Chapter 649 (1/2)
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Shortly afterwards, the Thunder Lord received a report from Viscount Samat. It was a detailed report that elaborated on the situation at Keane Hill, especially emphasizing on that green dragon that patrolled the skies from time to time.
“Originally, I thought that Toon Samat was a capable warrior that could help share his Lord’s worries. But from how it seems now, he is nothing more than just an uncouth man,” the Thunder Lord said when he finished looking at the report. Angrily, he threw it on the table, and then to his assistant, he said, “I have made a mistake in having such high hopes in him.”
“Hey! A majority of these nobles are like that!” said that assistant with a long sigh. “Even if everything was agreed upon before he set off, that he would cause conflicts at all costs so that Your Majesty would have an excuse to directly intervene in the matters of Keane Hill—the moment he becomes a lord, with all kinds of interests within his reach, his family and reputation… Of course, there are self-sacrificial soldiers who will really do whatever it takes, but from the start, I have not had much hope in expecting this lord to be a self-sacrificial warrior.”
The Thunder Lord nodded and wrapped up his depressed mood. He said, “Even though he was brave and aggressive like a wild boar on the battlefield of the Great Marsh, when he becomes a lord, he will become sleek and vulgar—or rather, even if he had wanted to persevere in keeping to his past practices, his men and subjects will force him to change. Such a thing is reasonable and makes sense, so in fact, there is nothing much to feel sorry about.”
“Yes, no matter what, his presence there will at least put some pressure on Keane Hill. Perhaps in the future, we will still be able to find the chance to stir up some trouble—the nail has already been buried, sooner or later it will serve its purpose.”
The Thunder Lord laughed and said, “That’s right. A man made for great things should never do things in haste.”
But he suddenly switched the conversation to another topic. With a solemn expression, he said, “But… there are certain things that should and still have to be done.”
The next day, the Thunder Lord summoned his second son, the one who had recommended Toon Samat, to the palace and got him to read the letter. Then he severely criticized his son.
“Do you know what your mistake was? Getting a nobleman with a territory to be a self-sacrificial soldier, how can something like that possibly be successful!” the Thunder Lord showed no mercy with his words as he criticized this son, who had always been known for being intelligent and sharp. He didn’t mention how he had laughed with a supportive look back when he first heard of this suggestion. “Ah, you! Still too young after all! Like to take things for granted! Politics are very complicated, and so are people. Governing a nation is even more complex! It’s better that you go back to study hard for a while, I will get the palace consultant to frequently check on your academic progress.”
Finishing his piece, he ended the conversation without giving his son a chance to explain himself.
News spread quickly. Soon, everyone knew that the second son of the Grand Duke, who once had the upper hand in contesting for the successor of the Grand Duke, had been severely criticized for a job not done well. The balance of power, which was originally inclined towards his side, was immediately reset back to the norm. Even a slight inclination tended towards the eldest son of the Grand Duke who took a more modest and steady approach in his work.
The eldest son of the Grand Duke was naturally, the first few to learn of this news. After having a good laugh at home, he sent a messenger to Keane Hill.
This messenger arrived at Keane Hill almost as soon as the rumors did. He brought a handwritten letter by the eldest son of the Grand Duke that was full of compliments for Keane Hill’s achievements in construction. However, it also contained criticism on Keane Hill’s approach in overly pursuing public welfare. And the most important content of this letter was the promise this eldest son made, plainly and clearly.
“If I were to become successor, during my tenure as the Grand Duke, I would guarantee that Keane Hill will continue its current status of basic autonomy. Unless the country meets with a crisis, no military or material support will be sought from Keane Hill.”
This was a very heavy commitment because, at the end of this letter where the promise was, the seal of the Church of the God of Law and Justice was stamped on it. From the flowing light on the seal, it was clear that there was Divine Power involved. In other words, the eldest son of the Grand Duke was not making an empty statement, but rather, he was committing to this promise under the supervision of the gods. It was a promise that could not be broken.
To restrain a nobleman, relying on reputation and status alone was not practical. But, even a king of a country would not dare break a promise made under the supervision of the gods. Otherwise, no one in the entire world would be able to save him.
A promise made under the supervision of the God of Law and Justice was particularly more solemn. Once violated, the god’s punishment would be next to come. Not even a second delay was allowed, and none of the other gods would render a helping hand.
If it were any of the other gods, maybe he could still ask someone under him who was a follower of that god to intervene. He could pay compensation or something to appease the anger of the god and end the matter. But the God of Law and Justice would not buy this method.
And asking the other gods to make an enemy out of the God of Law and Justice, who wielded powerful Divine Power, for the sake of a mere mortal king? Ha ha, that was simply overestimating oneself.
The life of a king would at most last a few decades, and his tenure as king could be around 30 to 40 years, or even shorter—maybe slightly more than a decade or even a few years. To a god with eternal life, it was nothing more than a mere snap of their fingers. Who would bother going up against a great Divine Power over such a small matter?
It might be possible for certain gods who were known as “lunatics,” but provoking those gods were much more serious than aggravating the God of Law and Justice.
Of course, Anna Keane and company would know of these principles. So after reading the handwritten letter, they suddenly felt more settled. To the messenger, they gave their promise that Keane Hill would do their best to support the eldest son of the Grand Duke and would strive to help him succeed as the next Thunder Lord.
After a series of discussion, everyone was satisfied and happy.
A few days later, Viscount Toon Samat also received a letter from the capital. The content was quite critical of him, but overall, it largely affirmed his mindset, so long as he did not forget why he was first sent there. He was not to indulge in government affairs or to forget his real task.
Viscount Samat got several of his important officials to read the letter, then said helplessly, “This is going to be quite troublesome!”
“It’s only right that things are going to be troublesome. If everything is going to be easily done, will you even have a turn at owning such a piece of land, my lord?” asked his think-tank, a scholar of a minor aristocratic background from the capital. This man said with a smile, “But no matter what, we have gotten the benefits. As to what should be done, that is still up to us to dictate!”
“Yes! Boss, you are finally enlightened. As your brothers, we are also very happy!” the valiant generals under his command said. A barbarian, who came from the bordering area of the Great Marsh, said with a grin, “You’ve always insisted on being an enemy of Keane Hill, speaking of which, we are all always very worried about it!”
Viscount Samat smiled, then said, “Previously, I couldn’t seem to come around, but now, I’m done thinking through it. I’m no longer a soldier, but a lord. Although I still must remain loyal to His Majesty, I must also spare a thought for the lords here and my people. To directly be in conflict with Keane Hill, the risk is much too great! Even if I’m not afraid of dying, I can’t be putting all your lives at risk, ah!”
“Right, right, right!” the barbarian said as he nodded vigorously. “We aren’t afraid of dying either, but it hasn’t been easy. We have risked our lives so many times, and finally, the good days we so looked forward to have arrived. I will be very unwilling to accept if I were to die just like that!”