Damn, I recarneted As A Judge in Fantasy World

The case of child trafficker Norman Hewitt caused quite a stir.

Since there was no juvenile law provision in the imperial code, there was a tendency to be tacitly lenient, often reducing the sentence slightly or something along those lines.

But Abel shattered that convention all at once by handing down a heavy sentence to a seven-year-old child.

"It's clearly a trial that has never been held before, but I can understand if His Majesty the Duke conducts it."

"That's because it was a fair judgment. Honestly, I think the child would've grown up without much punishment. He'd have ended up like Skylar Sierra."

"Is it because that guy is the example? It makes perfect sense."

Public opinion echoed this sentiment not only among ordinary citizens but also within the legal community. There was a prevailing atmosphere that children didn't really know anything, simply because they were young.

Wasn't it six-year-old Helen who revealed the crimes of the arsonist Bassett?

"By the way, I'm not sure if this is okay."

Despite the groundbreaking ruling, the Reformation was well underway. The Emperor had completely destroyed the Aramid Order. Even the Imperial Guard Knights were dispatched to uncover all the injustices that had occurred.

Up until now, priests had been able to sell divine power at will, making long-term contracts with nobles or ignoring the established order in favor of those who paid more. They had been committing shameless acts, and when the people were in crisis, they were ignored.

"It's been a bit rough lately."

Divine power is not something that can be used for just anything, so how could they receive payment in the form of cigars? Abel thought.

What do you think of alternative medicine…?

'Oh, there's nothing like that here?' Abel mused.

Until now, there was no law regarding divine healing in the Imperial Code. Even if one were made later, it would be meaningless, because the Imperial Code followed the 'principle of non-retroactivity.' As a result, acts committed before the law went into effect could not be punished.

So, the Emperor had pretended not to care—deliberately showing a gap to make the church let its guard down. Then, when someone like Enrique Giovanni crossed the line, he quickly drew his sword.

'Now that I have a reason…'

After clearing out the Aramid Order, Abel was going to leisurely create something like a medical law. Whether it was true or not was none of his concern.

"I have to take care of my business."

Now, it was time to put into practice what Abel had been thinking about for a long time.

Up until now, his ventures had been mostly in the form of informal, underground deals.

Oh, of course, it was more systematic than any other business. It just hadn't caught the public eye.

Look at it now. The butlers were still acting as middle managers.

'It's time to start a company.'

Of course, it wasn't in the traditional sense of a joint-stock company, since there was no need to raise capital from outside. Abel's assets alone were more than enough. It was more like a hole-in-the-wall shop, but on a much larger scale.

If all the businesses he had run so far were consolidated, the scale would be enormous.

If it's a hole-in-the-wall store anyway, what's the difference between now and then?

'The employees' mindset has changed.'

A job that remains the same throughout one's life, with no changes, is bound to lead to lethargy. So, Abel intended to introduce a system that would grant authority in stages. By establishing the company, it would give employees a greater sense of belonging and pride than they had now.

'Because you need a goal to work harder.'

Abel spread out a large sheet of paper and began drawing an organizational chart. Actually, it wasn't a difficult task—just a matter of neatly reorganizing the messy ranks.

From now on, he planned to leave only about ten real butlers and hand over the rest to the company.

"What should I name it?"

Ideas like the Abel Group or the Carriers Group came to mind, as putting the founder's name was the simplest method. But that seemed too cliché.

So, he decided to name the company *Dapan Group*. In dark fantasy, it meant selling everything.

'It's a bit old-fashioned, but people here won't know what I'm talking about.'

After completing the organizational chart, Abel called Deacon Miller Xavier.

"Excuse me, Your Majesty? What is all this?" asked Miller.

"I plan to merge my businesses in the future. In fact, it won't be much different from what I've been doing so far—except for the introduction of ranks and the creation of a separate headquarters."

"That alone is a huge change. I think it will definitely motivate the employees," Miller replied, seeing right through Abel's intentions.

Abel had dropped plenty of hints. There was no way Miller wouldn't notice after looking at such a massive organizational chart.

"From now on, Butler Xavier, you will be the Vice President of the Dapan Group. I will give you most of the authority, so please lead the company well."

"Zoooooooo!"

"I'd like to give you a higher rank, but as you know, I have to be mindful of your superiors' wishes."

The duke had the power to appoint titles below the level of viscount, but Abel never used it. Why would he do something that would raise suspicions of treason? It was better to avoid unnecessary trouble.

"I am grateful that you've given me such a high rank," said Miller humbly.

"Don't worry. Vice President Xavier, you are the person I trust the most."

"I'm so touched I don't know what to do with myself."Nôv(el)B\\jnn

"I will continue to rely on you. Please continue to help me."

"I will work until my whole body breaks!"

Miller Xavier sat down and stared at the top of the organizational chart for a long time, his name proudly at the top.

This world was full of fallen baronets. They had received basic education, but their status was no different from that of commoners.

But becoming the second-in-command of a huge conglomerate like the Dapan Group? What greater success could there be?

"The salary will also be adjusted to match the position of Vice President. Around 200 gold should suffice, right?" Abel added.

"Two—you're going to double it?"

"You deserve it."

"Oh! Thank you, Your Majesty."

Up until now, Miller had been well-paid compared to other butlers. Even a butler serving another duke wouldn't have received such good treatment.

It was a world where wages were typically tight. But things had improved considerably. Wage arrears had decreased, and people were now living more comfortably.

"Oh, since we're on the topic of salaries," Abel began.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"For now, we should maintain this level and slowly increase it."

Actually, Abel felt the wages had risen too rapidly, but there was a reason for it. The previous system had been a living hell, and without drastic changes, nothing would have improved.

Anyway, the results were good. Talents flocked to the Carriers Duchy and Medias, and other companies followed suit by raising their wages.

But any further increase would create job insecurity.

Miller Xavier nodded vigorously, understanding the implications.

"I was waiting to hear that," he said. Being in charge of household affairs, Miller had always been sensitive to rising labor costs.

Now, there was little else to worry about. The empire didn't regulate corporate registrations, so they could manage everything internally. Stay tuned to empire

However, despite handling the organizational chart, Vice President Xavier didn't leave Abel's office.

"Why are you still here?" Abel asked.

"I had something else to tell you," Miller said hesitantly.

"Ah!"

"I guess I won't be doing this kind of work again."

"If you're going to do butler work, stop now. Focus solely on the Dapan Group. Now, what's going on?"

"His Majesty the Emperor has ordered us to enter the palace."

"..."

Why call me at a time like this? Abel thought. I wish he'd get so absorbed in beating up the church that he'd forget about me.

With a short sigh, Abel nodded.

'If you're going to be picky, I have to be picky. What else can I do?'

Abel took a deep breath as he prepared to leave his office. The news of being summoned to the palace was both unexpected and troubling. After all, he had been counting on the emperor's distraction with the church's downfall to avoid unnecessary attention. But now it seemed his reprieve was over.

Miller Xavier stood by the door, still holding the organizational chart that had just been approved. His expression betrayed concern, though he tried his best to maintain composure.

"Shall I prepare the carriage, Your Majesty?" Miller asked.

Abel waved a hand dismissively, his thoughts still racing. "Yes, have it ready. And don't worry. I'll handle whatever comes next."

Miller Xavier nodded and left to make the necessary arrangements, leaving Abel alone with his thoughts.

The summons could mean anything. It might be related to the downfall of the Aramid Order or some other political maneuver the emperor was plotting. But Abel had the nagging suspicion that the emperor was keeping a close eye on his growing influence. The creation of the Dapan Group, his heavy-handed ruling in the Norman Hewitt case—both could have drawn more attention than he'd intended.

Standing by the window, Abel looked out at the sprawling estate that now housed his operations. His decision to restructure and consolidate his businesses into the Dapan Group was a calculated move, but it was also a signal of his growing ambition.

'Perhaps it was too soon,' he thought.

But now wasn't the time to second-guess his actions. He had to face the emperor head-on, prepared for whatever the monarch might throw his way.

The carriage was ready in no time, and as Abel made his way through the grand halls of the palace, he couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation. The palace had always been a place of tension for him—a constant reminder of the fine line he walked between power and danger.