CHAPTER 47: STRIKE FIRST OR NOT

After hearing Estefan’s words, Frejlurd began to truly grasp the depth of the man he served. Estefan wasn’t just a noble with power but rather he was intelligent, ruthless, and in a strange way, merciful. But that mercy was reserved only for those loyal to him. For lawbreakers, there would be no such kindness.

"My lord," Frejlurd asked as Estefan stood silently, staring across the expansive green courtyard, "what is the next step?"

Estefan replied without turning. "Continue with the night patrols. Ensure the Guards move in squads of five or more as it’s essential since they will be targeted by them as retaliation against our crackdown since they are bound to make a move against us to prove a point."

"You believe they’ll strike back?" Frejlurd questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Last time they tried, the Knights of Angeras who under the Duke’s orders unleashed a purge so brutal, they were forced to scatter and hide."

Estefan nodded with calm certainty. "Yes, they will still retaliate. These pests think striking fear into us is the only way to stop their suffering. To them, lashing out is the answer. They will assume that if they don’t act, they will be targeted again. So, they would hit back, hoping to intimidate us."

"How?" Frejlurd asked, curious.

"They are likely to ambush lone patrollers at night," Estefan explained. "Kill them, leave a message or worse, try to attack this very palace using some local force through money to show me that I am not safe."

Frejlurd thought back to something. "Then... the corpse we found in the courtyard, could it have been one of their doings to show you that they can target you my lord?"

"Possibly," Estefan admitted with little interest. "But it doesn’t matter. We shouldn’t focus on defending. Continue our offensive as aggressively as possible because our aim is their total annihilation."

That response caught Frejlurd off guard. He had expected Estefan to remain cautious, to wait and strengthen their position. But to hear the Baron speak of doubling down and becoming even more aggressive shocked him.

"My lord... are you planning a direct assault on the areas they have total control?" he asked, worried. "We still lack the manpower for something so bold."

Estefan turned and met his eyes. "No. Not yet," he said, then began walking away. "We will strike yes eventually but not now. First, we have to drain them, bleed them dry. Let them dry up without any funds or lacking man power due to excessive losses due to the tiny cuts we leave on them. These criminals have plagued this city long enough. Their punishment won’t be swift but rather it will be deliberate and prolonged or else it won’t be fair for those victims."

The words sent a chill down Frejlurd’s spine. He had always dreamed of cleansing the city of its corruption. But his vision was simple as it was just quick justice and clean executions.

Hearing Estefan speak so casually about long, drawn out suffering left him both uneasy and reassured. Perhaps cruelty was the only answer since after all, people who had taken lives and destroyed families didn’t deserve redemption.

They shouldn’t be welcomed back into society, acting like upstanding citizens before the very people they once tormented. Mercy shown to such men only breeds more monsters who would believe that the law is very lenient all the time no matter how bad the crime is.

"Leniency is a gift," Estefan said, "but only for those who deserve it. To those who profit from pain, there can be no mercy but only death."

As they walked together, Estefan spoke again. "We need to expand the City Guard. At least a hundred thousand strong." Since the current numbers were five hundred and the expected expansion would be till one thousand in total.

Frejlurd coughed in surprise. "A hundred thousand, my lord? That’s nearly impossible. Recruiting even a few thousand is a challenge and the costs would be staggering."

Estefan explained calmly, "It’s essential. The city is growing too fast, too violently and without structure or any proper planning. If we don’t prepare, it will spiral into chaos, not that it isn’t already enveloped in chaos. The number of Guards must match the scale of this place."

"How exactly is the city becoming chaotic?" Frejlurd asked.

Estefan didn’t hesitate. "It already is. Open your eyes. We don’t control this city, not truly. Criminals are embedding themselves within the rapid expansion, using the unchecked growth to spread influence. They recruit from the slums, take over businesses, and manipulate the law. Soon, the Guard will be too small to contain them."

"But I have seen the slums, my lord," Frejlurd argued. "They are terrified of us."

"Yes but only for now," Estefan admitted. "Because you represent the law. But if they see you outnumbered and the gangs standing beside them, do you think their fear will last?"

Frejlurd opened his mouth, searching for a defense but stopped because deep down, he knew Estefan was right. "You are correct," he said quietly. "They will rise up... and we will be overwhelmed as a result of their larger numbers, and when we fall-"

Estefan cut in sharply, "And when we fall, the city follows. Once that happens, all they need to do is keep up appearances to fool the Duke. A new city council that would side with the gangs through bribes. They can fake reports, forge documents and even make Luso believe nothing has changed. But in reality, this city would be lost."

Frejlurd frowned, the gravity of the situation weighing on him. "Then perhaps... we should act now. Strike before it’s too late."

Estefan glanced at him, his eyes cold. "No... Not yet. Let them think they are safe a while longer. When the time comes, they won’t even see it coming. For now you should focus on preparing the night patrols."

Frejlurd nodded solemnly.

Estefan’s final words echoed ominously as he said. "Things are about to get very, very interesting. You need more men than ever before for the things that will happen soon."

[To be Continued]