As the mob began to raid and redistribute wealth in the manor, along with dragging the former castellan with them, Justinian stayed by the gates to observe.
Ensuring the mob doesn't become too reckless due to his act of generosity.
"Javier, keep an eye on them. I need to think about something."
"Very well, my lord!"
Javier obeyed quickly, looking at the mob and making sure to shout reprimands or commands when they devolved into violence.
'Prestige...'
Justinian began to remember all the novels he had used to read before, deciding that this should be the common trope.
'There's no other answer right...?'
'Open Status Screen'
[Kingdom Building System Protocol Activated]
[Ruler: Justinian Alarys Thirell]
[Rank: Duke]
[Resources:]
Gold: 500 KG
Food: 13~18 Weeks
Military: 512 Units
[Map:]
Snowkeep (Capital): Unrest (53%)
Herdrin: Unrest (13%)
Bridgeton: Unrest (76%)
'Some of my stats seemed to have changed despite the small amount of time...'
'The food thing I can manage for now... as long as unrest is low, I can manage.'
Justinian tilted his head. This wasn't the information he needed for now, but it was useful to know nonetheless.
'Open... the book of war?'
[The Book Of War]
Prestige: 45
As it opened, a panel revealed to him, unlike the kingdom-building system, the book of war acted like a personal screen for him, one that he could use personally.
Novice of War: 100 Prestige
3 Weeks of Food: 70 Prestige
Military Supplies (Swords, Armor, ...): 200 Prestige
'So it acts like a personal shop then.'
'And if I remember correctly, I obtain them if I act like a duke, either that or being warlike.'
Justinian made up his mind, if the world wanted him to roleplay, then he would put on the best show of his life.
Shame is nothing compared to power after all.
As he closed his system and returned to look at the mob, the looting had finally calmed down, with most having treasure on their hands or bodies.
Marking a successful looting.
And Perval, meanwhile, was on the ground, being pelted with rotten tomatoes; it looked more humorous than brutal.
"Let's go back to the palace, Javier, I'll need to plan for the upcoming festival... and my traitorous subjects."
"But what about the crowd?"
"They'll spread the word of my appearance, wasting resources on this when I can let the citizens spread it by word of mouth would be easier."
"But looting may spread to nearby districts if unchecked."
Justinian just laughed it off. A restless crowd may be a problem, but it isn't just his problem; his traitorous vassals would also need to deal with it. While it may inconvenience him, it'll also inconvenience his enemy.
After all, this is a revolt of legitimacy, not a survival crisis. If looting does spread, then they'll only target other nobles. People that Justinian already wants gone.
As Justinian began to head back to his palace, he let out a huge sigh of relief; his capital finally looked calmer, but of course, it was still the beginning.
Unrest still didn't go down to a complete zero, and with the stunt he performed, he had now begun an all-out civil war.
'This place never just stops snowing...'
***
As Justinian returned to his palace and sat on his throne, he began to idly fiddle with his crimson hair, stupidly tired of today's events.
He died of old age before he was transferred. After all, even with a youthful body, it was still tiring.
'Even then... I can't rest, no wonder why most kings and dukes just give up and hide in their palaces.'
Justinian chuckled.
"My lord."
Matthias suddenly spoke from beside him, scaring Justinian.
"Holy shi-!"
"I mean... warn me next time."
Justinian grasped at his heart; even if he decided to act like a duke, he was still far from being an actual one.
Matthias briefly smiled at Justinian's response, the moment of vulnerability showing everyone present in the throne room that their duke was also human behind the cold facade.
"The preparations for the festival are ready, I've already spread the word throughout, come next week the event will start."
Justinian smiled at the response. It was faster than expected, and with the festival being a week later, that meant he had time to clean up his duchy. After all, a festival can't be successful when it's held during problematic times.
'I need to rally the army... I'm outnumbered 1 to 3, but if I can convince my only loyal vassal, it's 2 to 3.'
Justinian smirked.
It may seem like a losing situation, but Justinian had always dreamt of this, the most exciting part of being transmigrated.
Total medieval domination with modern tactics.
'Let's see if my obsession with Hannibal and Sun Tzu was worthwhile...'