King
Chapter 992 - 992 125 Falling into Water

992: Chapter 125, Falling into Water 992: Chapter 125, Falling into Water The most significant characteristic of youth is their daring spirit.

Upon receiving a hint from Hudson, Rakel didn’t hesitate to report to the Capital.

Let the higher-ups of the Duchy worry about such things!

Although as a scion of an old Noble family, Rakel detested such rule-breaking behavior, when compared to the Duchy’s strategic goals, he found the occasional crossing of boundaries acceptable.

Moreover, had the Moxi Duchy not crossed many lines already?

Starting with the Orc invasion, the Moxi Duchy had been forced onto a path of “top-down reform.”

Change after change, the original political system had been transformed before anyone realized it.

The thoughts of the Nobles had shifted from adhering to tradition to mere survival.

Choosing to expand outward was essentially because the Moxi Duchy’s elite were terrified by one war after another, utterly devoid of any sense of security.

Driven by a crisis mindset, they sought every means to strengthen their power.

Among many strategies to enrich the country and strengthen the military, the one that would cause the least disruption and was most likely to succeed was expansion abroad.

They had set their sights on the Warhammer Kingdom because this neighboring state was in severe decline, and its influential elite had foolishly delivered themselves to their doorstep.

To put it bluntly, once the tension escalated to an open conflict, they could eliminate the Warhammer Kingdom’s elite immediately.

…

“What do you think about the suggestion from the front lines regarding the ennobling of new Nobles?”

George deliberately equivocated as he asked.

Granting nobility wasn’t an issue; it was an essential activity after every major war.

But to enfranchise commoners as Nobles wholesale was another matter entirely.

When touching on the sensitive topic of challenging the unwritten rules, even the King would inevitably face a headache.

“Your Majesty, now is the best opportunity to expand westward.

Paying some price for this is worth it.

The Warhammer Kingdom is a major power regardless of its decline; it still possesses some strength.

If not managed properly, governing afterward will be very troublesome.

If the local power factions are not too greedy, taking the opportunity to incorporate them into the Duchy is also a viable option.”

Count Martins was the first to voice his support.

Boundaries were made to be broken.

It was undoubtedly the best choice to annex the territory of the Warhammer Kingdom through non-violent means.

Even if it caused some controversy, it was worth it.

These were internal affairs of the Duchy, and as long as they had thick enough skin, at worst they would only be ridiculed.

Besides, currently, all the kingdoms were preoccupied with the Continental Wars, and any interference would be too little too late.

“Your Majesty, Count Martins is correct.

As for promoting Nobles, we should just follow the common practice.”

Chancellor Hercheg blatantly lied without batting an eyelid.

War not only destroys the old order but also the original household registration data.

As the victors, altering some data and thereby transforming commoners and Serfs into fallen Nobility was simple.

With so many Nobles perished in the Warhammer Kingdom, it was only natural for relatives to inherit their titles.

With one more step in the process, it became an internal game.

Noble Children swearing fealty to the Moxi Duchy and being ennobled, all within the rules.

…

“Miss Derris, we meet again.”

He greeted her in what he believed to be a friendly manner, and predictably, he was met with a roll of her eyes.

Hudson wasn’t the least bit angry, since she was there to sign a treaty.

Although an agreement had been reached, trust between the two parties was still lacking.

To ensure the treaty would be honored, as previously agreed, high-ranking members from both sides needed to sign it.

As a Big Shot in the Kingdom’s military, Hudson could not shirk this duty.

He glanced at the treaty documents, which already bore the signatures of dozens of high-level officials from the Kingdom and the Elf Race, including the Sanctuary Elf before him, and now it was only Hudson’s signature that was missing.

After scanning the contents of the treaty and ensuring nothing was amiss, Hudson promptly added his signature to the document.

As his pen dropped, he felt a mysterious force resting on him, and suddenly the Mysterious Compass within him stirred, seemingly trying to break free from this force’s hold.

Hudson quickly intervened.

Breaking free from the constraints of the treaty’s magic would be good but definitely not now.

Causing trouble in front of a Sanctuary Elf— that was simply too disrespectful.

Right now, both the Kingdom and Hudson himself needed to stabilize relations with the Elf Race.

As for any future problems, they could be dealt with later.

The current treaty was merely a non-aggression pact, and there was still the Moxi Duchy between them; under normal circumstances, a conflict would not erupt.

If things went as expected, the upper ranks of the Moxi Duchy would also be forced to sign a unilateral promise: a treaty not to send troops.

Just because the Elf Race was able to talk peacefully and on equal terms with the Alpha Kingdom didn’t mean they would extend the same treatment to the Moxi People.

“Marshal Hudson, the treaty is now in effect, and you should release the prisoners.”

Derris spoke as calmly as possible.

During the time she had interacted with him, she had been at a disadvantage.

If not for the consideration that many of her people were still in the prisoner-of-war camp, she wouldn’t be showing any pleasantness.

“Miss Derris, letting them go is impossible, but you may meet with them first.

Also, the task of watching over the prisoners has been transferred to the Warhammer Kingdom’s resistance forces.

For specific matters, you can communicate with them.

These days, the Ancient Remnant Allied Army is often active nearby.

The prisoner-of-war camp has been attacked many times, but we have fortified the defenses and will ensure the safety of the prisoners,” Hudson retorted without missing a beat.

Releasing the prisoners was out of the question; the only way to take them away would be to storm the camp.