In Another World, All Milfs Will Be Mine-Chapter 173: [ - - ]

The Royal inspectors had no comeback.

They could only switch the topic to the tax exemptions, trade routes, the Silver route and the massive celebrations in the town.

Leo had an answer for everything. Cheeky, slippery, and technically unprovable.

Soon, the Royal Inspectors were out of questions. Their stomachs churned as they saw the smug look on Leo’s face, but they could do nothing to corner him. He had a story for everything, and people supporting his claims as well.

"Enough games," A Royal Inspector slammed the table as he stood up.

"You paint a pretty picture, boy. A hero rising from the mud. A city saved by the power of friendship and reformed criminals."

The Royal Inspector stepped walked around the line of chairs, towards the dais.

"I look at these men," He gestured to the Blackfang Mercenaries, "And I don’t see heroes."

"I see killers. I see men who would sell their mothers for a gold coin. I see the scum of the Endless Forest."

He stopped at the foot of the stairs, looking up at Leo.

"Why?" The Inspector asked, "Why did the Blackfang Bandits, infamous for raiding, slaving, and murder decide to follow you?"

"Did you pay them? With what gold? Is this why the treasury is empty?"

The Inspector tried to set up a trap for Leo.

If Leo said he paid them, he admitted to having the gold which he said Caelum ran away with.

But if he said he didn’t pay them, then their loyalty made no sense.

The room held its breath.

Leo stopped chewing. He looked at the half-eaten bunch of grapes. He dropped it on the floor.

He stood up, and with his eyes locked on the Inspector, he walked down the steps of the dais, his boots thudding on the carpet, until he was standing face-to-face with the Inspector.

"You want to know why?" Leo asked quietly.

"I do."

Leo turned. He looked at Malcom. He looked at the scar-faced guard at the door. He looked at Belladonna.

"Because they were tired," Leo said. His voice projected, filling the hall.

"Tired?" The Inspector frowned.

"Tired of being treated like animals," Leo said, "Tired of living in the mud while men like Caelum lived in silk. Tired of a Kingdom that calls them monsters but lets a Lord abandon his people."

Leo walked towards the centre of the room, addressing the guards, the inspectors, everyone.

"You ask why they follow me? Because I didn’t run!"

He pointed at the door.

"When the Grave Stalkers broke the North Gate, when the screaming started... where was the Crown? Where were you, High and Mighty Inspectors? Where were the Royal Guards?"

"You were far away," Leo answered his own question, "Safe in the capital. In the arms of your mistresses. Do you think we don’t know?"

He gestured to Belladonna.

"She stood on the wall for twelve hours straight. She took a a bite on her arm, yet kept swinging. She’s a bandit, yes. But that night? She was more of a Knight than anyone in this room."

He pointed at Seraphine.

"She didn’t hide in a bunker. She was in the streets, tending to the wounded until her legs refused to listen. She is a Noble Lady, and she got her hands covered in peasant blood to save them."

He pointed at Ryana, who was standing near the entrance.

"The Merchant Queen opened her warehouses. She gave away grain. She gave away potions. She lost a fortune to keep these people alive."

Leo turned back to The Royal Inspector. His eyes were blazing.

"You see killers," Leo hissed. "I see the only people who gave a damn. Caelum ran. The Guild Masters hid. But the so called ’scum’?"

Leo slammed his hand against his chest.

"The scum held the line!"

The Blackfang Mercenaries in the room straightened their spines. They thumped their fists against their chest armour, and a singular, unified BOOM that shook the floor.

"Hail the Queen!" One of them shouted from the back.

"Long live the Queen!" the guards echoed.

"Hail the Master!"

"Long live the Master!" the room echoed once again.

Under the loud chants, even the Royal Guards looked uncomfortable. They were soldiers. They respected courage. Hearing that a Lord fled while bandits fought... it shamed them.

"We aren’t asking for a medal," Leo said, his voice dropping to a weary whisper, "We just want to rebuild this town. We want to live. Is that a crime against the Crown?"

As Leo asked those questions, heavy silence stretched out in the room.

Finally the Lead Inspector moved, he looked around the hall at the Blackfang guards. He saw the fanaticism in their eyes. He saw the way they looked at Leo.

This wasn’t a mercenary contract. They followed him with all their heart.

He let out a small sigh as he grabbed everyone’s attention.

"No," He said carefully. "Survival is not a crime."

He turned to his scribes. "Note that. The provisional government acted under extreme duress."

The other Inspectors looked like they wanted to argue, but he shot him a look that shut them up.

"However," He continued, turning back to Leo. "The legitimacy of your position... remains in question. We will need to ask Baron Volkov to narrate the accounts as he saw them. And we will need to audit the remaining resources."

"Of course," Leo smiled. The charm was back instantly. "Whatever you need, Lord Aris!"

"You... How do you know..."

"But you have had a long journey, Lord Aris. The road must have been bumpy for your cushiony ass, and you must be exhausted."

"We can begin immediately—"

"I insist," Leo interrupted, "Rest today. Enjoy the hospitality of the Gilded Lily."

He patted Aris on the shoulder. It was a gesture of dominance disguised as friendliness.

"We have plenty of time to chat. Auravale isn’t going anywhere."

Aris stiffened at the touch, but he didn’t pull away. He nodded slowly.

"Very well. We will resume tomorrow."

"Excellent," Leo beamed. "Malcom, escort our guests to the inn. Make sure they have everything they need."

"And Lord Aris?"

Leo called out just as they were turning to leave.

Aris stopped. "Yes?"

"Feel free to stroll the town," Leo said pleasantly. "It’s beautiful this time of year. But... please tell my guards where you are going."

Leo’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. His glowing pupils narrowed into slits.

"We are still cleaning up after the raid," Leo whispered, his voice carrying clearly across the silent hall. "There are loose stones. Deep holes. Unstable roofs."

"We wouldn’t want any... misadventures... befalling the King’s men. The streets can be very slippery for strangers."