I, the Villain, Want to Save Myself, But the Yandere Heroines Disagree-Chapter 13 - Aftermath and Reckoning (2/3)

One can only say that the beastmen are still too weak. Their size doesn’t even reach one-tenth of the Empire’s. If the beastmen’s size were even a quarter of the Empire’s, with the current group of useless lords who lack ability and are more arrogant than anyone, the Empire would also be doomed.

Ultimately, it was still due to the Empire’s previous policy, which prohibited nobles from annexing each other, making the minor nobles lose their sense of crisis, and naturally they started to slack off.

After all, no matter how much they slacked off, they still had the Imperial Family as support.

This Empire truly needs a large-scale reform.

“Sigh.” Orson thought this, sighing.

He had clearly only wanted to slack off after properly raising Litte, but now he was increasingly realizing how heavy the responsibility he bore on his shoulders truly was.

Some things, although he couldn’t see them, didn’t mean he could let them go without a second thought.

“After the war, this city should still be used as an immigrant city. Residents of nearby villages and towns that were not severely affected by the disaster can be relocated to the city. People who can’t make a living in the western part of the Empire can also come here. The barren land awaits their development.”

Orson said this, and began discussing with the officials behind him who were responsible for handling the aftermath.

“By the way, in your opinion, what would be a better positioning for this city afterward?”

“Should it continue to be the central city of Carlsberg County, or should it be a satellite city of a nearby large city that was not affected by the disaster?”

Liliya looked at the two people on the side who had already begun discussing post-war issues, feeling a bit bewildered.

“You’re already thinking about post-war matters? Shouldn’t the immediate priority be to properly handle the corpses of the deceased?”

Although rationally speaking, the dead cannot be brought back to life, what Orson displayed was a bit too heartless.

Not only could no trace of sadness be seen on his face, but even his actions were like discussing the division of spoils after the war.

“But I already had people in charge of the aftermath when I just came in,” Orson said, showing a strange expression. “I know the people here lived very hard lives. They paid taxes to their lord for a lifetime, and in the end, even in death, they were still cheated by their lord.”

“You should have also heard what we discussed earlier. This incident was entirely a man-made disaster, a tragedy completely brewed by Count Carls and those counts who embezzling military funds.”

“After a person dies, it is already fortunate if there is someone to collect their body.”

Saying this, Orson sighed again.

“Your Highness Saintess, I know you may not have experienced such a tragedy, but don’t forget, there were many people like me in the past who were also born in similar hellish conditions. Having lived until now, we certainly will not forget what happened back then.”

“We still have to look forward. This city will still be inhabited in the future, and perhaps it will become a large city. Our actions, helping the city quickly recover, are also for the sake of future generations.”

“Alright...” Liliya nodded upon hearing this.

Regarding the plan for handling this matter, Orson had also already thought it through. He planned to write a letter to Lucius tomorrow, exposing these counts who had been embezzling military funds, one by one.

The financial allocations the Duke provided to the border counts every year would all be canceled thereafter, replaced by a standing army.

If the border between humans and beastmen continued to exist afterward, the Duke would establish a border defense force directly under the Duke’s command and station it directly on the border counts’ territories.

At least holding the army in his own hands was much better than letting others embezzle funds and causing the people to suffer.

As for the soldiers who fled, although their actions could be understood, they would also be subjected to trial.

Regardless of the era, the act of deserting in the face of the enemy would never be encouraged.

...

Another half a month passed. During this half a month, the humans attacked everywhere, expelling all the beastmen armies from human territory and driving the beastmen back into the depths of the desert.

And today, in Phenix City on the border, a victory celebration was to be held.

From the time Orson took over as front-line commander until now, in just over a month, the beastmen’s attack was neutralized. This was significantly better than Lucius in the past.

Night came, and the guests attending the banquet had all arrived.

They consisted of three parts. The first part was the officers of the Duke’s directly administered army. The other armies were currently on standby at the border, so they had the opportunity to return for the victory celebration.

The second part was the commanders of the troops who had come from other parts of the Empire for aid. However, the figure of General Jero of Napoli was not seen among them.

The third part was the counts under the Antica Duchy. These people were the main guests invited to this banquet. Orson specifically instructed that not one should be missing. frёewebnoѵēl.com

“Here, on behalf of my father, who is still on his sickbed, I would like to express my respect to everyone present.”

Orson said this, raising his wine glass towards everyone present.

“Thank you to all the officers for your collective efforts, and thank you to our allies for your strong support.”

And Orson, specifically, did not thank the counts under him.

The counts all thought Orson had forgotten, so a border count proactively raised a glass to Orson.

“Oh dear, oh dear, we truly thank Young Master Orson this time. If it weren’t for Young Master Orson’s timely assistance, our territory would have truly been in danger.”

“Yes, yes, thank you, Young Master Orson. I raise a glass to you.” Another border count also stood up and raised a glass to Orson.

“You shouldn’t be raising a glass to me. You should be raising a glass to Count Carls.” Orson suddenly said something at this moment that completely ruined the atmosphere.

The originally seemingly festive atmosphere of the banquet instantly turned cold.

Everyone knew Count Carls was already dead. What did Orson mean by this sentence?

“Young Master Orson, what do you mean by that?” A count couldn’t help but ask.

“Could it be that Count Carls is not dead yet?”

“No.” Orson shook his head, proving to the counts that he was still sober and his words were not nonsense.

Now, the counts were even more confused.

In that case, why would Orson say such a thing?

“Oh, right, I just forgot to thank the counts,” Orson seemed to suddenly remember something at this moment.

Just as the counts were thinking Orson was preparing to ease the atmosphere, Orson’s tone suddenly changed dramatically.

“You are truly the pillars of the Antica Duchy!” His voice turned cold. Anyone with discerning eyes knew he was being sarcastic towards the counts.

“The Duke allocates huge sums of money every year specifically for you to train an army that can defend itself when attacked by beastmen.”

“To avoid involving military and territorial disputes, the Duke entrusted you with the full responsibility of border defense. Is this how you treat the Duke as a result?”