Страж Империи / Guardian of the Empire: 2.

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Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 15:42

By the end of my third week as head of the separate Ostmor customs post, I'd fully settled into my new position. It's just a job, nothing complicated. Two or three, sometimes four ferries to meet, a few declarations to fill out, and duties to collect—that's all there is to it. That leaves a ton of free time. Which I should probably fill with something, but the filthy imp keeps hiding instead of teaching me how to handle elemental energies, as he promised.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 15:59

But I soon found something to occupy my time. I had a decent amount of money left, more than fifteen hundred in gold. So I found a way out. I'm not allowed to leave the customs post, but that doesn't mean no one can come to me! So I hired a fencing instructor. Not myself, of course—Gothard Delaney made an effort at my request. I can't shake the feeling that mastering the basic techniques of the noble art of fencing will be very useful in the future...

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 16:06

I also tasked the workers who maintained order at the customs post with building a small firing range behind the residential buildings. I also can't afford to lose my skill with a bolt gun. I'm not going to hunt a dragon with a sword, am I?

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 16:12

And yet, despite morning fencing lessons with the instructor and evening shooting practice, I still had plenty of free time. Out of boredom, I even began studying the "Customs Service Regulations." I also familiarized myself with other orders and regulations governing the conduct of affairs at this particular customs post. An entire shelf in the closet was filled with these papers.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 16:12

It then became clear that the treasury hadn't issued an order to allow sheep through without counting them and to take the cattle drivers' word for it. The document merely stated that, due to the complexity of headcounting, the accuracy could be reduced to tens of heads. This meant customs officials wouldn't have to worry about recounting the entire flock several times over just a few sheep.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 16:13

At first, I wanted to use this document to taunt Gothard, asking him why he'd lied. But after a bit of thought and considering the consequences for me personally, I decided not to even mention the treasury order I'd discovered. I stuffed the ill-fated document into a pile of others. Then I tucked it away in the closet, as far away as possible. What if Tier Svots got wind of it and they actually made me count sheep? It wouldn't take long to go crazy trying to solve such a problem. Especially since it's unlikely that any significant abuses actually exist here. Livestock is subject to a minimal duty, meaning there's no point in steppe dwellers trying to fool customs.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 16:50

And so things went on - quietly, calmly, measuredly. And boringly.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 16:50

By the end of my first month at the customs post, I was completely fed up with boiled lamb. They'd come up with all sorts of idiotic regulations—and the people had to suffer!

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 16:51

Once every ten days, Tier Swots would come to us for an inspection, which was conducted in a simple and effective manner. Accompanying him was Tier Legro, a fourth-level mentalist, who would pull two or three herders out of the group and talk to them about the transport of contraband goods. You can't hide anything from a mind mage, no matter how hard you try. When Tier Svots arrived for his next inspection, I asked if anything could be done about this ban on normal food. He just laughed in response. He said that sooner or later, every newly appointed head of a separate Ostmor customs post comes up with the idea of revoking this ill-fated city council decree. He also said that I should not count on his support in resolving this issue. He said that the Secret Service was completely satisfied with this situation. After all, everything was quiet and orderly now, but as soon as alcohol and women appeared, chaos would ensue. Then they would have to send not a dozen guards here every day, but all three.

Camrad_RIP 05.11.25 в 09:53

"And what exactly is the problem, Tier Steini?" the Un-Tarkh inquired at the end. "You must understand that you are an official, and one on official duty at that... And even if there were a dozen brothels and a hundred taverns here, you have no right to visit them. You are at work, not on vacation."

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 16:52

"I understand that," I waved my hand dismissively. "I'm not insisting on opening a tavern for merrymaking and a brothel with depraved prostitutes. But this boiled lamb of yours is getting on my nerves!"

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:02

"Well, then, order your food prepared separately," Tier Svots shrugged. "No one will accuse the innkeeper of disobeying the city council's orders for such a trivial matter."

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:09

The offer from the un-tarkh offended me quite a bit, but I kept quiet. Although I wanted to say something about the advice to eat in a special way. And watch as all the other patrons of the tavern, forced to choke on boiled mutton, stare at you with envy. Or maybe they'll suggest that I hide from everyone and secretly eat other dishes?!

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:48

So, without meaning to, Tier Svots really hurt me. Oh well, so be it. If he doesn't want to help right some injustice, then we'll handle it ourselves.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:48

And so I began quietly gathering information about the well-wishers who had pushed the ill-fated ordinance through the city council. This wasn't a problem—people were eager to discuss the topical issue and gossip about the ill-wishers who had perpetrated such a vile act.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:49

The cunning plan, designed to deprive Liget of most of his income, turned out to be the brainchild of three Ostmor innkeepers: Reis Waldo, Bruno Term, and Mike Fernando. Their establishments were located closest to the northern gate, through which the road to our customs post led. These villains conspired... And they were assisted by Waldo's relative, a high-ranking official in the city magistrate.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:50

It quickly became clear that each of the three had a vested interest in livestock supply, the Ostmor's primary source of income. Waldo owned a small slaughterhouse, Term a stake in a smokehouse, and Mike Fernando owned as many as five butcher shops.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:51

After reviewing all the documents regulating customs operations a second time, I sprang into action. The very next day, I stopped the Ostmor dealers who were driving livestock. I declared that, from now on, the inspection of goods crossing the border would be conducted with particular care. Therefore, they should place the sheep in pens within the customs post and wait.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:54

"Why should we wait?" the drivers tried to protest. "And for how long?"

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 05:51

"As long as it takes," I informed them. "Your goods are not perishable, which means I have every right to detain them for customs inspection for up to ten days." I showed the incredulously staring drivers the relevant section of the regulations, "On Conducting Inspection Measures at Separated Customs Posts."

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 05:52

The drivers howled in unison and, realizing the costs they would incur, immediately tried to bribe me. I refused. But I offered another option: I would not change the previous customs inspection procedure, and they would not sell livestock to the enterprises that had been profitable for the trio of malicious innkeepers.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:54

The drivers agreed instantly, without even thinking twice. Why should they ignore a few buyers out of the hundreds available in Ostmor? It wouldn't cost them anything.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:55

And two weeks later, I made a similar agreement with all the sheep drivers. From now on, the entire flow of livestock passed by the overly clever individuals. And none of the Ostmor dealers tried to break their word to me—the guards from the rest shifts kept an eye on that. They, too, were curious about how things would turn out. And they had a vested interest—we all ate at the same inn, after all.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:56

Un-tarkh Svots said nothing about it. He just shook his head and grinned, showing he was aware of my dealings. So what? Even if my performance review ends up with the notation "prone to exploiting official position for personal gain," it wouldn't make me feel any better. Sure, with such a mark, I'd be stuck with no promotions or even lose my job in a re-evaluation. But for me, it's a trivial matter—I have no intention of continuing to work for the Secret Service. And even if the grey uniforms try to coax me and promise me high positions with mountains of gold, I still won't agree.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:58

A couple of days later, some city dandy rolled up to customs in an open carriage. He looked very important. He had a thick, shiny face and small eyes that radiated undisguised self-satisfaction.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 17:59

"Tier Steini?" he asked me, getting out of the carriage. After I nodded affirmatively, he continued: "I have an important matter to discuss with you." But he didn't stop there and, casting a meaningful glance at the foreman with whom I was conversing at the time, emphasized: "Strictly confidential."

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 18:03

“And who exactly are you?” I asked.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 18:03

"Senior Magistrate's Advisor, Jurek Waldo," the uninvited guest introduced himself with a casual gesture, touching the brim of his hat.

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 05:54

"Well then, let's chat, Tier Senior Magistrate's Counselor," I smiled as politely as I could at Reis's Waldo cousin, and invited him into the office.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 18:04

I immediately went behind the desk and settled comfortably into the chair. Then I stared questioningly at the official. Naturally, I didn't offer him a seat. After a brief hesitation, he sat down on the simple wooden chair in front of the desk. He took off his hat and tossed it onto the tabletop in front of him. He smoothed his sleek hair with a flick of his wrist and crossed his legs. Looking sternly at me, he asked:

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 18:05

"What do you think you're doing, Mr. Steini? On what grounds are you obstructing the affairs of some respected Ostmor residents?"

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 18:09

"What kind of respected residents?" I was surprised, but the magistrate's advisor interrupted me, raising his voice:

Camrad_RIP 05.11.25 в 09:54

"Excuse me, I didn't finish!"

Camrad_RIP 05.11.25 в 09:54

"Okay, go on."

Camrad_RIP 05.11.25 в 09:54

"So," clearing his throat, the official spoke a little more quietly. "I have come to you on behalf of the city council to express our deep concern about the situation that has arisen. And to strongly recommend that you stop this disgrace before it goes too far, and the high-ranking officials of Ostmor have to take extremely unpleasant measures against you. The city council is already considering a request to the Security Administration to remove you from your position as head of the customs post. And that's just the beginning... If you don't calm down. I hope I am making myself clear?"

Camrad_RIP 05.11.25 в 10:45

"Listen, you bureaucratic pimple," I drawled lazily, not at all impressed by the threats, and with a snap of my fingers, knocked a fashionable dark gray hat with blue trim off the tabletop and onto the floor. "Listen to me carefully. I give you three days to revise the city council's decree restricting the operations of Liget Rais's tavern and bring it up to standard."

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 18:10

"How dare you address me like that?!" Waldo shouted angrily, jumping to his feet without finishing my sentence. "Such insulting behavior toward a respected representative of the city authorities is punishable by flogging!"

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 18:11

"That only applies to respectable people," I remarked with a grin. "And you are in no way related to them."

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 05:59

"Well, that's it! I've had enough!" the red-faced bureaucrat squealed. "For some foreman to treat me like that?! I won't let this go! I'll make sure you're thrown out of here with a dirty broom! And if Svots doesn't listen to me, I'll go all the way to the capital! I have connections there, too!"

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 06:00

"Try it," I suggested condescendingly. "But when you bring in your friends from the capital, warn them in advance so they don't get upset with you later when they have to compete with Grass-Tarkh Luarier, the deputy head of the Secret Service, who personally appointed me here." And, looking at Valdo's changed expression, I pulled a silver badge with a crowned black eagle clutching an axe in its talons from the collar of my shirt. I tapped it with my index finger: "Don't forget about this either. About my right to involve the mentalist magician in the investigation if official publicity ensues. I have nothing to fear, I'm not seeking any profit, but you... When it's revealed that someone had a vested interest in passing that ill-fated resolution... I think someone on the city council will get a good kick in the pants right then and there."

Camrad_RIP 05.11.25 в 10:48

The bureaucrat instantly deflated and no longer complained. He picked up his hat from the floor and sidled toward the door. Just in case, I reminded him:

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 06:10

"Don't forget, you only have three days. And if you don't finish in time, I'll give you and your innkeeper friends such a hard time that you'll cry."

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 06:02

Forgetting to say goodbye, the visitor rushed out of the office, leaving me in a great mood. Needless to say, being an employee of the Secret Service has its advantages. As a simple guard, you can't get away with such arrogance.

Camrad_RIP 05.11.25 в 10:59

A day later, the head of the Ostmor branch of the Secret Service stopped by and, smiling mockingly, handed me a piece of paper... The document, certified with the seal of the city council, stated that from now on, all restrictions imposed by the previously adopted resolution number fifty-two point two... in the part concerning dishes prepared in the tavern of Tiera Lais, were lifted. The sale of alcohol, however, was still not permitted. But even that was something.

Camrad_RIP 05.11.25 в 11:01

"Are you satisfied, Tier Steini?" Tier Svotts asked.

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 06:08

“Quite,” I answered contentedly.

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 18:12

"That's good," the Un-Tarkh nodded approvingly. "So, there won't be any new or, to put it mildly, shady initiatives coming from you?"

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 06:09

"Why shady? Everything was done within the law."

Camrad_RIP 04.11.25 в 06:09

"That's right," the grey-coated man agreed. "That's why I'm not sanctioning you. I just want to tell you one thing, Tier Steini. For the future..." He shook his head. "Walking on the edge never leads to anything good..."

Camrad_RIP 02.11.25 в 18:13