King
Chapter 774 - 774 49 Fish in Troubled Waters_1

774: Chapter 49, Fish in Troubled Waters_1 774: Chapter 49, Fish in Troubled Waters_1 Upon seeing the approaching convoy from afar, a slight smile spread across Hudson’s face.

It was worth his personal welcome; the length of the convoy indicated that they came to pledge their allegiance.

After laying the groundwork for nearly two years, it wouldn’t require such an elaborate setup just to recruit one person.

A hint to the wise would suffice to know what to do next.

The Royal Family never lacked followers.

Every year, countless newly adult noble children leave their homes and parents, seeking opportunities.

Especially for a hegemonic monarch like Caesar III, his appeal to talents is even stronger.

With a steady stream of noble children pouring in, the Royal Family’s reserve of talent has reached a staggering number.

Anything in excess becomes cheap.

Many people are followers of the King in name, but in actuality, they are nothing more than doorkeepers.

Simply put: the Royal Family doesn’t have enough job positions for them, but they do provide simple accommodation and meals.

They are called upon when needed, will help to complete tasks, and can receive remuneration from the Royal Family once finished.

Those who perform excellently can then officially serve under the Royal Family.

If they work hard and accumulate enough merit, they have the chance of obtaining noble titles, or even a fief.

Generally speaking, those who manage to stand out are usually strong knights.

War was their path to honor and wealth.

Lower-level civil positions, on the other hand, were too replaceable and had long been divided among the royal branches and family servants and descendants.

High-level civil officials need to possess high ability and even higher loyalty.

Basically, there’s no chance if you’re not the core personnel.

Jose was a lucky one, entering the royal ranks with his martial prowess and then standing out with his outstanding military command capabilities, even managing to secure the position of a Court Count.

He was just one step away from entering the core team.

Sadly, when the most critical test came, his luck ran out, basically knocking him back to square one.

With the goal of winning over the hearts of the people, his material benefits were not decreased, but his status and prestige plummeted.

There are advantages to a reduced status, such as less attention.

This was true even when Caesar IV ascended the throne and all the royal family servants pledged their loyalty, he was overlooked.

As for why Jose was ignored…

half the reason would be Caesar IV’s indifferent attitude; the other half would be due to Master Hudson’s deep pockets.

“Someone whom the King detests, should not appear before the King.” If the King is pleased, those who pick up the money will feel justified, and those who part with their money will have things done – people simply take what they need.

In the Continent of Aslante, without the formal swearing of allegiance, no master-servant relationship exists and there is no obligation to perform duties for Caesar IV.

Without the bondage of obligation, Jose, as a free man, can feel justified accepting Hudson’s invitation.

Otherwise, this behaviour would be considered “betrayal”.

Unless unexpected, the group of people following Jose here should also have the status of being free men.

Thankfully, Hudson’s reputation is impressive enough to attract such a large group of people to an out-of-the-way place like the Mountain Domain.

After exchanging simple greetings, a grand welcome banquet follows.

The higher-ups within the domain, everyone who could come, did – a true show of respect.

…

“Count, this is the list and information of the convoy, with remarks on their backgrounds, personalities, reputations, and special abilities.

Because the time was too short, this information is not comprehensive, and some of it may even be erroneous.

It is only for reference.”

During his explanation, Jose handed over a hefty book made of parchment, indicating a considerable amount of effort being put in it.

As for the inaccuracy being a given, well, this was inevitable.

Background, ability, personality – all these can be looked into, but the measure of someone’s character is an enigma.

In Hudson’s view, apart from a few extremists, most people were just ordinary individuals and couldn’t be simply described as good or bad.

After all, what he needed were capable people, not paragons of virtue.

As long as they could follow orders and carry out tasks without causing any trouble, it was sufficient.

“Thank you, Mr.

Jose.

With your assistance, the future of Mountain Domain will surely be more brilliant!”

Hudson said sincerely.

As for the parchment book in his hand, he didn’t flip through it at all.

Social interactions are inevitable anywhere.

Just because the person was recruited, it doesn’t mean their heart is won over as well.

The more talented they are, the harder they are to win over.

Jose’s decision to switch sides at this time was, in fact, due to constraints.

Being ignored by Caesar IV made his life very difficult.

Hudson’s talent poaching only added insult to injury.

Not only did he interfere with the loyalty oath ceremony, erasing Jose’s name, but the supplies given to Jose by the Royal Family also kept decreasing month after month.

His instinct told him that if he didn’t make a choice soon, it wouldn’t be long before his residence in the royal manor would be reclaimed.

Everyone has their dignity, and Jose was no exception.

With a family to support, if he was ousted, how could he regain his footing?

There were quite a few major nobles extending an olive branch to him within the kingdom, but Hudson was the most sincere.

Moving to the Mountain Domain, he could directly enter the core circle.

By serving other major nobles, he would stillhave to struggle on the fringe and might even be suspected of being a spy planted by the Royal Family.

“Your compliment is too kind, Count.

The development of my Mountain Domain is clear to all.

Throughout the entire history of the Human Race, there have been few who could rival the speed of the domain’s development.”