Chapter 1381 - 588: Royal Authority Law (Part 3)

Chapter 1381: Chapter 588: Royal Authority Law (Part 3)

"My duke, I have one question." At this moment, Count Durin gritted his teeth and asked, "Are you targeting only us, the Old Musillon Nobility, or do you mean that under your command, all the Knightly Nobility in the future Knight Kingdom will be treated the same?"

"Everyone will be treated the same." Laine’s voice was icy cold.

"Then... our answer is, yes!" Surprisingly, the representative of the Old Musillon Nobility immediately made a decision: "Please tell us the third point, Duke!"

"Third, concerning the military power of vassals, as my vassals, once I request, all vassals can only retain castle guard forces and a small portion of mobile forces; all remaining troops must gather with me and follow my command. Moreover, I have the authority to appoint military commanders; if I appoint a military commander, even if his rank is lower or equal to yours, you must still obey his orders. Can you do that?" Laine was a bit surprised at how promptly the counts agreed; the duke tried to keep his expression and voice calm.

"We can." What the two counts agreed on previously was acceptable, and they wouldn’t object to this clause either.

"Very good." Laine nodded, considering this as the first step of his reform: "Alright, you can go back and tell all the local nobles that if they can accept the above three points, I will accept their loyalty completely. If they cannot, it’s simple; they can continue to be knightly nobles in Leonais, but the ceded land belongs to Musillon, and they must find their own fief elsewhere."

Before he finished speaking, Laine sneered and said, "If some nobles occupy the land, are unwilling to pledge allegiance to me, and claim to be Musillon people while refusing to go to Leonais, then it becomes interesting. Brittania has only these duchies. If they don’t want to be Leonais nor Musillon, then they might as well not be Brittania people at all!"

"What do the two of you think of my proposal?" The duke’s blue eyes stared at the representatives of the Musillon Nobles; despite Laine’s still youthful appearance, his gaze as sharp as a blade made the two Hundred Battle Knights shiver together.

"Some... some nobles are just momentarily confused, still thinking this is a chance to expand their autonomy. We definitely, definitely will persuade them all to pledge allegiance to His Grace the Duke." Count Larot swallowed and quickly said, "Those stubborn ones are only a small part. We Old Musillon people are of course willing to follow the duke."

"They only want rights, not responsibilities, and crave freedom, so I will grant them that." Laine nodded: "I have always respected individual will greatly... Well, it’s your turn to make requests."

"We need the duke’s support to quell the rebellion within our territories." Count Durin instantly said impatiently, "Aside from that, we also need food support. We hope His Grace can quickly send troops to help us control those riotous areas."

"I can, I will send a team of Old Guard to lead two Peasant Infantry Corps, along with a squad of Dwarf Artillery to support you." Laine agreed: "Once the rebellion is quelled, you will join forces to support Leonais!"

"Yes!"

After briefly discussing the details, the two counts left feeling both relieved and heavy-hearted; they would return to their domains to convey Laine’s will.

After the two counts had left, Laine withdrew from his imposing duke demeanor, noticing his head maid still looked at him with some fear, so he smiled: "What’s wrong? Sylvie? Were you frightened?"

"No... just a bit scared." The head maid’s complexion didn’t look very good; she whispered: "You make it feel a bit unlike being the lady’s husband."

"Things at home and outside are certainly different." Laine laughed, leaning back in his chair: "Alright, the date continues!"

"Eh? Continue?" The head maid’s face turned red: "Shouldn’t we go back?"

"No, we continue." Laine nodded, smiling rather mischievously: "There’s a performance in the town tonight!"

"A famous clown artist, Poshen Watt, will be performing his performance art in town, let’s go take a look!"

"Remember to call for protection!"