Upon leaving the terrace, he ran into Caerwyn again who was waiting for him inside.
He asked where Siana was since he expected her to run up the minute she heard he was here. She's apparently going around the settlements and farms to meet with the locals, and a new tribe that were apparently on these lands before.
"Things seem quiet today." While walking with Caerwyn through the palace, he commented.
There were servants sweeping, cleaning and whatnot but there weren't any knights patrolling the halls. But Arnold could sense some shadow demons moving through the rooms.
The girls would usually rush toward him to greet him but he hasn't seen them once.
"The girls are busy with training so I did not inform them of your arrival."
"Training? Why the need for that when Vetis' knights are patrolling with them?"
He wants his military strength to be divided: one group patrolling the farmlands, forests, and outer walls of the city and the other protecting the palace and citizens. That said, there would be a red knight here and there in the city just as backup while the majority of them are outside.
Siana might be a powerful magician even after losing her soulpower but she can't defend the palace alone.
"Lady Kalda defeated several of the red knights yesterday. This seemed to spark their motivation and they've never rested once, not even for meals and sleep. Even the ones who were keen on socializing with the menfolk of the city are now devoted solely to training. I worry for them but Sir Sceptim seems to like their dedication to becoming strong."
"Kalda didn't lose her powers so it's not surprising she's still that strong."
"I don't think they know that. It must be because they've seen her terrifying abilities in the past but she hasn't shown that lately. I don't think she even knows what kind of monster she was."
"They just have to realize that there's a big gap in power no matter how much they train."
"…No, it's more like they know that but want to surpass the homunculi knights at least."
"Oh, you know they're homunculi?"
"Lord Vetis was here recently to bring more so I asked him where they come from and why every single one of them are so strong. All he told me was that they're made from two things: a ritual and an artifact. I am quite curious about the whole process but I shouldn't pry too much and fulfil my duties instead."
"I see. Tell them to train and work in shifts. While there are a few Shadow Demons on standby, we can't be too sure who will infiltrate this place."
"Yes, noted."
The two descended a flight of stairs. Hell, it feels as if that's the only thing they've been doing since this palace is so large. Of course, there's a lift outside but Arnold wanted to tour the halls a bit more.
Servants noticed him passing by and hurriedly bowed.
"Has Lunaria's absence caused any issues?"
"Fortunately, no. She holds such an important role but so far everything has been sorted out even when we suspect issues arose. Though I do worry about her sudden disappearance."
"She didn't say if she'll be gone for good so I have hope that she'll return. Otherwise, my contract with her… Master will be void."
"I've always wondered where she comes from. No, where both of them come from. The humans don't seem to be surprised that they're demons."
"I haven't announced that they're demons yet."
"Oh… No one dares to ask since the two of them are doing so much for this city. It would be rude to inquire in case it's a secret."
"It being rude isn't the issue. While I don't really care about the consequences of revealing who they are, my crystals will struggle on the market since dealing with political backlash is a different kind of monster than dealing with the armies of enraged nobles."
That's why Isolde von Berthlaith is still needed—to ensure the neutrality laws that the continent has can still protect his crystals' value. This means that even an enemy nation can purchase things from a noble that serves as a "middle man". It's like a nation that works with two rival nations, serving as a sort of hub where both parties can buy and sell.
"W-What kind of people did you make a deal with for you to assume the entire empire would turn against you?"
"A nation of monsters. That is all humans will hear before they march to my gates and threaten me to cease my contract with a Vampire Lord and her cabinet of monsters. It's only called the Undead Nation for now as Selia is still not sure of the official name."
"I pray they don't make your life harder, Lord Arnold." Caerwyn stopped her questioning, as if realizing this isn't a topic that can simply be had while walking the halls. In fact, it's best that he expands upon it when he meets with his nobles in two days. Isolde will also be present for that.
Caerwyn knows her boundaries as a knight and servant of this palace.
She's loyal, obedient and hard-working. It'd be great if she stays by his side. Then again, he's going to marry Siana in the future and build a life with her so Caerwyn will stay even if he doesn't try to keep her here.
"I take it the carriage is prepared?"
"Yes, a senior maid also assigned a servant for you…" she answered curtly but sounded a bit annoyed when she said 'servant'.
The two of them reached the ground floor. Fortunately, besides the elevator platform outside, there was one inside as well so they used that to go further down since this place is just too huge. He just wanted to tour "his" halls for a bit.
On the stairs leading outside, there were several servants standing on both sides of the walkway. It seems there were quite a lot of people, young, old and children alike, who were desperate for a job so they were employed by the palace.
Despite knowing they're all from backwater villages and slums, Arnold couldn't find a hints of that from them at all. It's like they're different people now that they're finally free from a life of eating scraps and begging on the street.
The servants straightened their backs when he exited the palace, all their heads bowed.
"They seem to have been trained very well."
"Yes, we have a veteran maid, who was once employed by one of the nobles, training the servants. She fills in for Lady Victoria, who is currently absent."
"I hope Lunaria made sure she's paid well for her efforts."
At the bottom of the stairs was the carriage pulled by two healthy black steeds. Standing next to the door was a rather familiar young girl. But he can't remember where he saw her before.
His attention was then taken away by a shout: "Lord Arnold! You have returned!"
He looked over in the direction of that shout, seeing a crowd of women in jogging pants and bras waving at him. Judging from the sweat sticking to their bodies, they had just returned from an intense run across the city.
The only who called out to him a tall handsome young man with long blonde hair, wearing a white tank top that stuck to his chest and a pair of shorts that wrapped around his toned buttocks...? His body was muscular at the top and his legs (???) were brimming with strength and power.
"You look at dashing as ever, My Lord!" yes, a man just said that to him…
All of them waved from afar with smiles on their faces. He awkwardly waved back.
"…Since when has Sceptim had legs? Where did his demon companion go?" Arnold whispered to Caerwyn who smiled wryly.
"Among the treasures we have been collecting over the decades that have past in the dungeon, there are magic items that create illusions. He didn't want to frighten the citizens since we're still new to the city so he's been using the magic item ever since. He only uses it when not on duty so he does not need to wear his coat that hides the monster."
Arnold activated his halo to see through the illusion. Yup, the monster was waving at him as well but the illusion was hiding that from the naked eye.
"Come on, girls! One minute break then we're back to sparring! Hahahaha!"
"Yes, sir!"
As if a new fire burned in their hearts, Sceptim and the girls sped past the carriage, their faces looking like warriors off to war.
The stampede of Valkyries disappeared around the palace but their fierce shouts still resonated in the air.
"It looks like he enjoys it." Arnold said with a scoff.
"You have no idea how excited he is when it's time for training…" Caerwyn said with a sigh.
The two continued walking towards the carriage. Upon arriving in front of her, the young girl bowed and spoke: "Greetings, sire. Though I fear I may not be the right girl for the job, my superiors ensured I would be the best fit to serve you as I will only be expected to do less than the bare minimum that is required of a maid."
They're not wrong, he thought, since this is just a trip to the Branding Centre. The most he'll need from her is water. Or if he smells something delicious, he'll tell her to go buy it.
"I disagree." Caerwyn offered her input, "Maybe it's because I am from a different country but I don't see how it's acceptable to have someone who only joined yesterday, do a job that a professional ought to do."
The girl silently lowered her head, not arguing against that.
"What's your name?"
"…My name is Bethany, sire."
He nodded silently then held out his palm.
"Come here and hold out your hands, Bethany."
"Yes, My Lord." Bethany approached with her head lowered, daring to not meet his eyes. She came to a stop and held out her hands.
Arnold grabbed her small hands and suspected her fingers. That made her flinch a bit.
They weren't soft in the slightest, there was a roughness to them that you only find on farmers' or warriors' hands. There were also calluses on her palms and her nails were clipped very short. Judging from how her nails look almost broken at the top of each finger, she's been scrubbing floors, clothes, and bedding pretty much her whole life.
"My Lord?" Bethany raised her head with a slight flush on her face.
It's not uncommon for nobles to check a servant's hands. Normally you can grasp their experience like this. But it seems that she has never served a noble before so this is her first time being inspected like this.
"You said she's the newest and least experienced maidservant but she's fine for the job." He replied to Caerwyn.
"…I understand, Lord Arnold. Please inform me if she steps out of line. I may not hold the title of head maid but as someone training to be a midwife for Lady Siana, I must keep an eye on my juniors." The pink-haired knight glared at the silent Bethany.
"Midwife? Are you not satisfied with being her head guard?" he asked, curious why she would waste her time on that.
"I would like to be there when it is time to deliver the fruits of your love." Caerwyn said, as if to inform the entire world that the two already had sex.
Whispers spread among the servants surrounding them. A few of the girls there blushed upon realization.
"…If you say so. Then I'll be off. Tell Siana I'll meet with her tonight if she comes back."
"I am sure she will be looking forward to it once she returns." Caerwyn bowed.
Arnold and Bethany boarded the carriage and before long it began to move.
The carriage jolted into motion, its wheels crunching softly over cobblestone. Arnold sat back, glancing out the window for a while before turning to the girl.
"—Caerwyn said you joined yesterday. What made you so interested in becoming a maidservant?"
"…There aren't many opportunities for someone like me who doesn't have a full education, My Lord. But I have looked after children and managed an orphanage alongside the headmaster. As such, I believe I am suited to being a maid."
She appears to be of age already, probably as old as Myrena or Luke. By this age, a child would be in an academy. But she's decided she'll become a maid instead.
He wondered if finances are the issue. If so, he might have to ensure the schools that will be built here aren't as expensive as those you would find in major nations and cities. He wants to ensure as many people as possible has access to education.
"Are you from around here?" he asked a different question.
If so, he wanted to know how the city currently compares to how it used to be. Crime used to happen every day and there were always bandits and criminals coming through this city. But since everyone here was poor, the troublemakers didn't typically stay for long. Of course, kidnappings happened quite frequently as even humans are looked at like they're a bag of gold.
"No, sir... I come from a humble background in Nuaria city."
"Ah… A refugee." She nodded silently as Arnold murmured. "So you've only seen this city in its current state."
"Yes." She smiled faintly. "Though I've heard plenty of stories about how things were. People say it used to be dangerous just walking through the markets of merchants that came and went. That no one stayed out after sunset. And girls always wore baggy clothes and cut their hair short."
"And now?"
Her eyes lit up, the kind of naive brightness only the young could have. "Now it feels… alive. The streets are full even at night. Travelers from across the country come here, some sharing their stories to the people who only knew life inside these walls. People leave their doors open during the night now. Stall owners don't have to pack everything away every night, only to put it all back out again at dawn. They trust the city now. They say the shadows watch over them. Demons, sire. They are thankful for demons. But to us, these demons are not like the ones we hear about in folklore and history, and they share no semblance with the demons like goblins that prowl forests. Maybe they are only demons in name but are actually the lost souls of valiant individuals from the past who vowed to save those who need help."
Arnold's gaze shifted toward the window. Outside, faint red silhouettes passed through the fog—knights in enchanted armor, motionless as statues. The townsfolk walked between them as if they were part of the scenery. Some children were waving wooden sticks around, acting as if they're a party of heroes there to take down a Demon Lord.
"Trust…" he murmured, his tone unreadable.
Bethany nodded eagerly. "Yes, my lord. It feels like a blessing. Like the city is finally breathing again."
He didn't answer, though a hint of a smile touched his lips—one that could have been approval—
No, it is pride.
Though he may not have been directly involved in creating this new city and land that protects and gives to its citizens, he made sure all the pieces were set in place. Vetis and Lunaria may be demons, but they've shown sincere dedication to improve the lives of the humans, as this will benefit their nation as well.
More happy humans, means more people will migrate here, which also means that more taxes for Whitage City.
"Any other stories to share?" he was a bit too eager to hear about what everyone thinks.
"My friends and I—some who were born here—we were talking about going to a tavern when my friend turns fifteen. They said it's never felt safer. I would like to thank you for all your hard work to ensure these people have a home…"
Bethany's voice sounded a bit hesitant, as if she wasn't sure she was allowed to say something so personal. Her fingers fidgeted with the edge of her apron before she continued, softer this time, "Most lords I've heard of only take, my lord. Taxes, labor, whatever they can. But here, it feels different. We give what we can, and the city gives something back. A place to sleep without fear. Food that isn't stolen in the night. It's…" she trailed off, searching for the right word, "…it's kind, my lord. You are kind."
"…I don't recall ever saying I won't collect taxes."
She smiled faintly. "I think the people here see it differently, my lord. Both the empire and this city collect taxes, yes—but here, it feels… fair. People give what they can without hesitation, because they see where it goes. It's gratitude, in its own way—to a lord who protects them and actually uses what they give to make their lives better."
It was high praise—the kind that would swell any city lord's heart with pride. Arnold, however, knew how fragile that illusion was. The moment they learned what sort of man he truly was, that image would crumble.
Maybe word just hadn't spread here yet. Without an information guild, news came only through couriers and merchants—
"We've already heard of your actions in the empire, sir," Bethany said suddenly, as if reading his thoughts. "Not everyone here grew up in hardship, but everyone understands this much—if you bite the hand that feeds you, the same life you tried to escape will catch up again. That's what happened when the last city lord was beheaded by his own citizens."
You could call them opportunists — people who don't care who rules them, so long as their safety, future, and stomachs are secure.
But strangely enough, he prefers it if his citizens are like that.
"…Good. I don't want to rule a nation with fear."
She didn't reply but smiled before looking out the window.
The carriage rocked gently over the cobblestone road. Speaking of the roads, they were quite the sight for sore eyes back in the day. Riding a carriage through this city was probably impossible, not to mention there were thieves who would ambush a carriage by blocking off the road in abandoned or desolate areas.
He caught a glimpse of a certain half-destroyed building.
Imagine how many vile crimes happened in buildings such as that. How many people lost their lives not knowing the joys of a city where you no longer have to fear for your life.
This city will be his legacy that he will leave to his children. Well, he's partly immortal in his Martial God candidate form, which is temporary, but it's also possible he'll never die from old age once he attains the power on his own.
But he doesn't want to rule a city forever. As such, once he becomes bored and his city prospers, he will leave the rest to his sons and daughters, or maybe even their sons and daughters, then he will pursue other things with Elizabeth by his side.
For now he'll build up that legacy and ensure it lasts for centuries.