The tax collector had been killed!
The news swept through the tax collectors of Tadelgada City like a whirlwind, then spread through the city's Nobility circles.
"He must be punished severely!"
In his mansion, Count Nemo spoke firmly to the steward beside him. "Tell the guards to arrest whoever killed that tax collector, Sert. If the killer had accomplices, arrest them too. If not, arrest his wife, daughters, relatives, and friends. Then hang them in Tadelgada City's central square so everyone can see what happens to those who defy us Nobility."
They had to make an example of them. Otherwise, anyone could attack a tax collector. How were they supposed to collect taxes then?
"Also, notify the priests of the God of Cruel Officials. We may need their help."
The priests of the God of Cruel Officials were exceptionally skilled at tracking traces people left behind, and their church, rooted in the Strathlade Kingdom, had an excellent relationship with the Nobility.
If the killer tried to flee, the priests of the God of Cruel Officials would show him how futile it was.
"But my lord, the person who killed the tax collector claimed to be one of the God of Agriculture's Believers," the white-haired steward, who had served Count Nemo's household for over fifty years, reminded him quietly.
The God of Agriculture? Count Nemo's expression turned grave. He knew little about this god beyond the fact that he was a New God who had only recently ascended. New Gods generally valued their Believers especially highly. After all, every Believer was hard-won when a Faith had only just begun to spread.
But was he supposed to let a murderer go simply because he was one of the God of Agriculture's Believers?
Count Nemo sat in his chair, tapping one hand against