Chapter 571 - 543: The New and Old Systems
Chapter 571: Chapter 543: The New and Old Systems
According to the agreement from the nobles’ assembly two years ago, the succession of the Oduin Kingdom’s throne could be discussed once the Royal Capital of the Tricia Kingdom was taken. Now was the time.
So when Count Ibn raised the issue, everyone’s attention immediately shifted to it.
No one could afford to ignore Ronin’s opinion.
Setting aside the strength of Ronin and his subordinates, the Star Kingdom alone occupied nearly three-fifths of the Orland Continent.
Although they had previously agreed that whoever conquered a territory would temporarily govern it, with a final distribution to occur after the new King of the Oduin Kingdom was determined.
Yet Ronin had absorbed Giant Dragon City, and indeed most of the Tricia Kingdom’s lands, into the Star Kingdom’s territory, and no one dared to utter a word of protest.
Ronin didn’t answer the question immediately. Instead, the hall began to buzz with discussion.
"According to our prior agreement, the throne should go to the one with the greatest military achievements, prestige, and ability. As it stands now, His Majesty Ronin is unparalleled in all three respects, making it most appropriate for his wife, Her Highness Princess Blanche, to become the Queen of the Oduin Kingdom."
This argument was put forth by the nobles who had campaigned with Ronin for the past two years. In truth, they had already made up their minds. If possible, they wanted to join the Star Kingdom.
They had all witnessed the development of the Wubei and Wushan Territories over the past two years. Some barons from minor domains had gotten involved in building railways, engaging in construction, and developing the technology known as "steam power," and were now thriving.
By siding with Ronin early, they might still be able to cash in on the initial boom.
The nobles from other factions largely shared this sentiment.
Ibn, who was in charge of the central-eastern front against the Blackthorn Duchy, had advanced more slowly than Ronin’s forces. There was simply no comparison.
Although Duke Valgis was not present this time, his son Paradro attended the ceremony.
He immediately expressed his agreement.
"Princess Blanche is indeed qualified to inherit the throne. However, that would mean two separate kingdoms on the Orland Continent whose rulers are husband and wife..."
He smiled. "Why don’t we just elect His Majesty Ronin as the supreme ruler of the Orland Continent and rename the Star Kingdom the Star Empire? What do you all think?"
"I agree!"
"We are all vassals of the Oduin Clan. Wouldn’t this be a betrayal?"
"This isn’t betrayal, this is carrying on the legacy! No matter how you look at it, Prince Roland has half Oduin blood!"
The discussion in the hall grew more heated as the nobles voiced their opinions. Some supported Paradro’s proposal, while others worried it would shatter the ruling traditions of the Oduin Clan.
Ronin, however, remained calm. He needed to see his own plan through.
After a long while, he took the scepter from Tom, tapped it lightly on the floor, and the hall instantly fell silent.
"I’ve heard everyone’s opinions. Blanche told me her thoughts long ago. Whether she inherits the throne or not is not important to her. And as for me..."
Everyone listened intently.
Ronin glanced at the heir of the Gistana Duchy.
"I’m inclined to agree with Marquis Paradro’s suggestion. Uniting all the nobles of the Orland Continent under a single Star Empire will make it easier to consolidate our power and face the crises to come."
The existence of the Crescent Continent—and the Great Sage-Level Alien Races and Demon Gods that resided there—was now common knowledge, thanks to information deliberately spread by Lurans and others.
Of course, Paradro’s proposal was part of their prearranged plan.
"I heard some mention of ’betrayal,’ but as someone else rightly pointed out, Roland is half Oduin by blood, and that will not change. I also pledge here today that in thirty years, I will pass the throne to our son."
Ronin had previously been interested in Lurans’s suggestion of an "Empire," but he had left the implementation entirely to Lurans, taking a hands-off approach and not forcing the issue.
However, just after being crowned king, he’d discovered that the "Famous Throughout the World" achievement had a tier beyond "King": "Great Emperor."
That being the case, he decided to ride the momentum of the current discussion and make his stance clear.
Lurans was slightly taken aback. He hadn’t expected Ronin to declare his position so openly.
He immediately stood, bowed deeply, and then declared with great solemnity, "The Wushan Territory is willing to follow Your Majesty Ronin, obey your every command, and place all we have at your disposal!"
Although everyone knew Lurans and Ronin were thick as thieves, the effect of having someone take the lead was significant. Others quickly followed suit.
Those who responded included Baron Dani, who had fought alongside him; Minister Randall and Deputy Minister Faslei of the Ministry of Rites; Albert and Luther of the Ministry of Revenue; Asenno of the Ministry of Personnel; and Broel of the Ministry of War.
These were all people who had profited from following Ronin.
This was especially true for officials from the Six Ministries, such as the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites. They had traveled to and from the Wubei Territory over the past two years and had witnessed the development in both the Wubei and Wushan Territories firsthand.
The application of technologies like steam power, railways, and blast furnace iron-smelting had already made them realize that a new era was dawning.
However, many others hesitated. They were uncertain whether, if they pledged their allegiance, Ronin would curtail their power in the same way he had with Ridder and the others he had ennobled.
These people couldn’t help but look toward Count Ibn, who frowned slightly. Though apprehensive, he nonetheless voiced his doubts.
"Your Majesty Ronin, I, too, am very much in favor of your proposal."