Chapter 48

A heavy silence fell over the entire village.

Just moments ago, the crowd had been brimming with anticipation, but now their expressions had turned blank.

In their eyes, there was only one shared sentiment.

“Madman.”

Justin almost laughed.

Of course, that was to be expected.

A monarchy, in the eyes of someone from the 21st century? It was nothing short of ridiculous.

But how long would that sentiment last?

Ignoring their bewildered gazes, he continued speaking.

“Some of you may still be in doubt, so let me make myself perfectly clear. What I want is the restoration of a monarchy. No—considering how small our territory currently is, perhaps it’s more accurate to say I intend to establish a feudal state.”

Silence.

“The pioneers will become knights and officials, while the settlers will be workers and farmers. And naturally, at the very top, ruling over all, will be me.”

“Madman.”

Someone finally spoke the thought that had been weighing on everyone’s minds.

All eyes turned toward the man, and only then did he realize his mistake. He clamped his hand over his mouth in a panic, but it was already too late.

Justin merely chuckled, unfazed.

“Yeah, I must sound insane. A feudal system in the 21st century? Laughable, right? But let me ask you something.”

His gaze swept across the gathered people as he raised his voice.

“Tell me—who in their right mind protects others without expecting anything in return? What is this, the South Korean military? Do you still think this is a world where orders are given and followed without question?”

There was no one to give orders, and no one who would blindly obey them.

Even the faction leaders were nothing more than figureheads—representatives, not absolute rulers.

It was, in every sense, a world where everyone was equal—for better or for worse.

“If there’s no one to give orders, then people need personal motivation to act. But I can’t think of a single reason why I should risk my life for you. What have any of you done to make us want to protect you?”

The settlers flinched at his words.

“You put in no effort. You do nothing for us. And when we try to talk to you, all we get are complaints! Frankly, whatever little attachment we had left is disappearing fast!”

The pioneers stirred. A few of them even raised their hands for applause before hesitating, uncertain. Others exhaled in relief, as if Justin had just said what they had been holding back for a long time.

The settlers, in contrast, were glaring at him with twisted expressions.

If he weren’t the strongest pioneer, curses would have already been flying from every direction.

Unfortunately for them, he wasn’t done speaking yet.

“But it’s not like I enjoy this situation either. We need to cooperate to survive, but if this divide keeps growing, we’ll collapse from within. That’s why I’ve come up with a solution.”

Another pause.

“A perfect solution—one that will make the pioneers want to protect the settlers of their own free will. A system that fosters respect.”

Justin clenched his fist dramatically, his posture exuding an almost dictatorial presence, as if this was the only possible answer.

“Revere those who risk their lives to fight for you! Kneel, bow your heads, and show your gratitude! Pay taxes to fill the bellies of the pioneers, and in return, be grateful that you don’t have to fight yourselves!”

“You crazy bastard!”

“Are you joking right now?!”

“Cut the nonsense already!”

The settlers, their patience worn thin, finally exploded in outrage.

Judging by the way they were bristling, some of them looked ready to charge at him.

If not for the safe zone’s protection—or his own strength—they probably would have.

Justin let their curses wash over him, waiting until the noise began to settle before he spoke again.

“Then what do you suggest?” His voice was calm. “That we continue to risk our lives for you, expect absolutely nothing in return, treat you as equals despite your inaction, and even endure your complaints while we do so?”

He turned toward the pioneers.

“Anyone here willing to do that?”

Silence.

Not a single person stepped forward—not even Zachary, who had been one of the most vocal figures among them.

For the first time, the settlers looked shaken.

“I’m not saying this without a plan,” Justin continued. “In exchange for respect and proper treatment, we’ll take full responsibility for your protection. We won’t resort to violence without cause, nor will we oppress you. A true aristocracy—a system where nobility comes with responsibility.”

“Bullshit! You’re just sugarcoating a caste system!”

“Then do you have another solution?”

Justin locked eyes with one of the few settlers who still had the nerve to argue.

The man flinched under his gaze but clenched his teeth, unwilling to back down.

“There’s an obvious solution! You don’t have to rule over us in the first place! If everyone simply contributes in their own way—”

“Why shouldn’t we rule?” Justin interrupted. “Why should we give up the power we already have? If you had the chance to become a CEO, would you reject it and choose to remain a regular employee instead?”

The notion that seeking power itself was inherently wrong was utter nonsense.

No one turned away from strength.

Even those who gained power with minimal effort rarely felt guilt about it.

So why should those who had risked their lives refuse the authority they had rightfully earned?

“No one will turn down a position of power,” Justin said, his voice steady. “And what do you think will happen if the ones in charge harbor nothing but resentment toward the settlers? What if we decide that pioneers are free to beat, enslave, or even kill settlers without consequence?”

The man stiffened.

“I’m offering a way to prevent that. You really think I’m proposing this system just for fun? All I’m asking is that, in return for laws that prevent abuse, pioneers receive the respect and compensation they deserve.”

If the pioneers’ resentment ever reached a breaking point, not even the leader would be able to stop them.

Authority meant nothing without allies willing to fight by your side.

And the more anger the pioneers accumulated, the more extreme the eventual backlash would be.

“Let me say this one more time. We are going to implement a caste system. You can vote for whomever you want as leader, but regardless of the result, it would be wise to show the pioneers the respect they deserve.”