In Heim City's inner city, Heim Square wasn't very large. Trying to fit over 17,000 people there was unrealistic.
So Sebas had each household send a representative. Even then, more than 4,000 people showed up, crowding the square tightly.
Hel and her group stood on the walls of Heim Castle, while the crowd below had mostly gathered. Seeing this, Hel cleared her throat, and Witt discreetly cast a spell to amplify her voice.
"Everyone, I have an announcement."
Scanning the crowd below, Hel continued in a solemn tone:
"Anyone who owes money to the nobles will have their debts covered by the Heim City government. And given the current state of war, agricultural taxes for the next three years will also be waived. However…"
Hel paused, waiting for the commotion below to settle slightly before continuing:
"The capital has sent word, demanding that all residents of Heim territory relocate. But I believe that what belongs to you should be protected by yourself. Therefore, I do not plan to evacuate Heim City, and I will ensure its survival alongside it.
"However, each of you has the right to make your own choice. You may stay or leave. Those who stay, I guarantee their safety. Those who leave will not be accepted back into Heim territory.
"Now, disperse, and anyone wishing to leave should gather at Heim Square at 1 PM."
After speaking, Hel turned to the steward Ulriel and asked:
"Would you like to say a few words?"
Ulriel twitched at the corner of his eye. Great, the people are leaving and now she wants me to speak? But he didn't feel angry. His men had already spread through the city, informing the populace of the Duke's orders.
With centuries of the Mandrake family's influence in the principality, he was confident many would follow them out.
"No need, Fourth Young Master," he said, giving Hel a sharp glance. "You should focus on defending this empty city."
By noon, Ulriel and his group were at Viscount Witt's mansion. As troublemakers who had injured Hel's subordinates upon arrival, they had no right to be offered a meal. So they had to stay with the city's nobles temporarily.
"Damn it, that brat doesn't even want us to rest for a night in the city," grumbled a burly man with a thick beard beside Ulriel, slamming his cup down. The assembled nobles were startled, afraid he might vent his anger on them if drunk.
Ulriel, however, remained calm. He picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth and said:
"No matter, he's just a little brat relying on outsiders. But perhaps he's forgotten that in the Mandrake Principality, the Duke's orders are absolute."
He then surveyed the nobles around him, speaking coldly:
"Since you've made your choice, you've already betrayed the Fourth Young Master. Traitors never fare well in any faction. If you wish to keep your titles and continue living a respectable life, I suggest you act efficiently.
"When I stand on the city walls this afternoon, I expect all of Heim City to be gathered at my feet. Do you understand?"
Ulriel swept his gaze over them again and released a faint mental pressure. Even with such a small amount, these mostly second-tier weaklings were terrified. After a long while, they all nodded in agreement:
"No problem, Steward, rest assured."
"Good." Ulriel smiled smugly. "I look forward to seeing the Fourth Young Master's expression when only a few remain in the entire city."
…
Time passed quickly, and the appointed hour arrived. With the bell tolling, only around 2,000 people showed up at Heim Square.
Seeing this, Ulriel's face turned green with anger. He glared at the assembled nobles and then shouted at Hel:
"Fourth Young Master, the Duke ordered the entire city to relocate, yet so few have come. Am I to understand that you secretly restricted their freedom?"
"Did I?" Hel smiled. Heim City's policies were very favorable to the commoners—who would willingly leave? Even knowing the city's defenses weren't as strong as the capital, they could at least eat, stay warm, and avoid harassment from the nobles here. Once they reached the capital, their hardships would resume.
"Have you heard this saying?" Hel looked at the trembling crowd and slowly said:
"Tyranny is fiercer than a tiger."
"Ha, tyranny fiercer than a tiger… I see," Ulriel said, glaring at Hel. "Let's go."
He turned and began walking down from the city walls. The other nobles hesitated but, having been branded as traitors, they had no choice. Even if they regretted leaving, Hel might not allow them to stay.
Among those leaving, Lyman and his subordinates from the capital also joined. They were, after all, the Duke's soldiers. However, most of these troops chose to stay, leaving only Lyman and his inner circle to depart. This drove Ulriel into a near blind rage.
"You… you want to be deserters?"
"You call that being deserters?" Hel said understandingly, watching Ulriel's fury.
"This army has already been disbanded. They are now merely civilians staying in Heim City."
"Oh, right, Arwin," Hel said, turning to the side.
"To prevent this steward from being held accountable, bring up the people we prepared."
"Understood."
Soon, a few hundred more appeared at the city walls. Most were city spies, thugs, and those who harbored grudges against Hel.