Chapter 1770 - 493: The Impregnable Fortress Collapses at Dawn (Part 5)

"I want to hear your advice."

Andes pondered for a moment before speaking softly.

"Someone once told me this: when you encounter an unsolvable trap in the Maze, besides taking a gamble on fate, you can also circumvent it from the side. Since we can't strip the nobles of their titles for now, let's render them powerless."

"For example, we could imprison the traitors in the Dungeon, place their families under house arrest in the castle, and forbid any Campbell people from contacting them... except those we can't afford to offend at the moment."

Those we can't afford to offend for now are naturally the Kingdom and the Church Court.

Or to be more precise, the alliance formed when the King and Bishop come together and demand the Duchy to concede in the name of law.

When they need to verify that the traitors are still alive, they can go have a look in the castle.

Even if the ruling is made by the Church Court in the Holy City, no one would stop a Lord from punishing a vassal that betrayed them. That would only damage the ancient traditions they desperately wish to uphold.

Edward's gaze flickered slightly, instantly discerning Andes' true intentions.

"Then we can appoint officials to the Earls' territories, gradually replacing their influence in their own fiefs!"

Unlike the Twilight Province, the Campbell Duchy has a group of excellent officers competent enough to serve as village and town chiefs, bringing the management and taxation systems of Thunder City to places where the upper power echelons are void due to the civil war.

Surprise flashed in Andes' eyes just right, and then that surprised expression turned into genuine admiration.

"No wonder it's Your Majesty; your wise decision fills me with admiration."

Edward didn't take this perfunctory flattery to heart.

Having dealt with Andes for so long, he knew very well that this guy wasn't just any easy-going person.

However, this guy has one good quality; he stands by the Andes Family's position and speaks truthfully according to his own interests.

Instead of pretending to stand for the Grand Duke or the Duchy's stance, telling polite but useless lies to swipe away a share that doesn't belong to him.

"Enough with the flattery, Andes, I know this is what you wanted to say."

Andes nodded respectfully.

"Your Majesty, I didn't mean to flatter; what you said is currently the most prudent solution. At least the King can't use the excuse of defending legality to send his Lion Heart Knight Order to fetch those claiming noble titles to his court. Meanwhile, we can continue what we're doing and intend to do..."

"The planned arrangement might be insufficient; I'm afraid what we intend to do needs one more addition."

Edward smiled faintly, returned to his desk and sat down again, looking at Andes standing before the desk and continued.

"I plan to set up a 'Post-War Compensation Committee' to assess the economic damage caused by this civil conflict, confiscate the rebels' forests, mines, farmlands, and ports, and compensate all Campbell people who suffered losses during the civil war. Especially those wives who lost husbands, orphans who lost fathers... including families coerced by the rebel army."

"Meanwhile, we will also reward the warriors defending order; disengaged, they will receive not only a severance payment and a useless medal."

Standing by the window earlier, he contemplated that, without interest-driven order, it's ultimately superficial and fleeting.

If he sends commoners to the Earls' lands without their own interests locally, they probably will be like the 'Baron Governor' of Twilight Province, lacking both motivation and capability to oppose the local feudal forces.

Although having the Royal Family monopolize all war spoils is certainly an enticing option, and that's also how wars between Lords naturally unfold.

But Edward also realizes that if he doesn't share the glory of victory with those who support him, binding them to his chariot, the ultimate result would undoubtedly be a bunch of equally ambitious guys bringing another war with those who have nothing.

The fallen souls will eventually return to this land.

But next time they come, perhaps neither he nor Andes would recognize them.

Although he didn't study at the Academic State, observing the state of Twilight Province, he, as the Mortal Monarch, has somewhat come to an understanding of the mysteries of the Void—

It's not desire itself that summons the Eternal Hunger Claw, but "desire out of control."

Perhaps, Erin is right.

Though maybe she didn't think so much, just acted out of heart's compassion.

Unlike the previous just right surprise, this time Andes was evidently unprepared, pausing for a long time.

After recovering, he solemnly conveyed.

"Your decision... will be Campbell's honor."

He sincerely believed this, not because the Andes Family was a staunch supporter of the Campbell family, perhaps getting the largest slice of the pie.

Though his understanding of Duchy interests may not be as thorough as the Grand Duke, he realized a long time ago—

Never would a ragged beggar willingly sacrifice life to defend the wealthy's Vault.

If they can't make Campbell's commoners stand proud, their descendants would have to join those destitute slaves and serve the new nobles.

By then, they either leave their beloved homeland forever, carrying accumulated wealth and shame. Or become a sheep ready for slaughter, catering to the masters supinely and obsequiously.

There are many paths to the end, but only after choosing the result, there's no room for haggling over "compromise."

The nouveau riche chatting and laughing at the Embrace of Dawn Hotel with the Andes Family could admit defeat and leave, or find a Baron or even Earl as backing, but the Andes Family has nowhere to go except accompanying Edward to Hell.

Besides, he didn't want to leave.

Whether it's the Campbell Duchy or the Andes Family, both carry too many of his obsessions and dreams.

Edward smiled noncommittally, as always dignified, not taking the tradesman-like flattery to heart.

The room's atmosphere relaxed a bit.

Though the matter regarding Jelock still weighed on Edward's heart, Andes could clearly feel the Grand Duke's mood had improved significantly.

It was just then, his Grand Duke suddenly thought of something, speaking in a chatty tone.

"By the way, that saying about the Maze, why haven't I heard it before? Was it Prince Colin who told you again?"

Andes didn't hide, nodding respectfully.

"A long time ago, Prince told me this."

Edward nodded.

He always felt that Prince Colin coming to this land was ordained by fate. The Imperial Prince passed through so many King's and Duke's lands, yet chose to stay by his side.

Few people can selflessly give to strangers to this extent.

Perhaps it aligns with what he had contemplated countless times in his heart, that the Campbell people truly have the Divine watching over them...