Arthur's expression hardened as he said, "Your first mission is to eliminate the Iron Shield gang"
A murmur rippled through the newly sworn officers. So turned to their neighbors in confusion, others stiffened with dawning realization. For those like Jareth—born and raised in Iron Hearth—the na carried weight. He knew the rumors, the whispered fear, the silent taxes. He understood imdiately what Arthur's command ant.
But others, especially those from Eldoria or Solornay, didn't grasp the full gravity of what had just been ordered. To them, it was just another gang na.
Arthur's gaze swept across the group, as if reading their thoughts.
"So of you may not understand the significance of this assignnt," he said, his voice resonating with purpose. "But know this: the Iron Shield is not a gang in the traditional sense. They are more than street thugs and pickpockets. They are a deeply rooted criminal syndicate operating under noble protection—shielded from justice by wealth, titles, and old power structures."
He paused, letting the words sink in.
"Roughly a month ago, I tasked Count Delric with investigating and eliminating the gang. While so progress was made, the problem persists. And currently it has grown worse. Reports show their collection of 'protection fees' from the people of Iron Hearth has increased in frequency and brutality."
Arthur's voice hardened again.
"I will not allow this kingdom to be built on fear. Your job is to protect the people. The oath you swore today was not a formality—it was a promise. And the people of Iron Hearth need that promise honored."
Silence blanketed the officers, but it wasn't uncertainty now—it was resolve forming, piece by piece.
Arthur continued.
"During your training, I commissioned the construction of three major police stations within Iron Hearth's jurisdiction. Each has been staffed, supplied, and prepared for your arrival. A Lieutenant has been appointed to each station. They will serve as your commanding officers on the ground."
He raised his hand slightly.
"You are expected to follow their orders. However, if you believe your Lieutenant to be unfit, compromised, or corrupt—report it. We will investigate. We are building sothing new, and that ans accountability at every level. But until then, treat your Lieutenant with the respect of command."
He took one last step forward, eyes piercing.
"Tomorrow morning, your station assignnts will be posted. After that, you'll depart for Iron Hearth," Arthur said, his voice cutting through the heavy air. "Train tonight if you must. Rest if you can. Because once you arrive… the real work begins."
He paused, then gave a short nod.
"You are dismissed."
The officers saluted, their formations gradually breaking as they filtered out of the Justice Courtyard—so walking with pride, others weighed by the mission ahead.
As the crowd thinned, Klein stepped forward from the side of the platform, his voice low but urgent. "Your Majesty. The second spy—the one we intercepted last week—still hasn't spoken. We've been applying the frawork, but it's slow. However, judging from the items he carried, including another Elysian signet ring, there's a high chance he was sent by the sa faction as Kai."
Arthur's expression darkened, but his voice remained composed. "So they're still using the sa cover. That narrows it down, but it doesn't tell us who's behind it."
He folded his arms, his gaze settling on the distant silhouette of the castle walls beyond the courtyard. "I will leave that matter to you for now. My focus needs to be elsewhere. The Iron Shield must be dismantled, and Iron Hearth brought under control. I've already assigned a station Lieutenant, but the situation still demands closer attention." His voice hardened. "And beyond that, it's ti I turn my focus toward the ironworks… and the next wave of innovation this kingdom needs."
Klein gave a respectful bow. "Understood, Your Majesty. I'll continue integrating the new spy using the thods you've approved. If he talks—or if anything cos out of Iron Hearth—you'll be the first to know."
Arthur gave a short nod of acknowledgnt and turned away, the weight of rulership already shifting to the next battle ahead. Without another word, he left the courtyard behind.
…
Inside one of the newly established police stations in Iron Hearth, the air was thick with anticipation as a group of fresh officers stepped through the doors. The station itself was sturdily built—stone walls reinforced with steel beams.
A man in a deep blue uniform stepped forward to greet them, arms crossed behind his back.
"So, you all finally made it," he said, his voice firm but not unkind.
"Yes, sir. We've just arrived," one of the new officers replied, adjusting the strap of his pack.
The man nodded, scanning their faces. "Good. According to the assignnt list, this station will be housing seventy of you. That's to be expected—given our proximity to the central market and main roads, we're positioned in one of the busiest sectors of Iron Hearth."
He stepped forward and gave a formal nod. "Welco to Station A. I'm Talon Greaves, your Lieutenant. You can call Lieutenant Talon or Deputy Talon, whichever suits you. Before you get too comfortable, I'll be briefing you on protocol and expectations."
The group straightened as Talon began walking them through the essentials: station conduct, patrol etiquette, how to log reports, and—more personally—his own likes and dislikes. "I don't tolerate laziness," he said flatly. "And I don't tolerate corruption. This isn't just a post. It's a symbol. You represent the Crown—and the people are watching."
He explained the station's location in more detail, its strategic importance to both comrce and community order. "We're at the crossroads of trade routes and gossip. What happens here ripples outward."
Then, shifting tone, he added, "If any of you already have lodging or family here in Iron Hearth, you may return to them after your shift. If not, we've arranged barracks on the second floor—basic accommodations, but secure and maintained."
After about thirty minutes of briefing, Talon glanced at the large iron clock mounted on the wall.
"That's all for now. You've got one hour to stow your gear, get washed up, and get a feel for the place. After that, report to the main briefing hall. We'll be going over your first assignnts in detail. Dismissed."
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