Chapter 272 - 270: The Grand Stratagem

Chapter 272: Chapter 270: The Grand Stratagem

Duane withdrew his Fighting Qi, and the phantom Silver Moon behind him dissipated.

He squeezed Natalia’s soft little hand and waited for Count Kais to recover from his shock.

The Count subconsciously stroked the fine, short beard he had grown on his chin, a shrewd glint in his eyes.

He had only intended to deliberately give Duane a hard time, but he never expected to receive such astonishing information.

A Silver Moon Warrior. Although only one level higher than a Shooting Star Warrior, the shock it delivered was immense.

Across the entire Pruck Kingdom, while there were a number of Shooting Star Warriors, the count dropped off sharply when it came to the Silver Moon Level.

The only ones currently known to have publicly reached this level seemed to be Count Kudro and Duke Kelvin.

Compared to them, Duane was young—far too young.

Just imagine, in another ten or twenty years, what heights would he reach?

Count Kais thought to himself, ’Scorching Sun Level? Or an even higher realm from the legends—a truly Extraordinary existence?’

He realized that marrying his daughter to Duane would not only be beneficial in the present but even more so in the future.

"Natalia, you have a discerning eye. You’ve found a reliable and powerful partner. On behalf of your mother and the Kennedy Clan, I approve of this marriage!"

He said, "When we return to the Silent Shore, I will discuss a time with your mother to make the announcement."

Natalia couldn’t help but squeeze Duane’s hand. She had finally received the Count’s formal approval.

A happy expression appeared on her face as she looked at Duane, filled with pride.

’Silver Moon Level... that’s equivalent to a Level 8 Mage,’ she thought. ’How long will it take me to reach the same realm?’

Duane immediately declared, "Thank you for your trust, Count. I will not prove unworthy of Natalia’s heart."

Count Kais nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, we should also discuss our cooperation. What are your thoughts on His Majesty’s latest arrangement, and the impending implementation of the Holy Radiance Court and the Radiance Tax?"

Duane replied, "His Majesty’s sudden attempt to play matchmaker for Orisien and Natalia came without warning or prior notice. I suspect Orisien proposed it on the spot, and His Majesty saw it as an opportunity to help the Holy Radiance Court establish a branch court in the Silent Shore more smoothly."

It wasn’t the first time King Eric had used one matter to achieve another goal.

For example, last year he responded to Earl Orlando’s complaint against Knight Carter, used it as an opportunity to confiscate Lakefront Manor, and then gifted the manor to Clement. That’s how the Holy Radiance Court came to have its current headquarters in the Royal Capital.

Duane continued, "This way, the signal sent to the outside world would be that the Kennedy Clan supports this new policy. His Majesty could then use this to build momentum and stop more of the Nobility from either watching from the sidelines or actively resisting."

"An excellent analysis!"

Count Kais praised lavishly, for he too had seen through to His Majesty’s underlying goal.

"But I’ve heard your Territory already has a Holy Radiance Court branch. If they start collecting the Radiance Tax, what do you plan to do?"

Duane gave a mysterious smile. "Naturally, I won’t be paying it. And I have ample reason not to."

"First, the decree of my appointment as Baron, issued by His Majesty the King, clearly states a clause exempting Black Forest Island from any and all taxes for twenty years. Furthermore, when I was cooperating with Bishop Clement, I signed a similar agreement."

He had been able to secure these terms mainly because, at the time, neither Black Forest Island nor he himself had much of a reputation.

At that time, Clement was eager to make as much progress as possible before the arrival of the Holy Son and the Saint Hall Grand Commander, all to highlight his own accomplishments.

If Duane were to have the same negotiation with Clement now, the Bishop would never agree so easily.

Count Kais wore a strange expression. "So you’re saying that, in theory, this whole affair with His Majesty has absolutely nothing to do with you?"

Duane rubbed his nose. "Barring any surprises, that should be the case for at least the next nineteen years, yes."

"Well, then!"

The Count hadn’t expected Duane’s series of maneuvers would allow him to remain so perfectly insulated from the situation.

"I plan to first join forces with Marquis Sean to protest the implementation of the Radiance Tax and slow the Holy Radiance Court’s deployment," he said.

This was confidential information, but considering Duane’s new status and his attitude, the Count did not conceal it.

Duane analyzed, "The Holy Radiance Court gained a foundation of public support by casting the Great Blessing Technique during the Founding Day celebration. Obstructing them without a good reason will only make your people feel like you are abandoning them."

Count Kais grunted and said with a wry smile, "To be honest, I’m also a beneficiary of the Great Blessing Technique. A bottleneck that has plagued me for years has loosened."

Natalia asked in surprise, "Father, you’re a Celestial Tier Warrior?"

"I am!"

The Count glanced at Duane, feeling an inexplicable frustration. ’I only advanced to the Celestial Tier in my forties, while this kid is already a Silver Moon. Sometimes you just have to marvel at the vast difference between people.’

That said, it was precisely the effects of the Great Blessing and the King’s public endorsement that had Count Kais deeply worried.

To obstruct the Holy Radiance Court’s deployment was to sever the common people’s path to becoming Extraordinary.

Losing the support of the people was extremely detrimental to any Lord.

If someone with ulterior motives stirred up a major disturbance, the King would have a perfect excuse to intervene.

Duane suggested, "The Great Blessing was led by Mage Mitchell, requiring the combined efforts of Bishop Clement and more than twenty other Mages. After they cast the spell, I observed that all the Mages below Level 6 fainted. Even Clement himself could barely stand and had to be supported."

Count Kais was astonished. "That actually happened?"

He looked to his daughter for confirmation. "Did you notice that at the time?"

Natalia shook her head. "I was focused on the increase in my Spiritual Power, so I didn’t pay attention to what was happening on the stage."

Many people, like them, were immersed in the joy of their breakthrough and the surrounding cheers, and had ignored the condition of the spellcasters.

Duane, having made no progress himself, had focused his attention on the main ceremonial platform.

"Therefore, I’ve concluded that the Great Blessing has an enormous cost. It inevitably causes a severe drain on the Magic Power and Spirit of Low-level Mages. In other words, the Holy Radiance Court can’t cast this spell continuously, and it’s highly probable they won’t be casting it for free."

The Count, having been the head of the Kennedy Clan for many years, reacted instantly to this reminder.

"So," the Count mused, "I can spread the word through certain channels that this technique comes at a great cost and carries a hefty fee. I can claim that for the sake of my people’s welfare, I am currently negotiating the price with the Church Court, hoping to reduce their financial burden, while also fighting to secure as many castings of the Great Blessing Technique for the Silent Shore as possible."

It was a perfectly reasonable excuse.

"Exactly!"

Duane marveled inwardly. ’As expected of a Count, his grasp of the situation is incredibly quick.’

"Several rounds of consultations and negotiations, taking one or two years at the very least, or perhaps even three or four, would be more than enough to delay them."

"Moreover, the Great Blessing Technique has a limited range, affecting ten thousand people at most in a single casting. The Silent Shore has a large population; it’s impossible for everyone to benefit. You, Count, could establish a selection process to choose suitable individuals to receive the Blessing."

"This way, people will believe it was the Kennedy Clan’s support and selection process that allowed them to receive this boon. The gratitude they would have felt for the Holy Radiance Court will be redirected to you instead."

Count Kais was inwardly astounded. He never thought Duane could come up with such a suggestion.

"Duane, that’s a vicious move!"

Count Kais said with a sigh, "If His Majesty knew you were capable of such schemes, he certainly wouldn’t have let you leave the Cyan Snake Royal Palace so easily!"

Duane gave a wry smile. "I only thought of it on my way back from the Royal Palace yesterday."

Count Kais nodded slightly.

With this, the Kennedy Clan had a suitable pretext, the backing of a top-tier Warrior, and the Silent Shore’s own considerable naval capabilities and forces. They now had more than enough confidence to stand their ground.

"Duane, what does your Black Forest Island need?"

Count Kais continued, "When Natalia marries you, it is only proper for the Kennedy Clan to prepare a generous wedding gift."

Duane’s eyes lit up. What did he need most right now?

"People!"

He said with a smile, "My Territory is short on people."