Public Trial in Weiyuan City

Flower Village's army proved through its actions that it was nothing like the armies of the noble lords.

Not one soldier broke into a villager's home to seize property. They did not kill indiscriminately, either. Even enemies were treated well if they surrendered.

The residents of Wihara Town were surprised, but they remained deeply wary and prejudiced.

No one knew whether these soldiers in iron armor, marching in perfect step, were merely putting on an act.

The residents kept their doors shut. But more and more eyes peered out through their windows.

The publicity teams carried megaphones through the streets and alleys, announcing the new policies.

"Wihara Town has officially been renamed Weiyuan City! Starting tomorrow, Weiyuan City will open its granaries in the west of the city. All residents may collect free grain to keep them alive!"

"Under Weiyuan City's new policies, all excessive taxes and levies are abolished! The agricultural tax is ten percent, and the commercial tax is thirty percent, to fund public security and construction!"

"The Sakai, Uesugi, and Takahashi families funded reactionary forces, preyed on men and women, terrorized their neighbors, and seized property—even killing to get it. Their assets have been confiscated. They will face a public trial outside the city lord's residence in five days. Everyone is welcome to attend!"

"We need three hundred workers to repair the city walls, level the roads, and fix houses! Food and lodging are provided. Daily pay is three jin of white rice and half a jin of salt, or the equivalent in currency from a major nation. Only three hundred places are available. Awakened with Chakra will be given priority!"

Flower Village's publicity teams repeated the announcements over and over, but the doors along the streets remained firmly shut. Behind the cracks, though, more and more