The citizens below, witnessing Takeru actually execute a nobleman over a commoner's grievance, erupted into even more fervent cheers.
Takeru then ordered guards to confiscate the properties of the executed individuals. Barker was also rewarded with 1,000 gold coins.
He then announced the establishment of a special agency where anyone could report corrupt officials or nobles.
If the allegations were verified and the crimes deemed unforgivable, the Empire would dispatch personnel to deal with them, and the informant would receive a reward of 100 gold coins.
Furthermore, Takeru officially revoked the bounties on the Night Raid's members. The citizens cheered their approval of his decision.
Finally, Takeru declared a pardon for those who had previously participated in the Revolutionary Army.
However, anyone who opposed the Dawn Empire from that point forward would be judged according to the law. He also welcomed talented individuals of all kinds to join the Empire in rebuilding its prosperity.
As long as a person possessed ability, hadn't committed major crimes, and was genuinely concerned for the nation and its people, they could participate in elections to become officials, regardless of their previous status or position.
This announcement sent shockwaves through the entire nation. Takeru's policy would undoubtedly shatter the millennia-old noble hierarchy.
After concluding his announcements, Takeru led everyone away. The most arduous work was yet to come.
Eliminating so many officials at once would cripple many government functions. However, this wasn't overly troublesome for Takeru.
After all, those individuals hadn't accomplished much during their tenures. In contrast, due to Takeru's policy changes, he anticipated a surge in people reporting crimes or enlisting in the military.
Many long-standing issues left by the previous empire also needed resolution. Takeru also needed to prevent Great General Budo from regaining awareness and resisting, so he confiscated his Teigu.
As for the young Emperor, Takeru didn't execute him but placed him under house arrest in a small estate, guarded by soldiers.
Seated upon the throne, Takeru began listening to reports from the remaining officials.
Problems like locations hit by disasters, areas requiring aid… issues completely ignored by the previous Prime Minister and Emperor… Takeru addressed them one by one.
Although not an expert in imperial governance, Takeru drew upon knowledge from his past life and adapted some principles from other nations, quickly getting a grasp on things.
Funding was urgently needed everywhere. Fortunately, with the assets seized from Honest, the original national treasury, and the confiscated properties of the nobles and corrupt officials, financial resources were not an immediate concern.
Regarding the personnel shortage, Takeru tested the remaining officials.
While each had their flaws, none deserved death. Using a combination of incentives and firm expectations, he compelled them to work effectively.
Perhaps because Takeru had even punished the all-powerful Honest, because the Empire's Twin Guardians stood behind him, and because he demonstrably possessed formidable capability, they quickly adapted to their new working conditions.
The severe lack of talent led Takeru to promote many individuals, including Ran and Wave. Ran's competence was evident.
As for Wave, though somewhat inexperienced, his integrity made him a reliable choice for Takeru.
Later, Administrator Theodore suggested Takeru visit the empire's prisons, which held many former officials who had opposed Honest, survived, but were imprisoned.
Upon hearing this, Takeru promptly went to the prisons. Through a screening process, he directly released a portion of the inmates. These included former officials or nobles, as well as ordinary commoners.
Most of these individuals had been imprisoned on false charges. Learning of the day's events, many shed tears of profound relief. Some officials were even reinstated to their positions.
With these individuals joining the administration, the empire resumed functioning, and with greater efficiency than before.
Meanwhile, while Takeru was immersed in state affairs, the Night Raid's members reconvened.
Observing the empire, which seemed to have gained a new lease on life, Najenda showed a complex expression. Mine, Leone, Akame, and others were eager to go to the palace to assist Takeru.
After discussion, Najenda decided to proceed with Akame and the others. They openly approached the palace gates, stating their purpose to the guards.
Guards who had received prior instructions quickly escorted them to the former Jaegers' meeting chamber.
That evening, having finished his tasks for the day, Takeru, upon learning of Night Raid's arrival, set aside his weariness and went directly to the meeting hall.
"Najenda, everyone, you've come!" Seeing them, Takeru smiled.
"Takeru!" Seeing Takeru arrive, everyone finally felt a sense of relief.
"Apologies, I was occupied with other matters earlier, keeping you waiting," Takeru said with regret.
"Not at all. The mess left by the former Prime Minister must be incredibly difficult to sort out now," Najenda said, her expression complex as she noticed the slight fatigue in Takeru's eyes.
"Precisely. The empire is far more corrupt than I imagined. Therefore, I sincerely hope you can assist me," Takeru replied, nodding without any pretense.
"That shouldn't be a problem. However, there's something I'd like to ask. Earlier, you mentioned matters concerning the Revolutionary Army..." Najenda hesitated before continuing.
"Don't worry. The empire is no longer what it was, its ruler has changed. However, I also hope the Revolutionary Army disbands swiftly. Continuing now would not be resistance against the Prime Minister, but opposition to me. The empire cannot withstand further turmoil," Takeru said with a sigh.
"I understand. I will go and persuade them. I hope you can grant them some time, as they need to witness for themselves whether the empire is truly improving," Najenda quickly responded.
"That's acceptable. But if possible, I hope you can act quickly. Ultimately, I wish for some of the truly capable individuals from there to join the empire and aid in its reformation. Besides internal issues, the empire also faces external threats," Takeru stated seriously.
"Yes, I understand," Najenda replied, nodding promptly.
"Additionally, I know most people joined the Revolutionary Army due to the former empire's oppression and corruption. But now, many may be blinded by self-interest and unwilling to relinquish hard-won gains. You understand my meaning, I trust?" Takeru looked at Najenda intently.
"I understand," Najenda said. Hearing Takeru's words, she recognized the truth. Power and wealth were potent temptations, easily inflaming ambition. Within the Revolutionary Army, some in high positions likely already viewed it as their personal domain.
If Takeru were an ordinary person, he too might become enslaved by power and wealth. But after entering the Reincarnation Space, Takeru understood that absolute strength was the ultimate truth.
His dedication to reforming this world stemmed from his belief that it was the optimal path to a high evaluation.
In comparison, while following the original plot might yield a decent score, it could never match the impact of fundamentally transforming the entire empire.
After concluding his talk with Najenda, Takeru turned his attention to Akame and the others. It was clear that after a few days apart, they missed him.
"Aside from Najenda negotiating with the Revolutionary Army, I'd like the rest of you to stay and help me," Takeru said, smiling at the group.
"Hmph, since you put it that way, I suppose I can reluctantly agree," Mine said with feigned indifference.
"Haha, you're obviously desperate to stay!" Seeing Mine's expression, Leone laughed, covering her mouth.
"And who are these two?" Takeru then looked at Chelsea and Susano'o.
"They are Chelsea and Susano'o, new members of Night Raid," Najenda quickly explained.
Chelsea had been observing Takeru the entire time. Honestly, she was intensely curious about him. She was acutely aware of the capital's deep corruption.
Chelsea hailed from an ordinary family, had once worked in local government, and after realizing the empire's darkness, killed the governor and joined the Revolutionary Army.
Witnessing Takeru's feat of nearly single-handedly bringing about a dynastic change in the empire left her utterly astounded.
Regardless of the methods or abilities he employed, achieving this was sufficient testament to Takeru's extraordinary nature.