Establishing City Hall

The Gray Eagle Territory was too small, so small that the talents Loren had at his disposal could be counted on one hand.

The bearded Deen and the genius administrator Ariel were among the few useful people he had.

They would also need their assistance to establish City Hall.

However, after a moment of thought, Loren also summoned Butler Bohr, Guard Commander Kool, the Barbarian Chieftain Yas, and the Kobold Bloodline Mage Sim.

This was an important agenda item that would determine the future development of the territory. These talents, who held a certain position in his heart, should participate, or at least be aware of his intentions.

Under Butler Bohr's summons, the personnel were all gathered in a short while.

Deen and Ariel, who had just been assigned rooms and were feeling apprehensive, were the last to be informed. Upon receiving the news, they immediately descended the stairs to the main hall.

"Lord Loren."

Seeing everyone's eyes on him, the bearded Deen cautiously placed his hand over his chest and bowed, without any breach of etiquette.

A somewhat nervous Ariel weakly lowered her head, tugging at her skirt as she curtsied slightly.

"Lord Loren."

Her voice carried a shyness and timidity that evoked a strong desire to protect.

Loren placed his hands on the long table, a wisp of steam slowly rising from the hot tea beside him, his back sitting perfectly straight.

The noble demeanor cultivated through a good education radiated from him.

"No need to be nervous. I summoned you here because I want to hear your opinions on establishing City Hall."

Guard Commander Kool, the Barbarian Chieftain Yas, the Kobold Bloodline Mage Sim, and even Fiana and Butler Bohr had little experience in administration.

He only had Deen and Ariel, two talents highly rated by the system for their administrative skills.

Compared to the system's second task—repairing the Arrow Tower—the task of establishing City Hall was clearly easier to complete.

Moreover, after establishing City Hall, it would be more convenient to allocate the territory's resources to repair the Arrow Tower.

Sharpening the axe does not delay the felling of wood.

He looked at the somewhat nervous girl beside Deen.

"Ariel, speak your mind boldly. It doesn't matter if you say something wrong; I'll back you up, so don't be afraid."

As a talent rated as a genius in administration by the system, she naturally wouldn't be bad.

However, Ariel lacked confidence, and needed encouragement.

Loren felt there was nothing wrong with his words, but the expressions of others immediately changed.

The way they looked at Ariel instantly filled with a measure of awe.

Who was Loren? The master of the Gray Eagle Territory!

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

To be valued so highly by him, this girl, no matter how innocent, would be best not to offend.

Only the heavily bearded Deen felt an indescribable sourness in his heart. Lord, that's my daughter.

Ariel's heart trembled. Her expression remained shy, but she stood up with immense courage, her timid gaze meeting Loren's directly.

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

"The Gray Eagle Territory is not large at the moment. Even if there are problems after establishing City Hall, we can adjust them immediately. As the territory expands in the future, we will have accumulated enough experience."

"Furthermore, the development of the territory requires unified planning. If City Hall can coordinate efforts, it will undoubtedly save a lot of manpower and resources, avoiding over-construction and irregular building practices."

The gazes of the others in the room shifted towards Ariel again, now with a hint of respect.

They might respect competence and incompetence for entirely different reasons.

"Good, continue."

Seeing Loren's appreciative and approving gaze, Ariel's nervous expression relaxed slightly. Although her hands still clutched her hem tightly, her smile became clearer.

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

The first department—the Security Department.

A portion of the soldiers can be assigned to the Security Department as core members, while simultaneously drawing men from the residents to become auxiliary security officers. They can organize training during their free time and also serve as a reserve force for the guards, with voluntary enlistment being the primary method.

This will help prevent serious crimes from occurring within the resident population and greatly improve public safety.

Second, the Department of Livelihood, responsible for managing livelihood issues, food, clothing, household registration, and other matters.

Third, the Construction Department, responsible for planning the territory's development over the next ten to twenty years, ensuring all construction falls within the plan.

Fourth, the Department of Agriculture, responsible for all agricultural matters, including how land is allocated for slave cultivation and guidance on grain planting.

In addition, the military should be a separate branch, not under the jurisdiction of City Hall, and personally commanded by you."

Her well-organized words plunged the room into silence, and the expressions of the crowd grew increasingly strange.

Is this really something a seventeen or eighteen-year-old girl could think of?

This is way too exaggerated, isn't it?!

Loren waited until Ariel's soft voice stopped, his eyes narrowed slightly, and his expression turned serious.

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

Seeing Loren's solemn gaze, the girl suddenly became a little nervous. She clutched the hem of her clothes and said in a small voice.

"Lord Loren. This was discussed and summarized with my father."

After speaking, she looked at the imposing Loren with trepidation.

The others also noticed the change in Loren's attitude, and their expressions became somewhat subtle.

Deen, the bearded man, quickly stood up to apologize.

"I'm sorry, Lord Loren. Ariel is still young, please forgive her recklessness. Matters of City Hall should be decided by you, we..."

Loren waved his hand, interrupting the nervous and frightened Deen, and stood up, his gaze sweeping around.

"I declare in the name of the Lord of Gray Eagle Territory that City Hall is officially established.

Ariel is talented and exceptional, with immeasurable potential.

I now appoint her as the first Vice Speaker of City Hall, directly under my jurisdiction.

Deen, I appoint you as Ariel's assistant to help her with her work."

"Kool, I appoint you as the first head of the Security Department, responsible for managing the security issues of Gray Eagle Territory."

"Additionally, the heads of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Construction, and the Ministry of People's Livelihood will be selected by Ariel from the residents of the territory and reported to me.

This must be completed within three days. If there are no suitable candidates, temporary officials must be appointed."

"Furthermore, Ariel has the authority to appoint City Hall officials. Their appointments will take effect immediately after my review.

Regarding territory construction, when I am away, Ariel has the decision-making power!"

These sudden words caused everyone in the room to freeze.

Everyone stared at Loren and Ariel, who hadn't reacted yet, in shock.

Appointing a slave as the Vice Speaker in charge of City Hall!

And she's just a young girl, no older than seventeen or eighteen.

This sudden information stunned everyone in the room.

This was too bold and crazy!

Vice Speaker of City Hall, that was a position that controlled the fate of most people, and now it had fallen into the hands of a little girl.

Ariel found it even more unbelievable, her eyes filled with joy and unconcealed emotion.

Loren's unconditional trust made her heart melt.

Lord Loren...

Her clear eyes seemed to sparkle with stars.

The only discordant note was Fiana behind Loren, whose eyes narrowed and her aura suddenly turned cold.

A murderous intent seemed to emanate from her eyes.

The girl didn't know why, but she inexplicably felt that Loren had become extremely annoying at this moment.