Chapter 104: Strike
Hqr“Strike.”yve
VTGLTo Perda, it was an extremely strange concept.PBXd
3ai“A strike?”JJRFK
Pl01i“Exactly what it sounds like. Declaring that they’re not going to work.”YnoMgy
1INDG“Why wouldn’t they work if they’re being paid?”TbvlMz
HaT“Because they want to demand their rights or something along those lines.”HkPo
lg1n9“It’s hostage-taking.”Ink73
hnOt6H3Perda found it innovative.dMM
E12dyUsing oneself as a hostage.u4VNLU
5HxThe head that would roll would be their own, so he didn’t understand why anyone would do such a thing.bL7Y
ztGt“I don’t remember things like this happening in the Empire.”4PSi
4g8“It’s a matter of supply and demand.”d03
yTQX“How so?”vkgnqc
oIYZOc“In the Empire, if someone said something like that, they would simply be replaced.”s4hM
C0ITens of millions of people lived in the imperial capital alone.HTwS3b
ngATkThere, replacing a person was an everyday occurrence.6B52R
tE3KZNo one batted an eye when someone disappeared.Cl6
SXWC9spOnce again, he realized how limited his perspective had been.4D5E
QCZ‘To think that the Emperor’s authority is more powerful than a dragon’s.’snAHp
sOQAlthough it sounded absurd, he could understand it.JsZG
a2K96After all, a nearby kitchen knife is always more frightening than a distant legendary sword.suC
Pdai6In any case, Perda decided to ask in order to solve the problem.0vhz
J4zZ“Who is the insolent ringleader?”ZxEIZLk
aAKov“Hanson. A carpenter from the Empire. He currently acts as the supervisor of the imperial laborers.”TU8T
nvAb4Da“Can I kill him without consequences?”0feFc
cGxWBPerda’s solution was simple.A7nn
ouYCut off his head.p9NBAw
pl2noIf he had no head, he wouldn’t be able to have any more ideas.KXHU
PNO5To him, that was the best solution.LOuCKc
FXIeIsabella immediately understood his intentions.fRcy
63mtD“He’s not particularly competent, but killing him would cause problems.”J9eeA7
zAvDE“Why?”zvv8
VVhWSj“Because he has certain connections. Besides, politically it would damage our image.”NGa
XeqdO“And how much worse could something already bad become?”AzigzV
4O0yXfPerda replied as though it weren’t important.4lgSKX
YAd1JIsabella tilted her head.IsdZJ
ZNFOeThen she seemed to realize something.wugH
1dIH“…Just in case. Are you unaware of your current reputation, Lord Perda?”pTUQYe
oNRcc“No.”Nlcshi
cKvrTq3Isabella blinked.0Q1qq
uqyfQ2She felt it was necessary to explain.PeIkf
8yxJa“You have taken in refugees and guaranteed them the right to survive.”tsBm
rxi4Zw4“That’s correct.”1Dvh7gg
MtIM8“In the middle of winter, few people could be considered saviors like someone who accepts refugees. Furthermore, you provide them with work. Thanks to that, they have stable income and can meet their basic needs.”slZ6p3
AjQSWas“I see.”RC7ua
507“And since many were driven out by outside forces, there are also those who are inspired by your determination to protect them.”pDCT1B4
TZv“That… hm.”By9
O2AHPerda tilted his head.E6xj33
nne“Did I ever say something like that?”sAn
TJVJW“Because I made it up.”lZRY9o
Hn49Lyz“Why would you do that?”IQOy
8QTctSE“We needed a positive reputation to counter the bad reputation of the Red Dragon.”BIhv7Cd
OlkOUrK“But it isn’t true.”4PHR29G
iZtx2r“The public doesn’t care about that.”niI3
02ebEssentially, Isabella meant that people felt safe because they believed Perda could stand against Valdrova.Rv61zOj
sLi“Besides, you don’t intend to drive them out, do you?”ptLaMv
Yerh“That’s true.”M9P
0XuY1If others had failed to take care of them and they had ended up fleeing, he saw no reason to send them back.WxG
Zqy1epdIn any case, he understood what Isabella was trying to say.jcJx7S
vNIr“In short, I have a good reputation in the village.”Nwp9xa
dBu“There are people who claim you are the reincarnation of a saint.”n1a
G3XBIt was strange.NplGarW
VYzG5Perda was no saint.qQXrhF
X3oNor was he some virtuous sage.CxcV3
0GDK4Everything he did was for Valdrova.mdi
xvZAnd for her, he was willing to do anything.FQhvop
gedzAI‘Fortune and misfortune really are unpredictable.’y78
E7bThis was probably what that saying referred to.d9sxV
ZQGiVfJSetting that aside, he returned to the main issue.OvGNu
6T4“If I can’t cut off his head…”S3LYD
KSzMnbHe tried to look for another solution.rEsZgiM
cmtqBut Isabella continued before he could.xFX5uU
vsHy8o“That isn’t the only problem.”yXaCW
Afl“What else is happening?”qYfdX
lgV“If we go through every detail, there are too many. But these are the most important ones.”TJQx
TLXVq4She handed him a document.GPJBz
Ljoxi“The architects responsible for the wall are constantly clashing due to differences of opinion.”Q5BfBJ
pzQx9peThen she handed him another.6gtTP0n
aAlOXg1“Some adventurers are trying to collect protection money based on the areas they control, and that’s causing conflicts with the merchants.”rcb
AyNv0pIAnd then another.uVN5Utd
9EVg6“Furthermore, during the prayers, a pink-haired girl appeared singing strange songs. The entire congregation ended up bursting into laughter and lost all sense of solemnity. They’ve requested that she be captured and taught a lesson.”ZfF
IdCf7“Pink hair…”8o8bHRo
bJpHe didn’t even need to see her to know who it was.DIqBOE
uFo“And amid all this discontent and confusion, there is someone deliberately damaging your reputation, Lord Perda. There is undoubtedly an agitator behind all of this.”cuFixGH
ldZAgitators existed everywhere.WghJmDz
5i8uhbPeople raised in wealthy families or with access to a good education.VSy8XUO
eVKPeople who used their knowledge and rhetorical skills to manipulate the masses.skST
T73FOIn a young and still poorly structured town like this one, ordinary citizens were easy prey for them.b8uuh
aN461“Can I beat that one up?”PMnbQ
09n“I’d like to as well, but I haven’t been able to find a single lead.”inqhc
EM055That was truly surprising.B8Rzx
ooF“Not even you can track him down?”TTwn
z542cKE“That’s right. I’m ashamed to admit it, but he seems to appear and disappear like a ghost.”tZ75
vGmF“Hm…”psx
eiqPShe was a descendant of Lorga, the Incarnation of Magic.vMX
LnwPvFIf even someone like her was unable to locate him, then the enemy was no ordinary opponent.q68W0b
BzYugK‘This isn’t a simple agitator.’m6hfqu
Sqp8Ch7He was probably some kind of pure demon who enjoyed chaos more than power.kkFhR5q
2et6wi“In any case, I think the best thing would be to resolve all of these matters at once.”IEUQ
3b6Isabella placed several documents in front of him.CuqU
mEAs9“Hold an assembly.”usRtyh
k9h“Speak directly with the citizens?”1MfKZ
p4TnP2o“It’s the gentlest way to put an end to all of this.”GGxm
cs2mLhIGentlest?1wkbt
dioMPerda didn’t like that word.FoX9r
xrSHe didn’t believe that someone who leads the masses needed to be gentle.FrQ2r6
0MACHe thought they needed to be firm.KXo
euLhRSz‘But in matters like this, Isabella is better than I am.’Oi9Oo8
inC8PShe had undoubtedly also considered eliminating the ringleader to solve everything.0zaol
PhglIf she had still come to propose another option, it was because she believed the assembly had advantages.Epa
QzAG9Rh‘Now that I think about it, it doesn’t sound so bad.’ZcbeCwJ
1aRWz4mThere are times when keeping someone alive produces more benefits than killing them.pUu
x5xGc13Perhaps this was one of them.aBC
P5nM“Very well. We’ll hold an assembly.”OaZX0
bWvYJ2“Yes. Then I’ll begin organizing it.”pnAzzF2
EJa9KIsabella gave a slight bow in farewell and withdrew.gKX9P6
kwNaBPerda immediately took out a long-distance communication crystal sphere and established contact with somewhere.s8BPC
cJ8Um***cbw9
u5AnH“This is Lize, liaison of the Pascal Trading Company. Greetings, Lord Regent. How may I assist you?”q0REwa
gx8PRav“This is Perda Valdrova, Regent. Is the General Director available?”St3t
vXpHI2“Yes, he is available. Would you like me to connect you to him?”8n7eZx
fSVl“I would appreciate it.”afFVIRA
F4QRnUA moment later, Stephan’s voice could be heard.Qhm
UjbC“Greetings, Lord Regent. Are you contacting me about the strike?”c2fz
NIgjyANews traveled fast.uxBiDVe
gn5He had gone straight to the point.o6A
xIs4kZn“That’s right.”FT3j0A
Kriw“I was just thinking that I should take measures regarding it. If you need help, please do not hesitate to ask.”LGJ
oe1MWDfHis voice overflowed with confidence.rReVfV
FKzwL1It was truly reassuring.Mdc5r
2USI“I will need your help. I’m going to convene an assembly. How do you think it will unfold?”uWvw
18N35iG“An assembly…? I’ve participated in many of them. When someone confronts a feudal lord in this manner, it usually ends up being related to power.”hCZkpxz
9T1“Power…?”gtZ1GI
WOTeWith power, money would come on its own.92P
wgOl5He didn’t like the feeling of being looked down upon.PdBJcYj
mFIY“Then simply give them power.”uul
bvd5dF“You may not like doing it, but there’s also a way to preserve power by granting it.”7aPY
umJ“What do you mean?”ObzT9
WDRLStephan replied in a voice full of confidence.cW0kRU
a5U9s“Leave it to me. I’ll turn them into puppets you can torment for a very long time.”WhxA45
fgamL***iNaW
sffcQHestia.20csE
76qKThe place where the Hestia Trading Company was supposed to be established had been occupied and renamed the Far Eastern Workers’ Union (Provisional).eTl
F5hM3YIts leader was none other than Supervisor Hanson.jmlZCff
0NFhO1fHe had managed to persuade other supervisors and foremen to create that temporary union.7Y1an
wjZ8W“Will they really listen to our demands…?”GHqZ
AP6n3rOne of the foremen sitting on the floor asked cautiously.GnG
wfM1E“No matter how much I think about it, I don’t believe the people above us will allow something like this…”8uNXbD6
W14v2jf“Don’t say things that will discourage everyone.”JVi1
iUjh“When you came here, you wanted to earn more money! And now you’re saying that? If you’re going to back out, leave now!”mxFMuqs
jpzwLn“No, I’m just worried…”3A4C
Nht51Faced with the complaints of the other foremen, he had no choice but to shrink back.SiE0KT
s8EHanson sat with his arms crossed and a serious expression on his face.01CJ
XLZNhL‘I’m scared to death too.’yrFmes
2T9v0Before putting it into motion, he had been full of dreams and ambitions.1n8xz
Y2iGgNow he felt like a condemned man waiting for his execution.scyB
BGdbBut he couldn’t stop either.hzLah
8kvjHqHe was already riding the tiger.Nh4N4
b60nHe had no other choice.CJv6m
XBP0M‘Still, they won’t be able to do anything to me so easily.’RLad8a0
WZfBOpThe reason Hanson could act so boldly was because he had a reliable ally.3aMprI
1VEg‘The Armored Knight.’YJA
KP9Lg0The monstrous strength capable of carrying eleven logs with his bare hands!sFlXd3
barThe power to kill two monsters by himself!T4M
MIhq9ZsAlthough he inspired fear, he was the most respected person in the entire village.8Zo
ov1yx6The main reason Hanson had dared to do something so reckless was that the Armored Knight had also agreed.dQSw6io
XwQThe other supervisors and foremen trusted him as well.DXw
PfXn8UzIn practice, he was the center holding the group together.qyejnp
sICmGZ8And that center was sitting right beside Hanson.LBB
FWiPa‘Yes, as long as the Armored Knight is here.’WQX
sxh‘Nothing will happen.’x49zk
TAVVHewEven though they had never exchanged a single word due to the Vow of Silence, everyone believed he would help them if danger arose.gUdSNtn
ZSRMXA short while later, someone opened the door and entered.gn1xo85
GogebMElegant glasses.udlhgI
56bMLgAn intelligent gaze.aNZXc
34t3oShe wore a red uniform bearing Valdrova’s emblem.dlaN
NKdnrHer appearance was professional and authoritative.o4Ye
3g0inP5Everyone felt a chill run down their spine.iSU
QwtkC09They wore headbands with the phrase.pmBUA
CE9UUz“Life or Death!”CKAkh
Ngg1Uc“I’ve spoken with Lord Regent.”iIiM6H
YrJJSaid Isabella.nu9g
3Yap“Prepare your demands. An assembly will be held in one week.”wbP
jdE“You mean we’ll be able to speak directly with Lord Regent?”hg35pZU
GVEdXj“That’s right. He will listen to your concerns. I would appreciate it if you used this time to prepare.”h2DHWb
25igBo4Everyone’s expressions reflected doubt.07nnWkF
QNjQngzIn the Empire, they would have vanished without a trace.4Ya
7VuzKBeIn other cities, the guards would have dispersed them by force.nM8P
CNsVBut here, they were being offered dialogue instead of violence.pdu
svJH“And since negotiations have been accepted, I ask that you suspend the strike and return to your work.”i7uUm
E2OU1The foremen began shifting uncomfortably.F8x
1SizMU“We can’t do that.”SkM
DhvqiThe one who spoke was the union leader, Hanson.y2tQV0b
sKUdiXDHe straightened his back and answered firmly.ke2
zoG1v“You haven’t offered us any conditions yet. How do you expect us to return to work?”5VPc
HNCuThe others alternated their gaze between Hanson and Isabella with uncomfortable expressions.9bG
I76kqIsabella replied calmly.jusX
MBsE“We cannot abandon the construction projects when there are no replacements available. Wages will be increased to one hundred and fifty percent immediately, and…”8Vj
qW8dU“The problem isn’t the wages. People died. What will you do if the exact same thing happens again?”shz
fNMGwv“Hey…”AYCFGp9
3NfIThe foremen watched the situation nervously.nemmive
KuVbCzbHanson was pushing things too far.YzIj
4UAWhen he had listened to that young mage’s words, she had told him the following.m5kRYD
WyL“They’ll ask you to return to work.”JBBxPhS
YuKRn“And what do I do then?”uIerr
SpBge4Z“Don’t agree under any circumstances. If you go back to work, they’ll think they can look down on you. They’ll say that even after protesting, all it takes is money to make you risk your lives again.”qaNzg
UZhHqDh“Hmm…”zTi
jUj“And above all, the power you can obtain will diminish.”ndIyT7U
1STThose words had lodged themselves deeply in Hanson’s mind.XPiMcU
5hwThat was why he was acting exactly as she had instructed.ATL3pD
CvPzYIt also helped quite a bit that he no longer cared what happened.SIpXeOh
v02jAfter all, once all the courage has already drained out of your body, what difference does a little more make?z1l9z
EflvIFIsabella stared directly at Hanson’s face.tATWBku
mbOAThe descendants of Lorga represented coldness.2Zxlp
58Vu8TBut this coldness was different.dAURD
yjuIt seemed to pierce straight into the heart and freeze everything.tCG
P7LWqkJust as Isabella was about to speak, Hanson felt a hand on his shoulder.Nsj
wtkStartled, he turned around.nihxnO
31RWBehind him stood the Armored Knight.07Plb
65Q249Hanson placed a hand over his chest to calm himself.Bjy3R
WhS50Na“Huff… What is it, Sir Knight?”1IY
FBtmOThe Armored Knight had taken the Vow of Silence.HxNBa
bjrYSSo instead of speaking, he simply shook his head.8lgwH
8ZAHanson immediately understood.t2Xp
udyGb“You mean we should return to work?”058a
9fLxeqNod. Nod.so97pu
qcye1v8They hadn’t gotten what they wanted.XX5O
zppoBut they couldn’t keep pushing either.Rjwmsr
q3WhCQrIf the person holding the group together said so, they had no alternative.MKh
4sZoZ9L“If Sir Knight says so, then all right. We’ll return to work immediately. But if the demons appear again and the situation becomes dangerous…”vnGDDM4
TTarla“I will bear my own responsibility.”o22
0DhIsabella’s eyes turned icy.fPvv
s34dTZN“And what responsibility will you bear?”HsT56
k9x5t“I…”gUuR
kQTZHanson could not answer.byHe
WJT6The phrase written on his headband, “Life or Death!”, lost all meaning.TRshaqZ
8xjRPUjHe was unable to commit himself to anything.r2b
eRXRIsabella let out a disappointed sigh.Ueh
hwqpJ“That’s enough. Let’s end this discussion here and return.”6wzDUFu
JJeCAfter saying that briefly and clearly, she left.QmEYzf
6S9gThe foremen, who had been holding their breath, were finally able to relax.D8FNQq7
eJVU2“Phew!”U7mQdt6
bNrf6W“I nearly had a heart attack.”0tbG6Yy
m4ZP“Thank goodness everything worked out. If this had gone badly, we never would have worked here again…”OCOOrEm
p3o“Come on, come on. Let’s get back to work. Huff! Sitting around like a scholar left my whole body aching.”dQOdPz
IdYsHiHThe foremen began leaving one after another.r5wE
A0MomThen, a middle-aged man at the end of the line looked both ways and quietly approached Hanson.Tso
jyZdOxHe was a refugee who had arrived in Hestia and, through diligent work, had risen to become a foreman.MvFf
g3UrY2“Hanson, Supervisor. Don’t ever do something like this again.”otxpgL
Tqiv8KHe warned him with a fierce look.jMv8VG
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Haimiya_cutie.
Body IntegrationBro is relying on armored knight he doesn’t know yet it’s red dragon veldrova it self why would she go against Freda
Haimiya_cutie.
Body IntegrationStephen sure have his ways.
Haimiya_cutie.
Body IntegrationGood solution 👍
Haimiya_cutie.
Body IntegrationThis Hanson guy is getting on my nerves 😒