Chapter 38: The Ardent Defender
The transformation of Saint Liliana was nothing short of astonishing to the group from the royal capital who had accompanied her.
Initially, she had condemned Zenon von Arkwright as a “demon” and set out to expose his misdeeds, but now she had become his most fervent devotee.
“Those cold words of Zenon-sama are actually a reflection of deep compassion, meant to inspire and awaken the people.”
“That rational policy of his is nothing less than a divine strategy to save the greatest number of people in the most certain way.”
Day after day, she passionately explained Zenon’s virtues to the guards and ladies-in-waiting. Her eyes sparkled like those of a prophet who had discovered absolute truth, and her words carried an unwavering conviction, without a trace of doubt.
At first, those around her were skeptical. But gradually, witnessing both her fervent devotion and the tangible improvements in the Arkwright territory, they began to be influenced by her belief.
“…If the Saint says it so strongly, perhaps…”
“Indeed, Zenon-sama’s methods are extreme, but the fact that the people are smiling cannot be denied…”
Liliana’s misunderstanding spread quietly but steadily, like a highly contagious virus, infecting those around her.
Its effects reached even the interior of the Arklight mansion.
Zenon’s seemingly harsh and ruthless orders would be met with hesitation or concern from Rio, Marc, and others. The moment they showed the slightest doubt, Liliana would appear from nowhere and instruct them—a daily occurrence.
“Rio-sama, that concern of yours proves you have yet to understand Zenon-sama’s profound reasoning.”
This happened one day when Rio cautiously suggested increasing the refugee camp’s budget.
“Zenon-sama is investing with his eyes on the future a hundred years from now, not merely on short-term costs. We must not let our fixation on immediate numbers hinder his magnificent plan!”
Faced with the Saint’s sparkling eyes and firm words, Rio could only nod weakly, saying, “Y-Yes…”
“Marc-sama, do you truly believe your sympathy will benefit the people?”
Another time, when Marc suggested giving older farmers leeway in adopting new agricultural methods,
“Zenon-sama deliberately maintains a strict approach to allow them to gain the strength to accept change of their own free will. If we extend help too easily, we may inadvertently hinder their independence.”
Marc could not argue against this reasoning, which he perceived as even more Zenon-like than Zenon himself.
Gray Walker watched the Saint with tears of admiration in his eyes.
“Oh…! As expected of the Saint! She understands Zenon-sama’s true, extraordinarily subtle kindness more deeply and accurately than anyone else! Surely, this will soothe Zenon-sama’s lonely heart a little!”
Of course, Gray’s own admiration was also a grand misunderstanding.
Zenon, for his part, was completely oblivious to these changes around him.
Lately, he had noticed that his work was progressing unusually smoothly.
Previously, every new plan would bring up minor concerns or objections from his vassals, but recently, such resistance had vanished.
Everyone now followed his instructions without question, answering only “As you wish,” and acting immediately.
“…Finally, my management methods are permeating the organization.”
Zenon rationally attributed this to his perfect organizational skills. He believed his subordinates were finally catching up to his level of thinking and correctly understanding his directives.
He had no idea that, behind the scenes, the Saint was holding a daily “Zenon-sama’s Thought: Ultra-Explanation Seminar.”
Liliana’s “defense” of Zenon did not stop inside the mansion.
Even during her inspection tours of churches and orphanages throughout the domain, she preached Zenon’s “true nature” to the people.
“Everyone, you must not fear the young lord Arkwright. He cares for you more than anyone and loves this land with a noble heart. It is only that his expression of that love is slightly awkward.”
With her divine smile and absolute conviction, the people—initially skeptical—began to believe her words, trusting that the Saint could not lie.
“I see… Zenon-sama is actually a kind man.”
“He deliberately played the villain for our sake…”
In just a few weeks, Zenon von Arkwright’s reputation within his territory had dramatically shifted.
He remained a figure of awe—but now, that awe had transformed from “fear” into “reverence.”
From a cruel, ruthless dictator, he had become a wise, solitary ruler who saw all, strict yet compassionate.
Unbeknownst to Zenon himself, his public image was being perfectly branded by his most powerful PR agent: Saint Liliana.
And the effects were beginning to extend far beyond the borders of Arkwright.
Liliana’s inspection period was drawing to a close. She would soon have to submit a formal report of her observations to the King and High Priest in the capital.
How much confusion and further misunderstanding that report would sow throughout the kingdom—Zenon had no idea.
Nor did he realize that, as a result, a new, far larger set of complications was about to fall upon him.