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Chapter 844 - 844 75 Human Relationships and Worldly Affairs Leader's Additional Update_2

844: Chapter 75: Human Relationships and Worldly Affairs (Leader’s Additional Update)_2 844: Chapter 75: Human Relationships and Worldly Affairs (Leader’s Additional Update)_2 …

A similar scene was being enacted throughout the Continent, where those with the capacity to provide support were weighing whether to continue investing resources into the Prairie Seven Kingdoms.

By comparison, nations threatened by the Elves and Ancient Races faced much greater hardships.

Although the Continental nobles were one family, their time of independence had long solidified, reducing blood ties to practically nothing.

Even within the main clan, only a semblance of kinship remained, far less close than the freshly separated sons, grandsons, and brothers of the Prairie Seven Kingdoms.

Without sentimental ties, solely motivated by self-interest, it seemed as if they were blind to the cries for help.

Beyond verbally promising military aid, there was no substantive action.

The pressure was gradually transmitted to the nations of the Northern Continent through the Human Alliance Council.

While the Southern nations could ignore it, these neighbors could not afford to stand by idly.

If they allowed the front-line nations to collapse, the war would quickly reach their own territories, and no one would be spared.

Having determined they could not rely on the Human Alliance, nations turned their gaze toward the Alpha Kingdom, waiting for this leading power of the Northern Continent to present a solution.

As one of the core members of the Kingdom Army, Hudson had access to primary resources.

Even far from the Capital, he could sense the current distress among the dukes and ministers.

To send troops or not was a dilemma.

Although they had initially decided to wait, the current situation and international pressure forced them to reconsider.

The absence of another council meeting to discuss the matter was enough to prove that the Kingdom’s higher echelons were responsible, taking the burden upon themselves.

Hudson knew, but he wouldn’t come forward to take the blame voluntarily.

Given the uncertain future, any decision could turn out to be a mistake.

He clung to the outcomes of the previous nobles’ council as his decision-making reference.

If something went wrong, everyone would share the blame.

If he altered the decision unilaterally, any resulting issues would have to be borne by him alone.

Accustomed to destroying documents, Hudson carried on with his estate’s affairs as if nothing had happened.

“Count, Viscount Caryo is here to see you.”

Hudson smiled lightly and replied, “Please ask him to rest in the living room.

I’ll be there shortly.”

His intuition told him that this was the result of a previous strategy playing out.

He just didn’t know the outcome of the naval battle — who had won and who had lost.

…

“Caryo, it’s been a long time!”

Hudson greeted him warmly.

Their interactions were actually not frequent; other than reporting a breach to Governor Piers, which was “well-intentioned” to prevent Caryo, his “good friend,” from making a mistake, he felt no guilt.

“Indeed, it’s been a while, Count.

You still look as distinguished as ever.

I truly admire you,” Caryo replied with feigned emotion.

His feelings toward Hudson were complicated, having evolved through various stages from disdain, to keen observation, then to enmity, and now, more of an admiration.

“Haha…”

“You’re quite the busy man now, aren’t you?

The Governor has entrusted you with all the affairs of the Southeastern Province.

You’re not merely passing by this time, are you?” Hudson joked.

Indeed, the Southeastern Province was bustling with affairs, but most were meaningless and repetitive; only the construction of the Blood Moon Defense Line necessitated real concern.

Unlike other regions’ nobles who could adapt flexibly, the nobles of the Alpha Kingdom adhered to rigid doctrines.

Persuaded that the Dark Forest Kingdom posed a threat to the safety of the Southeastern Province, they continued the construction even as continental wars broke out.

Of course, such reckless action was possible only for the wealthy Southeastern Province.

Already the richest province in the Kingdom, a large magic crystal mine had recently been discovered, enabling them to prepare for war and continue construction simultaneously.

Moreover, building the Blood Moon Defense Line served as the perfect cover for the magic crystal mine.

With daily large-scale labor movements, it was hard to notice anything unusual without close scrutiny.

The Orc Slaves Hudson contributed had already been erased from official records.

The reasons publicly provided were non-acclimation, epidemics, and construction collapses.

In reality, each had been sent into the mine, adapting to new roles.

Unless the mine lost its value, it would be difficult for them to reappear in public view.

“Count, I’m here to ask for your help.

Mysterious pirates recently emerged on the Southeastern coast, engaging with our clan’s navy in battle.

We’ve started scouring the sea, and roughly located the enemy around the Sea Area of Poison Dragon Island.

You’ve probably heard rumors about this place.

To eradicate this cancer and clear the Southeastern coast, I seek your support, Count!”

As Viscount Caryo finished speaking, Hudson fell into deep thought.

The legends of “Poison Dragon Island” were widely known throughout the Southeastern Province.

According to ancient lore, it was the site where Ancient divine spirits imprisoned evil dragons.

The island was teeming with venomous creatures and wild beasts, and one false step could be fatal.

There were also rumors of a Divine Spirit altar affected by the ancient wars and left in ruins.

Some even claimed it was a treasure trove, containing wealth to rival nations.

Others believed it housed an entrance to the Abyss, with anyone who approached suffering various misfortunes.