Corruption of Rammstein

Estefan entered through the towering gates and immediately noticed the two guards posted there. At a glance, he could tell they were far weaker than the Knights of Angeras.

He continued walking. The path was paved with polished stone, flanked on both sides by lush greenery. The palace was constructed inside a vast square-shaped estate, with fortified walls enclosing it on all four sides and a gate on each side.

The Northern Gate, which Estefan entered through, was reserved for the Angeras family or esteemed guests of the family.

The Western Gate was for servants.

The Eastern Gate handled supply deliveries.

The Southern Gate was for waste disposal.

"Elegant and massive." Estefan thought out loud as he continued his walk. After nearly thirty minutes, he reached the central area where the palace was situated, it was a true architectural marvel, stunning in every possible way.

He was welcomed by a group of servants, all with their heads bowed touching the very ground. Standing at the front was a man in his early forties.

"Welcome to Rammstein, my lord Baron." The man greeted Estefan.

Estefan halted in front of them. "Happy to be here, but I don't wish to waste time. Introduce yourself."

"My name is Galliard. I am the Chief of Staff and have served as this palace's butler for the past twenty years." Galliard introduced himself while continuing to prostrate.

Estefan raised an eyebrow. "So, Galliard, that means you know everything, about the palace, the people working here, and the city itself."

"Yes, my lord." Galliard replied promptly.

"Good. Take me to my room. And bring me all records and documents related to this palace and, if available, the city." He ordered and servants all stood back up but they kept their heads lowered in front of him.

Galliard raised his head just to bow again and instructed a servant to escort Estefan while the others departed to gather the requested materials.

As Estefan entered the palace, he noticed something strange: there were no guards stationed inside. Instead, empty armor suits were positioned beside doors and at various corners.

Despite that, the palace's interior was breathtaking, grand and filled with intricate artistry. The main hall alone could host a thousand people with ease. As he ascended the stairs, he passed countless unused rooms.

"Such a waste of money," he muttered since the family stopped bothering about the City especially after the death of the former Duke.

His room was located on the third floor of the five-floor structure. Each level had about fifty rooms, though the third floor was specially reserved for the Angeras family. These rooms came with large private bath and even training chambers. But all of the rooms had proper plumping, a luxury since many could only afford a pot.

He arrived at his assigned quarters, originally built for the Duke himself but now belonged to him since he was the new master of the City and the Palace. Two massive doors opened to reveal an expansive room with a large bed, a study that resembled a royal office, and several additional chambers.

Turning to the servant, Estefan ordered, "Bring some refreshments. Coffee with milk. And don't be stingy with the sugar." The servant bowed and left to prepare his coffee.

Estefan moved toward the large desk and sat in the chair, absorbing the sense of authority radiating from the space. Yet he knew, he didn't own this city yet. Not truly tamed under his command.

A knock followed as Galliard waited outside with a group of servants carrying boxes filled with documents and ledgers.

"Enter." Estefan ordered.

The servants filed in and began organizing the materials neatly. Estefan turned to Galliard. "Do all the servants live within the palace walls?" He asked.

Galliard nodded. "Yes, my lord. In the western area, there are residential buildings for us and our families."

"I see. And what about food? With the curfew and criminal elements, how does the palace acquire its rations?" Estefan began to ask more questions related to the Palace.

Galliard elaborated, "We have a small farm that provides fresh vegetables and fruits. Rice is delivered monthly from the Capital. Meat comes from our private livestock farm."

Estefan raised an eyebrow. "So the servants get to enjoy fresh meals with meat too?"

There was a subtle shift in the air. Galliard hesitated before replying. "No, my lord. Those meals are reserved for the Angeras family and their guests."

Estefan noticed the unease in the room. "How many servants work here, excluding guards?"

"Two hundred, including myself." Said Galliard.

Estefan's questions were fast and relentless. "And the guards?"

"Two per gate. One morning and one night shift. They are from the City Guard as they arrive from their base which is not that far from here." He diligently tried to answer all the incoming questions.

Estefan stared out the window. "Only eight guards for a palace this big?"

Galliard tried to explain, "My lord, no one dares to attack the palace."

Estefan turned to face them. "I see."

He paused. Then, calmly said, "You may all leave. It's late. We'll resume in the morning. Tomorrow, this city will wake up under new management."

They left, having arranged everything. Shortly after, Estefan's coffee arrived. He took a slow and small sip.

"Hmm. Not poisoned." He muttered. "But it's obvious. All of them are traitors."

He looked at the documents spread across the table. "Sheesh… My so-called father is a damn idiot. He tried to kill the criminals without realizing the rot had spread into the very establishment itself." Estefan complained realising how much his father failed to see the rot inside the City which should have been cleansed first.

He turned back toward the room. "I had at least hoped the servants were loyal…"

"But it seems even they're corrupted." He finished the coffee and placed the cup down. "I'll have to start cleansing this place tomorrow."

He closed his eyes and said, "Is everything ready?"

Suddenly, dozens of eyes shimmered into view, with darkness appearing everywhere inside the City and he smirked.

"I'm not my father, anyway…"

[To be Continued]