Wein was seated on the chair that once belonged to Neilson, in front of him were tablets displaying documents he was reading through. He wore a simple suit, expected of a ruler with the whole office silent. He was focused on the contents of what he was reading, careful enough to understand what was being said.
A projection of Astra suddenly flickered into view in front of him.
"The Grand Inquisitor is here for you" she informed him.
Without looking away, Wein replied. "Send her in."
Astra disappeared.
Over the past few weeks, Wein had been the sole living being in the mansion besides Eric, who came to assist him at times. Other than that, there was no one else but Astra and the androids to keep him company.
…
After some time, the doors to the office slid open and Kyra entered. The sharp click of her boots echoed with every step she took in the rather silent office. She came to a stop when she was in front of Wein.
"I greet you, my lord."
Wein looked up, she had tilted her head down. Despite the decent light in the room, she was still draped in darkness, covered by her dark robes. He set aside his data pad and gave her his full attention.
"What is the status?"
"It is done, my lord."
She handed him a small flash drive containing a list of names and footage. Wein took it and connected it to the system. The screen flickered briefly before displaying a series of different people, from military officers, trade officers, and to minor nobles both from within and outside House Voss. They were all deemed suspicious.
"I have purged disloyalty from my department as you have ordered my lord," Kyra began, her voice low and disappointed. "Your judgement was correct, my lord. There were rotten elements in there, but we acted fast and rooted them out."
Wein went over the list. "And is your department now secure?"
"I can guarantee that, my lord."
"hmm"
"As per your orders, we have begun monitoring key targets. There have been no direct signs of treason from the Circle, however there are some making subtle inquiries. Questions about your lineage and your plans for the future. It may only be idle curiosity, but I am keeping watch."
"What are the chances their inquiries are discovered by others?"
"None, my lord. Only I can get access to this information besides you. Their channels are secure."
Wein nodded and took another scroll through the list. Some of the faces and names that appeared he recognised from his studies of the territory. During that time, he learned more about the leaders in key positions in the territory.
"Any movement yet?"
"None that threaten you directly, my lord. But it's only a matter of time. The individuals on the list are currently the cause of the decline in public order and growing unrest."
Wein weighed his given options. The people on the list were powerful and essential in the functioning of his territory. Purging them would be simple, but if he did, there would be major ramifications and consequences he could not solve. To add to that if he took a bold action like that, many might be driven to hide and wait.
He read through the data once more. Wein noted that many on that list were involved with the rising crime rates linked to power organisations. Some were public officials, corrupt and increasing the poverty rates while taking profits for themselves.
From the report, he could see that some had ties to other noble houses from within the Empire and outside. The enemies of House Voss had long since begun plotting to destroy its power and influence. Neilson in grief of losing his son had let them grow.
"Crime has increased significantly," Wein said as he stood from his desk. He walked to the window and stared into the distance. "Our enemies took advantage of my predecessor's mourning and let chaos spread throughout the territory."
Kyra stood silently, watching him.
"I don't want to take any major actions just yet, but my hands are tied. What do you suggest I do?"
Kyra was silent for a second then spoke. "Reestablish your dominance as lord."
Wein smirked, he knew she was right, he had to act. Remaining passive was not an option, he had to fully become a noble and strike with force.
"As your lord, I order you to clean up territory," he ordered, his voice resolved. "Gather all the criminals and their gangs and lock them up. Use force if needed, use the increased crime rates as justification. Any corrupt official that stands in your way, arrest them and do with them as you wish. The prisoners will be used for forced labour."
Kyra bowed her head, and a smirk built up.
"Understood, my lord" Her tone was filled with grim anticipation.
"I permit you to do what you must but do so in moderation. Don't let them escape, Astra will be a tool at your disposal."
Kyra nodded and left the room.
Wein remained alone, from his vantage point, he could see into the distance through the window. Velmora, though not advanced was a beautiful planet, a perfect balance of artificial and natural. It was a desirable world and could be one of the safest in the Empire, were it not for the surge in crime.
Such a beautiful planet had enormous potential.
****
Military strength was important and in the realm of the galaxy, it was the deciding factor in the fate of factions. Having a strong military meant you had security but also the ability to establish influence in many locations. However, it was not the only deciding factor, economic strength was what truly solidified what a noble house was.
Commoner houses could hold influence and authority throughout the galaxy thanks to their economic might. Some could earn respect and influence from nobility thanks to their wealth alone.
House Voss had long prided itself on its militaristic traditions, focused on defence and survival even after its decline. It had failed to expand its economic reach and was known for its legacy than wealth.
…
Wein sat at the head of a long conference table inside one of the mansion's meeting rooms. On his side were Prime Minister Vern and the merchant powerhouse Vanessa Carlise. Eric was seated next to Vern.
Vern had been the acting ruler in Neilson's absence, so he had sufficient knowledge of the economy of the territory. Eric, once the attendant of the former Baron had enough knowledge to contribute to the meeting. Vanessa was more like the leader of the merchants in the barony and as a member of the Circle, her input was valuable.
They were all dressed immaculately in tailored suits and Vanessa a fine dress made from expensive fabric. Before them lay digital documents and projections.
These three observed the new Wein seated comfortably like a true noble. His skin was purer, his aura intimidating and his style fitting a noble. After the past few weeks of working together, they knew he did not yet trust them. They understood where he came from, he could never understand the loyalty they had for Neilson.
Eric was perhaps the one most affected by this distrust. Before, he was the attendant to the Baron, now he was pushed away. Sure, his family held a lot of power too but with Wein keeping his distance, he returned to his estate and was without work.
Eric was the first to speak, his voice still firm and confident.
"The Barony's economy has been stagnant for years. The mining planet is operating at only 40% capacity, and independent merchant guilds control far too much of the trade. We have been unable to assert our dominance in the market."
Wein's sharp eyes scanned the reports projected before him. The situation was far worse than he had anticipated, his predecessor had made a grave mistake of neglecting economic growth. However, compared to his ancestors who did not even try, Nielson's investments were only slightly better.
House Voss had hoarded the funds they got from war and conflict, investing only a fraction. As a result besides Vanessa's faction, the merchants held a lot of authority in trade routes within the territory.
"Our stance in the economic world has to change," Wein declared. "From this moment we will begin a complete economic restructuring. On Dwaro, it says about 40% of the mining operations belong to the merchant coalition, is that true?"
Vanessa spoke up, calm and direct.
"It is true, my lord. The collation dubbed Minxx is responsible for 40% and is the most active returning over 70% of the production annually. It is believed their operations are highly aggressive, making enormous profits each year. The gap between their profits and mining rights is too great."
"It is beneficial to have an increased production," Wein replied, "but they are too aggressive in earning more than they contribute. As of today, inform them that their mining outputs ought to be decreased by 25%."
Vern interjected cautiously. "My lord, the coalition will fight this, the 25% decrease will cut their profits too much."
"They have been too aggressive as it is, and with the excess they flood the market, leaving no room for others. Reducing their presence gives the merchants affiliated with the House to enter."
The room went silent. They all understood that this move could cause friction but in the long run, it would benefit House Voss.