Chapter 1678: Chapter 97: The Alliance’s Original Intention (Part 2)
If nothing unexpected happens, once the turmoil subsides, they can return to the court once again.
Perhaps their power will be slightly diminished, but the future of their descendants is preserved.
Due to their momentary greed, when the emerging nobility’s descendants realized something was amiss, it was already too late to withdraw.
The Conservative Faction had prepared for so long before acting; if they didn’t see some results, how could the leading big shots face the end?
In the current situation, whoever stands out has to bear the brunt of the Conservative Faction’s attack. Caesar IV couldn’t withstand it, and the emerging nobles definitely can’t.
At the onset of the political storm, the core members of the Conservative Faction secretly met with Hudson, unbeknownst to outsiders.
The current struggle is actually still within the agreed framework of both parties. Hudson’s bottom line is very clear: political struggle is allowed, but no bloodshed!
The actions of the Conservative Faction indeed appear formidable right now, but so far, not a single reformist official has been killed.
In the harsh political struggle, maintaining such restraint is already quite commendable.
As for the end of a political career, those who participated in this game must be prepared for elimination.
Hudson is not a nanny. Although he represents the emerging nobility, he is also the kingdom’s marshal. Power struggles are fine, but the kingdom’s strength cannot be diminished.
By not participating in the game, he is actually maintaining the kingdom’s stability. In some sense, Hudson’s neutrality at this moment represents not only himself but also the kingdom’s military.
The political storm has continued until now without involving any military leaders, which is the result of Hudson’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering.
However, all these are destined never to come to light!
After dismissing the King’s Special Envoy, Hudson immediately announced his seclusion to the public, disappearing from external view.
...
Black Forest Kingdom.
As the greatest victim of the Earth Core race’s invasion, the war brought tremendous shock to the Black Forest People.
Especially after witnessing the power of the Alpha Kingdom Expeditionary Army, it further heightened the crisis awareness among the country’s insightful individuals. Reason told them that without changes, the "ship of the Black Forest Kingdom" was going to sink.
When the wave of "reform" swept across the continent, the Black Forest People also joined this movement.
The nobles who previously suffered from the Different Races’ invasion and those ravaged by the Earth Core race formed an alliance, becoming the backbone of the reform.
The first to pass was military reform. This time, without any obstacles, the comprehensive reserve plan was approved and put into practice.
The entire country turned into military camps. The Noble Lords, who learned from the bloody lessons, were determined to train an elite army this time.
Along with military reform, the logistical system reform also made significant progress.
On the positive side, there’s also a negative side. Like the Alpha Kingdom, the Black Forest People who suffered from war also faced a fiscal crisis.
Half of the kingdom was ravaged by war, cutting government revenue in half, but government expenses did not decrease.
Everyone understands the principle of increasing revenue and cutting expenditures, but facing the heavy pressure of post-war reconstruction, it’s genuinely difficult to "increase or cut."
"How are things going, have they agreed to lend us money?"
Alexander V asked with concern.
Among the Human Kingdoms now, there are only two and a half capable of providing them with reconstruction funds.
These are the Frank Empire, the Iberia Kingdom, and the Falcon Kingdom overseas is considered half, all of which profited from the war.
Wealth from the Central Continent and South Continent is flowing towards these three.
Originally, the Alpha Kingdom also took part, but unfortunately, the domestic market is too closed to embrace this wave of prosperity.
The capital transferred from the Central Continent merely passed through and moved out again.
Not only is private capital flowing out massively, but some small and medium-sized nobles specializing in commerce have also shifted their business focus abroad.
"Your Majesty, the Frank people and the Iberian People are willing to provide loans to us, but they’ve also set conditions.
Besides requiring that half of the loan amount must purchase goods from their countries, they’ve also demanded a full market opening.
The industrial and commercial development of the South Continent has always been at the forefront of the continent, with the Frank Empire and the Iberia Kingdom being the best among them.
Once the restrictions are lifted..."
Marquis Krasner said with difficulty.
As the Minister of Foreign Affairs, he’s not only involved in diplomacy; he also needs to understand economic matters.
With the Alpha Kingdom, mutual market opening isn’t daunting. After all, their productivity is similar, and the Central Continent’s industry and commerce are even more advanced. After opening the market, the impact is minimal.
But with the Frank and Iberia, it’s a different story. These two countries represent the most advanced productivity among humans, even the entire continent.
Once their products enter, the Black Forest Kingdom’s industry and commerce will definitely be impacted.
Unlike the Alpha Kingdom, where most tax revenue comes from agriculture, nearly one-third of the Black Forest’s fiscal income comes from industry and commerce.
"This is like inviting wolves into the house!"
Chancellor Duke Milton immediately rebuked.
A loan can only solve urgent needs, but if it impacts the domestic economy, the effects will be ongoing and might even threaten the stability of the regime.
Facing these two giants, the Frank Empire and the Iberia Kingdom, the Black Forest Kingdom is undoubtedly at a disadvantage, and he can’t see these two Human Empires as benevolent.