Chapter 45

This day.

The final interview results for selecting mayors and other officials were finally released. Soldiers quickly posted them on the wall outside the Visas examination hall, and a priest announced them.

Even though Vina had been confident in himself, he had never expected to place first.

The moment he saw the results.

Vina nearly failed to maintain his expression and almost cried out in front of so many people.

But he was also overwhelmed with excitement, barely able to contain himself. He looked as though he wanted to run outside, jump around in celebration a few times, and then come back.

Vina swallowed the urge rising in his throat and said in a trembling voice, "Nat, did you see it? Did you see it?! We both passed!"

Nat was the same. His voice shook as he said, "I-I saw it, Vina."

The moment he finished speaking, tears burst from his eyes and streamed down his face, startling Vina so badly that his own emotions calmed considerably.

"What's wrong with you?" Vina asked, torn between laughter and tears.

Nat sniffled. "I-I've succeeded at something for the first time in my life. If my father finds out, he'll be unbelievably shocked..."

Nat could not help recalling the hardship of the past few months, the insomnia accompanied by anxiety... night after night spent unable to sleep.

Yet after seeing the interview results, all that toil had become worthwhile.

Vina was somewhat surprised. "Does your father not know you came to take the official selection examination?"

"No, of course he knows."

"But he definitely never imagined I could pass, considering how I used to be..."

Nat gave an embarrassed smile. "I've never given my father any peace of mind, and I always made him angry... Hey, I need to send a servant to Kaies and tell him the good news right away!"

At the thought of the expression Marquis Marco might wear when he learned that Nat had passed the examination for the diplomat position, Nat could not stop himself from feeling happy.

"Vina, your father will definitely be proud of you too. You got first place, after all."

Thinking of his father, Viscount Lauren, Vina smiled and nodded. "Yes, he'll definitely celebrate extravagantly."

After repeated confirmation and consideration, Cyrus finalized the list of mayors and officials.

After posting it outside the examination hall, he had soldiers notify each selected candidate one by one, ordering them to gather at the castle in three days for a meeting attended by all.

Naturally, this included Marquis Marco Case, who was already the mayor of Kaies.

In fact, he had received notice to come to Visas for a meeting more than half a month ago.

Marquis Marco's sudden arrival truly delighted Nat.

Of course, Marquis Marco was even more delighted.

He had never expected that Nat, staying by the young lord's side, would truly change so much, improve so greatly, and achieve results that made him proud and relieved.

There was no need to mention how moved and emotional Marquis Marco felt.

It was only then that Vina learned Nat's father was the only current mayor in Desinia Territory.

Moreover, this gentleman had been the only marquis among the nobles who had firmly stood beside the lord from the beginning.

It could be said that Marco Case's status was undoubtedly extremely distinguished.

Not to mention that he was now the mayor of Kaies and someone highly valued by the Lord of Desinia.

Nat apologized, "I didn't mean to hide it from you."

"It's just... it isn't something worth bringing up all the time. Later, I got busy studying and forgot... Vina, you're not angry, are you?"

Nat could not help feeling uneasy.

He had truly forgotten.

Though he remembered later, he did not know how to bring it up.

He could not exactly say, "Vina, do you know who my father is? My father is the mayor of Kaies..."

In the past, he probably could have said something like that without shame.

But now... it somehow felt a little embarrassing, making it impossible for him to open his mouth.

Vina paused, then said, "No, I'm not angry, Nat."

"I'm just a little surprised. You have a very good father, in every sense..."

He smiled awkwardly. "If you don't mind my status being..."

"Of course I don't! You're excellent, Vina."

Seeing that Vina truly did not seem to care, Nat finally relaxed.

The two stopped talking about it.

Three days later.

Fourteen mayors from Desinia Territory, including Marquis Marco, arrived at Cyrus's castle together with ten officials selected for other positions.

The waiting servants led them into the hall where the meeting would be held.

Ferdinand and Walker were already standing behind Cyrus. Their black and white armor bore no unnecessary patterns, covering key areas such as the shoulders and elbows. The smooth lines made them appear even more upright and imposing.

Their gazes swept over Vina and the others as they entered. Though neither looked angry, their presence alone made people afraid to meet their eyes.

Vina and the others could not help swallowing, their hearts tense.

Cyrus had the servants arrange for them to sit in separate chairs. The servants then brought lemonade and distributed paper and pens to each of them for taking meeting notes later.

Ferdinand and Walker: It was the familiar meeting procedure.

Nat felt somewhat excited and at a loss.

He sat across from Vina. Officials responsible for other positions sat around them, while his father, Marquis Marco, sat below and to the right of the lord.

The others were much the same, slightly lowering their heads and appearing somewhat uneasy.

Cyrus tapped the table. The crisp sound made everyone, already highly focused, turn toward him in unison.

He said, "The meeting begins."

"The main topic of today's meeting is 'urban planning and Urban Management Regulations.'"

The crowd could not help holding their breath as they listened.

Cyrus said, "I have already drafted a general code for city appearance and environmental sanitation management regulations with the knight commander and the others. I called you here to confirm and understand them one item at a time."

"Afterward, we will begin assigning you to other cities within the territory to serve as mayors and so on."

"As for officials responsible for other duties, you will remain in Visas for the time being. Relevant transfers will be arranged later..."

He looked around at Vina and the others. "You are all candidates I personally confirmed and selected. Your knowledge is beyond doubt, but your abilities remain to be observed."

"I appoint you to the important positions of mayor and other officials because, first, I require you to obey my arrangements and build the cities under your respective management well."

"Second, I hope you will not disappoint this hard-won opportunity."

Cyrus paused before continuing, "The same examination will be held once every year from now on to select outstanding talents from within the territory."

"If you sit in the position of mayor or an important official and enjoy the rights you deserve, yet fail to fulfill the responsibilities you should bear... no matter who you are, do not blame me for punishing you according to your crimes without mercy."

"Serious offenses may result in the death penalty, the stripping of noble titles, or permanent expulsion from Desinia Territory. Do you understand?"

Everyone immediately grew solemn and nodded to indicate that they understood.

Cyrus then looked at Judas and signaled for him to distribute the already printed Urban Management Regulations documents to Vina and the others, allowing them to read through the contents carefully first.

After they finished reading.

Cyrus pointed out the most important provision in the city appearance management regulations—cities had to be clean, orderly, sanitary, and beautiful.

"First, public toilets must be built in cities. Attention must be paid to the environment and good hygiene habits, while more public and basic facilities must be constructed."

"Furthermore, city streets, functional districts, greenery protection, and new construction must all be properly regulated..."

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Cyrus exchanged reputation points for books, laws, and regulations related to Urban Management Regulations.

Then, based on the current reality, he made precise and reasonable arrangements. In city construction and administration, regulations and penalties were given equal weight.

Naturally, violators would also receive corresponding punishments.

He carefully confirmed every regulation with Marquis Marco and the others, identifying flaws and areas requiring additions for revision.

The newly appointed mayors and officials, including Nat and Vina, also went from being slightly nervous and restrained at first to gradually relaxing, able to offer some good suggestions and ideas.

When they reached the penalties, Cyrus had them mark the key points.

He said, "Those who fail to comply with city regulations may receive verbal warnings or fines for minor offenses."

"For serious offenses, the fines will be increased, and penalties will be imposed according to the newly revised laws within the territory, depending on the circumstances."

"I have only one requirement for you: you must strictly carry out the arrangements and decisions I make. You cannot delay or neglect this matter, much less seek comfort and shirk your duties."

"If I learn that you are openly complying while secretly defying me, or taking the lead in breaking the law... you should know what consequences await you."

Vina and the others looked solemn and earnestly stated their positions.

First a stick, then a piece of candy.

Cyrus said, "The three best cities in Desinia Territory will be ranked and selected. Whoever achieves merit first in the future will receive corresponding rewards, recognition, or opportunities for promotion."

"For example, a noble title."

The moment those words fell.

Everyone's expressions became excited and delighted. Unable to restrain themselves, they all spoke up to declare their determination.

"Thank you, Lord!"

"Praise the Creator God for your generosity!"

Cyrus accepted their words without changing expression, though his legs could not help swinging back and forth beneath the table.

Stay calm. Appropriate praise helps people improve, and thickens the skin.

Before the meeting ended, Cyrus made the final assignments for the cities the mayor candidates would be sent to.

Vina, with his excellent first-place result, remained nearby at Komoy Fort.

The remaining appointments were also completed.

Soldiers would protect and accompany them all. After returning home to pack and settle their complicated affairs, they could take their families and depart for the cities where they were to fulfill their duties.

A piercing eagle cry rang out.

Standing by the bedroom window, Cyrus watched with smiling eyes as the white Gyrfalcon soared freely beneath the azure sky.

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It was like a hidden speck among the white clouds. With the slightest lapse in attention, it would seem to "vanish" before one's eyes, impossible to find.

In truth, the Gyrfalcon's feather color almost blended into the cloud-drifted sky. Combined with its incredible speed, the human eye could barely track it, and it vanished from sight in the blink of an eye.

Not long afterward.

The Gyrfalcon flew back to the castle window.

Young birds grew quickly. Its body was now nearly half the height of a person's arm, and its wingspan was even more impressive.

The down of its fledgling days had been replaced by hard feathers with a beautiful sheen. The faint brown spots that had once remained on its head and wings had long since faded away.

Only a trace of slightly bluish color remained at the very tips of its feathers, outlining a beautiful and exquisitely delicate form.

Cyrus reached out and stroked the round head the Gyrfalcon rubbed against him, praising, "Qing Tuan really is a handsome little boy."

"Chirp chirp." Qing Tuan happily spread his wings and flapped them.

Suddenly, a pure black tiger paw shot toward Qing Tuan. The wind it stirred slightly lifted Cyrus's collar, making him blink.

When he focused again, Qing Tuan had already flown away from the window in an instant, and the thick black tiger paw struck empty air.

"Roar!"

Coalball withdrew his paw and growled at Qing Tuan. He lowered his body into an attacking stance, but at that moment, a hand suddenly reached over and grabbed his round ear, gently twisting it halfway.

"Roar, roar."

Coalball instantly withdrew his fangs and claws obediently, lowered his voice, and sat down properly. Even his tail curled pleadingly around Cyrus's ankle, trying to muddle through.

Snowball, meanwhile, had been lying on the soft cushion from start to finish, his tiger tail swaying comfortably behind him, his posture leisurely.

Qing Tuan slowly landed beside Snowball and lowered his head to preen his feathers.

Cyrus withdrew his hand. "Coalball, stop bullying Qing Tuan all the time. He's still small. He's your little brother."

"You should learn from Snowball, understand?"

Perhaps because Cyrus had often carried Qing Tuan close to him in his fluffy fledgling form lately, Coalball had become jealous.

Now, the tiger and eagle often clashed, pawing and pecking at each other without giving an inch.

Qing Tuan was still young, so most of the time Coalball ended up winning.

However, Cyrus had also seen black tiger fur on the carpet indoors. He did not know whether Coalball had shed it naturally or whether it had been pecked out...

Snowball had always been obedient and sensible, without any particular reaction, though his attitude had remained neither warm nor cold.

Just like now.

Even though Qing Tuan had landed beside him, Snowball did not pay him much attention.

Judas happened to push open the door and enter at that moment. "Lord, the Watermarked Paper has been sent to the Thorn Merchant Guild's strongholds and branches in every city for sale..."

"Gibran has finished tallying the numbers. Would you like to go to the study and take a look?"

Cyrus nodded. "Let's go."

After speaking, he turned to warn Coalball, "Don't bully Qing Tuan again, or I'll twist your ear when I get back. No meat for you."

"Roar."

Coalball lay on the carpet in aggrieved silence.

After Cyrus left with Judas, the atmosphere in the room changed instantly.

Coalball raised his head toward the Gyrfalcon, who warily spread his wings slightly. His claws scraped against the floor as he looked ready to pounce.

Qing Tuan's blue-gold eyes remained fixed on the black tiger as well.

Just as the atmosphere between the two beasts gradually froze, a snowy-white figure suddenly pounced at the Gyrfalcon and, with lightning speed, pinned Qing Tuan beneath his paws.

"Chirp chirp!"

Qing Tuan let out an obviously panicked cry. His spread wings fluttered twice, only to be firmly pressed down again, and several feathers drifted to the floor.

Before Qing Tuan could fight back with his sharp beak and talons, Snowball immediately jumped aside and, before Coalball could react, opened his mouth and bit him on the butt.

"Rooar!"

Coalball instantly howled and sprang up from the carpet, his tiger eyes looking at his little brother in grievance, as if asking, Why did you bite me?!

Snowball ignored them both, turned around again, and leisurely lay down on the soft cushion.

A moment later, a string of hurried footsteps sounded outside the door.

Cyrus pushed the door open and entered the room.

He instantly took in the situation inside—clearly, Qing Tuan was helplessly and pitifully hiding on the windowsill with his wings tucked in, while Coalball stood nearby, his head tilted as he looked at Cyrus.

Several feathers and a few faint black tiger hairs were scattered across the carpet.

"Coalball! You don't get any meat today!" Cyrus said.

Coalball blinked in confusion. "Awoo—?"

Snowball, meanwhile, slowly wagged her tail.