Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 506: Public Execution I

In the early morning, when the fog still blanketed the city, the sounds of hammers and saws reverberated right in front of the government building.

A group of carpenters is working diligently to build something at the centre of the plaza.

Their task was urgent. The job came in last evening and the structure had to be completed before ten o'clock sharp.

Usually, few people are willing to take this job because of time constraints.

But since the client is the government, they gladly take it.

Aside from generous payment, this is also a chance to promote their business.

If they did the job well, it could open doors to more lucrative contracts in the future.

"Careful with that beam!" one of the foremen shouted as his workers hoisted a sturdy wooden frame into place.

The structure they were building was a platform.

Its purpose is unclear but must be important considering the central location they're building it and the rush to complete it.

Some workers assume the government may have a big announcement to make. However, not everyone thought so since the structure differs from what they know.

It's plain and lacks elegance or decorative elements.

The thought of execution never crosses their mind. The king they know isn't the kind that punishes people harshly at the slightest mistake.

Their unawareness about the incoming execution is normal.

The decision to carry out a public execution had been kept under wraps until the end of office hours yesterday.

By the time word had begun to circulate, the day was nearly over.

Most civil servants had gone home, and there had been little time to share the news beyond their small circles.

As a result, the large population remain unaware.

But it doesn't matter. The target audience of this execution is civil servants and those who work in government sectors.

The sun climbed steadily in the sky. Its rays burned away the lingering morning fog.

The quiet city became increasingly noisy as many people started their day including the civil servants.

Clad in their uniform, they walked into the area with steady steps.

The carpenters pay no attention to the numerous people passing by. It had nothing to do with them.

Little did they know whatever they were building had everything to do with these civil servants.

The atmosphere seems heavy today. Every passing government worker tense up whenever they look at the plaza.

Their behaviour was so obvious that the carpenters noticed it.

One of the younger carpenters wiped his brow and scowled. "What's wrong with these people? Aren't they supposed to be in their offices? It's like they've got nothing better to do than stare at us."

It's uncomfortable to work when somebody else watching you. It feels like you're doing something illegal when you're not.

"I'm not sure. Maybe they're curious to see new stuff. Anyway, it's not our concern. Just ignore them and finish this."

The rest agreed and decided to ignore these bookish-looking people.

....

Fifteen minutes before ten, the workers successfully hammered the final nails and installed the last piece of the structure.

Everybody took a step back and stared at their finished work.

"I don't think this is a stage for speeches."

His friend rolls his eyes, "Obviously not. Look at the blade high up there."

He pointed at the razor-sharp metal suspended high above the platform.

Everyone instinctively knows that if the blade falls, whatever is beneath it can easily be cut.

For the people who only know execution by hanging, this is the first time they see a guillotine.

At this point, even the slowest minds among them realize what they have built.

It's an execution tool!

"Just looking at it makes my skin crawl."

Everyone is curious about who's going to be its first user. However, their thoughts didn't go too far for fear of learning something they shouldn't.

Let's get the remaining payment and go home.

Yes! That's the best action. They hurriedly do so.

As the workers finished packing up their tools, the foreman led the group to collect their money.

The sound of jingling coins eases their turbulent heart slightly.

Meanwhile, Riz was informed about the completion of work.

"Great! Send word to everyone in the building. I want them gathered outside in five minutes."

The message travelled quickly through the building. The normally noisy offices became unusually quiet.

Secretaries, clerks, advisors, and guards paused their work. They exchanged nervous glances with each other.

The time has finally come. They were on edge since this morning.

Still, they hurried to the exits.

On the way out, the sounds of whispering increase.

Riz stood by the large window of his office and watched the unfolding scene in the plaza below.

From his vantage point, he saw the crowd steadily growing larger as employees exited the building and gathered near the freshly constructed guillotine.

Riz's only concern about this situation is that his employees are standing too close.

He hopes they're not traumatised once the execution takes place.

Beyond the iron wall grill separating the government compound from the city streets, a different kind of audience was forming.

The unusual gathering inevitably attracts the attention of the passerby.

Riz, however, have no intention of chasing them.

If they want to watch, let them watch.

He had no intention of shielding the event from the public eye. If anything, their unexpected presence was a welcome addition.

The more eyes witnessed the execution, the more potent its impact would be.

The sun climbed higher and its rays got stronger.

The shadows shrank, indicating that the day was approaching noon. Everyone started to feel hungry, but food was their last concern.

They patiently waited for the culprit's arrival.

In one corner, journalists huddled together. They never let go of their pens.

It's always poised over the notebooks, ready to capture every detail.

The content for tomorrow's front pages has been unanimously decided upon.

Not even the chief editor at the office can change it.