Chapter 1804 - 501: The King Skilled at Extinguishing Fires Cares for His Subjects (Part 2)

"Did I say it wasn't?"

Theoden casually interrupted Newcastle, then looked at the speechless Campbell people and continued in the tone of someone who had been through it all.

"I just mean to say the royal family shouldn't meddle in this matter. Since this is a Campbell product, you should promote it using Campbell methods."

"Campbell methods?" Newcastle still looked bewildered.

Wasn't this very item in his hands a Campbell method?

"Do I need to be clearer? Go set up a firefighting company." The King's tone had a barely noticeable hint of mockery. "If your item is as useful as you claim, the citizens and guilds will naturally purchase your service."

A burst of laughter came from below the Audience Hall, as if appreciating the humor of Your Majesty.

The heir of the Devalu family indeed, with just one remark he left the cunning Campbell people speechless, truly satisfying!

While the weavers of the Campbell Duchy were antagonistic toward the King of Ryan Kingdom, the "Dusk Nobles" whom Theoden sheltered within the palace also harbored animosity toward the late-arriving Duchy.

Moreover, they understood much more than the weavers did.

They could discern why Edward made his move at this time, and understood what the Northern Relief Army was truly after.

Now Edward is trying to ally with the remaining nobles in Twilight Province to form a council, undermining the influence of the royal family. They, who depend on the royal family, are the ones whose interests are most severely damaged!

Although nominally, they can also participate in the establishment of the Twilight Province Council, they know full well that they would merely become puppets of those influential nobles once they return.

Even staying here makes little difference, since the King has set his sights on their lands and wealth, which is why he condoned the great fire of Twilight Province.

Having said this, Theoden turned his gaze away from Newcastle and his bizarrely shaped fire pump, and towards the Minister of Economy.

"Baron Wickton."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wickton immediately stepped forward and bowed humbly.

"Take charge of Mr. Newcastle." Theoden stood, adjusted the sleeves of his robe, and succinctly instructed, "You're responsible for handling subsequent matters with him."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

"Everyone is dismissed, that's all for today."

The King yawned and left the magnificent Audience Hall without looking back, as the nobles and house servants bid farewell.

Newcastle stood there like a clown whose performance had failed, his eager heart rapidly cooling under the mocking gazes of the people.

With one last stubborn attempt to not give up, he looked around at the departing nobles, trying to find potential collaborators among them.

Yet these big figures were too indifferent to spare even a glance at him or his miracle, quickly departing the Audience Hall in twos and threes.

At this moment, Baron Wickton approached the despondent Newcastle with a courteous smile.

"Mr. Newcastle, please follow me. We have much to discuss regarding your company."

Seeing Baron Wickton's amiable smile, a glimmer of hope reignited in Newcastle's despondent face.

Although he knew in his heart this hope might hardly be better than a straw floating on water, it was still better than accepting the harsh reality of losing everything right away.

After all, ten thousand gold coins was all he had.

He wasn't a Prince of the Imperial, nor would he have another chance to see the King.

...

The heavy door closed with a roar, isolating the nauseating stench of money in the Audience Hall.

Be it the bewildered face of the Campbell merchant or the mocking expressions or extreme flattery of the courtiers, all were shut away in another world.

To an old King who has watched performances for decades, both the former and latter were tiresome.

The lock clicked softly, like a switch.

Returning to his study, Theoden seemed like a different person.

The sleepy mask he wore seemed to hang alongside his discarded robe, disappeared from his face.

Simultaneously, a pitch-black shadow silently emerged from the corner of the wall, kneeling with one knee without a sound.

His entire body was wrapped in a gray-brown cloak, his head bowed, not daring to meet the King's majesty, just like how a shadow on the ground doesn't dare to face the sun in the sky.

"Your Majesty."

"Speak."

Theoden's voice was flat, devoid of any emotional fluctuations.

Then, he leisurely walked to his desk, leaned the Scepter he carried against the velvet-embedded desk, waiting for the servant to report the things he truly cared about.

"This is an urgent report from the Campbell Duchy..."

The servant's voice was as quietly deep and husky as ever, continuing with humility.

"The Winter Moon Coup has concluded, with Duke Edward Campbell achieving a complete victory. Due to being equipped with new-style gear, the civilian troops loyal to him easily secured victory... their speed exceeded our expectations."

Not a ripple appeared on Theoden's face.

He took a sip of the cup of red tea that had long gone cold, as if completely unsurprised by this outcome.

The servant carefully observed Your Majesty's expression, only slowly relaxing upon seeing no anger on His face, continuing to speak.

"Duke Edward imprisoned all the nobles involved in the coup, including the mastermind Derek, as well as the Baron under his command, along with two other Earls and their Vassals. However, we've also noticed that he has executed no one, merely detaining them in Campbell Castle's Dungeon. This move by the Duke... seems to be a concession to Your Majesty's dignity."