Sad outcome
Although Eman said that in a mumble, the others seemed to hear him.
"Yes, sir. About 1000 of them," the scout answered.
A mere local lord of a town having that many private soldiers was kind of surprising for Eman. But as a matter of fact, even in his old place in his old world, politicians often have their own private soldiers that they take care of secretly. It seems like this place is similar.
"Does the majesty know this? Let's say he knows, but why does he let it? Didn't he think that his status as an emperor might be in jeopardy if the local lords revolted against the imperial family?" Eman asked out of curiosity.
Rossbert opened his mouth. "The emperor and the imperial family know it. The reason why they are nonchalant regarding it is because of the system known as the 13 families."
"The 13 families…" Eman mumbled. It was lost in his thought. That's right. The 13 families act as the status quo probably.