Our Family Has Fallen

Although he had primarily suppressed these cases because they were too fragmented, couldn’t directly deliver a strong impact to the Romani, and couldn’t be considered leverage, arrests would eventually be necessary. This, however, was more for political reasons—to use these incidents as bargaining chips to help Amanda establish her authority. But now that Amanda had voluntarily relinquished this approach, it was no longer necessary, so there was no need to hold back.

When dealing with these Romani, one must strike hard!

With just a few simple words, Lance had ignited the sheriffs’ fighting spirit. They had been working tirelessly for so long, waiting for this very day. After several recruitment drives, the number of sheriffs had grown to nearly one hundred. Some were military veterans, while others were high-achievers from training camps who, for various reasons, hadn’t joined the army. Others recruited were particularly intelligent or possessed keen observational skills. There were even women among them—Lance was attempting to break down the subtle yet real gender disparities. And these women were by no means ordinary. One should never underestimate the resilience forged from a lifetime of farm work since childhood, as the criteria to become a sheriff were identical for all; Lance applied the same standards to everyone, without making allowances.

Lance did this because the sheriff team would eventually have to manage a more complex public order environment, and having female sheriffs would be more convenient in certain situations. Interactions with these Romani and the merchant ship crews made it clear that as Hamlet developed, it could no longer remain hidden as before. It was destined to emerge onto the world stage, and interactions between people would become increasingly frequent. It was evident that Lance had been continually strengthening the sheriff team, preparing to maintain control even after Hamlet opened up to the outside world.

Simultaneously, as their numbers grew, the sheriffs’ organizational structure had become somewhat outdated. They could not perpetually rely on the military training camp as a constant source of new recruits; they needed their own training grounds and development methods. After all, the military’s duty was to kill, while the police’s duty was to maintain public order. Lance also had plans for reforming the sheriff system, but this would have to wait until the new police station and training grounds were constructed.

However, this did not prevent them from carrying out Operation Great Cleanup. Under Lance’s orders, the hundred or so sheriffs quickly assembled. They still lacked standardized uniforms, and even sheriff badges were in short supply because Hamlet’s production capacity couldn’t keep pace with the rapid recruitment. Their only unifying mark was the Red Cloth tied around their arms to distinguish them from ordinary citizens. But this did not diminish their morale; they had been suppressed for too long, and now, the Lord’s command had finally unleashed them.

”Report! All personnel assembled!”

”The order of Hamlet shall not be disturbed,” Lance declared solemnly, waving a hand towards the sheriffs. ”William, take your team and depart immediately!”

”Yes, Sir!”

William, one hand holding Fergus’s leash and the other gripping a baton, projected a formidable attitude. He too had tolerated those Romani for a long time; today was finally the day for action. The dog, Fergus, also seemed to sense his master’s mood, abandoning his usual gentle and lively demeanor for a hunter’s stance.

Perhaps for him, the hunt had begun…

The Romani in Hamlet primarily congregated in two areas: one was the temporary camp assigned to them, and the other was the central square where they set up their stalls. Over a hundred strong, their deployment was a formidable sight. The large contingent made no effort to conceal their movements, heading straight for the central square.

”You lot, go block the port entrances! You, block the other side! The rest, with me…” William commanded, dividing the sheriffs into teams to secure the three entrances to the square before leading his own group directly towards the Romani gathering place.

Along the way, Hamlet’s locals showed no fear upon seeing them; instead, they appeared excited. The merchant crews, though somewhat puzzled by the unfolding events, were more inclined to keep their distance from the sheriffs. Survival instinct had taught them it was best not to be unnecessarily curious; curiosity could be fatal.

However, faced with these menacing sheriffs, the Romani felt immense pressure, sensing they were the targets. They reacted like mice spotting a cat, attempting to flee at the first chance. Their practiced movements clearly indicated this wasn’t the first time they had offended someone and had pursuers come for them. This suggested that Tamara and Amanda’s previously abrasive personalities were very likely a result of growing up in such an environment.

In the past, however, they had managed to escape due to lax law enforcement and the absence of strong control measures in other towns. Such a scenario was impossible in Hamlet; by the time William gave the order to act, the plan was already in motion. Hamlet’s locals even displayed unusual solidarity; some spontaneously grabbed tools to help the sheriffs blockade the streets—a sight unlikely anywhere else.

It could be said that, thanks to Lance’s tireless efforts, the residents of Hamlet had not only experienced an improvement in their living standards but also a transformation in their mindset, with a significant rise in their moral standards. Whether during the previous Warwolf invasion, the attacks by the Ascension Sect, or now, they dared to step forward, willing to assume social responsibility. The fundamental reason was that in Hamlet, as long as they had enough to eat, they would naturally want to protect this place.