Chapter 411 - 406: Distribution of Interests
Chapter 411: Chapter 406: Distribution of Interests
Duane was stunned. He’d thought that when Count Kais spoke of dividing the spoils of war, they would discuss which territories would go to Black Forest Island and which to the Silent Shore. He never expected the Count’s opening words to be so far beyond his expectations.
"A Duke?"
"Yes, a Duke!"
Count Kais spoke with great conviction. "I want to use this opportunity to have His Majesty name you the Kingdom’s second Duke!"
Seeing that the Count wasn’t joking, Duane couldn’t help but ask in confusion, "My role in the battle for the Starfall Islands was significant, but being promoted past the rank of Viscount to become a Hereditary Earl is already an incredible honor. Why would you make such a request to His Majesty?"
"Besides, the title of Duke is usually reserved for members of the Royal Family or their in-laws. Bestowing a dukedom upon an outsider who hasn’t married into the Royal Family would be unprecedented, wouldn’t it?"
Count Kais nodded slightly. "You’re not wrong. But in this world, one doesn’t need blood ties or a marriage alliance with the Royal Family to be ennobled. Any kingdom would leap at the chance to recruit an individual of absolute power."
"Are you suggesting I use the threat of sending troops to Twin Bay to coerce His Majesty into approving this?" Duane shook his head. "But I don’t want to continue the offensive."
"You misunderstand. That’s not my intention at all, and it’s completely unnecessary. The Pruck Kingdom has been forced into a passive strategic position, and His Majesty Eric is now more desperate than ever to secure the loyalty of a powerhouse like you."
Count Kais chuckled softly. "It’s just a ducal title. It makes it clear to the outside world that you stand with the Pruck Kingdom, and it costs the King nothing extra. He’ll agree to it."
Duane nodded. "You have a point, and it’s certainly feasible. But isn’t becoming a Duke at this particular time a bit too conspicuous? Or perhaps too sudden?"
With a Duke who was an outsider and had no marriage ties to the crown, it would be impossible for others not to suspect he had ambitions of founding his own kingdom. Furthermore, Duke Eldrin’s Star Sea Clan had once been the rulers of the kingdom of the Starfall Islands.
This move by Count Kais was bound to trigger all sorts of speculation from the outside world.
"After this battle, you won’t be able to keep a low profile even if you wanted to. After all, who else could pull off a feat like conquering the Crown of Tides in a single day? So whether you’re an Earl or a Duke makes no real difference to the attention you’ll receive. Besides, the reason I want you to become a Duke is so I can assign you a larger portion of the Starfall Islands."
At these words, a thought struck Duane. ’It seems the Count already has a plan for the division.’
"Baron Uriel and I have already discussed this in private. Once we secure the Starfall Islands, the Star Sea Clan’s Duke’s Territory and the majority of the lands belonging to Scorching Wind Castle will go to you. I will take the remaining area of Scorching Wind Castle, and Baron Valentine’s territory will be given to Uriel."
Baron Valentine was not affiliated with Freddy, nor was he a vassal of Duke Eldrin. He was a Baron from the Akutas Kingdom with a sizable territory.
Duane hadn’t personally visited Baron Valentine’s territory during the war.
This was because the Baron’s elite troops had been either killed or captured during the battle for the Crown of Tides, so sending Raymond and his men to handle the rest was more than enough.
"Is that a fair division?"
Duane considered this for a moment. It was certainly good for him to acquire such a vast territory. However, with this division, the others would receive very little, especially when so many Celestial Tier Warriors from the Silent Shore were hoping to obtain territories of their own.
"I only said the *territory* would be yours. Uriel and I will still be taking a share of the resources from the Secret Realms."
The Count smiled. "As for our vassals, we can compensate them in other ways. Take Cruz, for instance. Doesn’t he like Flying Mounts? Just promise him one Contract Scroll. Besides, your Cultivation Magic Arrays, Blessing Magic, and other assets are all scarce resources. Letting them use those is no less valuable than giving them a small plot of land."
Duane nodded. That seemed workable.
He then suggested, "The manpower from Black Forest Island and Silver Jade Ridge alone won’t be enough to manage such a large territory, and I can’t rely solely on prisoners from the Starfall Islands. You can let everyone know that if they have suitable candidates to recommend, I will find appropriate positions for them."
Count Kais nodded, very satisfied.
He and Duane were already connected by shared interests and the bond of a marriage alliance. Now, their ties were deepening on all fronts, which served the interests of everyone involved—a development he was happy to see.
"The Starfall Islands are isolated from the continent. Both the Akutas Kingdom and the Pruck Kingdom are currently on the defensive, which means we can negotiate to buy ourselves more breathing room. If the opportunity arises in the future, you could easily establish your own kingdom here."
Count Kais proposed with a smile, "And if you hold the title of Duke, you’ll be able to attract even more people to your cause."
This was his true goal.
"A kingdom..."
Duane looked up at the sky. "I have the power for it, but conquering a kingdom is easy; ruling one is hard. It requires a vast number of people."
The Count patted Duane’s shoulder. "Rest assured, Uriel and I will support you completely. Furthermore, after the Pruck Kingdom’s recent strategic blunder, many members of the Nobility will be disgruntled. Families like the Haydons, the Holmeses, and the Stewarts will all increase their investment in you."
Duane rubbed his nose. ’If this keeps up, I’ll end up being the one leading the charge to betray the Pruck Kingdom.’
’But if I have to lead the charge, so be it. Who’s to blame but His Majesty Eric, who tried to undermine me time and again before I became so powerful?’
’The only question is, once these nobles follow me, will they be able to accept my reforms to the feudal system?’
’But that wasn’t an unsolvable problem.’
’Those who can accept my reforms can stay. As for those who can’t, I’ll just find a place to settle them. For instance, I could give large swathes of the Pruck Kingdom to Count Kais and let him grant fiefs to his vassals, or I could send all the other nobles who want traditional territories over to the lands of the Fidun Kingdom.’
’After all, the Shadow Mist Continent is vast. I don’t need to control every single region.’
"How much longer do you think this war will last?" Duane asked.
Count Kais also looked up at the sky. The few white clouds drifting by looked peaceful, a stark contrast to the mood of so many people at that moment.
"When the war ends is no longer something King Eric or the Four Nations Alliance can control. It now depends on the Kasa Kingdom’s stance—on whether they will truly tear up their agreements and personally intervene to help Akutas. If they do, I’m afraid this will drag on for a very long time. If they don’t..."
The Count gave a slightly mocking smile. "Then it will all depend on whether His Majesty is willing to negotiate for peace."
As long as Kasa stays on the sidelines, the strength of the other four nations will be depleted. If they all fight to the death, the Kasa Kingdom might just swoop in and reap all the benefits.
"If His Majesty is wise, negotiating for peace now is indeed the right move. Although we didn’t eliminate Marquis Sean, we at least reclaimed Pigeon Tail Town and pushed our borders out considerably. As for Akutas, they likely realize the Kasa Kingdom is just trying to wear them down, so they might also be willing to talk."
Duane said with a smile, "Why don’t you include that suggestion in your petition?"