Gaining the people's trust

Inside the castle, Ryan succeeded in amassing wealth from the residences of the city officials and the Elders' Hall.

What about the soldiers of these high-ranking individuals? They surrendered; after all, the city's populace had grown to deeply resent the officials and elders, and this disdain extended to their families as well.

The families of the city officials and elders also faced discrimination from the city's inhabitants.

Regarding the city officials and the five elders imprisoned in the castle's dungeon, they are to be held there for three consecutive years.

At first glance, Ryan's punishment might seem merciful, but in reality, over these three years, the city officials and the five elders will endure harsh conditions in the castle's dungeon. Their food will be barely edible, and Ryan has ordered their torture twice a day to extract information, believing they have connections outside the city, possibly with high-ranking officials in the capital of Valthorn or tribes in the Thornvale region.

Essentially, the city officials and the five elders were subjected to a fate worse than death.

Meanwhile, in the castle's office, Ryan was suddenly approached by his servant, Demi, who reported the arrival of an elf at the castle.

Rubbing his chin thoughtfully, Ryan muttered to himself, "Elf Nalia is still here? I had already granted her freedom... What could she possibly want now?"

Ryan, drawing on knowledge from his past life, was aware that Elf Nalia might appear to be between 16 to 18 years old but was actually centuries old.

He found it complicated to have someone of such ancient age by his side. Despite their youthful appearance and spirit, reminiscent of someone in their late teens and seeming perpetually youthful, they were in essence, beings with centuries of experience.

Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, Ryan proceeded to the castle's hall. There, he encountered Elf Nalia, her robe worn without the hood, revealing her striking beauty.

Approaching her, Ryan inquired, "Elf Nalia... What brings you back here? Is there something you need?"

Hearing his question, Elf Nalia fell silent, a slight blush coloring her face.

As Ryan gazed at Elf Nalia, he found himself genuinely admiring her beauty, and in that moment, she seemed exceptionally charming.

"I'm sorry if I'm intruding, Lord Ryan, but... may I stay in the castle?" Nalia asked, her voice betraying her embarrassment.

"You wish to stay in my castle? For what reason?" Ryan inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Well... I realized I don't have the strength to return to my own place, and I was hoping I could find refuge in your castle, if that's alright with you," Nalia explained, a blush coloring her cheeks.

Ryan took a moment, thoughtfully stroking his chin as Nalia watched anxiously, wondering how he would respond.

After a brief pause, Ryan decided, "Well, considering I was the one who saved you, I feel a sense of responsibility towards you. If it's within my means to assist you again, then I see no harm in it."

Nalia's face lit up with genuine surprise and joy. "Thank you so much! I'll forever be grateful for your kindness!"

Ryan simply nodded, his eyes inadvertently drifting over her graceful figure, only to hastily avert them, a hint of embarrassment flickering across his face. He then turned away from Nalia, hoping to hide his reaction from her.

Watching Ryan abruptly turn his back on her, Nalia sensed that he was a more serious person than she had initially thought.

Ryan returned to his office to engage with the system, aiming to level up and claim his bonus reward—a blueprint for a kiln—oblivious to the fact that elves generally harbor distrust towards other races, particularly humans. Despite the assistance of a human, their inherent caution often prevents them from seeking help as openly as Nalia did with Ryan.

Nalia, on the other hand, found herself genuinely intrigued and somewhat trusting of Ryan. His actions of mercy towards the wicked and his kindness observed in the city square sparked in her a budding sense of trust, interest, and curiosity.

---

In the city square, Ryan had tasked Gilbert and fifteen soldiers with distributing the overdue payments that the previous lord owed to laborers and farmers.

The laborers and farmers formed separate queues, each placing their tally sticks on the table in front of Gilbert. As they received their silver coins from him, each one, in turn, offered their heartfelt thanks.

"Thank you so much," cried one laborer, tears glistening in his eyes as he clutched the silver coins.

"Finally, I can put food on our table again! Thank you!" exclaimed another farmer, his voice breaking with emotion as he sobbed.

Gilbert observed their reactions, a warm smile spreading across his face.

He thought to himself, 'The prince's decision to pay them back was definitely the right one.'

As Gilbert handed out silver coins to the laborers and farmers, the surrounding citizens watched and began to talk among themselves.

"Our new lord is truly kind!"

"You're right. It seems we were mistaken about him."

"He really cares about us!"

Amid their conversation, Ryan appeared in the city square, accompanied by his soldiers. The laborers and farmers, already in line, noticed him. A laborer couldn't help but shout, "The lord is here! Long live the Lord!"

Encouraged by this, the laborers and farmers joined in the cheer.

"Long live the Lord!"

Soon after, the rest of the citizens in the square picked up the chant as well.

"Long live the Lord!"

Walking amidst his soldiers, Ryan was taken aback by the cheers from the crowd. Hearing the chants and seeing the people's faces filled him with a profound sense of satisfaction.

The crowd quieted down as Ryan raised his hand, signaling for silence.

He then made his way to the stage set up in the city square and began to speak. "Today, I am looking for individuals skilled in specific trades—masons, bricklayers, carpenters, blacksmiths, and metalworkers. If you possess skills in these areas, I invite you to join one of my projects. I assure you, the compensation will be fair."

As Ryan's words echoed through the square, a number of citizens stepped forward, showing their interest.

This included many of the laborers who were already in line, whose professions matched the ones Ryan listed.

Seeing Ryan's actions and the kindness he had shown since his arrival, many felt compelled by the opportunity. Ryan had swiftly earned their trust, and they were ready to work for him.