Chapter 35: Centralized Monarchy

“From today on, you will help me oversee all the affairs within the territory.”

Farra picked up the two Contracts, glanced at them, and said to Harper: “I will give you a set of notes detailing the tasks I need you to handle, so just follow the general directions laid out there.”

“Yes…!” Harper suppressed the excitement rising in his heart.

As expected! Although by the terms of that Contract, Farra had his fate completely under control, this meant Farra would also trust him more and delegate more authority. This was Harper’s opportunity!

“You may go and attend to your tasks.”

Farra looked at Harrington and lifted his chin. Harrington immediately turned and left.

When he returned, Farra said to Harper, “As for you, stay and have a meal.”

“Yes, Lord!”

Now that supplies were abundant, lunch fare had become much more varied. After the maids had labored diligently for a while, the table was filled with seven or eight dishes. Unfortunately, the staple was still just noodles. Farra felt a slight regret. He missed rice. He thought that when he got the chance, he’d find a way to get some rice to plant an acre for himself… solely for his own consumption.

As the two took their seats, the maids could only stand to the side. Mana could only stand beside Harper, watching her father converse with Farra about things she could barely understand.

“After working for so long, how do you feel?” Farra asked calmly between bites.

Harper paused to think for a moment before sharing his reflections… mixing in everyday experiences, genuine feelings, and, in the final third, his views on others’ work and certain workflow conflicts.

“…Although I’m not aiming to criticize Mas and the others, their abilities are somewhat lacking, which has slowed efficiency from decision-making to execution. Despite their best efforts to avoid mistakes, they still give me a very noticeable sense of stalling…”

Harper answered cautiously while observing Farra’s expression. Unfortunately, there was no obvious emotion… only a blasé calmness and an aloof indifference born of long occupancy of high rank. Yet this differed from the indifference of other lords. Harper, having interacted with the nobility before he fell into slavery, held a personal understanding of nobles, especially Barons. But Farra did not fit into any of those preconceptions.

Based on the territorial plans and layouts… unlike anything Harper had seen in other cities or villages… he was certain of one thing: though Farra was currently only a Baron, his future would not remain that of a mere Baron. He exuded a clear aura of deadly intent… a quality found only in battle-hardened veterans. Harper guessed that Farra must have risen from the lowest ranks through battle achievements. And yet, his foresight and control were far beyond anyone who had merely fought their way up from the bottom. It was paradoxical.

After hearing Harper’s words, Farra nodded. “You truly are a very clever person.”

“Compared to you, my intelligence is insignificant…”

“You needn’t flatter me; I am a doer who only cares about results. What does pique my curiosity is how someone as intelligent as you could end up in the position you’re in now.”

Embarrassment colored Harper’s face. This was indeed the greatest mistake of his life. Smart people can become overly confident and careless in an instant. If luck is with them, they learn a moderate lesson. If not… they end up like Harper.

Farra was not interested in delving into Harper’s past. “Later, I will give you the development plan for the territory. Follow the general direction there and manage all affairs in my absence. Do not let any trouble arise. Understood?”

“Yes, I understand. Thank you for your trust, Lord.”

After finishing the meal, Farra handed his organized notes to Harper. “I have already clarified the general directions and requirements. If you still cannot handle this position, I will replace you.”

“I will certainly not betray the Lord’s trust!” Harper replied and carefully accepted the stack of papers.

“Tonight I will announce this matter. Have everyone come to the Council Hall for a meeting, including your subordinates.”

Farra did not wait until the next day, scheduling it for that very night. He was anxious. Yanis was still in Engel’s castle with two hundred men. Although most likely nothing would happen, the prospect of rapid wealth from robbing nobles had galvanized him. He was itching to raid the surrounding Barons one by one… for more money, grain, supplies, and armaments. He needed to quickly roll the snowball of his territory.

That night, everyone with any say in Jago Barony gathered in the newly expanded Council Hall, which could seat a hundred people. After Farra took his place at the head, he got straight to business.

“From today on, Karl Harper, while I am away, you will manage all affairs in this territory on my behalf.”

The room fell silent in astonishment as everyone stared at Harper, who remained expressionless.

Farra ignored their reactions and continued: “For instance, personnel appointments and coordination. I will also establish other departments, all under Harper’s management. His position will be called Chancellor.”

“Beyond the Chancellor, I will set up a Treasury… to handle finances. For now, Mas will manage it. If he cannot handle it alone, Harper will find assistants, all under the Treasury.”

“Next, I will establish an Interior Ministry: Reis in charge of construction planning; agriculture by Aza; public security by Axi; and human resource allocation, a position to be filled by Harper.”

“That is all for now; further issues can be discussed later. Harper will handle specific personnel arrangements. Provide me with the roster afterward.”

Farra glanced at Harper. “Is that clear?”

“Yes.”

“Well then, is there anything to add?” he asked, looking around. No one spoke… perhaps this arrangement was unprecedented on Mu Continent.

“Let’s adjourn.”

At that moment, the familiar System prompt appeared before Farra’s eyes:

『Achievement: Centralized Monarchy!』

『Reward: 10 Resource points.』

Farra glanced at it and dismissed it, feeling only mild disdain at how meager the reward was.