“Sorry to keep you waiting, everyone. I had a bit of trouble getting Barbaro to join the meeting.”

As I entered the meeting room dragging Barbaro, the room erupted in a commotion. I could hear murmurs.

“Why is Barbaro here…? Isn’t he the lord’s favorite…?

“Did Weiss really defeat that brute?”

“So the rumors about Weiss changing were true…”

I waited for their murmuring to die down, then cleared my throat to gather their attention.

“I haven’t fully explained the agenda of this meeting yet. Along with the interim report I requested, we will be revealing and condemning Barbaro’s crimes. Not only did he skip this meeting for a ridiculous reason, but he also tried to assault a maid in my mansion. And after my investigation, it turned out he had committed various other crimes. As punishment for his crimes, I will fire him from his position as captain of the guards and appoint a new one! Where is the former captain of the guards?”

“That would be… me.”

“Ah, it was you.”

Kaiser, the toilet cleaning staff member, raised his hand with a puzzled look on his face. I tapped Kaiser on the shoulder and checked his status.

◇ ◇ ◇

Kaiser Andersen

++Strength:++ 70
++Magic:++ 40
++Intelligence:++ 50

Skills

++Advanced Swordsmanship:++ LV3
++Guardian’s Shield:++ LV3

Unique Skill

++Heart of Justice: LV3++
When fighting for what he believes is right, his stats increase by 10%

++Occupation:++ Toilet Cleaner
++Loyalty to Master:++ 70

In the previous lord’s time, he was the chief of security and also Weiss’s mentor. He was demoted after offering his opinion to Weiss when he became lord. He has a strong sense of justice and is well-liked by the people.

◇ ◇ ◇

His stats are pretty high! And it was Weiss and Barbaro’s fault that he lost his position as chief of security! Of course, Kaiser would look puzzled.

I felt a headache coming on but made an announcement to everyone

“Kaiser… I’m sorry for everything up until now. It may be presumptuous of me, but would you lend me your strength once again, despite how badly I’ve treated you?”

“Weiss-sama, please raise your head. I, too, have reflected on how much I pushed you to learn swordsmanship and take responsibility as a lord, right after the previous lord passed away in an accident. If you give me another chance, I would gladly wield my sword for you once more.”

“Thank you, Kaiser…”

Such incredible loyalty. He must have had a hard time being demoted…++ And Weiss, you had such good people around you. If only you’d listened to them more… No, you didn’t have that luxury… which is why I’ll make the changes now.++

After thanking him, I spoke loudly so everyone could hear.

“Listen, everyone! I believe I’ve been a terrible lord so far. The death of my beloved parents and the pressure of being a new lord made me run away from my troubles. As a result, I lashed out at you all unfairly and allowed people like Barbaro to grow arrogant… I have no excuses for that. But I won’t run away anymore! I declare that I will devote all my energy to this territory from now on! I want you all to witness it!”

The reactions were mixed. Some looked at me with cold eyes, thinking it was too late. Others had a glimmer of hope. Those working in the mansion seemed more hopeful, perhaps thinking that maybe, just maybe, I might succeed.

It’s only been a week, but my efforts haven’t been in vain. And now the real challenge begins. All I can do now is prove myself through actions.

“So… what do you plan to do first?”

“Well, for starters, I’m going to crack down on the criminal organizations operating in this territory. Luckily, I have a source of information.”

I smirked as I kicked the unconscious Barbaro with my foot.

!next

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