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Volume 6 Chapter 2 Part 16

「However, in regards to the matters of land distribution, housing and income, I think it would be best for both sides if we were to continue in exactly the same way as things have been handled until now. 」

「Oh really? 」

Juzel seemed to be genuinely surprised when he heard Siluca say that.

「If we were to suddenly relocate the people from the poor villages all around Sistina to the city, they most certainly wouldn’t be happy about that. In the same way, expelling the rich folks from their homes and having them go live in the poor villages by force wouldn’t solve any of the problems that Sistina is facing right now either. However, what I need you to understand and be aware of is that no matter what happens, the economy around the island is going to be seeing some significant changes. First and foremost, the privileges of the rich are going to disappear, and once that happens they might find themselves struggling with financial difficulties. 」

「Naturally. After all, success always requires hard work, talent and luck in order to occur, and those are always the constant necessities. 」

Juzel nodded his head affirmatively.

「Now then… 」

Siluca’s gaze shifted towards Theo once again. He was still wearing the same stern facial expression ever since the negotiations started, but so far, he hasn’t voiced any objections against anything that Siluca and Juzel were talking about.

But that’s because the really problematic matter has yet to be discussed.

「Since the matters of food and material wealth have been concluded, let us move on to the next one of our demands: the surrendering of the Crest of the Rossini family along with the Crest of all of its subordinate Lords, and the execution of Lord Pederico Rossini and you, his successor, Juzel Rossini… 」

Before she continued any further, Siluca looked at Juzel to see how he’d react, but just like Theo’s, his expression remained unchanged. Maybe that was a sign that he has already mase up his mind regarding this matter.

「As I’m sure you’re aware, the anger of the citizens of Sistina will not subside until we execute both you and your father, after which Lord Theo Cornero will claim the Crests of the Rossini family and all of its subordinate Lords as his own. 」

「Yes. I am aware of that, and I am fine with that outcome. 」

Juzel answered calmly.

At the moment he claimed to be fine with that, Siluca could swear that she saw Theo twitch ever so slightly from the corner of her eye, but Theo himself still didn’t say anything, so Siluca turned around to face him, and made a proposal to him.

「If I may be so bold as to express my personal opinion, then I think that the best thing to do here would be to have Lord Juzel become Lord Theo’s subordinate Lord. Without doing that, I believe that it is going to be difficult, if not downright impossible, for us to convince the residents of the downtown of Laxia and the people under the direct control of the Rossini family to accept the implementation of any of the changes that we just discussed. And on top of that, there is the problem of what to do with the slums. Our plan for the slum-dwellers is to have them returned to the outlying areas of the city and give them work to do in the downtown area… however, it will take a long time and a lot of effort on our part before we’ll be able to effectively control them. 」

「I guess so…」

Theo answered after thinking about it for a moment. Apparently, he has already made his decision about that issue as well.

「Make the decision about this in accordance to your best judgement, Lord Theo.」

Siluca bowed to him reverently.

「In that case… am I correct in assuming that the main reason why you want Juzel Rossini to become my subordinate Lord is so that the governance of the island could proceed much smoother than it would’ve been otherwise? 」

「Yes, that is indeed correct. 」

Siluca was careful with her wording, but the truth of the matter is that it was exactly how Theo said it was.

「Then I’m afraid that I’m going to be forced to reject all of your plans based on that assumption. It’s not that I’m personally against them, but because you’re not going to convince the people of Sistina who’ve joined the rebellion to accept such an outrageous development with that kind of logic. 」

「So this is something that even the reputation of Theo Cornero the Hero is not going to be able to achieve? 」

Juzel asked.

「I’m sorry, but you shouldn’t be so fast to trust my reputation as a hero. It’s true that it can make a lot of things go easier, but I never once acted while thinking about myself as a hero. 」

「That is indeed a wise thing to do. 」

Juzel’s words had a hint of resignation in them.

Truth to be said, Siluca also had no idea how exactly they should go about convincing the people of Sistina who participated in the rebellion to accept their plans. She was just hoping Theo would somehow be able to do it.

「However, I have no desire to destroy the Rossini family either. Through this battle, I learned that there are many people who are loyal to the Rossini family. If they start a rebellion, We’ll have no choice but to suppress it by force, and that’s going to make us no different from your previous governance. 」
「Do you mean to keep me alive so that they don’t get dissatisfied? Sounds like you’re using me the same way. Besides, if it’s going to be just for that reason, then I don’t want to be subordinate to you at all. 」

Juzel said firmly to Theo.

「It may be the same thing, but those are my words and my determination. After all, all those years ago, Rossinis were the greatest subordinate Lords of the hero Cornero. I want to go back to those old days. I will make those abominable times a thing of the past and rebuild good old Sistina anew, vowing never to repeat the mistakes that our predecessors did. I will show everyone my intention and determination, and make them accept your subordination to me through my actions. 」

「Lord Theo… 」

Those words were aimed at Juzel, but they also resonated with Siluca’s heart.

There are many people who act based on logic and profit, but without dreams and hopes, there will be no joy in their lives. On the other hand, Theo is trying to express his dreams as usual and try to get people to empathize with him.

To that end, he takes the lead in moving, working, and fighting. That’s why people follow him.

(I’m glad I came to this island with him.)

Siluca thought from the bottom of her heart. Since when was she able to understand Theo so deeply?

「However, if you don’t want to submit to me, that’s the end of the story for now. 」

「That, and Lord Pederico has to take responsibility for the oppressive rule of the Rossini family, so that’s something I can’t compromise on. 」

「Of course, my father is prepared for that. And he told me to live. I don’t want to live a life where I keep running away, so I was planning to ask Lord Theo to allow me to serve him, but since I didn’t know if you’d accept it, , I used what Lady Siluca proposed earlier as a bargaining chip. 」

Juzel confessed with a bitter smile.

「However, I had forgotten that what is necessary for a Lord’s master-servant relationship is trust and loyalty. And now, Lord Theo’s words have changed my mind. I will protect the Rossini family even if it is not because my father has ordered me to do so. Not for the sake of it or because I don’t care about my life… so allow me to become your subordinate Lord, Theo Cornero. 」

Juzel, however, did not give up on the spot. for he has the eyes of others looking up to him.

However, the negotiations did take place in the end.

The gates separating the slums of Laxia from the city center were opened, and Theo entered leading a group of about 1,000 people who wish to become full-time soldiers for him.

Theo met with Pederico at the Rossini family castle and sentenced him to death.

「I accept it. 」

He answered.

He was then beheaded in the town square by the Rossini family’s executioners. His head was displayed on the castle wall, visible to both the rebels and the slum dwellers alike.

Theo faced the people declaring his determination just like he did with Juzel, and appealed for their cooperation. Although there were some voices of dissatisfaction, most people responded that they would follow Theo’s dreams and ideals. After a few days, the food and property collected by Juzel would be distributed, and the people who rose up in rebellion returned to their respective villages.

Theo was given the Rossini family’s Crest by Juzel, witch which he regained his former rank of Baron. However, Theo decides to rule the city of Laxia himself. Small fights and confusion broke out, but Theo personally led his troops to quell them all

Thus, the change of rule between Rossini family and Theo Cornero was swiftly carried out.