"Have met the Count!"
At the same time, some of the mining stewards gathered here, along with the guards, knelt down as well:
"Have met the Count!"
At this moment, there were no longer any doubts about Charlotte’s true identity.
Charlotte’s gaze swept over the kneeling crowd, eventually resting on the mining stewards whose faces were pale, who were continuously retreating, and even beginning to blend into the crowd.
Her gaze turned cold as she issued her first order after reclaiming control of the mine troops:
"Guards, arrest these traitors of the families!"
As Charlotte gave the command, the mine guards sprang into action, with a swiftness many times greater than before, catching each of the stewards attempting to flee and bringing them before Charlotte, in full view of everyone.
Looking around, there were actually more than thirty people.
The expressions on the mining stewards’ faces were ashen, filled with shock and despair—many had even wet their pants in fear, crying and begging for mercy.
Charlotte gave them a cold look:
"Take them away, lock them up!"
The guards respectfully saluted and took all the stewards away amidst cheers from the surrounding miners.
Usually, the mine stewards were domineering, exploiting and bullying the miners, which was not uncommon, so seeing these high-and-mighty stewards get their comeuppance, the miners were naturally overjoyed.
Not to mention, they had even learned that the disappearances of miners turned out to involve these traitorous stewards.
After dealing with these obviously problematic workshop stewards, Charlotte looked around and turned to the remaining workshop stewards:
"Who among you holds the highest position here?"
"Resp... responding to the Count, it is... it’s me."
An elderly steward stepped forward, trembling.
"I... I am called Hank, Hank de Lien Castel, Senior Steward of the Mining Workshop, in charge of logistics."
The old steward replied respectfully.
Lien-Castel? Is he related to Baron Shalon?
Charlotte raised an eyebrow.
She pondered for a moment and said,
"The management of Castel Mining Workshop has been grossly negligent, therefore, as of today, all workshop stewards are relieved of their positions, and the management of the workshop’s affairs will be temporarily handled by my butler, Sebastian."
Saying this, she glanced at the crowd and saw the old werewolf Logan and said,
"Werewolf miner Logan, for meritorious service in the family’s suppression of the uprising and for his extensive experience working in the mines, is now promoted to the position of Senior Foreman to assist Sebastian in managing workshop affairs."
At those words, all eyes turned to the old werewolf.
Astonishment, envy, bewilderment, excitement... a mix of emotions played across the faces of those present.
For a moment, many miners regretted that the one who had shouted "protect the Count" wasn’t themselves, and they were incredibly envious of Logan’s doggone good luck.
The old werewolf was taken aback, seemingly not expecting such a pleasant surprise to land on him all of a sudden, looking somewhat dazed.
But he quickly came to his senses, his face flushing with excitement as he bowed to Charlotte,
"Logan... obeys! Logan... will not disappoint the Count!"
Charlotte’s gaze then fell on the remaining workshop stewards:
"You are to be suspended and observed, to be reassessed later. During the suspension, you will undergo a family investigation. If you pass the investigation, you may continue to assist Sebastian and Logan with the workshop affairs, with a three-month term. Those qualified may continue in their stewardship."
"Steward Hank, you will serve as the principal steward on probation and will also assist Sebastian and Logan in quickly familiarizing themselves with the workshop operations during the suspension. If you prove competent, you may retain your position as a Senior Steward."
The old steward trembled slightly, respectfully taking a bow:
"Hank... follows orders."
Charlotte nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over the remaining stewards, her voice rising slightly:
"Do any of you... object?"
The stewards looked at each other, slightly lowering their heads.
However, soon a different voice rose:
Charlotte looked over, noticing that the opposition came from another young steward.
"What is your objection?"
Charlotte narrowed her eyes as she inquired.
"The appointment of stewards at Castel Mining Workshop should be decided through a vote by the Nobles’ Assembly! Even if you are the Count, you cannot act unilaterally!"
The young steward boldly stated.
Charlotte’s eyebrows rose as she asked,
"I am Gersen de Legris!"
The young steward stood up straight.
"A steward from the Viscount Legris Family assigned to the mine..."
The next instant, her expression turned cold as she said,
"In times of emergency, extraordinary measures are taken. I have reason to believe there has been noble family betrayal involved in this incident, hence I am temporarily seizing control of the mine."
"Mr. Gersen, are you opposing me on behalf of the Legris Family, or does your family also have a hand in the deceit against me?"
As she spoke, Charlotte’s eyes flickered, and her Majesty Skill naturally released.
Feeling the sudden overwhelming pressure bearing down, the young steward visibly tensed:
"I... I... no... not..."