Translator: CinderTL
In Crystal Glare, the Aldor Royal Capital, sunlight bathed the golden-roofed palace, casting a long-awaited sense of peace.
King Rodney XVIII sat at the head of the long table in the Cabinet Meeting, a smile he couldn't suppress playing on his lips. He hadn't felt this relaxed in a long time—in fact, this was the first time since his coronation that he truly felt at ease.
"Who could have predicted this?" he marveled, his voice tinged with disbelief. "I had expected this war to last at least two or three years, with the north bogged down in a stalemate, perhaps even losing a few cities."
He surveyed the room, his eyes gleaming. "But look at us now. The Orcs have been driven back to the Grassland in less than half a year."
A wave of light laughter rippled through the hall, and several ministers nodded in agreement.
"Your Majesty's wisdom is unparalleled," Grand Chancellor Rupert Walter said, his tone respectful yet familiar. "Your decisive cuts to redundant personnel, your reorganization of military supplies, and your personal selection of generals and allocation of provisions all contributed to the front lines' soaring morale and unwavering victories."
"Indeed," the Minister of War added. "From the very beginning of your reign, Your Majesty displayed extraordinary decisiveness. Today, you have proven yourself to be the true pillar of Aldor."
Rodney's smile deepened, but his tone remained humble.
"You flatter me," he said, waving his hand. "Of course, I wish I could take all the credit, but in truth, this victory is the result of the entire kingdom working together as one."
He paused, a touch of nostalgia in his eyes. "Especially Marquis Grayman. If he hadn't trained the army in Northwest Bay, reformed military tactics, and personally led troops to achieve several decisive victories... we wouldn't have won so quickly."
He looked around at the assembled ministers, his voice sincere. "I must admit, without him, the outcome of this war might not have been so favorable."
Rupert smiled faintly and nodded. "Your Majesty is too modest. But we all know that without your wise leadership, the Marquis wouldn't have been able to fully unleash his talents."
The others echoed his sentiments, the atmosphere relaxed and cheerful.
Rodney gazed at his ministers, a warmth spreading through his heart. He recalled the fear he had felt when he first ascended the throne. At that time, Giles in the south was defiant, Orcs lurked menacingly on the borders, and the entire kingdom seemed on the verge of collapse.
But now?
Giles had been purged, the Orcs had fled to the Grassland, and though the treasury remained strained, signs of recovery were emerging. With continued investment, the economic special zone around Westport was finally yielding positive returns.
Rodney XVIII couldn't help but silently rejoice: he was finally beginning to earn the trust of his kingdom and finally gaining control of his throne.
Leaning back in his chair, Rodney XVIII's gaze slowly swept across the assembled ministers. His voice remained steady as he continued, "I intend to keep the Neron Corridor under the direct control of the Watchers Legion. Its strategic importance demands royal oversight. But what about the Yellow Earth Plain...?"
He paused, a hint of hesitation in his tone. "The Bradley Family no longer has the right to rule that land. Yet, in reality, it's currently controlled by Marquis Grayman."
Silence fell over the hall.
Several ministers exchanged glances, their brows furrowed. They were well aware of the situation in the Yellow Earth Plain—territory Paul Grayman had reclaimed during the war.
In truth, Crystal Glare and the Northwest Bay now shared an ambiguous relationship. Most of the kingdom's high-ranking officials had gradually come to realize that they were less liege and vassal than allies.
Status derives from strength, and Northwest Bay's performance in the war far surpassed that of any traditional kingdom vassal.
If Paul Grayman had defeated the Orcs with Crystal Glare's support—relying on the kingdom for supplies, manpower, and weapons—Crystal Glare's handling of the Yellow Earth Plain would have been entirely justified.
But Paul Grayman hadn't asked the kingdom government for a single coin. How would the Marquis feel if he were forced to relinquish his spoils of war?
Yet if the kingdom didn't reclaim the Yellow Earth Plain, how could it tolerate a local lord controlling such vast territory?
In the ensuing silence, Earl Merlin, the Minister of Intelligence, spoke slowly, his voice low and resolute:
"Your Majesty, I believe Marquis Grayman should no longer control the Yellow Earth Plain."
He surveyed the room, noting no objections, and continued:
"We should send a respected noble, closely connected to the royal family, to take over. The Yellow Earth Plain's strategic location is too critical to leave under the arbitrary control of a local lord for an extended period. It poses a potential threat to the kingdom."
His voice turned grave. "Even if Marquis Grayman himself is utterly loyal to the kingdom, we must consider his successor. Do you want another Giles rising in the North one day?"
The room fell tense at these words.
Several ministers lowered their heads in thought. Rupert Walter, though silent, showed a flicker of agreement in his brow.
Rodney didn't respond immediately, but gently stroked the armrest of his chair, his gaze fixed on the Royal Capital streets outside the window.
He knew Paul's merits, knew that without him, Aldor's North would have long since fallen. Yet he couldn't ignore Earl Merlin's warning: an overly powerful vassal would always pose a problem.
Silence hung in the Cabinet Meeting for a moment until Grand Chancellor Rupert Walter spoke slowly:
"Your Majesty, I have a suggestion."
All eyes turned to him, even Rodney XVIII lifting his gaze to listen.
"The commander of the Watchers Legion—Earl Hal Duke," Rupert said, his voice measured and unhurried. "He has earned great renown in the war against the Orcs. Not only did he personally lead his troops to recapture the Neron Corridor, but he also demonstrated exceptional command skills in numerous battles."
He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "If we use his military achievements as justification for granting him control over the Yellow Earth Plain, Marquis Grayman will have no grounds for objection. As for the Watchers Legion, we can select an outstanding commander from within its ranks."
At these words, several ministers' eyes flickered with thoughtful consideration.
"More importantly," Rupert continued, "Earl Hal Duke comes from an old noble family that has served Aldor for generations. His loyalty to the kingdom is beyond question."
He paused again, a subtle undertone in his voice. "And establishing a delicate balance between Marquis Grayman and Earl Duke might ultimately benefit the kingdom more."
"One controls the Northwest Bay, the other the Yellow Earth Plain. They can cooperate and check each other's power, preventing either from becoming too dominant."
Several ministers nodded in agreement, and Earl Merlin's expression showed approval.
Rodney XVIII listened without immediate response, but it was clear he was seriously considering the proposal.
"A delicate balance..." he murmured, as if weighing the proposal's significance.
Can it truly be balanced? Rupert had never been to the Northwest Bay, but Rodney had.
But as Rupert had said, power unchecked would inevitably become a threat.
And Hal Duke was indeed a suitable candidate.
(End of the Chapter)
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