Chapter 144.2: ???????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????????????? (1)

Chapter 144.2: The Suffering of Governing (1)

At Johans words, the mercenaries became excited and stepped forward. They grabbed the vassals by the arms and dragged them away. As the atmosphere turned strange, the vassals panicked and shouted.

Your Excellency! We have surrendered! It is against the rules to treat those who have surrendered like this!UppTodated from nô/v/e/lb(i)n.c(o)/m

We do not accept surrenders after an attack has begun. Execute them. How many have died so far?

At Johans question, the mercenary captains answered awkwardly.

Not only the count but also his wives. . . it seems several vassals have died as well.

The rumors will spread terribly.

Johan clicked his tongue. Now that it had come to this, he didnt even know to what extent bloodshed to expect.

He had gone through the trouble of hosting a banquet to placate the nobles of this kingdom. . .

, .

Clean up the castle. Stop the looting and find the b*stards property. Catch his scribes, attendants and servants, and make them spill what theyve hidden. . .

What should we do with the captured nobles?

Lock them up for now. Ill decide after reviewing the situation.

Originally, he was going to leave the count alone and ruthlessly exploit the meddling vassal families by threatening to leak secrets and refusing ransoms. . .

But now that this had happened, his thoughts became complicated.

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However, the situation unfolded a bit differently from Johans expectations. There was less backlash than he had anticipated.

The families who had come to the banquet sent envoys to congratulate him on his victory and declare that they would become his new vassals.

Your rights will remain as they are.

Your Excellency! Shouldnt you stop them from adhering to their improper religion?!

I have no choice. The republic envoys strongly demanded it. If we force conversions, many merchants will flee across the sea and chaos will ensue. From the republics perspective, trade will become too difficult.

Of course, it wasnt actually a demand from the republics. In fact, if large numbers of merchants fled, the biggest loss would be to Johan rather than to them.

However, it wasnt a completely false statement either. The priests of the religious order couldnt help but resent the republics.

We will make generous donations to the new temple being built for you all, so please dont resent the republic people too much.

. . .Yes. We understand.

Even if we pay a little, we have to speak strongly when negotiating. The count seems like the far-sighted type, so hell know whats most important.

The nobles called a servant and requested an audience. They eagerly prattled on in front of Johan. After listening to it all, Johan nodded and replied.

Cut the bullshit and prepare the ransom within the deadline. Anyone who fails to do so will have their neck severed.

. . .!!!

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Even after alternating between carrots and sticks, it took a solid six months to stabilize the kingdom.

In fact, this speed was enormously fast. It would have been completely impossible without Johan.

During this time, Johan tenaciously suppressed rebellions, appeased families, and solicited new supporters.

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!

The wealthy orcs of the kingdom were surprised yet delighted by the new counts friendly overtures. They had never imagined that the invader from across the sea would show them favor.

Envoys have come from Gilsina, Your Excellency.

Gilsina, the port city closest to the peninsula across the kingdom. It was a city that had purchased autonomy from the former count.

Johan clicked his tongue.

They probably came to grumble over their loss, right?

I suppose so.

The city had nothing to be regretful over. Not only were they financially affluent, but they also had a decent number of mercenaries. They were also connected to the Emperor across the sea.

As such, Johan could not casually issue orders to them either. In fact, despite having just ascended the throne here, Johan had not made any particular demands of Gilsina. He hadnt even demanded the customary congratulatory gift.

. . .

No matter how tenacious Johan was, it seemed he would explode.

. . . .

However, as soon as the envoys finished their greetings, they began weeping and pleading.

Please help us, Your Excellency!

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