Chapter 415: Chapter 410: Scene of Double Standards

Through the widespread use of the Blessing Technique, many of Duane’s soldiers achieved breakthroughs in their strength, netting him several hundred new Junior, Middle, and Senior Level Warriors, and over a dozen who entered the Tier Realm.

Unfortunately, the number of his Celestial and Earth Tier experts did not increase.

For one, he had very few people in the Tier Realm to begin with;

for another, even for those he did have, like the Human Tier Warrior Ross, the Blessing Spell was unsuitable because they had not yet reached the peak of their respective realms.

Even though some of the blessed individuals saw no change, this collective, large-scale breakthrough still made Duane’s army more cohesive. It also gave the soldiers a stronger sense of motivation. Whether carrying out assigned tasks, conducting daily patrols, or training, they were all far more dedicated than before.

Duane couldn’t help but reflect on the benefits of a major victory. ’And this effect will last for a long time to come.’

"I imagine you’re no longer worried about your population problem?"

Count Kais savored a treasured coconut wine from Duke Eldrin’s cellar. Its flavor was incredibly sweet and refreshing, with a rich coconut aroma that left a lingering aftertaste with every sip.

"The population issue is more or less resolved. However, the Star Sea Clan has operated here for a very long time. I’m afraid it will take a while for them to fully accept me as their new Lord."

Despite the Star Sea Clan’s extreme exploitation and oppression of the common folk, the population in this territory numbered between two and three hundred thousand—a considerable figure.

"The common folk are easily satisfied. Just grant them a few small benefits. Besides, you’re so powerful, it doesn’t really matter whether they accept you or not. Do they dare defy your commands?"

Duane laughed. What the Count said was true.

Since the Duke’s Territory had changed hands, chaos had erupted in the major cities on several occasions. However, it was all just so-called turf wars between local gangs vying for resources and influence; not one of them dared to direct their aggression toward Duane.

As for these gangs, Duane had Simone lead a team to suppress them ruthlessly.

Some were killed, others were captured. After making an example of a few, the chaos subsided.

"I’ve used up the rest of the Black Bear hides over the past couple of days. In total, I created four Demon Beast Contract Scrolls."

Duane took out three of them. "I’m keeping one in reserve for Natalia. The rest are for you."

Count Kais hastily put down his wine cup, accepted the three Scrolls, and stroked them fondly. "Such a high success rate?"

"Practice makes perfect," Duane said with a smile.

’It’s mainly because my Skill Level reached the Skilled Level, which greatly increased the success rate for the last few. Otherwise, I would have only been able to produce two or three.’

The Count chuckled. "Well now, I imagine Marles and the others will be thrilled for a while."

With the great victory in battle, Duane was preparing to bestow rewards, and as Lords themselves, Count Kais and Baron Uriel would naturally be doing the same.

However, they had acquired less territory, so with the exception of a few individuals, most of their people would not be receiving rewards like land or manors.

Gold, spoils of war, Magic Potions, and weapons were all excellent alternatives.

"I’ve heard about that new vassal system you’re implementing. It’s quite innovative, and certainly challenging. But since you rose from nothing and built your forces from the ground up, there’s no one to oppose it," Count Kais remarked suddenly.

News travels fast, not that Duane had any intention of hiding the matter in the first place.

The Count put the Scrolls away safely and asked, "I just wonder... when you one day establish your own kingdom, or even unify the entire Shadow Mist Continent, will you still enforce this policy?"

Although he hadn’t said it outright, Duane understood the underlying meaning.

If this system were fully implemented, it would mean the Kennedy Clan would have to relinquish their territory, the Silent Shore. After all, the Count was one of Duane’s supporters.

But making a Lord give up his territory was a difficult business. If handled poorly, it could create a rift between them, or at the very least, an awkward situation.

"I will. I will implement this system!"

Duane said firmly, noticing a slight flicker in Count Kais’s expression, though it vanished as quickly as it appeared.

"The current system of feudal lords makes a kingdom seem incredibly fractured. To centralize power for any major undertaking requires convening a royal assembly, which is not only inefficient but also gives certain people an opportunity to pursue their own ambitions."

He took a deep breath. "The feudal system, Slaves, serfs... In my view, these are all relics of the past that hold society back. They cannot adapt to the new world brought by the Elemental Tide. They should all be abolished!"

Count Kais fell silent, but inwardly, he agreed with this sentiment.

He had recognized this problem himself while managing the Silent Shore, which was why his policies showed a certain degree of consideration for the common people.

That was how the population of the Silent Shore had grown to between seven and eight hundred thousand.

"Strengthening the King’s authority... that’s what King Eric wants to do as well, but you’re even more radical than he is. Reform doesn’t happen overnight. If other lords learn of your intentions, it might stop them from siding with you, or even from pledging their allegiance early on."

On the surface, his words were supportive of Duane, but they carried a subtle warning, reminding him not to be too radical and to leave himself some leeway.

Duane smiled. "Of course, I’m aware of that. That’s why I intend to preserve the current system of lords."

"Oh? And how do you plan to do that?" the Count asked, his interest piqued.

"If, one day, I truly unify the Shadow Mist Continent, then as per our agreement, I will give you the current domains of the Pruck Kingdom to rule. That part would operate under the old feudal system. As for the nobles who prefer the old ways, I will consolidate their territories within the current Fidun Kingdom, or concentrate them in another specific region."

This would create a single empire with two different systems for the nobility, with Duane’s new model being the dominant one.

Hearing this, Count Kais burst out laughing. "It seems I’ll be the one who has to worry about how to limit the nobles’ power, then?"

A change in status naturally brings a change in perspective.

If Count Kais were to one day sit on a throne, he too would be thinking about how to prevent those beneath him from threatening his rule.

Duane had said that many nobles in the Pruck Kingdom were ambitious and wished to break away to form their own independent states. In truth, he was one of them.

It might sound hypocritical, but to build the world he envisioned, these things had to be done.

At least, in his process of centralizing power, Duane intended to give the common people a better life than they had now.

After this clarification, Count Kais’s mood visibly improved. He picked up his glass again, sipping the coconut wine and continuing their lighthearted conversation.

A short while later, John knocked on the reception hall door. "My Lord, Hardy has returned. He is outside, requesting an audience with you."

Duane’s eyes lit up. "Bring him here at once."

The Count set down his glass. "Should I excuse myself?" he asked.

"No need!"

Duane said, "It’s a perfect opportunity. We can hear what Howard’s attitude is together."

’Under normal circumstances, a round trip from the Crown of Tides to Sun Stealer Castle would take half a month. But Hardy was gone for twenty-seven days this time, far longer than a normal trip. He must have encountered some trouble over there.’

Hardy looked haggard and travel-worn, his beard thick and unkempt from many days on the road.

As soon as he entered the reception hall, he dropped to one knee, bowed his head, and said, "My apologies, My Lord. Hardy has failed to bring back satisfying news!"

Duane and Count Kais exchanged a glance, both seeing the surprise in the other’s eyes.

"Stand up and tell us what happened. Slowly."

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