"My city doesn't allow troublemakers. You'll have to work hard these next few days." Patting the other's shoulder, Sean looked toward another direction—where the sergeant major stood.
The man bowed in salute upon seeing him.
"Your name is Joseph?"
"Yes, Count. I am Joseph, Sergeant Major of Oro City."
Oro had previously been under Tacoma City's jurisdiction, so the highest rank among soldiers here was only sergeant major, with no higher military titles. This man was around Level 6 of the Order, far inferior to those Level 7 or 8 individuals Sean had seen at Count Hamilton's estate. It seemed he'd need to recruit more capable people in the future.
He also had to be especially wary of those with ulterior motives.
After a moment's thought, he decided there was no rush.
Soldiers who trained regularly improved quickly—at least from Level 5 to Level 6 or 7 within a few years. Cultivating a commander from within was always more reliable than hiring one from outside. Besides, for now, he didn't need a large personal guard; he had enough time to train them.
"Good. You know Oro City well, so I'll leave the security during this rest period to you. If anyone causes trouble, arrest them—no exceptions, no matter who they are. If you're short on manpower, I'll arrange to recruit new soldiers later," Sean said.
He watched the man's eyes suddenly light up, his head radiating excitement.
"Yes, sir. I guarantee there won't be a single security issue in Oro City these three days," Joseph vowed confidently.
The Bashaaran Empire's military had a unique rule:
Only local lords had the right to form their own armies. A title merely indicated one's status; the quality of the army depended on the territory's conditions. For instance, a baron's military might not necessarily be weaker than a viscount's, influenced by the land's resources.
Take his previous town, Taylor Mian, with fewer than ten thousand people. His guard—or personal guard—under Danti had only about seventy men.
His personal guard captain was a special position, roughly equivalent to the city's guard captain. In some places, to avoid conflict, one person held both roles.
If both needed to appear simultaneously, a deputy could step in.
Below the guard were inspectors and squad leaders, both at the same rank, akin to sergeants. Inspectors handled civil matters—robberies, murders, arson—while squad leaders focused on daily soldier training, building combat strength, occasionally joining city defense.
Above the guard captain was the sergeant major, a recognized military figure commanding many soldiers. Higher still were ranks like warrant officer, legion commander, commander, general, marshal, and so on.
The simplest way to distinguish them was by the number of soldiers they led. More soldiers meant more management fees, so promising reinforcements essentially promised a promotion—naturally a cause for joy.
"Good. I'll wait for your good news."
Having arranged security, Sean took Asland and Ross to the pre-arranged residence.
Before his arrival, Oro City had no officials. Local magnates and department heads had collectively arranged his lodging upon hearing of his coming. Their guide was a member of the local merchant guild.
"Sir, what are our plans next?" Asland suddenly asked as they walked.
Sean had initially considered giving him security duties, but since he was also an outsider new to the city and likely unfamiliar with the streets, he'd assigned the task to Joseph. This seemed to bother Asland slightly.
Though his expression showed nothing, Sean could see the emotion above his head.
"We've just arrived. There'll be plenty to do. Once we're settled, I want you to send a message to Taylor Mian Town, telling my former townsfolk they can move here. We have much to build, and I'll need you to focus on the army," Sean said.
Asland's earlier gloom vanished instantly, replaced by anticipation.
"Yes, sir."
Anyone with half a brain could tell from his words that Sean intended to form an army.
Oro Region encompassed all the towns and resources of former Tacoma Region—a vast area. With a population of five to six hundred thousand, it was impossible to place all troops under one commander.
They needed to be divided.
That was a method of checks and balances.
Sean hadn't expected to start weighing his subordinates' roles so soon after taking office.
A lonely ruler.
The life of those in power seemed to be constant scheming. At that moment, Sean felt he could understand why the late Count Hamilton had shown so many expressions and emotions during their meetings, and why he'd relied on and guarded against all nobles.
"Sir, I'll take some men ahead to arrange the belongings."
Since the new lord's arrival today, many merchants and passersby had gifted various items—daily eggs, decorative bouquets, practical tools, and furniture. Without the two-hundred-man guard, they couldn't have carried it all.
"Good. Arrange things simply for now; I'll handle the rest later."
"Understood, sir."
Watching Asland lead a group ahead, Sean was left with only Ross and a few others.
"Count, you're good at delegating," Ross said abruptly.
"Oh? Why do you say that?"
"I can tell you're a wise man."
"If I were wise, so many people wouldn't be suffering," Sean replied with a smile.
"And humble. At your age, I've only seen such wisdom in His Majesty the King."
That was high praise, but Sean wouldn't take the bait. Comparing himself to the king was a conversation he'd avoid.
"I can't compare to His Majesty. I'm just clever in small ways."
As he spoke,
they arrived at a pleasant-looking building with three people waiting at the entrance.