"The statistics are out."
Half a month later, in the main hall of the Royal Palace, Lily was reporting to Sage, who was seated on the throne.
"Out of the 138 registered major merchants, 93 have violated the rules. Using the methods we apply to the nobles, they have all been dealt with. Sage, what should we do about the vacancies?"
Lily's words sent shivers through Kalifa, who was responsible for recording, as well as Blueno and Kaku, who were in charge of the investigation.
Sweat dripped down Blueno's forehead, and Kaku pulled down the brim of his hat to cover his eyes.
This investigation was led by Sage's Personal Guard, the Demon Race, and we special agents were assisting them.
The purpose was for the Demon Race to learn. Besides being adept at killing, the Government's special agents are also capable in intelligence gathering, assisting to let the Demon Race learn some of the agents' techniques.
This investigation indeed uncovered that over half of the major merchants were bullying those below and deceiving those above, deducting salaries below, and evading taxes above. As for hoarding weapons massively... that's not considered an issue.
Sage never prohibits others from owning weapons, nor does he ban expanding guards or private soldiers. Some even formed their own Pirate groups.
There's no way to stop this, just like others can't be stopped from going to sea, Sage cannot stop people from setting sail from here.
After all, he himself is the greatest pirate leader.
Some guys, having become pirates and showing great potential, directly joined Sage's Pirates.
Some formed their pirate groups, leaving O'hara to go to sea.
But these people are in the minority, and Sage doesn't pay attention to them, and he cares even less about the weapon hoarding.
After all, they couldn't purchase weapons in large quantities, and the price they pay is about the same as the market price, which is different from the internal channel prices.
Sage is not afraid of them hoarding weapons by any means and then trying to find a way to sell them.
Internal channels are not enough, where are the merciful ones willing to buy his goods at cost?
Did they really think they wouldn't have to pay taxes?
Sage does not care about other matters, but breaking the rules is absolutely intolerable.
This is also why the expressions of these three are not right.
Over fifty people were found out, being serious rule-breakers, though not as arrogant as Andre, who wanted to buy the hearts of local pirates, they weren't innocent either.
These individuals, once identified, are sent to O'hara to face the Blood Eagle Torture.
That's not all—the remaining batch mainly used some means to earn extra money, minor infractions without serious wrongdoing.
For instance, during salary distribution, they would deliberately withhold some. After all, industries don't genuinely come and go freely, and there are basic rules to follow. Otherwise, there would always be people lazy, late, or leaving early, which is unacceptable.
Using this as an excuse, they'd earn more money. Additionally, there were cases of forced buying and selling, like making products more symbolic than practical, coercing those under their power as factory owners to buy them to make money.
Other than that, taxes were paid, and the salaries for subordinates were only deducted by about 20%.
In the vast sea, such a person is called... good!
However, to Lily, who adhered to noble standards... even those with minor mistakes were sent to O'hara, punished with the Blood Eagle Torture regardless of protests or confessions.
As for their families... no, in fact, as long as there was a blood relationship, not a single one was spared—all were killed!
Even more ruthless than the World Government!
If they were that ruthless, when they infiltrated Water Seven, Franky wouldn't have survived, let alone leave no related person behind.
Being part of it themselves, after this cleanse, they finally understood what absolute dominion meant.
Although they had some preparation before, including when Jabra handed over responsibilities, he warned to always heed Sage's words when necessary and not to care too much... so that's what he meant.
The three of them exchanged glances, then looked at Lily, all bowing their heads in silence.
From her, they sensed an oppressive atmosphere similar to the Five Elders...
All equally ruthless!
Listening to Lily's inquiry, Sage pondered for a moment and said, "Tender the positions."
"Allocate half the positions internally, prioritizing those who have made contributions, to see who is interested in developing in this area. Split the other half in two, half to the populace, half to those who follow the rules."
Sage smiled and said, "You see, here's the reward! Those who break the rules face severe punishment, and for those who follow the rules, I'm not stingy with rewards."
As for how many were killed, just as Sage didn't care during Lily's cleanse of the nobles, he doesn't care now.
Indeed, it's not opposition or agreement—he simply doesn't care.
Obstructive individuals are simply kicked aside; as for how the stones will turn out, who cares...
"In any case, you've worked hard during this period. Later, there will be a banquet, and Kalifa, Blueno, and Kaku, the three of you are invited to attend."
Sage laughed heartily, "After completing affairs, it's time to relax a bit!"
These three have shown a steadier performance than Jabra and his team, being more patient and error-free in infiltration.
Some related evidence was uncovered by them when they applied for jobs and investigated in-depth locally.
Jabra and his team were different. In their noble cleansing operations, the idea of infiltration never even crossed their minds. Since everything would be destroyed by Owl, they openly sought evidence and killed when found.
Different types and two uses, both effective.
The orders were soon conveyed.
Half of the industries and large commodity transactions were placed under all Pirates, but mainly for those stationed on islands, without much ambition, just wanting a peaceful life but have contributed in their pirate careers.
For example, Barnaby, who didn't enjoy being a pirate, but in the open seas, pirates are the mainstream unconstrained, especially in the New World.
Leveraging this opportunity, he took over the island's industries, transforming from a pirate with a bounty over a hundred million into a merchant.
As for the bounty...
In the New World, who cares about that.
He's not planning to personally run businesses; as long as he possesses the island's industries and supplies the main island with resources, other issues don't require his personal involvement—just cultivate a person.
Not only does Andre have relatives, but he also has...
Wakanogres, Barnaby took over Andre's former manor as his private residence.
"Listen, my brother..."
At this moment, he spoke solemnly to his brother:
"I know you want to achieve something, and now the opportunity has come, so I'm entrusting you with external trade. But you must remember one thing: always follow the rules!"
"If you break the rules, even though you are my brother, if things go wrong, I will kill your wife and children first, and then you!"
Barnaby said gravely, "You must remember this for eternity. Better write it down and recite it daily! Master Sage's rules must never, ever be broken!"
His brother nodded firmly and said, "Brother, I will not betray Master Sage!"
"Yes, that's for the best! You must understand, my accomplishments today are not because I'm great, but because Master Sage chose me, nothing more..."
The concept of hierarchy comes and goes but inherently exists, so long as there is demand, it will never disappear.
However, people... can always be replaced with another person.
It doesn't affect anything at all.