Chapter 1785 - 496: The Demons of the Duchy Are Truly Growing in Number_5

Edward needs a batch of new nobles to replace the ecological niche of traditional nobles, but if they ever attempt to become Earls that challenge the royal authority, they are definitely the next batch to die.

Pausing for a moment, Andes continued speaking.

"Moreover, don't consider yourselves entirely innocent; you haven't always stood firmly beside His Majesty the Grand Duke, have you? His Majesty didn't mention the 'silver pound' matter, but that doesn't mean he's unaware... He asked me to tell you that this issue is settled; you owe him."

If it weren't for the support from Colin Duchy and Gutaf Kingdom, the economic reforms in Thunder City definitely wouldn't have proceeded so smoothly.

Even if the Grand Duke's administrative means could ultimately implement it, those pushing this matter would undoubtedly pay a significant price.

The faces of the bankers all showed ugly expressions, yet perhaps knowing they were in the wrong, they ultimately chose to swallow this bitter pill.

In fact, after witnessing the successful issuance of the silver pound, many had already regretted. If Andes were to hold another meeting, those who were reluctant to sign that original agreement would now rush to sign it...

"Damn it, why are you so calm? Clearly, the one with the most at stake is you; aren't you at all anxious?" One banker couldn't help asking.

"Didn't I say? His Majesty Edward has other things prepared for me."

"What are they?"

Facing his peers' probing gazes, Andes smiled but remained silent.

Of course, he wouldn't mention how just last night Edward approached him discussing the establishment of the "Silver Supervision Commission."

Soon, he would be their direct supervisor...

The speech on the City Hall balcony continued.

Wilson raised his voice, overpowering the crowd noise, and spoke loudly to the boisterous gathering.

"... And you, the elected councilors, will have the obligation to be responsible for every citizen in your districts! Not just those who pay taxes!"

The governor gave a humorous smile and continued.

"Additionally, listen up! Don't send your grievances to the Governor's Mansion anymore! Our Grand Duke cannot bear it, and I cannot handle so many letters either! Of course, if your councilors don't do their jobs, that's another matter. We need to know whose money they took, and... why isn't there a share for me or His Majesty?"

The crowd erupted into a gale of good-natured laughter.

They all knew His Majesty the Grand Duke didn't lack money; anyway, the silver pound was minted with his crown's print, so they could produce more as needed.

Someone blew a loud whistle, and the square resounded with thunderous applause.

Amidst this sea of joy, factory owner Horace felt dizzy, his face instantly turned pale.

The previous councilors were heads from various guilds, incredibly easy to bribe, which is also why the bugs from Southwest Swamp saw them as mascots.

Those Lizardmen clearly hadn't enough insight to understand complex human social interactions and hidden human sentiments within ecological niches.

No need to spend money on bribery!

They are all intricately connected on the business field; he just needs to notify the wool supply guild upstream, and they could get into action to ensure that damned "Bill Number Six" would never pass.

However, now, the Duke once again devolved his power.

Horace's heart bled; how, after that naive Erin, did the wise and powerful His Majesty Edward also sell his soul to the Demon?

Saint Sist on high, how many demons are there in Campbell Duchy!

His operating cost keeps increasing!

"The threshold is just too low..." he groaned in despair, yet his voice was drowned out by the waves of cheers, "What contribution can one silver pound make to our Duchy? At least... it should be raised to five silver pounds!"

And why five silver pounds?

Savvy as he, he had of course calculated that only his manager and accountant barely met this threshold in his textile factory.

And controlling them was easy for him.

Governor Wilson raised both hands, signaling for quiet.

The commotion gradually subsided, and everyone sensed that the real climax was imminent.

Wilson took a deep breath and announced, besides victory in war, the most crucial news of this celebration!

"His Majesty the Grand Duke has decided! The first agenda of the expanded parliament will be to re-discuss and vote on the details of 'Bill Number Six'!"

"It's time for it to meet with the citizens of Thunder City!"

There was a brief dead silence in the square, with expressions of disbelief on every face.

Whether it was Horace or Horace's textile workers, they doubted their ears, momentarily forgetting to speak.

Dusty memories gradually reopened.

They finally remembered the bill proposed by Princess Aileen regarding the minimum wage, termination compensation, and unemployment benefits in the New Industrial Zone.

Due to many concepts within being too forward-thinking and the lengthy discussion period, they had almost forgotten this matter.

What awakened everyone was the bell sound at the hour.

The next second, thunderous cheers almost flipped the square upside down!

"Long live Princess Aileen!"

"Long live Edward!!"

"Long live Campbell Duchy!!!"

Especially the workers from the New Industrial Zone, their voices were particularly excited.

Some excitedly threw their hats into the sky, while others hugged each other, and the distant parliament couldn't evoke that shout from the depths of the soul, yet that bill concerning their tangible interests reminded them they were citizens of Campbell.

The Royal Family's prestige reached its peak at this moment.

Standing in a corner of the square, Lance Laman showed a surprised expression, casting a gaze at the "Glasses" who was looking at him proudly.

He really guessed right...

Listening to the mountain-crumbling "Long live Campbell", the "generous" Mr. Horace let out a desperate wail.

Though that wail seemed so insignificant in the deafening cheers, even being mistaken for another kind of cheering, earning an inexplicable bear hug.

"Damn it! Who won this civil war after all!"

Unable to stand the suffocating enthusiasm, he sighed, exiting the crowd, disappearing into the corner of revelry, his tattered clothes blending into the coal ash blown by the wind.

"I guess I'll just shut down my factory!"