of cheers followed me as I walked.
I didn't turn back.
I didn't need to.
The feeling of commanding a devoted crowd—it was… euphoric.
I would never get used to it.
...
Settling into the carriage, I let out a long breath, resting my chin on my palm as the Unihorses set off toward the castle.
One task was complete—but there were many more left unchecked.
My gaze drifted to the scenery outside.
Plains stretched as far as the eye could see, their green and gold hues shifting under the afternoon sun. Wildflowers bloomed in bursts of color, and the occasional giant tree stood like a sentinel among the landscape.
Some trees were familiar—oaks, pines, even redwoods.
But most?
They were… alien.
Purple and cyan leaves curled around twisted, coiling branches, intertwining like the limbs of ancient creatures.
It was beautiful.
And yet—strange.
'I need to study this world more.'
The thought came to me unbidden.
I had learned enough to rule over this land—but I still knew too little.
I needed knowledge.
An academy.
Somewhere to learn about this world's intricacies.
The thought settled in my mind, and before I knew it—the castle loomed before me.
...
As I stepped out of the carriage, I gave the Unihorses a firm pat.
They neighed in response before trotting off to their stables—well-trained beasts.
I stretched, rolling my shoulders before heading inside.
My next task?
Debt collectors.
I needed to know when they'd be arriving.
And for that—
I had to talk to Laura.
A bitter taste settled in my mouth at the thought.
I really… didn't want to see her.
She had been loyal—but not to me.
She was my father's pawn.
And that… hurt.
She was the first person I had considered a friend here.
And she had snitched on me.
I exhaled sharply, pushing the thoughts aside as I stepped into the castle.
The first person I ran into was one of the maids—a rather… well-endowed one.
The moment she saw me, she muttered a string of curses under her breath.
I raised an eyebrow.
She wasn't even trying to hide her malice.
Then—
She turned on her heel, making to leave.
I blinked.
Excuse me?
I reached out, grabbing her shoulder.
She flinched violently—no, she downright jumped.
I barely had time to react before she curled into a ball under the nearest table.
…What?
I groaned, rubbing my temples.
"Stop."
She didn't move.
She just… shivered under the table like a frightened animal.
I sighed.
Seriously—what was the point of all that earlier hostility if she was just going to collapse like this?
She was even worse than the demonic maid.
Wait.
Now that I thought about it—
I didn't even know their names.
The only name I actually knew was Laura's.
That realization settled in a little too late.
Not wanting to deal with this absurdity any longer, I straightened my back and spoke with authority.
"Gather every maid in my chambers—immediately."
She squeaked like a startled squirrel before darting off.
I pinched the bridge of my nose, making my way toward my chambers.
Each one of them was a unique specimen.
And honestly?
I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing.
Nah, I was sure it was a bad thing.