Our walk to us straight to Greja’s shop which had people continuously walking in and out of it despite it being early in the morning. I wonder what her hours are.

  Anyway, we entered the building and Greja immediately paused who she was talking to and greeted us.

  “Welcome in City Lord! How can I help you?”

  Any immediate grievances that people might’ve had from being ignored by Greja for someone else was immediately squashed after she said referred to me as the City Lord. I guess that title comes with a certain level of understanding when it comes to things like this.

  “Thank you Greja. I wanted to have a quick conversation with you, should I come back later?”

  “Right now is fine, let’s head upstairs. Jeanne, handle things until I come back.”

  “Understood Master.”

  Jeanne was the apprentice she took in during the last bit of the Tutorial. I’m glad she’s back continuing the process and learning how to be a Merchant.

  After giving her a small nod, I followed Greja upstairs. My first time up here. It was pretty similar to the first floor with the exception that I could no longer hear the noise from below. It happened the second I completely left the staircase. Interesting…how is that possible?

  “Are you wondering about the noise cancellation?”

  “…I am.”

  “It’s something called a formation. A rather old way of doing things, but the one I prefer instead of using some type of device.”

  “A formation…and a device that would do the same thing?”

  “Yes, a formation, and yes there are a plethora of various devices that can do the same thing.”

  “What about a phone? Do you guys have phones?”

  I think this was the first time I’ve seen a genuine look of confusion on Greja’s face.

  “I don’t think that word has a direct translation in my mother tongue. What is this… ‘f-own’ you speak of? What does it do?”

  Huh. Would you look at that. So, it directly translates my English to whatever native tongue she is speaking, but thought she was speaking English too? Hm, that really is interesting.

  “A phone is something you use to talk to someone that is not close to you. For example, you can be in a forest outside the City and give me a call on my phone using your own phone and we would be able to talk as needed.”

  “Ahh so it’s a type of communication device. That’s interesting. To my knowledge, a lot of civilizations are not that advanced by the time the System integrates them into the wider Multiverse. Anyway, what did you want to talk about?”

  “Servants. You mentioned it is recommended I have them. Why is that?”

  “Ah I see. Before I answer that, is the concept not something that this planet practiced?”

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  “Hm, it is something the planet practiced, yes.”

  “So, people on your planet have practiced this in enough capacity that you are aware of it, yet it’s something you still have a question about. Hm, I’ll explain it from the view of the rest of the Multiverse then. So…-”

  “That’s enough.”

  Before Greja could get into her spiel, a voice resounded in the second floor of the building.

  Elder Zal’s voice.

  Greja seemed startled for a moment but instead of responding all she did was close her eyes and bow a respectable amount.

  Not that I knew what was respectable or not.

  Anyway, I guess this means Elder Zal was listening to our conversation. I wonder why she stopped her. I also wonder when I can get something or to warn off prying ears, or how strong I need to be block off someone from listening to my conversations.

  “I will meet you in your office.”

  Elder Zal’s voice resounded once more, only it was less forceful than the first time. I guess that’s my queue to leave.

  I said goodbye and left the shop, immediately making my way back to my office.

  Upon reaching it I found Elder Zal inside standing calmy in front of my desk.

  “Have a seat.”

  I didn’t respond and just did as she asked. What was interesting though was the fact the boys didn’t follow me in and just waited outside. In fact, as I sat down Frian took it upon himself to close the door. Interesting.

  “I see you are walking proudly with your spear, good. Taking Frian on a solo excursion was a good choice. It is imperative that you build a bond with any individual you impart with the Eternal Flame. Next, delegation is one of the most important acts of leadership. A good leader needs to have the wherewithal to discern a competent and trustworthy team of advisors that can handle tasks on your behalf.

  “I will not speak on if the people you have chosen to fit these qualities. That is for you to learn and figure it out. Though it is good that you already delegated appropriately. Keep in mind that delegation does not mean ignorance. Be aware of the happenings of your City at all times.

  “I don’t know the extent of life on this planet before integration, but it will be wise to keep in mind that this planet is no longer the one you remember. There are far more than a few individuals on this planet that can kill you before you realize. A few of them are living here, though I assume you are aware of that.

  “Your personal strength will always be your greatest strength. Never forget that.

  “Now. Having servants. The child from before had the right idea. It would be wise for you to employ personal servants and guards. The quicker you understand what it means to be in your current station the easier things like this will be to handle.

  “Not only are you the City Lord of a City with a population of over 100 Thousand individuals, but you are also an Infernal Patriarch. The image you portray is no longer just about you. It is about representing your City and your Clan.

  “When other individuals think of Black Cove City, they will think of you and depending on the image that is perceived when you cross their minds, various thoughts will then take place, which could lead to various decisions being made. For example, if you are seen as an Unforgiving Tyrant who tramples the weak and enslaves the strong, it is highly likely that you will be seen as a person to be feared rather than respected by some, or a target to destroy in an effort to liberate the residents of this City by others.

  “Conversely, if you are seen as benevolent, fair and just. This City could be seen as a place that people will want to migrate to, or maybe your fairness gets you taken for granted and someone instead thinks they should use the opportunity to overpower you. The options vary immensely, but the premise remains the same. Your image matters, and things like servants and immediate followers play a factor.

  “Some of these things matter slightly less, as an Infernal Patriarch. The biggest thing you will be known for is your strength, and there are no Patriarchs or Matriarch who are weak. Do you understand?”

  You know, despite the long lecture I just received, I actually didn’t need any time to digest her words. I genuinely understood her. Reputation has been a factor in many different places long before all of this. If your business is known as a good one, then it will be easier to attract customers. If my City is known as a strong peaceful one, it will be easy to attract Citizens, favorable trade agreements, whilst still being a good deterrence for violent thoughts.

  I got it.

  “I understand. Thank you, Elder Zal.”

  “Good, then let’s continue your training. Come.”

  After she said that, I was immediately teleported.

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