The moment the new policy was announced, the entire noble class of the Rune Kingdom was stunned, followed swiftly by outrage.
They didn't mind a change in kings.
Because their interests wouldn't be harmed—any new king who wanted to secure the throne would have to protect their privileges.
But now, the new regime wasn't just taking their lands; it was stripping them of their noble titles and privileges.
This was nothing short of a death sentence for them.
The nobles had heard rumors of the war outside the capital, but only a handful had witnessed it firsthand. They had no idea what they were truly up against this time.
War erupted once more!
For half a month straight, the Rune Kingdom was drenched in bloodshed. The death toll quickly surpassed thirty thousand and continued to rise.
Among the dead were not just the nobles themselves but also the knights and retainers who followed them—even some commoners who stood by their "masters."
In the palace, Gurd found the reports from his subordinates deeply unsettling.
Those nobles, corrupt and extravagant, had amassed unimaginable wealth. Had they been willing to part with even a fraction of it, it would have been more than enough to pay the Celestial Tribute and allow the common folk to live comfortably.
Less than 5% of the nobility controlled 95% of the nation's wealth.
Yet even as the country lost its status as a World Government affiliate, they refused to contribute a single coin to help.
They were even more ruthless than him.
To create greater wealth, Gurd had spared no expense in early investments. He ensured the well-being of the common people and even sought ways to boost their happiness and productivity.
"Damn them all!"
Gurd's eyes burned with fury.
That was his money they were hoarding!
If anyone was going to exploit it, it should be him!
The development of the North Blue required massive funding.
Infrastructure, fortress construction, shipbuilding—everything demanded money!
"Lord Gurd!"
Chikara arrived with a report. "That knight, Celt, wishes to see you."
"Celt?"
Gurd took a moment to recall the man's identity—the former king he had nearly cleaved in two with a single strike.
A promising talent.
He hadn't gone for the kill back then, intending to see if the man could be of use later. But the Revolutionary Army had rescued him.
To think he'd come back on his own.
"Have him wait for me in the palace hall."
"Yes."
Half an hour later.
Celt stood at the center of the hall. After more than two weeks of recovery, most of his injuries had healed.
Gazing at the man seated on the throne, Celt bowed and pleaded, "Your Majesty, I beg you to stop the slaughter."
"I'm not here to be king. There's no need to call me 'Your Majesty.'"
Gurd waved dismissively.
He had no time to play monarch. Once matters in the North Blue were settled, he'd need to return to Hoenn Fortress immediately.
Beyond the Rune Kingdom, there were other kingdoms awaiting his attention. During this campaign, his forces had conquered ten non-affiliated nations!
But the Rune Kingdom, with its large population, was his primary focus. People were not just labor—they were soldiers.
The World Government had so many powerful figures precisely because its 170-plus affiliate nations provided a constant influx of fresh blood.
His Hoenn government was already taking shape, and it needed sufficient military strength to solidify its rule over the North Blue.
A flag alone wasn't enough—there were too many fearless Pirates out there.
Celt was stunned.
If he wasn't here to be king, why had he seized the country?
Gurd studied Celt intently.
This guy's strength is quite impressive. He could easily become a Rear Admiral in the Navy, and with a few years of training, he might even advance to a Vice Admiral.
Among the major nations, the strongest warriors are generally at a similar level—not the best, but certainly far from the worst.
The Four Emperors and Admirals also hail from these great kingdoms, but monsters like them are exceptions and rarely remain in their home countries.
The World Government spares no effort in recruiting the strong.
Gurd asked with interest, "I heard you have a high reputation in this country and are even called the Radiant Knight?"
"Yes."
Celt nodded bitterly.
As a knight, he had failed to protect his own country.
"That's a fine title."
Gurd praised him.
Celt took a deep breath.
He knew coming to the palace would likely result in his death, but the other party's order to rescue the wounded after the war had given him hope.
Perhaps this man wasn't as evil as he seemed.
"My lord, I beg you to stop the slaughter. Innocent people are being killed every moment—they are your subjects now!"
"Innocent?"
Gurd's gaze turned cold. "Whether they are nobles, knights, soldiers, or even ignorant commoners, defiance of my orders is a capital offense!"
"Perhaps many were indeed coerced by the nobles into rebellion, but the consequence is that they must pay for their stupidity!"
"This is..."
Celt's face paled.
Many nobles deserved death, but their families were innocent, as were the commoners in their territories who knew nothing!
"My lord—"
"Knight, don't push your luck!"
Gurd snapped coldly. "I'm only giving you this chance to speak because you might still be useful. Who do you think I am?!"
"Forgive me, my lord!"
Celt lowered his head, clenching his teeth.
The crushing pressure made it impossible for him to straighten his back, as if death were imminent—and this pressure came merely from the other's aura.
Gurd withdrew his presence. "Knight, if you have any sense left, you should be concerned not with how many die, but with this country's future."
"..."
Celt's heart trembled.
The kingdom's future!
He had been so affected by the Pirates' slaughter that he had overlooked this most crucial issue.
Gurd raised a hand in signal.
Chikara immediately stepped forward and handed Celt a new policy document.
"This is..."
As Celt flipped through the document, his shock grew with each page.
Population census, land lease policies, warrior selection programs, foreign trade, resource development and infrastructure, market regulation...
Nearly every item in the new policy concerned the common people, all designed to benefit them—many were ideas he had never even considered.
"You've worked with the Revolutionary Army before. You should understand these, no?"
"..."
Celt nodded, sweating profusely.
He finally understood why this man was purging the nobility. Under the old noble-dominated system, such policies would have been impossible to implement.
Gurd asked with interest,
"Knight, share your thoughts."
"This is a strategy to strengthen the nation!"
Celt's voice was hoarse.
Having served as king for over half a year, he knew exactly how terrifying these new policies were. In simple terms, they unified the nation's will and concentrated its strength to achieve great things.
The ruler's will—no, this man's will—would become the will of every citizen in the entire country!
And precisely because of that, it would become powerful!
Having once been a king, he knew all too well the greed of the nobility. Any policy he introduced for the people's welfare would face severe obstruction.
This was something he could never accomplish.
"Jie hahaha!"
Gurd burst into laughter. "I thought you were some pedantic knight, clinging to outdated customs. Turns out you've got a decent head on your shoulders."
"Good!"
"Knight of Radiance, Celt, would you be interested in serving me?"
"Lord Gurd."
Celt knelt on one knee, his right arm crossed over his chest. "I shall be your spear, charging into battle for you!"
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