Chapter 18: Corrupted bureaucracy
The sun rose over the city, marking the dawn of a new era under its new ruler. Estefan, now Baron of Rammstein, stirred as sunlight spilled gently across his face. He yawned, rubbed his eyes, and sat up just as a knock sounded on the door.
"Come in." He called out groggily.
It was a servant named Ericka. She stammered, her gaze accidentally catching a glimpse of his bare chest since he was unclothed, "M-My Lord... There seems to be a problem."
Estefan, unfazed, walked into one of the adjoining chambers and dressed himself in a simple black shirt and matching pants. He left the top three buttons of the shirt undone as he returned.
"What happened?" he asked, buttoning the lower part of his shirt.
Ericka hesitated, wringing her hands. "My lord... there has been some vandalism on the northern wall."
She braced herself, expecting to be scolded or slapped since no noble would like to hear bad news like vandalism especially on their Palace walls right after they wake up. But instead, Estefan gently placed a hand on her head. "Calm down." He said in a softer tone. "No need to fear your master. Take me there."
Her shoulders relaxed, though the tension was still visible. Despite his kindness, it was obvious most of the servants were afraid of Estefan for reasons he didn’t yet understand but he believed the plausible reasons to be his status considering he not just was the Baron but also the son of the Duke and the very land they were on belonged to his father and family in the first place.
Moments later, Estefan reached the northern gate. It was already open. Outside, Galliard, the guards, and a few others stood staring at the high wall beside the gate.