Chapter 1739: Chapter 119: Making Things Difficult (3)
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Similar scenes are constantly playing out in various nations of the Human Race. Realizing the severity of the issue, governments of all countries are discussing how to conduct self-inspections.
Although it was the "Sanctuary clan" that was exposed, other invaders were the ones to first face the Human Race’s thunderous counterattack.
Compared to other countries, the Alpha Kingdom was rather slow to react in this divine kingdom struggle.
This is because the prior decision of the government was to observe first, and not many were sent to take risks in the divine kingdom’s large forces.
Those who were eager to participate were either coveting divine status or the Major Nobles who were not doing well domestically and would be eliminated if they didn’t put in more effort.
The Rocknard Family.
Upon receiving a letter from the Capital, Duke Torsten was so anxious that he started stomping his feet.
Had he known the divine kingdom was so dangerous, he should not have sent anyone to meddle.
Not only did they fail to find divine status, but their Exploration Team also suffered heavy losses.
Just when they thought things couldn’t get worse, it turned out that these survivors actually became dangerous elements.
Worst of all, the one responsible for investigating this matter was an old enemy of theirs.
Hudson has a good reputation in the Kingdom, and on the surface, he has never deliberately retaliated against anyone.
However, Duke Torsten did not dare to pin his hopes on the integrity of an enemy.
A charge of "demonic possession" could be imposed, allowing for summary execution.
If he were shameless, he might as well eliminate this Duke altogether, which wasn’t impossible.
Once one "Evil Spirit" is found, there could be countless Evil Spirits.
The right to interpret lies in the hands of the strong, and as the Kingdom’s foremost Strongman, Hudson himself held the most authoritative right to interpret.
The Nobles of the North have always been on the periphery of the Kingdom’s noble circle; if they were out of luck, there would certainly be more onlookers than helpers.
If Hudson were to maneuver cleverly, even the Nobles of the North themselves might betray the Rocknard Family in exchange for a political truce.
After all, it was only the Rocknard Family that had a blood feud with the Koslow Family; it didn’t concern the other four families.
"Allies" stem from interests; there is no betrayal, only insufficient stakes for betrayal.
In recent years, the five major families in the north have been severely weakened.
First, the Kingdom Government’s subsidies were cut, and then their smuggling trade routes with the Orcs were also severed.
Due to the high transit taxes imposed in past years, many Northern Border nobles are still sulking and have directly closed off trade channels between the two parties.
A series of blows led to a precipitous decline in the financial income of the five major families.
Days of living beyond their means were certainly tough; financial troubles directly affected their military construction.
In an era where the military strength of the Kingdom’s provinces was steadily rising, these families not only failed to keep up with the times but instead experienced continuous decline.
The concrete manifestation was that the Kingdom’s Great Army continued to triumph on the battlefield, yet the names of the Nobles of the North were absent from the list of those who made meritorious deeds.
It was blatant revenge, yet they couldn’t find fault with it.
Military task assignments are the Commander’s power.
Not liking them means not using them in battles, which is understandable.
Important tasks never fell to them, but glamorous yet challenging tasks were often thrust upon them.
If Hudson could not be toppled, compromise was the only option.
"Duke, Marshal Hudson has arrived with his men."
Upon hearing his Attendant’s words, Duke Torsten broke out in a cold sweat on his forehead.
"Quickly... invite them in!"
Uttering the word "invite" with difficulty, Duke Torsten used up much of his strength.
What must come will come.
Complaining was meaningless; compared to the actions of their ancestors, Hudson was already very benevolent.
At least he hadn’t resorted to using another’s hand to kill or allowed many descendants of the Rocknard Family to perish on the battlefield.
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"Duke Torsten, we have a heavy task, so let’s cut to the chase.
Bring over the people you sent to the divine kingdom immediately, including those who have frequent and close contact with them."
Glancing at the lavish banquet laid out, Hudson said coldly.
Since this was a blood feud between families, there was no need to give any face.
Duke Torsten’s preparations were destined to be useless, no matter how opulent the banquet, he was never going to touch it.
"Marshal, ever since we received the notice, we’ve been gathering them.
Please, you and the Respected Ones dine first, they will be here shortly!"
As he spoke, Duke Torsten cast a pleading glance at several other Kingdom’s Sacred Domain members present.
Unfortunately, it was all in vain; the premise for providing justice was for Hudson to have done something utterly unforgivable, and merely refusing to dine was not considered a big deal at all.