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As soon as the new policy was introduced, the entire noble class of the Luen Kingdom was stunned, followed by anger.
They did not mind a change of king.
Because their interests would not be harmed, and the new king, to secure his throne, would have to protect their interests.
But now, the new regime not only intended to seize their territories but also to strip them of their noble status and privileges.
This was undoubtedly a death sentence for them.
The nobles had heard about the war outside the Royal City, but only a small fraction had witnessed it firsthand, completely unaware of what they were about to face this time.
War broke out again!
For half a month straight, the Luen Kingdom was engulfed in a bloodbath, with the death toll quickly exceeding 30,000 and still rising.
Among the dead were the nobles themselves, their loyal knights and retainers, and even some common people who were defending their "masters."
In the Royal Palace
Daichi was somewhat shocked by his subordinates' reports.
Those nobles, corrupt and extravagant, had accumulated countless riches. If they were willing to part with a portion of their wealth, it would be more than enough to pay the Heavenly Tribute and allow the common people to live in peace.
Less than 5% of the nobles controlled 95% of the entire country's wealth.
Yet, even when the country lost its status as a World Government member nation, they were unwilling to contribute a single cent to help the nation. They were even more ruthless than he was.
To better create wealth, he spared no expense in initial investments, and he would ensure the livelihood of the common people, even finding ways to improve their happiness index and work enthusiasm.
"Damn it!"
Daichi's eyes were bloodshot.
This was all his money!
If anyone was going to exploit, it could only be him!
The upcoming development of North Blue required a large amount of capital.
Infrastructure, building fortresses, shipbuilding.
All required money!
"Daichi-sama!"
Kikara came to report, "That knight Kelt wants to see you."
"Kelt?"
Daichi thought for a few seconds and remembered the other party's identity—the former king whom he had almost cut in half with one strike.
He was a promising talent.
He had not struck him down ruthlessly at the time, intending to keep him to see if he could be used, but he had been rescued by the Revolutionary Army.
He did not expect him to deliver himself to his doorstep.
"Tell him to wait for me in the Royal Palace Hall."
"Yes."
Half an hour later
Kelt stood in the center of the hall, his injuries mostly healed after more than half a month of recuperation.
Looking at the man on the throne, Kelt bowed and requested, "Your Majesty, I beg you to stop the slaughter."
"I'm not here to be a king, so there's no need to call me Your Majesty."
Daichi waved his hand.
He had no time to be a king. Once the matters in North Blue were dealt with, he would have to immediately return to Hoenn Fortress.
Besides the Luen Kingdom, there were other kingdoms waiting for him to handle. On this expedition, his army had captured ten non-member nations!
However, the Luen Kingdom had the largest population, which made him value it the most. Population was not only labor but also a source of soldiers.
The World Government had so many strong individuals precisely because over 170 member nations continuously supplied fresh blood.
His Hoenn Government had already taken shape and needed sufficient military strength. Otherwise, how could he stabilize his rule over North Blue?
Just relying on flags was not enough. There were too many pirates who were not afraid of death.
Kelt was stunned.
If he was not going to be king, then why occupy this country?
Daichi observed Kelt.
This guy's strength was quite good. Becoming a Rear Admiral in the Marines would be no problem, and with a few years of training, he might even advance to a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral.
Among many great nations, the strongest warriors were generally at similar levels, not as good as the best but better than the worst.
The Yonko and Admirals also originated from various kingdoms, but monsters like them were exceptions and rarely remained in their own countries.
The World Government spared no effort in plundering strong individuals.
Daichi asked with interest, "I heard you have a high reputation in this country and are even called the Radiant Knight?"
"Yes."
Kelt nodded bitterly.
As a knight, he failed to protect his country.
"That's a good title."
Daichi praised him.
Kelt took a deep breath.
He knew that coming to the Royal Palace would most likely result in his death, but the other party's order to rescue wounded soldiers after the war gave him hope.
Perhaps the other party was not so evil.
"Sir, I implore you to stop the slaughter. Innocent people are being implicated and killed every moment now, and they are now your subjects!"
"Innocent?"
Daichi's gaze turned cold. "Whether it's royalty, nobles, knights, soldiers, or even ignorant common people, defying my orders is a capital offense!"
"Perhaps many people were indeed coerced into resisting by the nobles, but the consequence is that they must pay the price for their foolishness!"
"This also..."
Kelt's face turned pale.
Many nobles certainly deserved to die, but their families were innocent, and the common people in the noble territories knew nothing!
"Sir—"
"Knight, don't push your luck!"
Daichi coldly shouted, "It's only because you're still somewhat useful that I'm giving you the chance to speak with me. Who do you think I am!"
"I'm sorry, Sir!"
Kelt lowered his head, clenching his teeth.
The heavy pressure prevented him from even straightening his back, as if he would die the next moment, and this pressure came solely from the other party's aura.
Daichi retracted his aura. "Knight, if you still have some brains, what you should be concerned about now is not how many people die, but the future of this country."
Kelt's heart trembled.
The future of the Kingdom!
He had been affected by the pirates' slaughter and had overlooked this most important issue.
Daichi raised his hand as a signal.
Kikara immediately stepped forward and handed a new policy to Kelt.
"This is..."
Kelt flipped through the new policy, growing more astonished with each page.
Population census, land lease policy, warrior selection plan, foreign trade, resource development and infrastructure, market regulation...
Almost every clause of the new policy was related to the common people and was entirely beneficial to them, many of which he had never thought of.
"You've collaborated with the Revolutionary Army, so you should be able to understand these, right?"
Kelt nodded, sweating profusely.
He finally understood why the other party wanted to purge the nobles. With the old system dominated by nobles, such policies would be impossible to implement.
Daichi asked with interest.
"Knight, tell me your thoughts."
"This is a strategy to strengthen the nation!"
Kelt's voice was incredibly hoarse.
He had served as king for over half a year and clearly understood the terrifying nature of the new policy. Simply put, it was about unifying the national will and concentrating efforts on major undertakings.
The will of the ruler—no, the will of the man before him—was the will of all the people in the entire nation!
But precisely because of this, it would be powerful!
As a former king, he was all too aware of the nobles' greed. Any pro-people decree he issued would face severe obstruction.
This was something he could never achieve.
"Jiehahahaha!"
Daichi burst into laughter. "I thought you were a stagnant knight, clinging to old customs, but it turns out you have some brains after all."
"Good!"
"Radiant Knight Kelt, are you interested in serving me?"
"Daichi-sama."
Kelt knelt on one knee, his right arm across his chest. "I am willing to be your spear and charge into battle for you!"