Chapter 379 - 376: The King’s Promise

Chapter 379: Chapter 376: The King’s Promise

At this, Eric laughed. "The Akutas Kingdom is currently beset by enemies on all sides. Their Nobility will be hard-pressed just to protect themselves. How could they have the energy to cross the ocean to the Starfall Islands and help Viscount Freddy or Duke Eldrin?"

Hearing this arrangement, Duane felt more confident.

If this plan was properly executed, the Starfall Islands would indeed be without reinforcements. The combined forces of himself, Count Kais, and Baron Uriel would be enough to contend with Duke Star Sea and Viscount Freddy.

"So, do you both have the confidence to take the Starfall Islands?"

The King smiled. "I can make this decision right now: any Territory you conquer and everything in it will belong to you! Even if you take the entire Starfall Islands, its division will be decided by the three of you—Kais, Duane, and Uriel. I will recognize whatever outcome you agree upon!"

"And when that happens, Kais, you will become the Pruck Kingdom’s second Marquis, while you, Duane, will be its youngest Hereditary Earl!"

Typically, conquered Territory must first be surrendered to the King, who then enfeoffs and distributes it.

But now, Eric was publicly promising to take no resources or land, which was tantamount to letting Kais and Duane leverage the Kingdom’s might to expand their own domains.

Count Kais’s eyes flickered. Though he knew this was an idealistic scenario the King was painting, he was still swayed.

There were several Secret Realms on the Starfall Islands. If they truly conquered them all and the Royal Family didn’t interfere, it would be an immense boon for the Kennedy Clan. It would also fulfill the dream Count Kais had cherished since childhood: for the Kennedy Family to possess a Secret Realm of its own.

"Your Majesty truly wants nothing from the Starfall Islands?" the Count asked again, seeking confirmation.

"Of course. Aside from the previously agreed upon Secret Realm in the Scorching Wind Territory, the Kingdom will not touch anything else!"

Eric’s tone was resolute. "Kais, you need not doubt my word. Furthermore, before the war begins, I will commit this to a royal decree. In the name of the Pruck Clan, I cannot possibly break a promise made to my vassals!"

Count Kais nodded. "I accept your arrangement, Your Majesty!"

The corners of Eric’s mouth lifted slightly as he turned to Duane. "And your opinion?"

Usually, even if the distribution of spoils can’t be finalized at the outset, each party at least has a baseline—things they absolutely want.

These things should be made clear before a war even begins.

But now, the party that should have taken the lion’s share—the King—had immediately renounced all spoils from the Starfall Islands. What was there left to negotiate?

Besides, this was the very opportunity he had been waiting for.

He replied in a deferential tone, "As your vassal, I accept your arrangement!"

"Excellent!"

Eric rose to his feet, smiling. "Since you both agree, then please remain in the Royal Capital for a few more days. I will draft the decree and convene a state council meeting, which I will invite you to attend!"

The three of them discussed the ensuing matters for a while longer. About half an hour later, Duane and Count Kais left the back garden.

Eric was very satisfied with the conversation. It represented another step forward in his plan to reshape the power structure of the Kingdom’s Nobility.

He stood by the Scenic Pool, watching the Black-eyed Cyan Snake coiled on the rockery. The two of them were communicating via their souls.

Eric learned of Duane’s power from the Black-eyed Cyan Snake. If this young man was allowed to grow unchecked, he would very likely become a second Marquis Sean in the future.

However, for now, the young man still had to rely on the Pruck Kingdom’s backing.

His goal was to suppress Duane, not eliminate him entirely.

After all, Duane’s presence could keep Severus in check.

’I’ll have to find a reason to make Duane stay in the Royal Capital for a period of time each year.’

Meanwhile, after leaving the back garden, Count Kais and Duane walked toward the banquet hall. The feast was not yet over.

After they had walked for some time, the excitement churning within Count Kais gradually subsided.

"Duane, do you think I was too hasty in agreeing?"

In hindsight, why would His Majesty give up such a significant prize for no apparent reason?

"As far as I know, there are at least five Secret Realms on the Starfall Islands. They have Black Iron Ore, Fertile Soil, and even rare metals like Cold Iron Ore. Why would His Majesty just give all of that up?"

The more he thought about it, the less sense it made. Was His Majesty really doing all this just to boost their morale and get them to fight eagerly?

"His Majesty has actually set quite a few traps for us," Duane said with a smile.

The Count glanced around before pointing to a dim corner ahead. "Let’s talk over there."

The two men walked over.

"Explain. What traps?"

Duane began, "As I see it, there are two major traps. The first concerns the division of the conquered Territory."

According to the King, the Starfall Islands are to be conquered by the three of us—you, me, and Baron Uriel—and we are to decide how to divide it amongst ourselves.

When it comes to dividing spoils, even the slightest disagreement can spark intense conflict.

To take an extreme example, if you were to demand ownership of all the Secret Realms, would I simply agree?

Conversely, if I were to occupy all the Secret Realms, what would your thoughts be, my lord Count?

History is filled with countless examples of allies and even family turning on one another over matters of profit.

We need not look far; the relationship between the Royal Family and the Smith Clan is already on the verge of collapse.

Who’s to say that you and I, Count Kais, wouldn’t end up at odds over this very issue?

Listening to Duane’s analysis, Count Kais couldn’t help but nod. "You have a point. If a conflict did arise, it would effectively split our alliance."

The Count looked at Duane, his eyes showing no worry. "However, the chances of this driving a wedge between us are extremely low. We can simply negotiate matters as they come. Besides, whatever you want, I will do everything in my power to support you!"