Keanus sat in Arcath's seat with a furious expression. Kuroishi stood behind him with a small stick tied to his right hand's fingers with gauze. In front of them were six people in Stone's official robes with gloomy expressions.
They were Arcath's capable subordinates, the six administrators of Stone City. After hearing the news about Keanus today, they were called back in a hurry.
They were no stranger to this weirdly dressed man in front of them. Ten years ago, this Keanus was still calling them uncle, but now he was stepping all over them, sitting in Arcath's seat and ordering them to do things.
This made everyone unhappy. A person who didn't know anything about Stone City wanted to govern it. That was clearly nonsense. The six administrators definitely wouldn't let him do as he pleased.
"Hmph! You don't know what's good for you! According to the laws of the Liska Empire, when uncle Arcath isn't here, I'm the person in charge of Stone City. If you disobey my orders, I have the right to dismiss you! "
Keanus rolled his eyes, then turned his head to the side and looked at the deer's head on the wall, pretending not to care.
Although Stone City belonged to the Liska Empire in name, in reality, the Liska Empire had no right to interfere with Stone City's affairs. This wasn't because of how powerful Stone City was, but because of the Dragon Boat Empire and the Luas Empire.
Both empires wanted to take over this city, and neither wanted the other to have it. After a long period of conflict, the two empires with tense relations had openly banned trade between them. However, the Dragon Boat Empire's new magic technology required high-energy magic crystals as a source of energy, and the Luas Empire's magic crystals were the best in the world in terms of production and quality.
However, the Luas Empire, which focused on traditional magic, didn't have the technology to extract magic from the air like the Dragon Boat Empire. Magic crystals weren't suitable for daily use, so the Luas Empire needed to buy magic storage devices from the Dragon Boat Empire. The two empires didn't reach any trade agreement. Instead, they reached a strange tacit understanding. The Dragon Boat Empire would temporarily store their goods in Stone's warehouse and trade with the Luas Empire in the name of Arcath. The currency of the trade was magic crystals.
Therefore, pleasing the two empires was Arcath's main job. This trade was the same as most of Stone City's goods. It was done secretly, so it wouldn't be included in the tax. However, Keanus didn't know about this. The cautious Keanus wouldn't tell a person who could take on such a huge responsibility.
Barlow, who was in charge of the finances, furrowed his brows. Before Arcath returned, he had to stop Keanus from running amok.
"My uncle, Arcath, is a person who doesn't know how to reap rewards. Stone City was originally an ancient town with a long history, but it was ruined by this group of greedy merchants. Countless merchants made a fortune here, but none of them knew how to be grateful. Therefore, I have decided to collect the debt they owe. I want to build a beautiful and charming Stone City! "
After Keanus said that, he rummaged through the messy table, but he couldn't find the paper and pen he wanted. He opened the drawer, only to find a packet of biscuits inside and a cockroach running out.
"My God, my uncle is senile. Come on, what is he doing? "As you can see, my uncle has reached the age of retirement. I've learned a lot about running an empire from the academy, so I'm sure I can become a better leader than Uncle Akas. Don't you think so, Blackstone? "
Hearing this, the burly man standing behind Keanus nodded and said, "Of course, Lord Keanus."
However, many of the six managers rolled their eyes. There was nothing convincing about him.
"Then I'll make it clear. From now on, all merchants who enter the city will have to pay an entrance fee. Those who drive carriages will have to pay a fee based on the weight of the goods. This fee will be used to renovate and repair old houses. You old fellows just wait and see. I will make Stone City look brand new. In the future, this place will be called Stone New City. "
After hearing Keanus' words, the financial manager Barlow's eyes widened in fright. Entrance fee? Based on weight? Wasn't this openly provoking the Dragon Boat Empire and the Luas Empire? This was courting death!
"No! Stone City's situation is more complicated than you think. You can't do this! "
Barlow said loudly.
Hearing this, Keanus smiled and said, "It's useless even if you object. I'm the one who makes the decision!"
Barlow looked at Keanus. There was no joy or sorrow in his eyes, but it gave off a sense of oppression.
Suddenly, Keanus revealed an interested expression. He placed his hands on the table and opened his eyes wide. He said mockingly, "I'm guessing that you're definitely thinking of some bad ideas. For example, you're pretending to agree to me, but in reality, you're treating my words as nonsense and not carrying out my orders. You want to make me a mere figurehead, right?"
"Of course not. I just want you to think about it seriously and understand the situation before making a decision."
Keanus laughed.
Keanus burst into laughter and said, "Stop pretending, you old foxes. My uncle Akas doesn't know about your little tricks, but I know very well. Balor, how much money have you embezzled over the years and how many bad things have you done?"
Hearing this, Barlow furrowed his brows. He finally couldn't help but fly into a rage. "Even Akas wouldn't talk to us like this! Who do you think you are! "
In an instant, Keanus' face turned cold. His eyes became ferocious. Behind him, Blackstone revealed a clear killing intent.
"Who do I think I am? Hmph, then I'll use my actions to show you what kind of thing I am. Did you think that I came here alone? Did you know that the trouble I caused was to attract the attention of a group of old things like you? My people had already come in openly, and you didn't notice at all. "
The six of them immediately reacted. This fellow was actually planning to get rid of all of them! How could he be so daring?!
"How dare you!"
Barlow roared furiously. He didn't dare to believe that Akas' good-for-nothing nephew would dare to do such a thing.
However, the other party really did dare.
Keanus' eyes revealed a ferocious glint. He smiled as he ordered, "Cripple them."
As soon as he finished speaking, Blackstone suddenly opened his mouth wide and rushed forward with an "Ah!". These old people were no match for him. They were all knocked to the ground and couldn't move.
"From now on, this is Keanus' city."
As Keanus spoke, he looked at the manager on the ground and shouted loudly, "Guards!"
Then, a few guards hurriedly ran in. When they saw these important people lying on the ground, they were instantly scared silly.
"Throw them into the dungeon and leave."
The guards didn't know what to do. They looked at each other. At this moment, Blackstone shouted loudly, "Hurry up and go!" It was as if they had seen a sudden explosion. They were so frightened that they hurriedly carried the people on the ground out.
"Very good! Blackstone, you'll be my right-hand man in the future. I'll leave the security of the city to you. "
Hearing this, Blackstone knelt on one knee and shouted, "Yes! Lord Keanus! "
"One more thing," Keanus said. He used a handkerchief to gently wipe his right eye that had been swollen.
"Find that stinky woman who beat me up! I want her to kneel in front of me and beg for mercy! "
"Alright! I'll do it right away! "
After speaking, Blackstone directly left the room.
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