Chapter 39

Lord Noein's rule in the Arkvist estate is probably the most benevolent among all the lords of the current Loburg Kingdom.

This is partly due to the fortunate situation where, thanks to the lapis lazuli mine, the lord's income is relatively high compared to the population. However, Noein's personal qualities are evident in his willingness to invest this income generously for the well-being of his subjects and the stability of the territory.

Naturally, the loyalty of the subjects, who benefit from his generous protection, is extraordinarily high. The security is good, and everyone is well-behaved.

However, there are always exceptions in any era and any place.

"Lord Noein, I apologize for interrupting you during your work."

Pence, who usually oversees the security of Noeina, the capital of the estate, the supervision of the settlers' development work, and the training of male subjects for emergencies, entered Noein's office with a particularly stiff expression. Noein braced himself, sensing that Pence had something difficult to report.

"What's the matter, Pence?"

"Actually... there is a subject who has caused a significant problem. The issue is so serious that it requires your judgment, Lord Noein."

"Could this be the new settler you reported at the last meeting?"

"Yes. I've warned him multiple times, but this time it's really..."

At the last regular meeting, Pence had reported that one of the new settlers was causing a lot of trouble. It was a young man named Vendela who had immigrated about half a month ago.

The problems he caused included harassing young women, cutting in line for the well, and entering others' fields without permission. While these issues weren't severe enough to warrant harsh punishment, they were enough to cause discord. Pence had warned him sternly that the next offense would be brought to the lord's attention.

"So, what did Vendela do this time?"

"Please listen calmly. First, Matilda is unharmed."

"!"

Upon hearing Pence's words, Noein's expression turned stern, and Pence himself flinched.

Noein had asked Matilda to call Edgar to discuss future agricultural plans. It had been less than ten minutes since he sent her, but from Pence's tone, it was clear that she had been involved in the incident.

"Vendela tried to assault Matilda but was repelled before he could touch her. Matilda is completely unharmed. A few men who were nearby have already restrained and bound Vendela. He is arguing that assaulting a slave shouldn't be a serious crime."

"…I see. Understood."

"Would you like to come to the scene?"

"Of course. I'll go right away."

...

The scene of the incident was on a path leading from the central square of the town to the northern farmland, behind a street lined with single-family homes.

On the way to the scene, Pence explained that Matilda, who was on her way to deliver a message to Edgar, was approached by Vendela, who looked troubled and asked for help. Matilda, unaware of his reputation as a troublemaker, followed him to help.

Then, in the back alley, he suddenly attacked her but was repelled with a roundhouse kick before he could touch her.

Noeina, the capital, is still a small town with few buildings. Even in the back of a house, the incident was clearly visible to at least three other subjects, providing sufficient witnesses.

"Matilda! Are you okay!?"

Upon arriving at the scene, Noein rushed to Matilda, who was standing a short distance away from where the subjects were restraining Vendela.

"Lord Noein... I apologize for causing you trouble due to my carelessness."

"Don't worry about that. I'm just glad you're safe."

"…Thank you, Lord Noein."

Matilda, who is usually reserved, smiled as Noein embraced her without hesitation.

After confirming Matilda's safety, Noein approached Vendela. His eyes were cold as ice.

"Hmph. Is it really that bad?"

Despite Noein's stern presence, Vendela responded with a sullen expression.

How thick-skinned must one be to maintain such an attitude in this situation, Pence and the subjects restraining Vendela couldn't help but be somewhat impressed.

"Do you understand what you did?"

"Sure, I get it. It's 'attempted minor damage to another person's slave,' right? For a first offense and an attempt, ten lashes should be enough, right?"

"…"

Noein was momentarily speechless at Vendela's words.

Indeed, according to the customary law of the Loburg Kingdom, slaves are considered the "property" of their owners. Moreover, even a completed rape of a female slave is considered a "minor property damage" if no visible injury is inflicted, and the punishment is light. While it is considered shameful, the law is lenient.

Even if the victim is a slave owned by a noble, the maximum punishment would be the ten lashes Vendela mentioned.

As a lord, Noein has almost absolute discretion in the judicial matters of his estate. However, he believes that if he were to establish unique rules that deviate significantly from the general legal understanding of the kingdom, he should announce them widely in advance.

While Noein personally despises Vendela, creating a new rule after the fact to punish him more severely would be dictatorial.

Even if he were to establish rules that deviate significantly from the general legal understanding, he should not apply them retroactively.

"In the name of Lord Noein Arkvist, I sentence Vendela to ten lashes. The execution will take place in the central square tomorrow morning. Inform the other subjects accordingly."

With a bitter expression, Noein announced this to those present.

...

The next morning, the punishment was carried out in the central square, with all the subjects of the estate watching.

However, the punishment involved only being beaten on the back with a wooden stick. Pence, who was in charge of the execution, could not strike hard enough to kill the criminal with just a beating.

After the execution, Vendela had several wounds on his back and looked in considerable pain, but his face still showed a rebellious and dissatisfied expression.

Despite being glared at by the other subjects for his despicable attempt, Noein couldn't help but be impressed by his nerve.

Noein's work for the day was not just to oversee the execution. He also announced a new rule to the gathered subjects.

"From this moment on, I announce a new rule for all residents of the Arkvist estate. In this territory, any crime against a person of slave status, including assault, injury, and murder, will be punished with the same severity as crimes against commoners. This is a decision made by the lord's authority. Please keep this in mind as you live here."

This announcement was also made to Yuri and the others at the mining camp in the Ristio Mountains during their regular 'far talk' reports. The new law would take effect from this moment.

Noein regretted not doing this sooner.

It was obvious to everyone that Noein valued and favored Matilda, and both his retainers and subjects treated her with appropriate respect.

That's why there had been no problems until now. However, if there were people who thought that slaves, even those owned by the lord, could be treated lightly, such incidents could occur.

"…I'm sorry, Matilda. It's my fault for being too lenient."

After making the announcement, Noein said this to Matilda, who was standing beside him.

"Lord Noein, there is no fault of yours. Please don't look so gloomy."

As she said this, Matilda gently touched Noein's hand.

...

A few days after announcing the new rule to legally protect Matilda and hoping that Vendela would behave better, Noein would realize the extent of his leniency and the foolishness of some people.

"Lord Noein. It's Vendela again. This time he tried to assault a farmer's daughter..."

Noein sighed in response to Pence's report, which was tinged with anger and exasperation.