King
Chapter 1175 - 1175 188 Iconic Scene_2

1175: Chapter 188: Iconic Scene_2 1175: Chapter 188: Iconic Scene_2 To establish an Empire, a formidable presence is inevitable.

Even the minor allies of the Frank Kingdom are an unknown factor in their willingness to openly take sides amidst collective opposition from the nations of the Human Race.

The Five Nations Alliance, stretching across the Northern and Central Continents, is different.

Not only is it less influenced by the nations of the South Continent, but its own strength is also substantial.

A little international pressure simply cannot sway the decision-making of this behemoth.

There won’t be any awkward moments where they verbally agree yet face a sudden betrayal when it comes to actions.

…

In the Snow Moon Territory, a new round of military meetings for the Near East region commenced under the chairmanship of Hudson.

Looking down at the bustling crowd below, Hudson couldn’t help but shake his head.

The establishment of Governors in each province by the Kingdom was indeed essential.

Without this level of governance, summoning Prefectural Governors from various regions directly to a meeting would undoubtedly reduce efficiency.

Unfortunately, the situation in the Near East was special; except for the Snow Moon Territory, the Six Provinces were in a delicate internal balance.

Whoever ascends to the position of Governor will disrupt this balance, affecting regional stability.

At the previous meeting in the Capital, there was a debate on this issue among the parties, yet no conclusion was reached.

Eventually, they compromised: whoever has the highest military merits will become the Governor.

However, future military achievements of these Noble Lords are what will be appraised, not past glories.

In the past two years, the Near East region has enjoyed peace, with no significant wars and, naturally, no military merits to speak of.

“Silence!

This is not a place for reminiscing.

Whoever cannot contain their desire to show off, please leave.

I will request the Kingdom to relieve you of your duties and have your family dispatch someone more suitable to serve as Prefectural Governor.”

With the most impassive tone, he delivered the harshest words, and the noisy scene immediately quieted, for fear of being singled out by Hudson.

Under normal circumstances, deposing a Noble is difficult, but the Near East region is far from normal.

Changing the person sent by the family behind them seems to be merely a loss of a Prefectural Governor’s post, but in fact, it means losing one’s life.

Transitioning noble ranks within the Kingdom is not a matter that can be settled by a few words.

If the person concerned does not cooperate, even the family behind them cannot intervene forcefully.

The simplest procedure involves the person dying, with a legitimate heir inheriting the noble title and continuing the role of Prefectural Governor.

If the successor is not suitable, then it is a matter of getting them to voluntarily step down for the next in line to replace them.

The brief display of authority ended, and at Hudson’s glance, document after document was distributed into the hands of each Prefectural Governor.

Shock, confusion, bewilderment, fear…

Various emotions continuously surfaced on the faces of the crowd, creating a spectacle that was certainly interesting to witness, albeit with a somewhat tense atmosphere.

“Marshal, are these matters really something we qualify to participate in?”

Viscount Caryo questioned with doubt.

A pile of international situation overviews, along with the negotiation processes of the Five Nations Alliance.

These materials are clearly not within the jurisdiction of lesser Nobles, nor do some weaker Major Nobles have a say.

“Rest assured, you’re not asked to participate, but to remind you all that the world is not all peaceful.

Should the international situation shift, no one can guarantee how long the tranquility of the Near East will last.

During these peaceful times, I want you to diligently improve production and military strength in your territories.

Don’t idle away your days.

As I know, some have become indulgent, indulging in endless banquets and living a life of luxury.

Wouldn’t it be better to invest this spare money into your territories?

Since you’ve chosen to come to the Near East, be prepared to endure hardship and strive.

For those who wish to live comfortably, it’s not too late to pack up and leave now.

More effort in peacetime means less bloodshed in wartime.

Since there are those who lack the willpower, I’ll lend them a hand.

Starting now: apart from weddings, funerals, and holiday celebrations, all forms of dance and banquet gatherings are prohibited in the Near East region.

Dismiss any Singers or dancers you have— one-month deadline for this task.

Ensure it’s dealt with.

I will dispatch an Inspection Team for surprise visits afterward—if discovered, the whole lot will be confiscated.

The Prefectural Governor involved will be penalized with an equivalent amount of their assets!

Three consecutive violations will result in the dismissal of the Prefectural Governor.

The Kingdom has no room for the incapable and the inept, and the Near East tolerates no dereliction of duty!”

As soon as Hudson finished speaking, the faces of the Prefectural Governors were struck with horror.

These regulations were indeed too harsh; it was almost as if they didn’t want Nobles to live.

Just grumble internally; no one dared to openly oppose Hudson.

While the regulations were harsh, there was precedent in the Kingdom.

During wartime, the Kingdom demanded higher standards of behaviour from the Nobles.

Not only entertainment activities were cancelled, but even the King led by example in adhering to a food rationing system.

Most people present were second sons of their families, venturing out to establish their own fortunes.

If it were another matter, the family might come forward to defend them.

But if they were punished for indulging in pleasure, a beating would undoubtedly await them on their return.

Though at home, their old fathers might indulge in perpetual revelry, it didn’t stop them from wanting their sons to succeed.

And as for resentment from other family members—that went without saying.

There were many who were envious of them.

If they knew these Nobles were squandering family resources for enjoyment, there would be an uproar.

It seemed as though Hudson’s regulations were antagonistic towards the Noble Lords, yet in reality, there were very few who would truly resent this.

After all, their relatives, friends, and families were pushing them to strive harder, so having one more leader urging them to be diligent was hardly a big deal.