12 Kill a chicken, scare the monkeys
"Isn't that overkill, your highness? There is an army near them that we can mobilize. The royal guards are needed to guard the capital." Albert also tried to eliminate the bandits, but the army influenced by nobles did not work hard. The result might be different if the prince, who is a regent king, pushes the order.
"I will not mobilize all of the royal guards. I cannot rely on the army to sweep the bandits. Nobles have influence on the army in their lands. We do not know what noble household has a connection with the bandits. Many bandits could escape if they received a warning from nobles." Edward knows that some nobles are too greedy or raising a secret force, so they cooperate with bandits.
Knock! Knock!
"Your highness, the captain of the royal guard is here," said Elena.
"Let him come in." Edgar did not see the captain of the royal guard on the training ground yesterday. The captain is trusted by the king, and his position is very important because he wields power that could decide the life and death of the royal family. Today, his character will be measured by Edgar.
A man with full silver body armor and a white cape came in. He looks serious and calm. His name is Rey. He belongs to the Cross household. His grandfather was a count and general of Van's grandfather. When Rey's grandfather died, their household started to decline. His father, who became the count, has poor talent in aura and magic. His grandfather told them that they should not join the army and remain neutral to avoid causing fear to the king. Van's father, the current bedridden king, favors Rey because he is talented and their family does not have connections with other noblehouses.
Rey bowed to Edgar and said, "Your highness, I was told to come here because you have an order."
Rey did not disdain the prince, who is rumored to be a waste. Van is the crown prince and future king! Respect must be given!
Edgar nods at the attitude of Rey. Rey is a 3rd-level aura master. He is powerful, but he did look down on Van.
"I called you here because I want to mobilize the royal guards and sweep the bandits in the kingdom.It should be quick and must not be known by nobles. I cannot trust the army because nobles have spies there. You can mobilize 200 of the royal guards. Cooperate with prime minister Albert for materials and intelligence. You will stay in the capital but you must choose someone you can trust to lead. Divide the team into four, sweep bandits in all directions! Kill the bandit leader and anyone that has heinous crimes! Keep the others for free labor force. Find solid evidence of a Baron that cooperated with bandit.I want that Baron to be escorted in the capital and hung. His family will become prisoners." Edgar wants to kill a chicken and scare the monkeys.
"The guards will be rewarded after sweeping bandits. For every bandit lair, they can have 20% of the bandit's loot. Gold will also be rewarded when they return, so a rich reward will certainly be given." Added by Edgar to increase the enthusiasm of the guards.
"Make a plan of attack with Albert." Edgar believes that Rey can make a strategy to sweep bandits because he came from a lineage of generals.
"Yes, your highness!" Rey is excited that he has been entrusted with an important task by the prince. His knowledge of strategy was taught by his grandfather. With the help of the Prime Minister, he should be able to create a good strategy. Albert remains silent the whole time and just listens to Edgar. He agrees with Edgar that bandits must be immediately eliminated because many villages and merchants are being harmed.
"Both of you can go now. Let me know when the plan is ready. Call Elena here when you get out," said Edgar. He remembered that he wanted to teach something to Elena.
Elena came in and bowed to Edgar.
"How do you make calculations?" asked Edgar. Efficient calculations are very important to the kingdom and his business empire.
"Your highness, I calculate using Sid calculus. It is taught by Sorranians. Sid calculus was invented by Sid Zural in the Allied States of Sorranians 100 years ago." Elena showed something that looks like an abacus.
Edgar wrote some math problems and let Elena solve them. Large numbers are difficult for Elena to solve, but Edgar quickly solves them. Elena stares at Edgar, her eyes are filled with eagerness. She hopes to learn the method of faster calculations so she can give more help to the prince and the kingdom.
She deeply bowed to Edgar and said, "Your highness, please teach me your method."
Edgar smiles at Elena's eagerness to learn and decides to start teaching her.
"What I will teach you is called mathematics and double-entry bookkeeping system."
