"What about their strength?"
"They are generally commoners around level ten, though there are some stronger ones. However, they are mostly at the Brave Knight rank, and their numbers are quite few."
A top-tier noble might not have as many private soldiers as I do, but they still have plenty.
There are only about fifty thousand knights in the entire Kingdom of the Moon, and most of them are stationed at the borders, even though those forces are under the command of the Heavenly Punishment Knights and me.
But from this, it’s clear that besides my own troops, there are likely at least several hundred thousand other soldiers in the Kingdom of the Moon!
In fact, it wouldn't surprise me at all if that number exceeded a million.
For such a massive country, with a landmass nearly the size of China, a mere fifty thousand knights and a hundred thousand soldiers couldn't possibly defend it all.
It’s only natural for the nobles to have private armies.
But this also brings a problem.
If I want to fully reclaim these regions, I will likely have to face these private armies head-on.
While dealing with one or two wouldn't be a problem with the forces I have, facing dozens of nobles at once would be beyond my capabilities, even if I recalled all the knights and soldiers from the borders.
As expected, this task can only be carried out bit by bit; it cannot be resolved quickly.
It would be much simpler if I could seize their lands through commercial means, but the problem is that these nobles hold special privileges. Ordinary business methods can't strip them of their power and land.
"This is getting a bit troublesome."
Even though I knew it would be difficult, the current situation only adds to the complications.
"Highness, Hilda will do everything in her power to help you achieve your goals."
Hilda reaffirmed her loyalty by my side. I still trust her quite a bit. Since I mentioned the issue of reforms, her family has shown no reaction.
This indirectly proves two things.
First, she hasn't revealed my intentions to her family.
Second... Knight Kevin hasn't disclosed my thoughts to the family either.
Regardless of the reason, the fact that neither of these knights has directly betrayed me is great news.
After a while, the door opened again, and Lola walked in from outside.
"Highness, I have returned."
"Mm. Did you see him off properly?"
"Please rest assured, Highness."
"Then let us head back."
I threw on my brown cloak, concealing my face before stepping out of the room.
On this street, many vagrants could be seen, all of them destitute and impoverished.
These people weren't just sallow and thin; they were dressed in literal rags.
This was the dark side of Brilliant City.
Lola must have had her reasons for arranging the meeting with Baker in this location.
Did she... want me to see the true face of Brilliant City?
I didn't know. I had only been with her for a few days, but she managed to surprise me at every turn.
Her thoughtfulness and foresight made me marvel at her abilities.
Perhaps she really did have a deeper meaning?
However, all I could see were clusters of old, dilapidated houses and groups of homeless people.
If even Brilliant City was like this, one could only imagine what the other cities were like.
If I cannot change all of this, then my presence in this world truly has no purpose.
I'll make these homeless people of Brilliant City my first target!
But to support them, I need money first!
So... Cavendish family, I wonder if you'd be willing to offer some sponsorship?
A smile played on my lips. I didn't think they would refuse.
I just wondered how much that family could provide.
We walked down a street and boarded the carriage. With the ringing of horse bells, the vehicle slowly departed.
When the carriage stopped at the back gate of the Temple, I stepped down. There were no guards nearby; Lola had clearly made arrangements beforehand to ensure I wouldn't be seen.
I entered the Temple and returned to my guest room.
Hilda stayed by my side. Although Cain was also a Praetorian Knight, he was male, so it was essentially impossible for him to enter the bedchamber behind the Temple.
He could only receive my orders from outside the Temple.
Hiilda, being female, didn't need to worry about such restrictions and could protect me more effectively.
"Highness, that is all for today's affairs. I have already handled the remaining minor matters. Would you like to review them?"
Lola stepped forward and spoke. I looked at her in surprise.
"Today's work... is all finished?"
"Yes."
"Including the civil affairs?"
"Yes."
"And all those other piles of tasks? They're all done?"
"Yes."
"..."
Is Lola too capable?
Wait, when did she do all of this? How did I not know?
As if guessing my thoughts, Lola adjusted her gold-rimmed glasses.
"While you were discussing matters with Mr. Baker just now, I finished processing today's administrative affairs."
"In... in just that half hour?"
"Yes. To be precise, twenty-six minutes."
Wow!
Lola's ability is way too strong!
Although Brilliant City only has a population of a million, this isn't the modern era. Many minor civil matters are still reported upwards.
As the person managing everything, she needs to settle every single issue properly.
Anyone else would have taken a whole day of frantic work to finish.
But she... took less than half an hour!?
Lola, if you told me you were sent by God to help me, I'd believe you!
I would definitely believe it!
"Please do not have such doubts, Highness. I am merely an ordinary person, not a messenger of God. You are."
"...Can't you let me finish a thought? Hmph!!"
"Highness, today's administrative affairs are complete. I would like to know your schedule for the rest of the day so I can make arrangements."
"Wait... Wait a minute!"
I quickly interrupted her. I was completely dazed by now.
With Lola's efficiency, I'd have to be split into eight pieces just to keep up with her!
"Highness?"
"Uh... Let's just rest for today. You shouldn't work yourself so hard either. I also... need to think about what to do next."
"Since nothing comes to mind, why don't you go see the orphans, Highness?"
"Orphans?"
I fell silent. Could I really face those orphans right now?
I didn't really want to go, but looking at Lola's earnest gaze, she truly seemed to hope I would visit them.
"Then make the arrangements. We'll go this afternoon."
"Yes, Highness."
Lola nodded, saying nothing more.
"Uh... Aren't you going?"
I looked at her in confusion. I just told her to prepare, so why was she still standing there?
"Highness, everything is already prepared."
"..."
Fine.
I looked at the water cup on the table. Suddenly, plain water felt unsatisfying. I wanted something with flavor, like a drink.
"Lola, I want to drink—"
With a splash, the sound of liquid rang out, and a bright orange-yellow appeared in the cup before me.
Looking up along the stream, Lola was expressionlessly holding a pitcher, pouring juice for me.
That damn mind-reading!
Rate on N.U.
