Chapter 73 - Kings Reign 2 (1/2)

The economy was given a boost by the expansion of the maritime trade, as well as investments into new trade routes by land. Not to mention the development of new education institutions that attracted people from all over, bringing them to the capital.

The kingdom’s armies were reshuffled, and any of the past absurd practices were stamped out. They expanded their standing armies and appointed new commanders to lead them.

Once he was satisfied with how things were developing within the country, he appointed Joanna as Regent and left all the administration to her.

His goal now was to clear the Medusa Temple in the Izuna kingdom. Because it could very well turn out to be a long trip, Woohyuk went to pay Lee Jaesung a visit before heading out.

“Will you be gone for long?”

“Yes.”

He had been given Count Ludwig’s title, and was in charge of running the Erutonia province. He wasn’t nearly as involved in the capital’s politics, but instead had his own army to lead.

“How can I help….”

“Just make sure to take good care of everyone while I’m away.”

Although he wasn’t the cunning politician type, he was a dependable guy with good morals that he could always count on.

For that reason he had entrusted him with the most important region, that had the free city of Media within it. He also had his duties as the Vice-leader of their Clan, so he still had to keep an eye on members like Yoo Kayoung and Song Anna.

“Sure, that won’t be a problem.”

“Did you manage to find Anais’ whereabouts?”

“All clues lead to her fleeing by ship from Media, heading to another country.”

Count Ludwig’s daughter. She had disappeared from their residence as soon as news that the war was going poorly for them.

No doubt she had received some external assistance to pull it off though. As he carefully examined the furniture in the manor, Woohyuk thought back to the past.

‘It was said she had contact with Demons.’

She had been the main culprit behind Count Ludwig’s fall in the past.

When Melphis refused to help her, she had been blinded by the prospects of power, and made a deal with the Demon Amanda. This eventually led to the Rhine kingdom being caught up in a battle between these two Demons.

Had Isaac not appeared with his Seven Colored Rainbow Ring, the damage would have been even worse.

‘We should get rid of her just in case she stirs up trouble once again.’

If Anais managed to attract some new Demons this time, it could turn out to be quite the hindrance.

In the battle for Eden Hall, he had managed to inflict great damage upon the Demon King Volak, but his true body was very much still alive.

If he could, he would naturally like to sign a treaty with all 72 Demon Kings, but of course this was impossible.

“Message me as soon as we find any information on Anais.”

“Yes, Boss.”

“What about the nobles here in Erutonia’s Castle?”

“They gave me some strange looks, but never showed any hostile behavior, some even sent gifts which were brought over by their heirs. ”

In addition to Lee Jaesung, Woohyuk had also sent Jung Sanghoon and Aris to Issilon and Floren, respectively. This had been done right after the rebellion, to make sure all other nobles would fall in line.

Aside from the territory controlled by the royal family, and that under Marquis Nelson, he was directly in control of about half of the Rhine kingdom.

However, unlike Aris, Lee Jaesung and Jung Sanghoon didn’t have any experience with these aristocrats, so Woohyuk had to patiently explain them everything.

“Let me guess, all the children which these nobles sent over to you are young women right?”

“Ah, I guess that’s true.”

“They are trying to strengthen their relations with you, by sending their daughters over so that you might catch a fancy to them.”

Count Ludwig’s territory was quite large, so he had great influence within the Erutonia province. Now that there was a new Count occupying the position, naturally the other nobles tried to get on his good side.

What better way to do that than to have him marry their daughter.

“Oh… I had no idea they were coming with that intention.”

“In order to be better accepted by the nobles of the region, you’ll have to pick out a wife from among their families.”

It was the best option for Lee Jaesung, who currently had no influence in the area. In the first place, political marriages weren't something that an aristocrat could avoid.

Still, women on this continent were generally quite beautiful, so he didn’t seem to be too distraught with the idea of it.

“Wife… haha, there was this one woman who caught my eye, but I guess I should think about this carefully.”

“Which family was she from?”

“The Tannis family, her name was Sally.”

“Not a bad match. They have a lot of talented members and have decent clout even in the capital.”

“I’m only this successful thanks to you. First I became Count, and now I get to marry a beautiful noblewoman. ”

Lee Jaesung couldn’t help but be thankful for all the good things that were happening to him.

Previously he had lived the life of an average white collar worker. After retiring, he had been thinking of starting up a fried chicken business. Fortunately he had met up with Woohyuk here and had been given such an incredible opportunity.

In Lee Jaesung’s eyes, Woohyuk was his greatest benefactor.

“Think of it as a small reward for all that you have done so far, you deserve this.”

Woohyuk said as he placed his hand on his shoulder.

It wasn’t just some empty words, but rather how he truly felt in his heart.

“Just run the province well, and keep practicing your sword skills, this peace won’t last forever.”

Using his wealth and status of a Count, he should be able to find a decent instructor. After explaining about the different sword styles in the Eeth continent to Lee Jaesung, Woohyuk moved on to another topic.

“Keep an eye out for the Cohen Merchant group, there’s a large power standing behind them.”

“Are they like the Freemasons? A secret organization that operated across the globe.”

“Something like that, they’ve been following the same customs since ancient times.”

The Golden Rose Association was essentially a networking group for the highest echelon.

A secret group established by masters at the peak of their craft, in order to increase their influence.

According to what little he had learned from his informants in the past, they had been focused on researching metaphysics..

“If they are so dangerous, we need to inform the other party members.”

“No, there’s no need.”

It was quite sensitive information, so the fewer people that knew it, the better.

He hadn’t even mentioned it when he visited Jung Sanghoon in Issilon. Among his party, he had only shared it with Leifina, Aris and Lee Jaesung.

“Will it be fine to be gone so long, leaving the throne vacant? Even Joanna is worried that other nobles might get some ideas….”

“Most of those corrupt nobles had been taken care of, so we won’t have to worry about any internal issues for a while. Joanna is also a wise woman, it should be fine.”

Irene was by Joanna’s side. She could also check her food for poison at every meal, so that it wouldn’t be easy to assassinate her.

If ever there was a rebellion in any of the other provinces, there was always Aris around that could head out and quickly snuff it out.