The back alley cleanup operation proceeded swiftly.
Given the nature of the incident, the operation was carried out rapidly, taking advantage of the early morning hours.
Before the rooster could even crow, the operation, led by Jason with a disconcerted expression, began in the back alley, and it was executed with utmost speed and efficiency.
They broke into their hideout, a makeshift space in an abandoned house, using armored boots to smash the door, and systematically suppressed everyone inside.
The Red Fang gang, who had been living in the back alley, were well-known for their thorough concealment of their hideouts using various magical tools.
However, the success of this operation was largely due to the newly formed Red Fang squad from the Evergarden family, who had joined the mission.
The Red Fang organization had always been sensitive to information, so they were well aware of every little detail about the area they controlled.
They had already shared all the critical information with the Evergarden family, from gambling dens, bars, and drug deals to the main hideout and even the latrines they had constructed.
With such reliable intelligence, the military had no hesitation and swiftly eradicated the criminals in the back alley.
Most criminals surrendered immediately when the forces arrived because, apart from the higher-ups, many of them were just low-level criminals living from day to day in the rural back alleys.
Against the well-armed and organized military, they had no chance, and some, intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, were easily taken down without even understanding what had happened.
In fact, some even emptied their own pockets voluntarily, knowing they had no chance.
The criminals were too complacent.
Organizations that commit crimes are supposed to be led by skilled individuals who know how to stay hidden in the shadows of the underworld, avoiding the eyes of the authorities.
However, the Red Fang gang had never needed to worry about that.
The Evergarden family had always been incompetent, and the authorities were easily bribed with gold coins.
That’s why the criminals were more focused on expanding their influence quickly, rather than building a solid foundation.
In fact, they even recruited gang members who had never used a blade, promising them money.
These people, despite having no experience in fighting or loyalty, were treated as criminals by the Evergarden forces when the military arrived.
In the back alley, as the soldiers closed in, many criminals, especially those not in the upper ranks, immediately gave up.
The situation became much smoother than expected, and the operation proceeded without any major casualties for the military.
As the sun rose, and the chickens began to crow, the citizens of the Evergarden territory woke up, startled by the events of the night.
However, there was also a sense of relief as they realized that the criminal organizations that had plagued them for so long were now gone.
They even nodded approvingly, feeling that the Lord had done something right for once.
The cleanup operation was followed by announcements from Freya about tax reductions and new job opportunities in the territory.
With the funds raised from selling valuable items and the loot from the criminal hideouts, the territory could now develop faster than expected.
This swift action solved many of the problems the citizens had been facing, such as high taxes, job shortages, and the constant threat from criminal organizations.
As news spread, a rumor started to circulate: the once reckless Count’s family had changed.
Meanwhile, Bjorn, a noble from a neighboring region, grumbled as he observed the state of Evergarden’s forces.
He felt that the soldiers’ armor and equipment were inferior, comparing them to bandits hiding in the mountains.
His own guards, adorned in shining armor and riding fine steeds, looked down on the Evergarden soldiers.
Upon arriving at the Evergarden estate, Bjorn ordered his carriage to head straight to the mansion.
The sound of soldiers reporting the arrival to the mansion could be heard as the day continued.
The carriage, after completing a brief inspection at the entrance of the estate, entered the territory.
One of his guards politely knocked on the carriage door, and Bjorn, without hesitation, ordered the carriage to head toward the Evergarden mansion.
“Hmm…”
Inside the carriage, Bjorn was looking around the estate.
“Something’s strange.”
However, Bjorn felt a sense of déjà vu, different from his last visit.
It was similar in that the shabby commoners bowed their heads and trembled when they saw the carriage, but there was something subtly different.
When he visited last time, the people of the estate looked gaunt and emaciated, but now, they only seemed slightly thin on average.
Moreover, there was a vitality on their faces that had never been there before.
“The overall atmosphere has changed a bit, but… I suppose it’s not a big problem?”
Bjorn, tilting his head while observing the commoners, soon turned his gaze away.
Since he never cared about the common folk, the feeling of déjà vu didn’t distract him for long.
The carriage continued on toward its destination.
“Tch, the place is unnecessarily big…”
Upon arriving at the Count’s mansion, Bjorn stepped out of the carriage, taking in the sight of the mansion before clicking his tongue.
Though the Evergarden estate was poor now, they were still Counts.
The grand mansion, built during the first head of the family, was larger and more impressive than the one on his own territory, which made Bjorn feel a bit insecure.
“Well, in the end, it’ll all be mine… I might as well enjoy it for now.”
Despite that, Bjorn’s mouth curled upward as he recalled the purpose of his visit to the Evergarden estate.
“We’ve been waiting for you.”
Just then, the old butler of the Count’s house, who had been waiting at the mansion entrance, approached and greeted Bjorn.
“Ah, it’s the butler. Is the Count well?”
“Uhm… The head of the family is still asleep. He had a bit too much to drink last night…”
Approaching the old butler, he looked a bit embarrassed as he informed Bjorn that Dariann was still asleep, mentioning that he had been drinking heavily last night.
“Ah, the Count is quite the jovial drinker, isn’t he? I brought some tea to help with a hangover for my dear Count. Please pass it on.”
“Yes, thank you. I’ll guide you to the drawing room.”
“Alright, please lead the way.”
Although Bjorn had officially notified his visit and arrived in the middle of the day—not early in the morning—he found it quite disgraceful that the Count was still drunk and asleep.
Nevertheless, he gifted the butler with some hangover tea as though it were a routine thing, something he had become accustomed to over time.
“Still the same foolish drunk… He won’t be acting so arrogantly for long.”
While inwardly sneering at Dariann, Bjorn showed a considerate, courteous noble demeanor outwardly, following the butler’s guidance to the drawing room.
“Please wait for a moment.”
“Alright, take your time. I’ll be waiting.”
Once Bjorn was seated in the drawing room, the old butler closed the door and left.
“…Something feels a bit empty. Was it always like this?”
As he sat in the drawing room, Bjorn couldn’t shake the strange feeling he had as soon as he entered the mansion.
Normally, the corridor before the main hall would have been decorated with numerous precious items, but now they were gone.
Instead, the place was decorated with reasonably priced, modern-designed candleholders and flower pots.
The large painting that had always hung in the hallway leading to the drawing room was also gone.
The mansion, which used to be filled with expensive and rare items, now had a simpler, minimalist decor with only inexpensive items left.
As he pondered over this strange feeling, Bjorn ignored the snacks and tea set before him.
“Ah, it’s been a while, Lord Bjorn. How have you been?”
Just then, the door to the drawing room opened, and a woman appeared.
With flowing, soft white hair, a perfectly fitting white dress, and various jewels adorning her, the noblewoman was none other than Freya Evergarden.