Coupled with that was the fact that even some among the nobility and the merchants were killed.

That was to make sure that their family members suffered, and also ensure fear among the survivors.

The survivors should stay grateful that they weren’t killed in the process and only suffered some injuries.

That was to make them understand how dangerous the situation had become, and how close they were to losing their lives in some... terror attack.

After all, that very fear would make them go out of their way to ensure that such attacks wouldn’t happen again.

As for why I wanted such an outcome?

Heh.

Time would tell.

"Don’t you want to join?"

I asked Arthur, who stood by my side without speaking a word.

At my question, Arthur simply shook his head in denial.

"Are you pitying them?"

There was a long pause, as the question was a tricky one for Arthur.

I had always known that Arthur didn’t like to abuse his power in any way, and neither did he enjoy seeing such senseless slaughter of the... innocents.

Well... on my side, the slaughter wasn’t senseless at all.

But for Arthur, it was a matter of upholding his morals, principles, and whatnot.

"Would my pity benefit them in any way?"

Without giving a direct answer, Arthur questioned me.

Turning to look at him, his eyes stared into mine, as if wanting an honest answer.

"No... they would die nonetheless."

I clarified my stance.

There was no way I was going to stop this operation only because Arthur felt pity for these... people.

"Then you have my answer."

Arthur’s face was straight as he spoke the words while looking into my eyes.

Sigh.

Fair enough.

Going forward, I knew that there would be many times when Arthur would find my decisions inhumane and may not be able to follow them willingly.

Though his emotions didn’t matter, if I was the one relaying the orders.

Arthur would have to follow me no matter the situation or the outcome.

No matter whether it was beneficial to society or the reason behind its very end.

Arthur had always known that from the day I had told him about D.X. and recruited him into my organization.

Still... it wasn’t in my best interest for my strongest weapon to feel that things were going against his wishes.

I had to make him immune to such acts of violence bit by bit.

Haa...

Right now, I really wished that I had the Arthur from the game with me.

That guy would have gone out of his way if it was to achieve his goals.

Though Arthur Dimitri from the game had some morals of his own... in reality, those morals had their lines blurred.

"They will be compensated."

"..."

"The survivors and the dead."

I uttered the words to ease Arthur’s worries, and my words seemed to have their effect, as I noticed a visible relaxation in Arthur’s facial expressions, which had been unusually stiff before.

"That’s good. Children should never be orphaned."

Arthur’s words made me smile, though I quickly managed to wipe the smile off my face, not letting Arthur notice it, as I simply nodded my head.

A father like Arthur would surely think of the children who would end up without a family if the people present here were killed.

Even if the survivors were alive, they may become incapable of continuing their work, resulting in their children having to step up to meet the needs of their families.

That was why I mentioned the compensation.

But—

It wasn’t like I did it for Arthur.

Even if Arthur wasn’t here, I would have done the same.

After all...

Syma was a protector, and surely—

They would compensate everyone for their suffering.

Haa...

Thinking about all the goodwill, I couldn’t help but smile at the end.

***

"Ma’am, please listen to us. The situation outside is extremely unstable, and we have an obligation to ensure the safety of your family."

The officer explained to the woman before him, with utmost respect in his voice.

"I am not stopping you from completing your duty, officer. You don’t have to expend your forces, as my house will be the one providing the reinforcements."

Alia calmly explained her stance to the authorities, who had their faces etched with worry.

"Ma’am, please understand. Our jobs would be in danger if we let any harm fall upon you or your house. The emperor—"

"Castor will explain everything to the emperor, you don’t have to worry about that."

Alia interrupted the officer.

Though Castor Frost wasn’t present in the house... as the duchess, Alia still had the authority to use his name, and also command the troops under House Frost.

"Syma and many other businesses have been attacked, and those poor souls have no way to defend themselves. Do you really think it is wise to let so many people die only because you were worried about us?"

Though Alia asked the question, she knew that the authorities had no choice but to keep providing protection to their house.

After all... an explosion had occurred on the rear side of the mansion, one that was too big to ignore.

The authorities stationed nearby had quickly arrived, and even many of the higher-ups in the ranks of the authorities from the city had joined soon after.

Fearing that the explosion was just a start, almost all of the forces of the authorities in the city had come to reinforce the house which owned the city.

Though the city was under the Frost Dukedom... being part of the empire, it was only natural for the forces of the royal family to be present in each of their cities and towns.

And protection of the noble houses that owned the cities was the foremost duty of the authorities, which prevented them from helping the guilds and the branches of the banks that were attacked.

Alia knew that, which was why she had suggested sending the troops under the Frost banner.

But—

"Ma’am, I still believe that the attack against Syma and other businesses was just a distraction, and that their real aim is attacking this very place."