Although the Germa Kingdom was a mobile seafaring nation and had a smaller population than a typical land-based kingdom, it was still a significant number of people.
Integrating so many individuals at once presented a challenge for Noir.
The Germa soldiers, having been trained as soldiers their entire lives, were practically living weapons, blindly loyal to the Vinsmokes.
They were incapable of leading normal lives, and their deep-seated loyalty to Judge could lead to complications.
For the time being, Noir dispersed them throughout Noitem Island, assigning them to various construction projects away from the capital. This would keep them occupied while also contributing to the kingdom's development.
The core members of Germa 66, however, were kept in the capital under close watch.
Judge and Reiju followed Noir's orders, diligently apologizing to the citizens of Anel.
The people, having suffered no real losses and seeing that the Vinsmokes were now under their king's control, readily forgave them.
They saw no reason to hold a grudge, especially since Judge could now be a valuable asset to the kingdom.
...
The same couldn't be said for Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji. The three brothers were a different story.
From the start, they had only gone through the motions of apologizing, being disrespectful to the citizens and even attempting to use violence.
Fortunately, Noir had anticipated this. Enel, who was assigned to monitor them, quickly intervened.
Currently, the three brothers were locked away in a dark cell somewhere in the capital. No one had seen them for days.
Occasionally, passersby could hear bloodcurdling screams emanating from the depths of their confinement…
Neither Judge nor Reiju intervened in Enel's "disciplinary actions."
Reiju had no sympathy for her cruel brothers, and Judge was powerless to stop it.
After his defeat, Judge had begun to realize that stripping his sons of their emotions might not have been such a wise decision.
It seemed to have made them rather… unintelligent.
...
With Judge and his children temporarily out of commission, Noir convened a rather informal meeting in the Cloud Palace with his inner circle.
The palace, built with considerable resources and effort, was now the official residence of Noir and his top officers.
In the grand dining hall, a long table was set for a meal. Noir sat at the head, elegantly carving a piece of steak.
Robin, holding a cup of sake, asked curiously, "Why are we discussing official business during a meal?"
Noir, chewing on a piece of beef, mumbled, "It sets the right mood."
Robin sighed, shaking her head. "But it's hardly regal."
Enel, gnawing on a giant crab leg, chimed in, his words muffled. "I think… it's great…"
Nearby, Lucci, his face splattered with food debris from Enel's enthusiastic eating, was on the verge of exploding. He calmly wiped his face and said in a low voice, "If you spray food on me one more time, I will end you."
Enel chuckled awkwardly. Robin shook her head, exasperated, and turned to Noir. "So, what did you want to discuss?"
Getting back on track, Noir's expression turned serious. He nodded towards Kalifa.
Kalifa, ever prepared, produced a stack of documents. "The Captain wants to recruit talented individuals to form the administrative body of the Kingdom of Noitem."
Robin took the documents, her eyes widening as she scanned them. "The Six Ministries?"
Reha, who was also present at the meeting, received a copy of the proposal. He studied it carefully, then scratched his head. "Your High… Your Majesty, I've never heard of such a system."
The old retainers of Noitem, except for the young and capable Reha, were too old and frail…
Noir had been working himself ragged these past few days. To ensure the kingdom's smooth operation, he needed more skilled people.
Lucci, who had been silently reading the document, summarized, "A Ministry of Personnel to manage officials, a Ministry of Revenue for finances, a Ministry of Rites for diplomacy and protocol, a Ministry of War for military affairs, a Ministry of Justice for law enforcement, and a Ministry of Works for construction and infrastructure. Is that correct?"
Noir's lips twitched. 'That's a bit too concise, isn't it?'
Explaining these concepts to people from another world was a hassle. Noir picked up the document and said, "That's a very basic understanding. There are more details in the document."
"And we'll refine the system as we go along."
Issho, comfortably sipping his tea, remarked, "I'm impressed, Captain. You have a mind for administration as well."
Noir accepted the compliment without a hint of embarrassment. He then turned to Reha, his tone serious. "Reha, I appoint you as Minister of War… the head of one of the Six Ministries. For now, you will be responsible for establishing these departments."
Reha was stunned. He leaped from his seat and knelt on one knee, his voice filled with determination. "I will not fail Your Majesty!"
Noir patted Reha's shoulder, smiling. "Don't be nervous. I'll be assisting you."
Reha, somewhat relieved, bowed his head. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Having been unexpectedly burdened with such a heavy responsibility during a meal, the usually stoic Reha excused himself, saying he needed to study the documents on the Six Ministries in detail.
Noir, pleased with Reha's diligence, readily granted his request.
After Reha left, Wyper finally voiced his concern. "Captain, is it wise to entrust such an important position to Reha? The Ministry of War, no less?"
It wasn't that Wyper doubted Reha's loyalty or ability, nor did he question Noir's judgment.
But Issho was clearly more powerful, Wyper himself had experience leading troops, and Lucci was an exceptional strategist. Reha seemed… less qualified.
Noir shook his head, smiling. "You all have your roles within the Underworld Pirates. I have other plans for you."
"As for Reha… it's a gut feeling."
"He witnessed the fall of his kingdom firsthand. After that experience, I believe he'll manage a department of Noitem with the utmost care."
Robin, ever supportive of Noir's decisions, smiled. "A bit idealistic, perhaps, but I like it."
Noir laughed. "What's the point of careful planning when you're building a kingdom run by a bunch of wild pirates?"
They finished their meal in a cheerful atmosphere. Just as they were about to disperse, a knock sounded on the large oak doors.
"Enter."
A guard entered and knelt before Noir. "Your Majesty, a letter has arrived. From the Kingdom of Westwind."
Noir was surprised. Another familiar name.