“I heard that Barto, the captain of the Sword and Shield Mercenary Group, is suspected of murdering Captain Pulth. When I received this news, I was extremely shocked. Captain Pulth was a dedicated and duty-bound officer. In my eyes, he was an extremely outstanding and responsible individual with strong working capabilities, keeping this city in perfect order, where no criminal or illegal activities could be seen,” Arno’s tone was very low, his face filled with grief. “But he is dead, actually killed by a detestable madman. I do not want to know why he killed Captain Pulth, but I think we need to avenge his death.”

  Arno raised his head, the light in his eyes shining brightly. “So who is willing to help me eliminate the Sword and Shield Mercenary Group from Pramisburg forever?”

  The numerous faction leaders who were still dazed from the successive explosions of information first froze, then looked astonished, and immediately all stood up, bowing deeply. “I am willing!”

  Yes, this was the city lord’s test of everyone, a token of loyalty. Using the blood of the former “powerful figures” and their wails of death, they would sing the movement of a new era’s arrival! The concept of reverence finally appeared in the heads of these barbarians. They would forever revere Arno, respect him, fear him, and flatter him… until he showed a weak side.

  Before that, they would all become the sharp blades in this lord’s hands.

  Arno nodded in satisfaction. “Very good, very good, everyone is excellent. Then go ahead and do it. I hope to hear the best news the first moment I wake up after dawn.” After speaking, he stood up, nodded at everyone, and raised his foot to leave. Just as he was about to walk out of the hall, he paused, half-turned, and said, “I almost forgot to mention that, given Captain Pulth’s tragic death, the position of police captain is temporarily vacant. The security of a city is the responsibility of this position and cannot be left empty for a single day. Tomorrow, I will publicly put the position of police captain up for external contracting. Those interested can give it a try.”

  Dead silence ensued, leaving only the sound of Arno’s receding footsteps.

  The official position of police captain was actually going to be opened to them? By the old gods, this was simply… simply… simply indescribable in their hearts.

  Those from the lower strata of society formed gangs and factions, creating numerous group forces, then monopolized a certain industry through repeated use of violence, extracting huge profits. Apart from daily maintenance of the gang’s power and paying salaries to members at all levels, the excess part of these profits would be set aside as capital for advancement, if the gang’s leader was ambitious.

  They would package themselves beautifully, pretend to be good-natured people, actively participate in social charity activities and various political gatherings. They would enter the advisory council to become “representatives of public opinion,” submitting various drafts and suggestions, and become part of mainstream society.

  Once they obtained a large amount of public popularity and prestige, these faction leaders would choose to enter the privileged class by donating political contributions or allying with a noble. The so-called privileged class refers to the management personnel of all levels of departments. Although they are not necessarily all nobles, they all have privileges far exceeding ordinary people, such as people like Kent and Pulth. Once they enter the privileged class, it means they may become nobles after experiencing certain events.

  And nobility is the ultimate goal that everyone strives for throughout their lives!

  Whether they are peddlers, wealthy merchants, or those mercenary groups, their goals have not changed for thousands of years.

  Now, a ready-made opportunity was placed before their eyes. As long as they could obtain the city lord’s approval and acceptance, they would save ten or twenty years of struggle, step into the privileged class, become the empire’s lackeys, and clearly distinguish themselves from the commoner class.

  Cooper’s face was flushed. He had originally had some criticisms of the city lord’s methods, thinking that this city lord’s approaches were a bit too ruthless. But now, his mind was filled with the desire to become police captain. As long as he became police captain, it meant he would return to the imperial ruling class echelon. Even as the lowest member, the ladder of promotion was already open. As long as he worked hard to demonstrate his value and abilities, there would always be someone who could recognize his talent and promote him step by step, eventually returning to the noble circle.

  Clenching his knuckles, Cooper pressed his hand on his sword hilt and turned to leave. His two subordinates didn’t have as many thoughts; anyway, following the boss was right.

  Seeing Cooper leave, the others suddenly woke up. Regardless of the police captain bid, completing the task assigned by the city lord was the most important thing.

  As for those under Barto, they could only be troubled to die quickly.

  Watching the somewhat crazy people leave one by one, the clerk pursed his lips and smiled contemptuously. He would not take the initiative to provoke the golden nobles; he only planned to spend his term peacefully, ignoring everything else.

  In the city lord’s study, Arno crossed his legs, while Alma sat cowering on one side.

  The study was a very private place, and being able to enter here meant Alma had gained Arno’s recognition and trust. Up to now, she was the fourth person allowed by Arno to enter this room. Before her were only three people: the first was Blair, the second was Celeste, and the third was the head maid. In fact, the head maid could not be counted because she only came here to clean, not to receive instructions from Arno.

  Arno held a delicate nail clipper, picking at the non-existent dirt in his nail gaps as he said, “Spread out in the capital as soon as possible. I have a series of major actions planned for the next few years. Although they can’t control me, I don’t want to be in the dark. I need you to do two things: first, gather all valuable information as much as possible. Second, insert spies into the noble class in the capital as much as possible.

  “If they like young girls, give them young girls. If they like older women, give them older women. Even if they like men, I want you to satisfy their needs. As long as someone is moved, don’t care about the cost. Collect leverage and send them. Tell them that as long as they pass on three important pieces of intelligence, everything will be forgiven. Furthermore, adopt as many orphans as possible, make them loyal, give them the best education—this is a major matter related to how far you can go in the next ten-odd years.

  “I am very satisfied with your recent work. I have always said I am not an ungrateful person. What do you want?”

  Alma smiled and declined, saying, “This is what I should do, just fulfilling my duty.”

  Arno placed the nail clipper on the desk, pointed at Alma, and said, “I like your attitude. Smart people always live longer than fools.” He paused and continued, “Originally, my family should have been hereditary dukes with our own fiefdom. But generation after generation of ancestors were incompetent, leaving me only a baron’s title. Although they were foolish, I don’t feel regret. Rising from a baron to the peak of the nobility is what really stirs my fighting spirit.

  “I give you a promise: as soon as I return to the count title, you will become the first female baroness to come out of Pramisburg.”

  Alma was so excited that she trembled all over. If it weren’t for her age being too old and her perceived impurity, she would want to strip naked right now, use all her skills to the utmost, and please the man in front of her to the point of ecstasy.

  But she rationally knew that this was impossible because of her lowly status.

  She slowly prostrated herself on the ground, unable to speak a complete sentence, transitioning from choking sobs to quiet tears.

  Those who have never been commoners or even those of lower status will never understand the longing and yearning these people have for a noble status. If possible, they would willingly sacrifice everything they have—body, family, wealth, or soul—even if it was a deal with the devil, they would not hesitate to sign their name.

  “I… don’t know what to say. Even if you asked me to do anything, I wouldn’t hesitate!”

  Arno said lightly, “Then live well and be a useful person to me. This will be your best return to me!

  “Keep an eye on all the forces in the city. I don’t want anyone to hold me back when I’m ready to make big moves. One of the three casinos is for you. I will guide you on how to operate it. I want this casino to be a model, and you should also pay close attention.

  Arno was feeling drowsy. For the past two days, he had been repeatedly pondering his plans, searching for possible flaws, exhausting his energy. He yawned, waved his hand, and said, “Go back. I need to rest too.”

  Alma got up from the ground, kept her head down, hunched over, and her still-charming figure was outlined by the tight dress. Through the neckline, a touch of cleavage was particularly eye-catching in the late night. After retreating to the door, she gently opened it and stepped out.

  Arno blinked. The fatigue from mental exertion far exceeded physical fatigue. He didn’t even have the strength to return to his bedroom. He casually grabbed a blanket, pushed open the small door in the study, threw himself onto the soft small bed, and fell into a deep sleep.

  As he closed his eyes, the entire Pramisburg was already in an uproar.