Renaissance Palace, Ballard Room.
The setting sun shone through the stone window and cast a long shadow on the conference table, like blades of gold and black.
"There's such a good thing?"
Constellation's Minister of Trade, Viscount Kenney put down the 'Jade City Substitute Servitude Petition' that had just been delivered to the conference room with a doubtful expression.
"That master of Iris Flowers."
Kenney looked at his peers at the Imperial Conference.
"Duke Covendier actually volunteered to pay taxes to substitute servitude, reduce the number of recruits in Jade City, and even support the royal family's expansion of the regular army to fill in the important national defense positions left behind by the recruits?"
The ministers at the Imperial Conference looked at each other.
Only the scarred man from the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department, who had returned with this' petition ', stood quietly by the side without saying a word.
"Setting aside his position, doesn't he know the risks of doing so?"
Viscount Kenney narrowed his eyes, his expression subtle.
"If Jadeite City really does as they say in the letter, challenging tradition and shaking their interests … Hah, when every conscripted person in every level of fief refuses to serve the lord because of this reason, Covendier will become a vassal, no, the target of the entire kingdom's noble system."
"Not the entire system." Military Advisor Solder Ryder was in high spirits, excited by the arrival of the letter.
"Only those aristocratic suzerains who are conservative, old-fashioned and backward, stubbornly clinging to the conscription of militia, and unwilling to accept taxes in lieu of servitude."
Viscount Kenney put down the letter and said slyly,
"That's pretty much … everyone except the king's partisans?"
As soon as he said that, the Imperial Conference burst into laughter.
"This letter came at the right time. It speaks up for us and shifts the pressure," Solder said with a smile.
"Whether it's the reduction of the Jadestar Private Army or the expansion of the regular army, we have strong political support and foreign ministers, as well as the substitute servitude tax paid by Jade City. Kirkirk, the budget issue you mentioned …"
But the Chief of Finance rolled his eyes and did not comment.
On the other side, Gilbert took the letter with Iris Flowers wax seal from Kenney's hands and studied it carefully, refusing to miss a single word.
Even though this was the third time.
Finally, someone realized that the Foreign Affairs Minister's expression was extremely unpleasant, which was incompatible with the relaxed atmosphere of the conference.
"This letter …"
Gilbert mumbled, "What exactly is it …"
"Old friend." Solder noticed Gilbert's state and looked worried.
"Is there any problem?"
The silence of the few people in the meeting affected the atmosphere just now, and Ballard Room gradually quietened down.
Gilbert did not answer. He only took a deep breath and slowly raised his head to look at the end of the long table.
It was as if he was asking for an answer.
However, on the other side, the king's figure was hidden in the darkness and did not move for a long time.
Until another chubby hand reached out from the side.
"What a coincidence. Just when we were thinking about how to reduce the number of recruits without incurring public anger, and how to find the budget to expand the regular army …"
The host of the Imperial Conference, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, the Duke of the Eastern Sea, Bob Cullen, took the petition with a rare sullen expression.
"When we were still treading on thin ice, fearing that this matter would shake the foundation of the country and cause a civil war, this letter came? Giving people, giving money, and giving gossip? "
Prime Minister Cullen's words caused everyone in the Imperial Conference to fall into deep thought.
Cullen's gaze left the beautiful and calm handwriting on the paper and glanced suspiciously at the scar-faced spy from the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department on the other side.
But the scar-faced man remained quiet and respectful. He turned a deaf ear and did not say a word.
The Duke shifted his fat belly, waved the letter in his hand, and snorted softly, "That's right.
"Where's Zayen himself?"
The scar-faced man seemed to have just returned to his senses and replied respectfully, "It is reported that the Duke of South Coast has left the capital and returned to Jade City to deal with urgent matters."
"Urgent matters?"
Cullen re-examined Zayen's letter, occasionally looking at the end of the long table, and let out an unsettling laugh.
"Indeed, it's too urgent, too urgent …"
It was obviously good news, but the unusual attitudes of the Prime Minister and the Foreign Affairs Minister left the elites of the Imperial Conference bewildered. They all looked at the owner of the room.
But King Kessel remained seated in his seat, not moving an inch.
Only the setting sun behind him shone countless golden pillars of light through the window and enveloped him. From afar, he looked like a blade guarding the throne.
Or a prison pen.
"Prime Minister, Your Grace?" Viscount Kenney asked tentatively.
But Cullen only raised his finger slightly with an amused expression.
"Solder, I thought at first …"
Prime Minister Cullen's words were like the evening bell of a monastery, gloomy and meaningful.
"Your meticulous report on the war situation in the North today, and your extreme praise of Eckstedt's lesson, was just to show goodwill to Prince Thales and praise his little lover from Dragon Clouds City …"
Military Advisor, Solder Ryder was momentarily stunned.
"And your exaggerated exaggeration of the accident at Blade Fangs Camp, blindly belittling the recruits, and strongly advocating for the expansion of the regular army, was just a pretense. At most, you're asking for an exorbitant price, and you'll pay the price accordingly …"
Chief of Finance, Kirkirk Mann curled his lips.
"But now, looking at this letter …"
Prime Minister Cullen glanced at the iris emblem on the letter, then turned to the king and shook his head.
"Your Majesty, you came prepared for today's meeting."
Kessel the Fifth's eyebrows twitched slightly.
The Prime Minister closed the 'Petition' and smiled leisurely.
"Just like before, when the regular army of the royal family went to Western Desert to clean up the Great Desert and welcome His Highness, they also came prepared?"
The ministers frowned at the implication of these words.
Among the crowd, Gilbert trembled slightly.
He stared at the king from afar with a bitter gaze.
But the Prime Minister's next words were baffling.
"Is it 'Sand King'? Or 'whispers'? Or both in one? "
Sand King?
Whispers?
At that moment, the ministers of the Imperial Conference looked at each other, confused.
Beyond the long table, the sleeve of the scar-faced man moved without anyone noticing.
But the ministers quickly noticed that at the end of the long table, the king's gaze was fixed on Duke Cullen, and he paid no attention to anyone else.
"No need to be surprised, Your Majesty. Midier even asked for my opinion back then."
Prime Minister Cullen did not seem to care if anyone answered. He just sighed and muttered to himself.
"At that time, although I was already plump, I was at least a fat man in the prime of his life."
The old duke's words were filled with emotion and desolation.
"Now, when I lower my head, I can no longer see my toes."
Duke Cullen looked up.
"What about you?"
Amidst the confusion, everyone subconsciously looked at the end of the long table, at the silent and majestic figure that was as still as a statue.
"Bob."
After a few seconds of silence, the Iron Hand King spoke expressionlessly.
"You're not just fat."
At that moment, the rays of the setting sun converged into countless golden blades, lying between the two of them.
But the Prime Minister did not seem to notice and remained calm.
"I'm old."
The Iron Hand King's voice was no longer thick and powerful. It actually had the sharpness of a knife cutting through ice.
"And tired."
King Kessel and Duke Cullen's gazes crossed the long table and met in the air.
The ministers all frowned.
"Yes, I'm tired."
A few seconds later, Cullen avoided King Kessel's gaze and said slowly,
"Not like the kingdom's prosperity, where the wheels roll forward."
The Duke of Eastern Sea slowly lowered his head and snorted indifferently, looking like an ordinary old man who had no regrets in his old age.
"If it's not this horse, then it's that one. Anyway, we have to pick a horse to pull the carriage, right?"
King Kessel's gaze was cold and he did not answer.
"But you're not him," Cullen said the last sentence and closed his eyes wearily.
"Not him."
King Kessel still did not speak.
At that moment, the atmosphere in Ballard Room was no longer relaxed. In the face of the obscure confrontation between the king and the duke, everyone was very puzzled, but dared not speak.
Except for one person.
"Your Majesty."
Gilbert looked up with a complicated gaze and became the next person to break the silence.
"Please forgive me for overstepping my authority."
He raised Zayen's handwritten letter steadily and showed the iris emblem on it.
"But when was this petition written?"
"Last night? In the wee hours of the morning? "
Gilbert's gaze shot straight at the throne.
At that moment, the usually gentle Cunning Fox of Constellation's gaze was sharp, even a little aggressive.
Prime Minister Cullen snorted and added, intentionally or unintentionally,
"Or just now?"
Low whispers could be heard among the officials.
A few seconds later, the king slowly turned his head and shifted the focus of his gaze to his once most trusted Foreign Minister.
His gaze pierced through the setting sun like ice, instantly dispersing the warmth.
King Kessel stared at Gilbert but did not say a word.
The atmosphere of the Imperial Conference became increasingly heavy and suffocating, until someone could not take it anymore and interrupted.
"Is it because of the royal banquet?"
On the other side, the Kingdom's Chief of Finance, Kirkirk Mann gulped and asked cautiously.
He knew that the matter was of great importance and no longer acted like a rascal.
"I left early at the banquet, but I later heard that the Duke of Star Lake and the Duke of South Coast had a little … discord during the banquet?"
The Duke of Star Lake, the Duke of South Coast, royal banquet.
As soon as these words were spoken, whispers once again arose around the conference table.
Discord.
Yes, if one brought a sword to the banquet, assisted an assassin, kidnapped a guest, and threatened the prince, it could also be considered a "little discord".
The king snorted coldly and interrupted the whispers in the Imperial Conference.
"A little misunderstanding."
King Kessel's words were like the final word, sonorous and forceful.
"It has been resolved."
Resolved.
Gilbert's heart sank when he heard this.
No one at the conference table was stupid enough to ask "how was it resolved".
Viscount Kenney and the Minister of Agriculture, Lord Krapen, looked at each other and interrupted the current awkwardness, "Very well, then the Duke of South Coast still wishes to mend his relationship with us, unlike the One-Eyed Dragon from the Land of Cliffs …"
"That's it?"
But Gilbert's voice rang out again and disrupted their efforts.
"Just because he acted against Prince Thales behind the scenes, and you held onto him as a bargaining chip?"
Uncharacteristically, Gilbert was relentless in his questioning. His tone was stern and urgent.
"That's why there's this letter?"
Everyone could sense that the tension between the king and the Foreign Affairs Minister could no longer be ignored, even more so than the confrontation between the former and the prime minister.
Gilbert had always been popular; Solder, the military adviser, gave him a discreet wink, Archdeacon Stylianides tapped the table without batting an eyelid, and even Kirkirk, the Treasurer, coughed pretentiously.
"Zayen is a clever child," the Iron Hand King finally spoke slowly and calmly, "He understands everything with a hint.
"Whenever he does something wrong, he knows how to make up for it."
Quite a number of people looked at the 'petition' in Gilbert's hands and seemed to be deep in thought.
"Make up for it?"
At that moment, Gilbert stared at the king with an indescribable feeling.
"Is that so?" The Cunning Fox of Constellation sounded tired.
"Six years ago, after Prince Thales' diplomat group was attacked by vampires in the birch tree forest, you and him 'solved' and 'made up for it' in this way, right?"
The vassals who did not know the story were instantly shocked.
'Six years ago.
'Vampires.'
"Even if you knew that Duke Covendier was related to the attackers?" Gilbert's tone was almost interrogative.
No one dared to speak.
This time, the King of Constellation at the end of the long table was silent for a long time.
"The essence of politics, my friend," King Kessel said slowly.
"It is the binding of interests."
Hearing this name, Duke Cullen frowned slightly.
Gilbert's expression became increasingly bitter.
"Yes, I remember. These were Prince Midier's exact words."
Hearing this name, everyone shuddered.
"So, Gilbert, my friend, if you want to repay kindness and enmity in a straightforward manner, and repay enmity in a straightforward manner …"
The Iron Hand King snorted coldly. His tone took a sharp turn.
"You might as well read more about knights."
In the face of the king's merciless words, Gilbert's expression dimmed.
"Very good, very right, Your Majesty."
The Foreign Affairs Minister put down the letter in his hand and closed his eyes.
"But."
Gilbert's voice was as weak as a mosquito.
"Prince Thales, does he know?"
Many people's gazes shifted.
King Kessel was silent for a moment.
His gaze inadvertently glanced at the scar-faced spy from the Secret Intelligence Department.
"He knows now."
Gilbert then lowered his head dejectedly and said no more.
Dusk had arrived. The color of the sunlight gradually turned from golden to dark red.
At that moment, the supreme king bathed in the setting sun even appeared a little scarlet.
Only his face remained dark and indistinct under the backlight.
The Imperial Conference fell silent.
"Enough, everyone."
Just as the participants were at a loss for what to do, another voice rang out. It was resolute and broke the silence.
"No matter how this letter came to be, since it is already here, we cannot let it go to waste."
The military advisor, Solder Ryder, glared at him.
"Whether it is voluntary or involuntary, whether it is compensation or a trade, since Duke Covendier 'kindly' sacrificed his reputation and interests, even at the cost of being condemned by the masses, to submit a petition to His Majesty, to pay taxes in lieu of service, to share our political pressure, and to cheer for Renaissance Palace …
"He didn't."
Solder Ryder turned his head in shock. Gilbert still had his eyes closed and was massaging his forehead.
"Sorry?"
Gilbert took a deep breath.
"As far as I know, during the last years of the late King Aydi's reign, under the rule of the former Guardian Duke of South Coast, Leinster Covendier, Jade City's regular military service system had already been disrupted, loosened, and even ceased to exist in name."
At the Imperial Conference, the ministers who did not understand South Coast Hill were taken aback.
Prime Minister Cullen's eyebrows twitched.
"I see, the younger generation will surpass us in time."
"South Coast is ultimately not Western Desert," the kingdom's prime minister laughed involuntarily.
The others remained puzzled, until Gilbert sighed.
"After the Bloody Year, due to the depression of the territory, and to repair the damage, the old Duke Leinster granted some of his vassals permission not to respond to the compulsory conscription. They did not contribute any able-bodied soldiers, but instead paid in lieu of service fees, so that he could hire professional mercenaries to deal with large-scale battles such as suppressing bandits."
Gilbert explained patiently, slowly returning to his role as the king's advisor.
"To this day, the military service system under Jade City's jurisdiction is no longer complete and sound — exceptions have gradually become the norm, and it has been extended layer by layer. When the conscription order comes, every family can be exempted from service as long as they bribe enough. Instead, the conscription system has become a legal loophole for the recruitment officers to plunder the people and stuff their own pockets with the conscription books."
The military advisor, Solder Ryder, was deep in thought.
Everyone's expressions slowly changed.
King Kessel listened quietly to the Foreign Affairs Minister's explanation, his thoughts unknown.
"I remember now, during the National Conference six years ago, when everyone was discussing whether to send troops …"
Prime Minister Cullen shook his head, seemingly having gained some insight.
"It seems that Zayen wasn't completely lying at that time."
Gilbert nodded, his mind preoccupied.
"In other words, this seemingly costly petition is but a favor at little cost.
"The Duke of South Coast described the established situation in Jade City as his own sacrifice and loyalty, brought the tacit convention to the surface, and turned it into a decree in black and white. He even claimed that this was a need for the king and the regular army.
"He didn't have to pay anything."
Gilbert pushed the 'Petition for Servitude' to the center of the conference table.
"Even if this order is approved by His Majesty, Covendier will not suffer any actual losses. Perhaps he can even purge the corrupt and inefficient governance, regulate the chaos of paying taxes for servitude, and let the people who have worked hard for a long time applaud and praise the Duke of Iris Flowers who serves the people wholeheartedly."
On the other side, 'Money Bag' Kirkirk snorted softly and added,
"He can also swallow all the dirty money that his subordinates plundered during the conscription — of course, in the name of His Majesty Kessel and the regular army of the royal family."
The Chief of Finance rubbed his hands in envy.
"Covendier has been rich for many years, he really has a way."
Gilbert's expression was cold.
"Also, as Lord Cullen said, the next time there's a war, South Coast Hill will be able to refute with reason at the National Conference that they have received the king's permission to pay taxes for servitude and not send troops."
The fat prime minister nodded benevolently.
Gilbert turned to the astonished Adviser Solder.
"As for what you said, Solder, Iris Flowers' political support and solidarity for Renaissance Palace …"
Gilbert paused for a moment.
"Don't forget, Zayen only presented the 'Petition' to His Majesty after he was publicly accused of being the mastermind by Prince Thales at the banquet."
Prime Minister Cullen continued Gilbert's words. He shook his head and appeared to be in a good mood.
"If the news gets out, as long as it's done properly, this will not be a symbol of Iris Flowers siding with the royal family, but merely a helpless move by Covendier under pressure from Renaissance Palace. Not only will Jade City not be blamed, but it will also receive the sympathy of his vassals and even the suzerains in the country — 'The king must have forced him to do this'. "
The prime minister blinked thoughtfully.
"Is that so?"
No one answered him.
"Instead, it's Renaissance Palace."
Gilbert's voice sounded again, becoming unhurried, gentle, and drawn-out.
"This matter is sensitive to begin with. If we bear the infamy of 'forcing vassals', whether it's the reduction of conscripts or the expansion of the regular army, the pressure we face will only be greater …"
He did not continue, but the atmosphere in the Imperial Conference grew heavier.
"What a pity."
Chief of Finance Kirkirk slapped his thigh in frustration.
"If only Prince Thales had not howled at Covendier after finding out the truth, but had instead suppressed his temper and quietly reported to His Majesty."
"So," Cullen looked at the end of the long table, intentionally or unintentionally.
"Young man, you can't be too hasty."
Gilbert's analysis completely chased away the excitement that the Imperial Conference had because of this letter, leaving not a single trace of it behind.
Everyone was already exhausted, and now they were even more disappointed.
"But, everyone."
The military adviser took a deep breath, pulled himself together, and raised his hand to attract the attention of the Imperial Conference.
"Perhaps Iris Flowers has its own plans, but this will not affect our choice."
Solder tried his best to convince everyone.
"Most importantly, if this letter comes to fruition, we will have the surrogate labor tax that Covendier will pay, and expand the regular army …"
But he was interrupted.
"I'm not trying to pour cold water on you, soldier."
The Chief of Finance's familiar sarcastic tone sounded again, causing Solder to frown.
"But, relieving every suzerain of the obligation to recruit soldiers to assist in battle, replacing it with a special tax item, using the collected money to expand the regular army, and in turn, filling up the defense and maintaining law and order of the disbanded conscripts. Sounds like a good idea …"
Steward Kirkirk cocked his cheek with a smile that did not reach his eyes.
"However, I have to deal with those profiteering suzerains of Jade City every season. Believe me, they can't do anything else, but every time they collect taxes …"
Solder scoffed angrily.
"They dare to evade taxes?
"Worse."
Kirkirk narrowed his eyes.
"They know how to keep accounts."
Solder was taken aback.
"What?"
Many people frowned. Prime Minister Cullen glanced at Gilbert and revealed an expression that said, "I knew it."
Kirkirk shook his head disdainfully.
"I say, their accountants are no less skilled than the Camians. The tax accounts are crystal clear, without a single concealment. But whether it's the calculation of tax rates, the choice of tax items, or the flow of tax, it's all extremely complicated …
"Can you believe it? Jade City is obviously rich, their land and sea trade has been growing year after year, and their total cash flow is enough to buy several small dukedoms. But their books are still in the red! And our tax collectors can't find a single mistake in their books. Not only do they have nowhere to scrape money from, they might even have to give back their taxes … "
The Chief of Finance flipped open the 'Petition', stared at it in disgust, then threw it down again.
"As for the surrogate labor tax mentioned here, tell me, Solder, do you think they'll find their conscience and give you a large sum of money out of thin air?"
Solder's eyes widened, as if in disbelief that such a thing could happen.
Kirkirk turned to the king and his tone became much more respectful.
"If this is the 'budget' you've been waiting for, Your Majesty, Solder.
"With all due respect, it didn't succeed.
"As for the expansion of the regular army, let's wait until next quarter's revenue."
The king said nothing.
Solder, on the other hand, clenched his fists tightly.
The words of the Chief of Finance brought the entire Imperial Conference back to reality and plunged it into a disappointed silence.
"So, Jade City's letter is just empty talk? I mean, if our proposal really passes, they won't have lost anything, and they'll appear reasonable and even make a fortune. "
The Minister of Agriculture, Lord Krapen, spoke shakily.
"But we, on the other hand, look like we've gotten the short end of the stick, but end up being the bad guys and losing our underwear?"
"Cunning Southerners," Viscount Kenney threw the 'Petition' on the table and cursed unhappily.
"Say, do you think Iris Flowers is going to react to every move that comes their way, or have they been preparing for this for a long time, and have been waiting for this moment?"
The ministers looked at each other. They had no answer.
Until the king spoke.
"Of course this is not the best solution."
King Kessel's tone was calm as he steered the conversation back in the direction he wanted, "But this is already the greatest concession Jade City can make."
The Iron Hand King looked at the letter gloomily.
"That sword from the banquet isn't enough."
Gilbert could only sigh inwardly.
"Damn it, that young master from the Western Desert at the banquet, why did he only kidnap the guests?"
The military advisor slammed the table.
"If only he had committed a bigger crime, such as assassinating a prince …"
Gilbert reacted and rebuked angrily.
"Solder!"
But Solder just waved his hand nonchalantly.
"It's alright, you know that's not what I meant …"
Solder turned around and looked at the letter on the table.
He sighed and said, "Gilbert, think again. Is there really no other way? This letter has finally solved our political and budgetary problems at the same time … "
Without waiting for the Foreign Affairs Minister to speak, Kirkirk stabbed him coldly from the side.
"Didn't you listen in class, soldier? It can't solve anything. "
Gilbert nodded tiredly.
"If His Majesty approves the proposal of this petition and starts reforming the military system from Jade City, taking this first step that is fraught with controversy …"
He glanced in the king's direction with mixed emotions.
"Then, Renaissance Palace will have to swallow all the bitter consequences I've mentioned. Aside from the Duke of South Coast's hypocritical support and the taxes that we don't know where they'll come from, the benefits are really limited."
"It's not even up to us to approve of it." Duke Cullen seemed to be in a good mood.
"This is different from a small matter like reorganizing the Jadestar Private Army. As long as this petition is made public in the form of an official document or warrant, the reform of the military system will definitely cause a huge uproar in the kingdom. We will be at the heart of the storm, and we will not be able to retreat."
In the dark corner of the long table, the king's pupils gradually shrank.
"After all, asking for a sky-high price is just a tactic," Cullen said as he looked at the dejected Solder.
"Just return the money on the ground. You can't really hope to sell it for a sky-high price."
These words made the military advisor even more depressed.
Majordomo Kirkirk yawned discreetly, looked around, and said tentatively in a tone that concluded the meeting.
"Then this letter …"
"Just ignore it." Gilbert's tone was both resigned and resolute.
"Bury it among the countless official documents and letters in Renaissance Palace every day. Drown it out without causing a ripple."
In the Imperial Conference, he was answered with an awkward silence.
Until the king's voice sounded again.
"So," King Kessel chuckled softly, but without the slightest hint of a smile, making everyone shudder, "We've been sitting here for a day …
"And my son was attacked by an assassin at a banquet and almost died in a duel …"
At that moment, the Iron Hand King's face was revealed under the setting sun. There was an inexplicable strangeness about it.
"And all we got in exchange for … this?"
All the officials in the Imperial Conference lowered their heads. No one dared to answer the question.
Only Cullen calmly took a sip of tea and cast his gaze at the end of the meeting table.
"It's a pity, Your Majesty, but this letter cannot give you what you want."
"That's right, the wheels roll forward."
The Duke of Eastern Sea put down his teacup and adjusted his crooked belt, satisfied.
"But not by brute force."
At the end of the long table, King Kessel was silent under the setting sun.
Only his eyes flickered slightly in the darkness.
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