King
Chapter 752 - 752 37 Unexpected Temptation_2

752: Chapter 37, Unexpected Temptation_2 752: Chapter 37, Unexpected Temptation_2 Without Caesar III’s intervention, the Kingdom’s oppressive policies towards the Nobles of the North are bound to be relaxed.

Once they are given some slack, the family’s newly established branch in the Northern border will undoubtedly suffer.

Though they would not wage direct military campaigns, it is still possible to devise secret schemes in urging the Koslow family to abandon their stronghold in the north.

Massaging his forehead, Hudson found, to his chagrin, that besides issuing a warning to be wary, there was little else he could do.

Even if they were eager for revenge, the Koslow family’s reach was not long enough.

There was little chance of him personally instigating violence, was there?

If they did resort to such measures, the conflict would heightened, resulting in a mutual loss, with both families likely to face ruin.

Not to mention, Hudson would struggle to maintain his standing within the nobility.

If such behaviour became commonplace, who would feel secure?

“So, the Hollis family is feeling the pressure too?”

Hudson asked with concern.

For a major noble house, it would be fairly simple to deal with a few small nobles; that is a given.

But if even the new major noble house of Hollis is feeling the pressure, it’s a whole different story.

“It’s not that severe for now, but upon hearing the news of His Majesty’s death, the Nobles of the North held a collective meeting that lasted two days.

The specifics of their discussions remain unknown, but the satisfied expressions on their faces upon leaving were enough to know that the meeting was productive.

Perhaps our decision to move our family was a mistake.

In comparison to the five major families in the North, the Hollis family is simply too weak!”

Count Orlan couldn’t help but sigh.

The primary issue with the Kingdom’s newly reclaimed Seven Northern Provinces is their proximity to the five major families of the North.

Without shackles binding the five major families, what can the nobles who have yet to complete their move to the seven provinces in the North do against them?

Their current inaction does not guarantee their future inaction.

It’s possible that all the hard work they put into moving their population and resources will ultimately serve someone else.

Unfortunately, there’s no antidote for regretting a step once it’s been taken.

Either they firmly establish their footing in the North or they plummet into obscurity.

“Your Excellency the Count, don’t worry too much.

The strength of the northern families is undeniably strong, but they too have many enemies.

As long as we are able to unite with a group of nobles who are moving north, they dare not act recklessly.

Once we get through this weak phase, everything will turn for the better.”

Hudson offered somewhat insincere comfort.

It was precisely because he knew that the North was a pitfall that he chose to lay his roots in the Southeastern Province.

He had subtlety cautioned Count Orlan back then, but the Hollis family was determined to take a gamble.

Now it depends on the upcoming meeting in the capital.

Whether the new King can keep the five major families of the North in check, otherwise, the future of the Northern border is destined to be turbulent.

…

The succession of the new monarch and the national funeral, everything is being prepared methodically.

During this time, all the nobles within the kingdom and representatives from other countries have been exceptionally well-behaved.

However, Hudson’s heart was not at peace.

His intuition tells him: behind the tranquility, there often lies a greater crisis.

“Count, His Highness invites you to the Council Chamber in the Royal Palace.”

On receiving this news, Hudson couldn’t help but frown.

The more urgent the situation, the more decisive one needs to be.

In his opinion, Crown Prince Caesar spending time on these tedious ceremonial procedures would be better spent ascending to the throne sooner.

A King and a Crown Prince are never one and the same.

As long as he is not officially the king, there is the possibility of things going awry.

Following the attendant into the Council Chamber, Hudson immediately sensed that something was amiss.

No matter what, Crown Prince Caesar is everyone’s future monarch, if not loved, at least he should be respected.

But in reality, everyone couldn’t be bothered to put on a facade, displaying sour faces, several of them glaring at Crown Prince Caesar in irritation.

Bewilderment didn’t last long before a gloomy look crossed Hudson’s face.

“Your Highness, for a hundred years, the Clergy has had nothing to do with the succession of my Alpha Kingdom’s monarchs.

Now you invite them to our coronation, what is the meaning of this?”

It’s not Hudson losing his temper, rather it’s Crown Prince Caesar going too far.

The Alpha Kingdom has always been an enemy to the Clergy.

To allow those of the Clergy to be present at the coronation, is that not like surrendering to our enemy!

Apart from the obvious reasons, the more critical issue is his clash with the Clergy.

He rose to his power by stepping on the Clergy.

If the Kingdom reconciles with the Clergy, Hudson would be the one most harmed.

“Earl Hudson, don’t be anxious.

It’s merely a ceremony, it wouldn’t harm the Kingdom’s substantial interests.

Moreover, the Clergy has given their promise, as long we…”

Before Crown Prince Caesar could finish his sentence, Hudson interrupted forcefully: “Your Highness, you have such a big heart, the struggle between the monarchy and theocracy in your eyes is merely a common ceremony.

Moreover, did you consider the political implications of this?

Regardless of those domestic, let’s focus on the international impact alone.

The most direct effect, our relationship with Frank Kingdom is bound to rupture, our relations with the other human empires will also deteriorate.

As for the promise made by the Clergy, just by browsing history further when there’s free time, such illusions won’t exist!”

No sooner had the echo of his voice faded than a bunch of major nobles who were against the Clergy started agreeing, instantly it becomes a verbal barrage against the Crown Prince by the fief nobles.

The ministers who should have stood by the king’s side, arguing on behalf of everyone, at this moment choose to stay out of the matter.

Obviously, everyone is not enthusiastic about this suggestion made by Crown Prince Caesar.

Subtly Hudson sensed something is wrong, why would Crown Prince Caesar still pursue this when everyone else is against it?

“Everyone, calm down, this is not a marketplace, there’s no need for a raucous.

According to tradition, the engagement of the person presiding over the coronation is to be decided by the new Monarch.

If His Highness decided to have someone from the Clergy preside, let them preside.

Everyone, don’t overstep the boundaries for your self-interest!”

Duke Hiro’s words instantly set off a bomb.

The Northland Noble Group and the new Monarch teamed up, this is definitely big news.

It seems that the reason Crown Prince Caesar dared to propose such a suggestion was because he had gained their approval.

Currently, the most violently opposed, apart from Hudson, are all the old nobles in the middle and southern parts of the Kingdom.

The Northland Nobles + Emerging nobility were both attracted.

Two major factions have formed a new balance.

“Alright, let Archbishop Tyron preside over the coronation ceremony, this matter of inviting the Clergy will stop here!”

When the dust settled and victory came to Hudson, there was not a trace of a smile on his face.

Yesterday, when he was talking with Count Orlan, he was still worry about the threat posed by the Northland nobility.

Now, they are allied, there must be more to this story.

Apart from Crown Prince Caesar, Hudson could not think of a third person who could facilitate this relationship.

In a flash, he understood.

Crown Prince Caesar’s proposal just now wasn’t really to invite the Clergy over for the coronation, but a calculated probe.

Perhaps, aside from probing their reactions, Crown Prince Caesar was also sending out a signal to the outside world: push me to the limit, and I’ll jump ship to the Clergy.

Don’t talk about contradictions.

In the face of interest, such things have always been worthless.

The whole thing was planned.

No wonder some of the ministers of the court remained silent throughout the whole proceedings.