Chapter 14: Non-payment Of Wages Case
An unexpected notice was posted on a bulletin board on the outskirts of the capital. It was about recruiting people to work.
But the conditions were a little strange.
"We have to move to the Duchy of Carriers? Why on earth should it be like that?"
"They're going to lock us up and make us work. If we follow along for no reason, won't we end up as a slave?"
"The idea of giving as much as 4 Ceylon a month is questionable."
People who first heard the announcement were very critical.
This was because those who knew how to read began speaking with their tongues in cheek.
However, nothing would change if they accepted the content accurately.
Have you ever gone to work somewhere far away and been mistreated?
In particular, most miners were like that.
If the tunnel collapsed and they died, they would wipe their mouths as if no workers had been brought in the first place.
However, opposition arose immediately.
"What are you saying now? Let's see who hung this."
"No? He's Duke Carriers, right?"
"How could someone who made a good ruling commit fraud?"
"Okay! It seems like they decided it would be better to move because it was so expensive."
"Why are you spewing nonsense about being a slave just to disgrace His Highness the Duke?"
The one who took the lead in venting his anger was Paul.
In addition to resolving the injustice, he also received his overdue wages all at once.
Isn't the court even giving some kind of consolation prize?
It was said that the money came from a fine imposed on Baron Parviant.
From then on, Paul had no choice but to become Duke ardent follower.
"I will apply first," Paul said, leaving for the Duchy of Carriers.
Some workers followed suit. All of them received unpaid wages thanks to me.
However, the majority did not believe the announcement.
Deep-rooted distrust could not be changed with a few famous rulings.
* * *
"Still, we gathered quite a bit. To be honest, I didn't think many would come," Deacon Miller Xavier said, looking at the vacant lot with surprise.
There were about 200 people standing there. Of course, half of them were children, but it was still quite a large number of people.
'We can't even build the walls yet. I'll have to start small,' I thought.
To prevent sabotage, it was essential to have a strong defense. Moreover, since there were few people, it had to be well-equipped.
'Our family has only honor left. Military power is minimal.'
However, the Carriers Duchy could not be overlooked carelessly.
They are war weapon called the Berserker of the North.
Moreover, from the outside, it seemed to be favored by the emperor. Since such a large piece of land was granted, the friendship between the cousins must have been strong.
They couldn't just come in without going crazy.
"We have deployed personnel as instructed, Your Majesty," Xavier said.
"Is that so? Let's start by putting up the buildings."
"We will let them stay in the tents for the time being."
"Please take care of it, Deacon Xavier. Oh, what happened to the new management staff you said you were hiring?"
"For now, they have been placed in the mansion, and I plan to hand over responsibilities as we go."
"Good. Then, have a good time at work."
"Please come back safely, Your Majesty."
I got into the carriage, leaving behind the brightly smiling Butler Xavier.
In the future, factories and villages will be built as I requested.
There was no need to worry about the details. The subordinates will take care of it. There was something else to focus on.
'I need to figure out something to get to work.'
This damn country has given its top judges too much work. In my old world, the role is no different from the Minister of Justice.
The reason for this was because there were too few judges.
The emperor only appoints people he can truly trust. In a situation like this, I couldn't just say I didn't like it and quit.
"Are there so few talented people here?"
Actually, it was worth it. Unless one come from a really great family, he or she can't stay aloof from external pressure.
In that sense, I was truly the perfect judge.
Who on earth would challenge the authority of Duke Carriers?
"I'm here, Your Majesty."
"Great job."
I waved my hand at the driver who was flinching. It meant that I would get off on my own, so don't do anything foolish.
The power of the nobles was incredibly strong, and their vanity was beyond imagination.
It was common to use the servant's back when getting on or off a carriage.
But to me, a modern person, it was a very strange thing. Stepping on people and getting on and off the carriage—why do I do such crazy things?
'It's not that high.'
When I refused to take the footrest, the coachman's expression became somber.
It was probably the first time he had seen the royal family so easy-going. I felt a respectful gaze behind my back.
I felt proud for no reason, but I shook my head.
'What did I say?'
Since coming here, there have been many moments where my mind became confused.
A strong caste system and a culture of disregard for human life. The life of a commoner was clearly a dark fantasy.
It was fortunate that I had been possessed by a high-ranking person. If I hadn't done that, I would have had a hard time from the beginning.
'Don't think about it being difficult, just do what I can. Then the world will be a better place.'
Fair judgment, improved treatment of servants, creation of quality jobs, etc.
It was definitely not something I did because I had a great philosophy.
I just moved as my heart wanted. I intended to continue to do so in the future.
Who will say anything when they hear I will use the money and power given to me as I please?
While I was thinking about random things, I was entering the courtroom.
"We will now begin the trial of the Erset mine non-payment of wages case. Salute to your honor."
"Everyone Bow your head!"
As usual, everyone bowed their heads toward me.
The moment I was about to sit down with a blank expression, I felt a strange feeling.
'I think I heard some really annoying words?'
As I slowly leafed through the documents on the podium, I figured out the reason.
"Non-payment of wages, is that you again?"
"Yes?"
Josef reacted immediately to what he was saying to himself.
There was no need to listen to what a treacherous bastard said anyway, so I just ignored it.
By the way.
'Why aren't they reviewed in advance? I make sure to come to the court and find out what the case is.'
It was absurd.
If I don't even know how things are going, how can I make a proper ruling?