Punishment 3

Translator: Cinder Translations

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After the meeting with his subjects, Paul told Steward Philip that he wanted some time alone and silently walked to his office.

Upon entering the room he once thought he would never return to, Paul stretched lazily.

The night had begun to fall, and the last remnants of sunlight lingered on the horizon. The office was dim, with no candles lit. He squinted at the furnishings illuminated by the faint light streaming in through the window, which were just as he remembered, so familiar—he had finally returned here.

Paul gently walked to his desk, where a stack of documents lay waiting. He remembered that these were the official papers he hadn't finished handling.

He walked around to the back of the desk and placed his hands on the "ergonomic chair" he designed, feeling its warm and familiar touch.

"Oh, old friend," Paul said to his chair, "I thought I would never see you again."

He sat down, leaning back against the chair, resting his feet on the desk in front of him, letting out a long sigh as he stared vacantly at the dark ceiling.

At that moment, Paul suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him from all directions, making him long for a good sleep. However, as soon as he closed his eyes, the drowsiness vanished in an instant.

He remained in that state for an unknown amount of time when suddenly a knock on the door interrupted his contemplation.

"Come in!"

With a creak, Steward Philip's head popped in from outside.

"You startled me, My Lord, why didn't you light a lamp?"

The old steward entered the office and expertly lit the candles on the candlestick, instantly brightening the room.

"Philip, is there something you need?"

Since he had just told Philip he wanted to be alone, it was clear that Philip was here for a specific reason.

"My Lord, Sir Abbott has returned; he wishes to speak with you in person."

"Hansel?" Paul was surprised. What could he want? Was there something he couldn't say in the meeting just now that required a private discussion?

Paul instructed Philip, "Let him in; I'll wait for him here."

"Yes, My Lord." The old steward bowed slightly and stepped back out.

In less than two minutes, footsteps sounded in the hallway again, followed by another knock.

"Come in, Hansel."

The door opened, revealing the face of the head of the agricultural department.

"Sorry to disturb you, My Lord." He stepped inside, turning to gently close the door behind him.

Paul remained reclined in his chair, lazily tilting his head toward the nearby sofa, where Hansel plopped down.

Paul asked, "What's so urgent that you need to discuss with me at this hour?"

"Uh… actually, I'm not here on my own behalf, but rather… on behalf of everyone."

"Everyone?" A look of confusion crossed Paul's face. Only then did he notice Hansel's expression was incredibly serious. This was rare for someone who usually carried a flippant demeanor.

Paul asked curiously, "By 'everyone,' do you mean old Ford, Cecil, Victor, and the others? Did they send you?"

Hansel managed a slight smile, "My Lord, please don't misunderstand. In fact, no one appointed me to this task; I just sensed some thoughts that others had in their minds, which coincided with some of my own thoughts. So, I felt it necessary to represent them. As for those thoughts, perhaps it would be a bit awkward for those who are usually close to you to voice them directly, and I…"

Paul pointed at him, "An outsider from Crystal Glare, also acting as a royal representative."

Hansel nodded, "Yes, perhaps I am the more appropriate person to discuss this matter with you."

"Interesting!" A smile appeared on Paul's face. He stood up from his chair, walked around the desk to a small table in the corner, and poured two glasses of wine, handing one to Hansel. They gently clinked their glasses and took a sip.

Paul said, "I didn't expect these long-serving subjects of the Grayman family… to have things they couldn't say in front of me, haha. In that case, Hansel, you can speak for them."

"My Lord," Hansel resumed his serious demeanor and got straight to the point, "During the meeting just now, regarding the note given by Chief Judge Thomas—the one concerning how to deal with the traitors—you seemed to… have some doubts about its contents?"

"Well…"

Paul wasn't sure how to respond.

The paper passed by the Chief Judge was straightforward—execute the entire families of every participant in the rebellion.

This punishment, unless specified otherwise, meant wiping out entire families—regardless of age or gender, even including loyal servants.

After reading it, Paul hadn't directly agreed or disagreed. He merely wanted to appear decisive in dealing with the rebellion.

However, that momentary hesitation had been noticed by someone with ulterior motives.

"Hansel," Paul said helplessly, "I hate that class, not specific individuals. Such a blanket approach seems… excessive."

"Even if this poses a threat to your life?"

"Hansel, don't confuse the issue. I will certainly deal with those who threaten my life, but their families—women, children, and the elderly—might not have known anything from the beginning. Just because they're related, they get thrown in prison or even lose their lives. That…"

Paul shook his head.

"My Lord!" Hansel spoke earnestly, "Having such thoughts shows you are a good person, which is commendable. But what if the offspring of those traitors grow up and, under their cunning manipulation, gain great power to seek revenge on you? Have you thought about that?"

Paul replied, "Of course I have, but as long as I remain vigilant, it seems unlikely. Just think about it, a family that's already finished—what strength could its descendants possibly have to cause me trouble?"

"My Lord, you need to consider the worst-case scenario. You cannot naively expect others to act according to your wishes."

Paul answered softly, "If I do everything I should, and I still…" he paused, "then it can only be said that it was meant to be."

Clap—clap—clap!

Hansel applauded Paul, but his expression was increasingly ironic.

AN: Sometimes the protagonist in this book is also the object of the author's critique, haha.

TLN: Honestly, I agree with Paul on this one...

(End of the Chapter)

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