Chapter 371 371-Internal Division

Chapter 371 371-Internal Division

The Habsburg members currently held moderate military positions within the army, infusing it with a martial spirit and attracting young people to enlist.

Neplon suggested that the matter could be put aside for the time being.

However, Howard couldn't tolerate this response.

Slamming his hand on a birch wood table, he loudly ordered Golan, "Arrest them! Anyone who resists, take them into custody!"

Bosiden stepped forward and cautioned, "Your Majesty, please reconsider. Such action might be seen as persecution of the former royal family. On the continent, this is a serious matter. It's better to avoid this approach if possible."

Grinding his teeth, Howard retorted, "I don't want to do this either, but she, a Habsburg clan leader, dared to extend her reach into the castle of my vassal. She is at fault here."

Bosiden adjusted his collar, clearly uncomfortable in his new outfit, with the top button constricting his neck.

He suggested, "Let's just send someone to reprimand Nora and let the matter rest. After all, the Habsburg family has been operating in Oli for hundreds of years. While their fall from power is in accordance with the rules, taking action against their civilian members could lead to controversy."

In response, Howard kicked the table, sending it rolling down the stairs with a thunderous noise.

His eyes reddening, he pointed at Golan and commanded, "Go! Do it now! Anyone who obstructs is opposing me!"

Golan, leading his men, was stopped outside the Habsburg family's garden villa.

Although not as grand and beautiful as the imperial palace in the capital, the Habsburg's villa was still significantly larger and more luxurious than the typical noble's residence.

Members of the Habsburg family barred Golan's entry, believing that allowing the king's men to apprehend a member of their family would bring shame upon them.

However, they failed to consider one critical fact: Nora's plot to harm for wealth and power was hardly honorable.

Whether they hadn't thought of this or deliberately chose to ignore it remained unclear.

They were merely adhering to a narrow-minded conservatism, insistent that the gates of the Habsburg estate should not be breached by those coming to make arrests.

Golan, having served as Howard's personal guard for some time, was experienced in dealing with such matters.

He was aware of the Habsburg family's significant influence in the capital, but he also knew Howard was genuinely enraged and would not rest until the matter was resolved.

Golan first had his guards surround the Habsburg villa, then, with a group of senior guards, he placed chairs at the villa's gate and began playing cards in a relaxed manner.

It was morning, and a Habsburg maid was preparing to go out to shop for groceries.

Seeing the royal guards playing cards at the gate, she dared not leave.

She returned and reported the situation to Nora, who commented, "If they want to sit, let them sit. What's so special about playing cards? They can play cards here or back at their quarters. In such an environment, surrounded by onlookers, they won't be at ease. If we wait them out, they'll become impatient before we do."

By noon, Howard, growing impatient, asked Bosiden, "Why haven't Golan and his men apprehended anyone yet? What are they doing?"

The typically ruthless and heartless Nora made an erroneous decision.

Being cold and unfeeling does not always equate to being calm and thoughtful.

Often, an approach marked by coldness and ruthlessness can be less effective than one of warmth and hospitality.

Nora responded by lowering the supply grade of these two young Habsburg members.

Although the term "supply grade" might sound sophisticated, for these younger members of the Habsburg family, it essentially equated to their allowance.

Although they knew nothing about ports and ships, they had adopted the extravagant lifestyle typical of the capital's nobility, resulting in significant monthly expenses.

Normally, such behavior would be subject to discipline, but at this critical juncture, Nora's decision risked losing her grip over the family's internal dynamics.

Maximilian, after leaving the room, carefully closed the ebony-

colored ancient doors, his expression returning to sternness.

He proceeded to a side hall, where he relayed Nora's decision to the two young men.

As the words fell, one of them panicked, his world seemingly collapsing.

His knees buckled, almost dropping to the floor, as he wailed, "No, how will I survive without this money!"

The other, Nora's nephew, appeared both shocked and angered.

He also felt humiliated and resentful, being equated to someone of lower status in punishment.

Those of higher status often feel disgraced when treated the same as commoners – a psychological trait typical among the continent's nobility.

Nora's nephew clenched his fists, his neck turning red with anger.

He staggered a few steps towards Maximilian, deliberately raising his clenched right fist to face level as a show of defiance, or perhaps as a threat.

Maximilian turned his head away, deliberately avoiding the scene, providing Nora's nephew a moment to cool down.

However, the nephew lacked such awareness and furiously confronted Maximilian, shouting, "Why are you cutting my funds? I am Nora's nephew, the current family head's nephew! Who dares to reduce my allowance? Is it because you, Maximilian, have a grudge against me and are deliberately making things difficult? I'll take this up with my aunt!"

A look of disgust crossed Maximilian's face.

He kicked Nora's nephew away and, patting the outer side of his shoe that had made contact, said, "Humph, the decision to cut your allowance was made by the family head herself. I've made it clear enough for you. Don't push your luck!"

The other young man, in a spirit of shared misfortune, crouched down to help Nora's nephew up.

After Maximilian left the side hall, he said to his companion, "I told you so, didn't I? She only cares about her own money. To her, you all are inconsequential."