"Hmm, garrisoning the army?"
Hicks placed his hand on the crutch between his knees again and pretended to be thinking seriously. "It's an interesting choice to use slaughter and fear, blood and death to intimidate the opposers and discontented people, and to break the people's dependence and habits on the old system."
Saroma seemed to have caught up to the conversation. She interrupted with great interest, "But garrisoning the Northern Territory for a long time means high military expenses, exaggerated supplies, the cost of long-term mobilization, and the vassals' complaints. These are not things any archduke can afford. Ciel told me that when a man in his prime leaves home for a month, it's enough to affect the local output and bring about the people's dissatisfaction."
Thales' heart was clear. "So, although Eckstedt defeated Constellation during the Bloody Year, they could not rule the Northern Territory normally, nor could they use their garrisons to protect their land."
Hicks flashed his ugly but amiable smile again.
"A very interesting discussion, Sir and Madam." The new teacher changed the topic again. "Since that's the case, we have another question. If they can't rule directly, why don't they support the existing local nobles in the Northern Territory to rule the Northern Territory on their behalf?"
Thales furrowed his brows.
Saroma, on the other hand, rolled her eyes. "After King Nuven breached Cold Castle, he hanged the Duke of the Northern Territory and a number of suzerains who refused to submit to him, in an attempt to extinguish the Northern Territory's resistance."
Thales thought of Val Arunde, who was in prison, and of his hoarse accusations in Renaissance Palace.
The archduchess kept talking as if she was reciting a book. "But he couldn't destroy them. Old Arunde's son was still in the capital, so he couldn't destroy the bloodline that was connected to the land in the Northern Territory.
"Not only that, Eckstedt didn't conquer the south of Shepherd's River. Eternal Star City still stands, and the devastated royal family quickly regains their king." Saroma finished her sentence. "For the Northern Territory, whether it's for the great families or the civilians, their king and dukes are still resisting in the war. Their hope and lighthouse of resistance are still there. The laws and principles for fighting for them are still there, and Eckstedt is still an illegal and evil invader.
"Just like how Dragon Clouds City stood for a long time under the siege of the Night Wing King even though it was in imminent danger. This is an eternal war flag."
Thales suddenly remembered the scene six years ago, when Miranda and Cohen were trapped in Dragon Clouds City.
So that was how it was.
Miranda Arunde, as the heir of the Arunde Family, six years ago, she was also a crucial chess piece in Lampard's conquest of the Northern Region, whether it was to support a puppet, or …
That was why she was targeted by Black Sand Region during Dragon's Blood's operation. From Nuven's death to the invasion of the Northern Territory, this was a set of chess moves that complemented each other.
"On the other hand, if Eckstedt destroyed Eternal Star City and captured or even cut off the bloodline of the Arunde Family and even the Jadestar Royal Family …" When he thought of this, Thales subconsciously spoke up and took over Saroma's words.
"Then, whether it is the Northern Region or the Land of Cliffs and West Wilderness that they have already taken over, they may be able to rule and occupy them more easily by supporting puppets or garrisons."
Hicks coughed.
The old man reached out his hand and grabbed an upside-down cup beside him with trembling hands.
Thales quickly stood up, picked up the kettle on the desk, and poured water for him.
"Hmm, this is an interesting argument. Thank you, kind sir. As long as the bloodline of the family, which represents the legal ruling power, is still there and has not surrendered," Hicks drank the water and did not forget to smack his lips behind the cup. "The invaders are far from conquering. They can only occupy, use time and violence to eliminate dissatisfaction and maintain the status quo.
"Or they can support the local puppets and make them their vassals so that they can indirectly control the Northern Territory." When he said this, Hicks suddenly raised his gray eyes. They shone with a strange light, and he said profoundly, "Just like how the Alliance of Freedom is to Eckstedt."
The prince and the archduchess were both stunned.
When they heard the familiar name, they looked at each other in surprise and bewilderment.
But the Old Crow did not continue with this topic. Instead, he returned to the main topic.
"So, my dear Thales and Saroma, let us conclude our discussion just now. For the Born King, the people and vassals of the occupied areas — the Northern Territory — did not become his allies, and the vassals who accompanied him to send troops did not receive the corresponding benefits. Do you agree?"
Saroma's expression froze, and she nodded. "Yes."
The old man coughed again and said with a sigh, "You know, at my age, if you want to eat something good, besides having good teeth, you also need to have a healthy stomach.
"You also need to have a healthy stomach."
Hicks put down the cup and kept sizing up the two of them, who had unknowingly sat upright. He let out a long sigh. "So, after conquering Northland with irresistible force, behind the seemingly dazzling victory, Eckstedt could not rule the Northern Territory for long. Under the premise that the disadvantages outweighed the advantages, they could only abandon the land they could not keep, and were forced to withdraw their troops and return to their country … Is it not so difficult to understand?"
Thales took a deep breath, nodded, and said, "Of course, that seems to be the case."
Hicks stared at Thales, who chose his words carefully. The corners of his wrinkled lips curled up slightly, and he smiled softly. "Then, there is one more thing that I find a little strange."
Thales and Saroma quickly leaned forward. They had gradually gotten used to their teacher's way of 'chatting'.
"I can't eat meat that's too hard, but I can still eat some snacks." Hicks narrowed his eyes. At that moment, the old man made Thales think of Gilbert inexplicably. He remembered the cunning gaze of the 'Cunning Fox', who lived up to his name.
"Eckstedt gave up the Northern Territory, but why did they also give up Broken Dragon Fortress?
Why did they let the Constellatiates take back such an important fortress, just like how they gave up the Northern Territory? "
Thales and Saroma exchanged glances, and both of them sank into confusion again.
"Because Broken Dragon Fortress is just a defensive fortress," Saroma answered cautiously. "And it's also a sentry post? That's why they need to station troops for a long time. The benefits of occupying it are far less than the costs of maintaining it.
"Using the fortress to monitor and suppress Constellation is a kind of benefit in itself." Thales shook his head. "But on the other hand, giving it up is also very harmful. Constellation can use it as a base to head north at any time. This reason might not necessarily be valid."
Hicks looked at the two of them, who were racking their brains, and smiled slightly.
"It sounds like a dilemma." The old man changed his posture and gently hammered his right leg, as if sitting for a long time was not good for his health. "So, what did King Nuven consider when he made his choice?"
'King Nuven.'
Thales' thoughts trembled again. The image of a tough and imposing old man appeared before his eyes.
'Yes.
King Nuven! '
Thales' gaze focused again. "Because King Nuven did not allow it."
Saroma and Hicks turned their gazes towards him again.
"If Eckstedt controls the fortress, no matter who garrisoned the troops here, it would mean that Black Sand Region's status and role would rise greatly. Against Constellation, Broken Dragon Fortress could only rely on Lampard's supplies and support. This would increase his bargaining chips and weight.
"Secondly, with the fortress as a line of defense, Black Sand Region's pressure on Constellation would be greatly reduced. Lampard would be able to free up his hands, and this would greatly increase his threat."
Thales held his chin and seemed to be deep in thought. "So, if King Nuven takes over the fortress himself and sends his trusted aides and troops to guard it, not only would he be helping Black Sand Region block the threat from the south, he would also have to rely on Lampard's support, which would be equivalent to handing over his bargaining chips to Black Sand Region.
"And if he handed over the fortress to Black Sand Region, that would be even more impossible."
"Taking over Constellation is for Eckstedt," Thales said thoughtfully. "But before that, he would not allow the Northern Territory or even the fortress to become nourishment for any Eckstedtian archduke other than Dragon Clouds City."
Saroma showed an expression that said, "Wow."
The Old Crow's weak but gratified laughter came from the other side.
"I think our discussion has gone from countries and governance to the level of the suzerains playing games. This is both a good and a bad thing. The good thing is that you will be able to see more, and the bad thing is …" Hicks winked playfully at the two of them. His eyes behind the lenses became clear. "You will be able to see less."
The two students were stunned at first, then they sank into deep thought.
The Old Crow adjusted his lenses slightly and coughed. He then pulled his walking stick out from between his knees and placed it by his right hand.
"Very well, we have talked for quite a while today." Hicks raised his head. He still had that amiable but slightly weak smile on his face. "Can I say that we have come to an interesting conclusion that we both agree on? Invading and occupying a place, and keeping and ruling a place are two completely different things?"
Thales and Saroma looked at each other. The latter nodded. "Of course."
Hicks' eyes widened slightly.
"You know, this reminds me of chess and maps." The skinny old man tugged at his slightly askew scarf. "On the chessboard and the map, everything is very vivid. You move a chess piece, a military chess piece, and swallow an enemy. Then, your flag will be planted on the square where the enemy stands, and it will be dyed with your color. That place is yours."
The prince and the archduchess listened attentively to their new teacher's words with solemn expressions.
The Old Crow lowered his head slightly. His expression was contemplative. "But in reality, Eckstedt's example tells us that everything is very complicated. Everything requires more consideration. You may have eliminated the enemy and obtained victory, but it does not mean that you can keep that piece of land.
"You may be able to order an army to invade and win, but it does not mean that you can accept the price that comes with it, even if it looks like a victory."
Hicks raised his head and looked at the sky outside the window. He sighed and said, "Perhaps this is the limit of governance.
"When you are faced with war and peace, enemies and allies, perhaps there is no harm in first understanding what the limit of governance is and where it is." He turned his head. The gaze that flashed behind his lenses made Thales subconsciously straighten his chest. "Do you agree?"
The Prince of Constellation took a deep breath and nodded solemnly. "Yes, I agree very much."
Saroma also nodded vigorously.
Hicks turned his head sideways. The wisdom in his eyes seemed to have disappeared without a trace. He put on a relaxed and happy smile again and said with a chuckle, "Then, we had a good chat today, didn't we?"
As he spoke, the skinny Hicks stood up shakily with the support of his walking stick. "Perhaps … today … we will call it a day?"
Thales and Saroma quickly stood up and bowed politely to him.
"Of course," the prince said seriously. "Thank you, Mister Hicks. You are a good teacher."
Hicks laughed.
"Oh, don't be in such a hurry to say that. After all, I don't even have the qualifications to be a scholar in the academy."
The Old Crow closed his eyes and shook his head. "By the way, everything we talked about today, why Eckstedt withdrew its troops that year, why it gave up its land, and the limit of governance … is very interesting, isn't it?"
The two students nodded respectfully.
Hicks opened his eyes slightly. His gaze behind his lenses flashed with a cunning look again. He changed the topic of conversation. "If that's the case, then how about this, the next time we meet …
"I hope that you will tell me with reason and evidence again, just like you did today …"
The two students immediately pricked up their ears to listen.
Hicks held his walking stick with both hands, narrowed his eyes, and looked at the two solemn teenagers with interest. "Why, everything we discussed today, all the conclusions from the beginning to the end …"
The Old Crow said softly, "Are all wrong."
Time seemed to have stopped for two seconds.
Two seconds later, Thales and Saroma, who had come to their senses, were both shocked!
Saroma could not help but cry out involuntarily, "What?"
Thales stared at their teacher in a daze, unable to react for a long time.
'Everything we discussed today …
'Are all …'
"Don't be nervous, Saroma. Just like what I said," Hicks raised his left hand and waved as he watched the two of them with their mouths agape. Like a child who had succeeded in a prank, he laughed out loud. "We are just chatting. This is the topic of our chat for the next episode: Why everything we said today was wrong."
The teenager and the girl stared at the Old Crow in a daze. They looked at each other, unable to accept each other's words.
'A tutor told you at the end of the first lesson that everything he said just now was wrong?'
At that moment, Thales suddenly felt that the nickname 'Old Crow' was very appropriate for him.
"We had a good chat today. The weather is good. Why don't you go for a walk together?" Hicks breathed in contentedly and winked at the two students with special identities. Then, he turned around and left with the support of his walking stick.
"Don't let your youth go to waste …" With the sound of his walking stick hitting the floor, the new teacher who had left a deep impression on them pushed the door open and left.
The two students were left dumbfounded.
"What do you mean?"
Saroma asked Thales in puzzlement. "Was everything we said today fake?"
At that moment, Thales exhaled a long breath.
As he stared at the leather chair Hicks had sat on, he suddenly had some understanding.
"No."
"I think what he meant was that the truth is not important." Thales seemed to be deep in thought as he tried to understand Hicks' intentions.
"What's important is that he wants us to take a completely opposite position when we are faced with a conclusion that is almost set in stone, and when there are already so many arguments against it."
Thales narrowed his eyes. "Convince him again."
'Wait.
Use a completely opposite position to overturn a conclusion that has already been deeply rooted in people's hearts with reason and evidence?
'What a familiar rhythm.'
Saroma blinked and exhaled. She fell into her chair and pouted. "I don't understand."
Thales shrugged.
"It's fine if you don't understand.
Just prepare to stay up all night in the library. "With a faint sense of familiarity, the prince flashed a smile." I have a hunch that this topic is not that simple. "
Saroma sighed. She pouted and laid her head on the desk without a care for her image. "But there's still Ginghes' etiquette class tomorrow. It has to continue …"
Thales snickered with slight disdain.
"Forget about the etiquette class."
The prince turned around and looked at the unhappy Saroma with a profound gaze. "Do you remember what I said?
"The education you received in the past was to train you into a dignified and elegant archduchess," he said flatly with a burning gaze, "to turn you into —"
Saroma interrupted him.
"'But'?"
The archduchess raised her eyebrows. "You're going to say 'but' again, aren't you?"
The imposing manner that Thales had built up after much difficulty was stifled.
"Alright, but …" Thales nodded helplessly, then shook his head. He gestured with his chin at the door where Hicks had left.
"This Old Crow … the limits of his rule?"
The prince glanced at Hicks' seat, then looked at the golden-haired girl in front of him seriously. He looked at her aggrieved gaze. "But he is teaching you honestly and seriously how to become a qualified —"
At this moment, the familiar sound of a walking stick suddenly rang out from outside the door.
* Clip-clop … Clip-clop … Clip-clop … *
Under the two people's strange gazes, Hicks reappeared at the door with an apologetic smile.
"I'm sorry. I'm old and forgetful." The Old Crow shook his head. "Although the time of our next lesson is uncertain due to my physical condition, I still feel that I should tell you in advance what I hope you can do the next time we meet."
Thales and Saroma nodded respectfully in unison. "Of course."
Hicks smiled faintly. "First of all, I hope that you might as well take some notes and seriously think about every word we said during our discussion …"
Saroma nodded and readily took notes in her notebook.
"Second, remember that we are chatting. You are welcome to interrupt and ask each other questions at any time. Then, we should express our views in an orderly manner and grasp the key points."
Thales was slightly taken aback.
'Wait.
'These words …
'Why …'
Hicks coughed and continued, "Also, we might as well be cautious and humble during our discussion. Before questioning something, it is best to ask our own standpoint and opinions."
At that moment, Thales was completely stunned.
'These words …
'Impossible.'
— — —
I put the following part of the text in the writer's speech after the chapter.
'It's free.
?
? "Lastly, questioning each other is also an advantage and a privilege for schoolmates. Please be prepared to ask each other questions, and be prepared to receive each other's questions. The truth is always born in collision and conflict."
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The new teacher cast a strange glance at Thales, who had a strange expression on his face, and frowned slightly. "Then, I wish you all the best."
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Under Saroma's respectful and grateful farewell, the Old Crow walked out of the door and left slowly.
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Thales was the only one who stood where he was without saying a word.
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He hesitantly pulled Saroma's notebook over and looked at the notes on it. He then looked at the door where the old man had left. His chest rose and fell, and it was difficult for him to calm down.
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Hicks … You …
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????
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