Chapter 2812 - 1203: Butterfly Effect

Chapter 2812: Chapter 1203: Butterfly Effect

The Thacel Kingdom is one of the foremost countries on the Felen Continent, grappling with a multitude of internal and external troubles. Even without their interference, governing it well is no easy task, especially in the face of unprecedented upheavals.

Whether it’s the shift in the Gods’ beliefs or the discovery of a New Continent.

Both are unprecedented events, placing unprecedented pressure on the four Dukes.

Especially the assassination of three masked members of the Amm Kingdom, this incident directly shocked them.

The three masked members operated in darkness yet suffered misfortunes, while they are out in the open, isn’t the risk even greater?

Welcoming the king back to the capital might be like finding a shield; such a power-subverting Dark Arrow would first hit the Royal Family, only then would it turn to them.

Since Prince Harried and his cohorts are so ambitious, let harsh reality strike them down.

Prince Harried exchanged glances with his two close aides beside him, with an unmistakable glee in his eyes, as if saying, "Didn’t I say so? They just want to use the Governing Council as their means of infiltration."

This time, Prince Harried didn’t speak through his aides but replied directly, "The Governing Council can be retained, but it must be expanded. Apart from the four Dukes, at least six additional members need to be appointed."

"Six additions?" Duke Walter exclaimed incredulously, "Where would so many council members come from?"

They had long anticipated the matter of expanding council members.

Harried is sure to help his two aides behind him secure seats, pitting them against others.

But they did not expect him to propose adding so many seats.

Prince Harried pointed at his two aides behind him and said, "One is my Minister of Finance, the other is my Minister of Foreign Affairs; they are qualified to have a seat in the council.

The remaining four seats are prepared for Lord Zalanda of Darama City, Great Druid Melvin of Moss Stone City, Lord Raymond of Ruitawen City, and Rebooter Gaven of Mesnoel."

The four Dukes were dumbfounded by this statement; it completely exceeded their expectations.

Their initial plan to welcome the king back to the capital was precisely to deal with the rapid expansion of Zalanda, aiming to nip it in the bud to prevent any threat to their rule.

But now, their chosen pawn has directly turned the tables, not only acknowledging the other’s legitimate rule but also pulling them into the Governance Council, making them equal.

This was clearly treating them as pawns to balance Lord Zalanda, facilitating him to profit from the situation.

Before the four Dukes could respond, Prince Harried struck again, saying, "This is the best way to prevent the Kingdom’s Rend, or do the four Dukes truly intend to push the other side to opposition and spark a full-scale civil war?"

This not only stands on moral high ground but also stems from a perspective of Strength.

The four Dukes were left speechless, unable to argue.

If they indeed wished to go to war with Lord Zalanda, they wouldn’t have devised the plan to welcome the king back to the capital, nor hesitated till now; they would have acted two years ago.

Especially upon realizing the Strength Prince Harried possesses, they would be even less inclined to rashly engage in a full-scale war with Zalanda.

Because regardless of who wins this war, Prince Harried ends up profiting.

Prince Harried likely foresaw this, hence his firm stance.

The four Dukes were silent for a long time, exchanging several looks, eventually nodding slowly, "As long as Your Majesty can convince Lord Zalanda to accept the title, we will not oppose!"

They no longer had a choice; once they rejected Prince Harried’s proposal, he might lean towards Zalanda’s side, making them vulnerable.

There’s still room for maneuvering in this matter.

Put simply, it’s another game of power struggle.

This is evident from the number of council members Prince Harried designated.

From Zalanda’s side, not too many, not too few, exactly four seats.

This is no mere coincidence but rather an inevitability.

The purpose is to balance them; when the council deadlocks at a 4VS4, the two remaining votes and Prince Harried’s opinion become crucial, turning into the key point of contention between the two.

Furthermore, there’s a prerequisite for this matter: Zalanda accepts their proposal, and agrees to join them in reorganizing the Thacel Kingdom’s Council.

From the perspective of the four Dukes, the forces led by Zalanda are tricky mainly because they don’t play by the rules.

When they don’t engage, how can you counter them?

Their plan to welcome the king back to the capital is precisely such a situation.

The impact on Lord Zalanda is far less severe than they had anticipated.

The enemy’s tactics in public opinion are far superior, employing Memory Projection, Armed Ray Fish lecture tours, and the Winter Banquet.

Through combined offense and defense, Lord Zalanda’s prestige not only remained unaffected but also significantly increased.

Especially the subsequent economic measures; anyone with insight can see its positive influence on the development within a territory, as well as the cohesion and centripetal forces it generates.

The ordinary peasants are very pragmatic; compared to fancy promises, tangible benefits are far more attractive.

After agreeing to Prince Harried’s conditions, the four Dukes suddenly felt much relieved.

Because Zalanda was no longer their problem, but Prince Harried’s, any issues would be for him to handle.