Riz returns to Coreton's mansion where William is waiting for him. He noticed the bloodstain on William's armour.
"What's the status inside there?"
With utmost respect, William replies, "We have slaughtered most of the young ones. The rest are just the older ones. However, they're at risk of losing their sanity. Perhaps watching their children being killed affects them so much."
Riz frowns hearing William's concerned voice, "There's no need for such concern or mercy for them, William. They have done a lot of atrocities in their life. I can list it all for you if you want. They merely receive the same treatment they've done to people below them."
William quickly apologizes, "I'm sorry for letting my emotion best me."
"What about their wealth?" ask Riz.
"It's already been gathered and ready to be transported to Bideford."
Riz nods and gives William the compliment he deserves. Before Riz entered his carriage, he reminded William one more time. "Don't let them escape or I will go for your head. As for Coreton's mansion, let it be like that."
William shivers the moment he hears Riz's threat. His lord has a good track record in exterminating several families. Hypothetically, Riz will definitely go for his family member as well if he decided to go against his lord's command.
"Understood, milord. I will carry your order down to the letter."
"Good," said Riz through the carriage's window. He then signalises the coachman to start moving for Bideford.
On his way, he keeps thinking about Coreton's mansion. Specifically, about all the death that happened in that mansion most likely turns it into a haunted mansion. In the future, he can use it as an attraction spot and make money from it. Maybe he can build a theme park around it.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Huhuhu~ I can't wait for that to happen. I can already see the money coming toward me."
The death of the three barons meant that the Ryntum territory was completely in his hands. Now, he's free to do whatever change he is planning to do. No one can obstruct him.
....
After four days of journey, Riz arrives at Bideford. A bustling town that is full of human activities.
Theodora and Charlotte greet him as soon as the news reaches them. Riz also mentions Josephine about her family's extermination. Despite cutting off her relationship with them, she is slightly disturbed by the news. It's all written on her face.
His stepmother has received only bad news for the past few months. Josephine is utterly alone right now. Her husband died, her son was kidnapped by an unknown man to Barlia and her daughter is no longer sending a letter to her or Riz. Something that Riz needs to check up on. Now, she lost her family members.
The maids no longer suck up to her. They begin to approach Theodora, the next marchioness. It's not a bit of a surprise to Riz. He could only advise Theodora not to drown in their praise.
Riz can only instruct Charlotte to keep an eye on Josephine and prevent her from doing stupid things. It is not impossible for her to have depression.
On the next day, he's stuck at his office as always. His work has piled up in the past few days of his absence.
Paperwork keeps coming his way without being invited.
Currently, he is looking at the list of candidates for the minister position.
Ministry of Law And Policy: Rizieri Ryntum
Ministry of Finance: Theodora Tetherswest
Ministry of Education: Stuart Steven
Ministry of War and Defend: William Geoffrey
Ministry of Trade and Industry: Rizieri Ryntum (temporarily)
Ministry of Food and Agriculture: Rizieri Ryntum (temporarily)
Two positions are vacant. He still hasn't found a suitable candidate for two ministers so he decides to handle it by himself temporarily. He won't be burdened by the workload because many low-level and middle-level positions will be filled by his citizens.
Right now, all educational establishments except for the university have been built. It provides education for children in the daytime and adults at nighttime. Naturally, the literacy rate has skyrocketed over the past few months which means an abundance of official candidates in the market.
Thanks to the education syllabus he devises, they are not simple stupid lambs anymore. Most importantly, their loyalty to him is at its peak.
Educated and subservient. What more can a ruler ask for?
Later, Riz calls all the candidates to come to his office.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"That's fast. Come in."
The door was open and a group of people walked into his office. All of them bow in respect to Riz. He looks at their face one by one.
As usual, he went straight to the point. "Here, take a look at this."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmHe passed them a paper containing the candidates' names. All of them look at the list one by one. The majority of them look flabbergasted. None of them had expected this including his own fiancee.
A minute later, calmness returned to their face.
"Milord, this..." Stuart wants to speak but Riz raises his hand, asking him to stop.
"Before all of you said anything, let me explain to you guys first about my plan..." Riz begins to disclose everything to them. They all paid full attention to his explanation. He does not fear any information leaks. In fact, he's hoping for it. If he wants to break the big news to the citizens without causing panic, he needs to start by spreading the rumours first.
"What do you guys think? Do you accept it? I believe I appoint you to the position that you excel the most."
"Milord, your idea is and I want to be part of it." His teacher, Stuart is the first to agree. Then, others follow suit which makes him happy.
"Since you guys have agreed, take this and read it thoroughly. This is confidential. Not anyone else read it." He handed each of them a thick file.
The file contains everything about their ministry, its function, responsibility, goals, scope of power etc. He begins writing all the content the day he proposes the idea of centralisation to Richard. Since he didn't have any 'golden finger', he need to do it the hard way. It took months for him to complete it by recalling the information bit by bit.
He continues, "Once you've understood it. Begin the recruitment immediately."
"Yes, milord," said them simultaneously. All of them left the office aside from Theodora.
"What's wrong?"
"What about family financial matters and household management?"
Riz knows what Theodora is talking about, as a marchioness-to-be, it is actually her responsibility. However, he is short of capable subordinates with leadership skills to fill in the position. He just uses whatever he has for now.
"Leave it to Josephine. She's still healthy and can manage the household for us. Besides, I think it's a good decision to let her do it. She needs something to distract herself from all the sorrow she's been experiencing. Once I find a good candidate, I will relieve you from that post."
"I guess you're right. Then I will go first," said Theodora.
Riz leaned back in his leather chair as he watch his fiancee's figure leave the office.
With this, a new system will take place and his workload will soon decrease.