Establishing City Hall

Gray Eagle Territory was tiny—so tiny that Loren could count all the capable people at his disposal on one hand.

The bearded Deen and the talented administrator Ariel were among the few who could be of use.

He would need their help to establish City Hall.

But after pondering for a moment, Loren had Butler Bohr summon the security officer Kool, Barbarian Chieftain Yas, and the kobold Bloodline Mage Sim as well.

This was an important meeting that would shape the territory's future development. The capable people who held a certain standing in his eyes should be involved—or at the very least, they should know his intentions.

At Butler Bohr's summons, everyone gathered before long.

Deen and Ariel had only just been assigned rooms and were still feeling uneasy. They were the last to be notified, and as soon as they received the message, they hurried down the stairs to the hall.

"Lord Loren."

Feeling the gazes of everyone in the room upon him, the bearded Deen cautiously placed a hand to his chest and bowed, observing every rule of etiquette.

A somewhat nervous Ariel lowered her head timidly, clutching her skirt as she dipped into a slight curtsy.

"Lord Loren."

Her voice carried a shy, timid sweetness that made one want to protect her.

Loren rested his hands on the long table. Beside him, a wisp of steam curled slowly upward from a cup of hot tea, and he sat with his back straight.

The noble bearing instilled by his fine education was unmistakable.

"There's no need to be nervous. I called you here because I'd like to hear your thoughts on establishing City Hall."

Security officer Kool, Barbarian Chieftain Yas, kobold Bloodline Mage Sim, and even Fiana and Butler Bohr had little experience with administration.

Of all his subordinates, only Deen and Ariel were highly rated administrative talents according to the system.

Compared to the system's second task—rebuilding the Arrow Tower—establishing City Hall was clearly easier to accomplish.

Besides, once City Hall was established, it would be easier to coordinate the territory's resources for repairing the Arrow Tower.

Sharpening the axe wouldn't delay the work of chopping wood.

Loren looked at the nervous girl beside Deen.

"Ariel, don't be afraid to speak your mind.

"Even if you're wrong, it doesn't matter. I'll back you up. There's no need to be afraid."

Anyone the system rated as a genius administrator was bound to be capable.

But Ariel lacked confidence, and she needed encouragement.

Loren felt there was nothing wrong with what he'd said, but everyone else's expressions immediately changed.

They all looked at Ariel with a touch more respect.

Who was Loren? The ruler of Gray Eagle Territory!

He had earned the acknowledgment and respect of everyone present through his own abilities.

If he valued this girl so highly, then no matter how naive she might seem, it was best not to offend her.

Only Deen, with his full beard, felt an indescribable sourness in his heart. My lord, that's my daughter.

Ariel's heart stirred. Still shy, yet filled with courage, she rose to her feet and met Loren's gaze.

"Lord Loren, I think the sooner City Hall is established, the better."

"Gray Eagle Territory isn't very large right now. If we establish City Hall, we can immediately make adjustments if any problems arise. By the time the territory grows, we'll already have accumulated plenty of experience."

"Also, the territory's development needs to be planned as a whole. If City Hall coordinates everything, we'll undoubtedly save a great deal of manpower and resources, and avoid overbuilding or constructing buildings that don't meet standards."

The others in the room looked at Ariel differently once more, respect now showing in their eyes.

They might respect someone for their ability or lack thereof, but the reasons for that respect were entirely different.

"Good. Go on."

Seeing Loren's approving gaze, Ariel relaxed a little. Her hands still gripped the hem of her skirt tightly, but her smile grew brighter.

"Lord Loren, I suggest that City Hall establish four departments.

"The first department would be the Security Department.

"We could assign some soldiers to serve as its core staff, while recruiting able-bodied men from among the residents as auxiliary security officers.

"When they're free, we could organize training for them. They could also serve as reserves for the garrison, with volunteers taking priority.

"This would help prevent serious crimes from occurring within the community and greatly improve public safety.

"Second, the Department of Public Welfare. It would handle matters concerning people's livelihood, such as food, clothing, and household registration.

"Third, the Department of Construction. It would plan the territory's development over the next ten or twenty years, ensuring that every building followed the plan.

"Fourth, the Department of Agriculture. It would oversee all agricultural matters, including allocating land for slaves to farm and providing guidance on growing crops.

"In addition, the military should be expanded separately and remain outside City Hall's jurisdiction. You should command it personally."

Her orderly explanation left the room in silence. The longer they listened, the stranger everyone's expressions became.

Could a girl of only seventeen or eighteen really have come up with all this?

It was simply too unbelievable!

Loren waited for Ariel's soft voice to fall silent, then narrowed his eyes slightly and grew serious.

"Ariel, did you come up with all of this yourself?"

Under Loren's solemn gaze, the girl suddenly grew nervous. She clutched the hem of her skirt and answered softly,

"Lord Loren. I came up with this after discussing it with my father."

She finished, then looked at Loren anxiously as his imposing presence bore down on her.

The others also noticed Loren's change in attitude, and their expressions turned uneasy.

The bearded Deen hurried to his feet to apologize.

"I'm sorry, Lord Loren. Ariel is still young. Please forgive her recklessness. The matter of City Hall should be decided by you. We—"

Loren waved a hand, cutting off the nervous, frightened Deen. He rose to his feet and swept his gaze around the room.

"By the authority vested in me as the lord of Gray Eagle Territory, I hereby announce the formal establishment of City Hall.

"Ariel is exceptionally capable and talented, with limitless potential.

"I hereby appoint her as City Hall's first deputy councilor, directly under my authority.

"Deen, I appoint you as Ariel's assistant, responsible for helping her with her work."

"Kool, I appoint you as the first head of the Security Department, responsible for maintaining public order in Gray Eagle Territory."

"The heads of the Departments of Agriculture, Construction, and Public Welfare will be selected by Ariel from among the territory's residents and submitted to me for approval.

"This must be completed within three days. Even if there are no suitable candidates, interim officials must be appointed."

"In addition, Ariel has the authority to appoint City Hall officials. Once I approve an appointment, it will take effect immediately.

"When it comes to developing the territory, Ariel will have the authority to make decisions in my absence!"

Loren's sudden declaration left everyone in the room stunned.

Everyone stared in shock at Loren and at Ariel, who still hadn't recovered from the surprise.

He was appointing a slave to the powerful position of deputy councilor of City Hall!

And she was just a girl of seventeen or eighteen.

The unexpected announcement stunned everyone in the room.

It was far too bold, far too reckless!

City Hall's deputy councilor—that position would control the fate of most people. And now, a young girl had been given it.

Ariel could hardly believe it. Her eyes filled with delight and barely concealed emotion.

Loren's unconditional trust melted her heart.

Lord Loren...

It was as if stars were shining in those clear eyes.

The only discordant note came from Fiana, standing behind Loren. Her gaze sharpened, and the aura around her turned icy in an instant.

Killing intent seemed to flicker in her eyes.

For some reason, the girl suddenly found Loren terribly annoying.