Chapter 86 86: damn bureaucracy

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We finally arrived in the city, which had changed so much during these months of absence. It was a long and exhausting journey, but one filled with economic benefits that could turn me into one of the great players in the political game... though that will take time, unless I find ways to increase my population and provide them with a place to live, which remains the main problem. Upon arrival, just before noon, I found relative chaos. There was a strong presence of witch hunters patrolling the streets, occasionally entering the houses of citizens as if it were nothing. "The consequence... I suppose," I murmured as I saw the agents of the Cult of Sigmar working tirelessly. As much as I would have liked to sleep to recover from the lost sleep during the Bretonnian campaign, now I had to worry about the Bretonnian serfs I brought back as souvenirs. I had to act fast to prevent these future contributors — and cannon fodder, if necessary — from becoming a breeding ground for diseases first. I went to look for my men, but they hadn't arrived yet. Even with three days' head start, the peasants hadn't managed to keep up with us; the forced march we made in one day would probably take them several. So, it was better to deliver the good — or bad — news right away. I headed to see the most important person in the city who wasn't me... nor Hieronymus. Upon arriving at the construction site for my Sigmarite school, I found Otto more relaxed than usual. He even seemed rested. "Ah... my lord baron," he said, opening his arms to greet me with a sincere smile I hadn't seen in a long time. "I see you're in a good mood... which is rare. What's happened?" I asked the architect. "Ha, ha. Why wouldn't I be? Especially when the sewer system of your city is finally complete. In its entirety. All the houses in Reinsfeld are now connected to one of the best sewer systems in the Empire. Your school is progressing wonderfully, the houses are up to date even with the arrival of almost ten thousand people — families of the militia members. I can proudly say we're on track with all the work," Otto said, smiling, striking a victorious pose. "I'm glad to hear that... because I come with work for you," I responded, also smiling, and I saw his smile immediately fade. "What kind of work?" he asked seriously, looking at me intently. "Oh, just a little thing... soon, another three thousand militiamen will arrive, and they'll also need houses for their families. So, another group of Reiklanders will be coming to the city. And well... now that Merxheim has passed into my property, I'd like you to turn it into a city capable of housing about sixty thousand Bretonnians who are on their way to work my lands," I said to the architect, who was left wide-eyed. "Sixty thousand!? What the hell is wrong with you, you crazy bastard!? Do you know how much work that means? I don't have the capacity to handle what you're asking for! It's... it's... insane!" Otto exclaimed, completely shocked. "Ha, ha... hey, watch that tongue, Otto. Some people have been killed for less... but don't worry. I'll leave it all in your competent hands. And of course, don't worry about the funds. I have enough gold to literally bathe in it..." I said while imagining myself swimming in a pool of floating molten gold. "Well... that reassures me... a little," Otto said with a serious look. "But I'll have to call in some colleagues... well, EVERYONE I know for a job of this level. It's not feasible to distribute them in small construction groups. I'll have to work nonstop to get this at least partially ready for winter. Because I suppose you're going to pressure me like Sigmar himself to get everything ready by then, right, baron?" "Graf. It's Graf now, thanks to Emperor Luitpold," I corrected him. "Graf..." Otto murmured, resigned. "Yes... get to work as soon as possible because they'll be arriving soon. And if you need the Bretonnian serfs to do anything, just let me know. I speak their language. In fact, I'm the only one who does... hmm, this is going to be problematic..." I said, thinking about the complications that would arise. "Of course I'll do it... I learned a little Bretonnian at university, I think I could make myself understood, but don't expect miracles. When they arrive, have them start cutting trees around Merxheim... and have them inspect them. It's known that there are goblins or beastmen in the area, or at least that's what some workers who supply me with materials told me, so a quick cleanup wouldn't hurt," said Otto. "I'll make sure it's done. As soon as my men arrive, we'll march to take a look at the forests. We'll go loaded with axes to pave a road and cut the trees for the city's future expansion... Take care, and bring as many workers as you can," I said with a smile as I headed back to my horse. I saw Otto begin to cover his face with his hands and silently scream as I walked away toward the castle. When I arrived, I found it almost empty, except for a few guards watching the door. I had left the castle nearly empty, taking all my men-at-arms with me for the campaign and leaving only the bare minimum to allow the entry and exit of tax collectors. My guards quickly recognized me and cleared the way. They all began to spread out across the castle to restore it to its previous state, as dust and cobwebs had accumulated everywhere. I headed to my office. It was the only well-maintained area; the hallways leading directly to my quarters were spotless, but upon entering, I found a mountain of paperwork on my work desk. I rang the room bell, which still worked, and a guard quickly entered. "How may I serve you, my lord... Graf?" he asked with some nervousness. "Do you have any idea what all this is?" I said, staring at the mountain of documents as I began to flip through them slowly. "These are papers brought by the tax collectors and the witch hunters, my lord. They haven't stopped working since more and more migrants started arriving in your lands," he replied. "Go find them if you can. I need them to make a summary," I ordered, fully focused on the papers. The guard didn't respond; he simply ran off. "This is a census of a new farming land... this should go in the land registry book," I murmured, taking the corresponding book from the library and filing the sheet. "This is from a new craftsman who makes wooden furniture... they gave him the book, and these are his latest earnings during the months I was away," I said, searching for the tax record of the craftsmen. "Wait... wait... these are purchase requests for commercial patents to operate in the city market... pending approval... Damn, this is gold ready to enter my coffers! Why hasn't anyone approved them?" I said, grinding my teeth. "And this?... Damn... the witch hunters. Interrogation reports, a bunch of documents pointing out suspicious patterns in certain citizens, trial requests... 84? What the hell is wrong with those Sigmarites? Are they crazy? 84 trials? I haven't had one in over a year!" I exclaimed, surprised to see that one of the huge piles of papers was only witch hunter reports. While I continued organizing the paperwork, I was sorting contracts, filing the tax documentation for the craftsmen, accepting commercial patents, and transcribing the fiscal information of the new merchants. As I kept working, organizing the paperwork and pulling empty books to use as new containers for documentation, it wasn't long before the captain of the witch hunters appeared at my castle. He was exactly as I had imagined: a gaunt face, a stern expression, and a gaze that seemed to judge my soul the moment he entered. But, in an instant, his face changed, forming a smile that was almost forced. "Blessings of Sigmar, Baron von Reinsfeld," said the witch hunter, making the twin-tailed comet salute, moving his fingers in the symbol gesture. "Blessings of Sigmar, Captain... I inform you that I am now Graf," I responded, mimicking his salute. "Noted, servant of Sigmar," he said without losing composure. "Good... I need a summary of this," I pointed to the pile of documentation that still occupied half the desk. "It's the result of the investigations we've conducted in compliance with the agreement with the cult and your lordship. Here is the information on heretics and sinners. Yesterday I received authorization to enter homes without the need for proof, something I am applying with the members of the cult," explained the captain in a formal tone. "That decision was made yesterday... Information travels fast, doesn't it?" I commented, surprised by how quickly bureaucracy moves when it comes to Sigmar. "When it's about safeguarding the people of our god and lord Sigmar, one can never be too fast... Graf," he replied coldly. "Of course... Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with? We were never introduced, for reasons beyond my control," I said, raising an eyebrow. "Jonas Krüger, Graf," he responded firmly. "Well, Jonas. When would it be possible to start the trials?" I asked, interested. "As soon as possible, if necessary, my lord. We have the accused in the Sigmarite temple dungeons, which have been expanded to accommodate the number of prisoners this city has. It would be prudent—if I may recommend—that you try to establish a judge for this task. The longer some heretics remain alive, the more their stain will spread through the city. I understand you were serving the Empire in Bretonnia, but you have neglected your spiritual and noble duties here," he said sternly. "I'll try to bring members of the Cult of Verena to the city so the courts can start functioning as soon as possible. I hope you understand, Captain, that I was planning to do so, but duty called sooner than I would have liked," I said, joining my fingers together. "I understand. But, as I stated, I need that to move quickly. We have all the necessary evidence for these people to be burned or punished according to the law, and it's a problem that we must wait for your decision in each case, as we cannot act summarily—although we are authorized by the demonic state of emergency," replied the witch hunter. "They are authorized to act as you see fit, as long as they provide evidence and inform me. That's what I discussed with the Archlector," I responded with a smile. "Just as I received it... So, will you be the one to handle the trials now? Or should I keep postponing them, or do you authorize me to apply justice as I deem necessary?" said the witch hunter, walking slowly around the room, inspecting some books. "I have a lot to do today. I'll go out to call members of the Cult of Verena right now. If we're lucky, tomorrow or the day after, we'll have judges for all your cases," I indicated. "May I recommend members of the Cult of Sigmar as judges? I believe it would be better for heretical cases against Sigmar to be seen by a priest and servant of Sigmar. It would be much more prudent than leaving them in their hands," insisted the captain. "I'll take that into consideration... If you have nothing else to report, Captain, you may leave," I said, looking at him coldly. The smile disappeared from his face. Without saying a word, he began to leave the room. "The headache with them... it's only beginning, isn't it?" I murmured, looking at the ceiling of my office. ------------------------------ If there are spelling mistakes, please let me know. Leave a comment; support is always appreciated. I remind you to leave your ideas or what you would like to see. -------------------------------