387 Hushed Voices
“Of course, the first step is the hardest part in the journey towards development and progress. I must acknowledge that and so in order to assist with the trouble of facing this issue, I would like to offer my guidance to those who wish to implement the same thing in their own settlements.” Lucius offered with a calm smile on his face to win over the crowd.
“Ah yes, it really is hard to start things. I’ve already tried to do something like this before, you know?” Baron Hugh whispered to the people who were willing to listen to him. “Unfortunately, I did not have enough manpower to implement it fully and neither did I have the resources to teach and change the mindset of the people who get captured… that’s a long process, I’m afraid.”
“Church of Alana has already tried to do the same, but of course the context is a little bit different and the people who are reformed become servants of the church, but can you imagine what it would be like for the problematic ones in your city to reform and do better? They’ll contribute to the growth of the city instead of being a pain to deal with,” Benjamin said. He also wished to assist Asher in his progress and so addressed those who might listen to him as well.
“It really is true, I’ve heard from a relative of mine that stays in Inanis city that you feel safe enough to walk around at night. Their female servants would hesitate to go out before, but now they feel safer. Late night errands now seem possible without worrying.”
“Hah, if the pain in our cities actually start reforming wouldn’t that be good? I wonder if this Young Lord Asher also has advice for those who do not wish to work effectively. But yes, the idea of criminals doing less crime is already enticing. I’ve been threatened by bandits before.”
Overall, Lucius’s words had the effect that got him what he wanted. The nobility who listened to him all became enraptured in the information that they have heard about the re education center along with whatever gossip they have heard beforehand.
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Unlike the other nobles who were actively discussing the Young Lord Asher’s words, they were separated and only spoke in hushed whispers afraid to get caught.
“Do you not think that this is all too contrived by the Inanis Family?”
“Mention a mercenary group and then say that the land of Etara needs to reform and to handle the criminal population within our settlements. It’s obvious that he’s trying to sell us the Masked Legion so we would get their services. Everyone’s interested, but surely, don’t you think it’s too plain of a ploy?”
“I really don’t think they’re as good as they say. Turn the tides of an army? Count Gabriel’s personal army should have probably dealt with the Viscount Drew’s army greatly but just allowed his son to say that this mercenary group did the finishing blow.”
“But even if that’s truly the case and that these Masked Legion are truly powerful… why did they try to find a mercenary group unknown to everyone which such destructive force and power in the first place? Is this to accumulate power? What arrangements did they make with them?”
“Why does it feel like this is Bergan’s Band and the Aisse…”
“Shhh. We’re talking about Count Inanis now and this Masked Legion.”
“All that I can say is that they’re becoming far too ambitious now. I understand that Count Gabriel is the Lord of Etara, but these talk of reforms are something that His Majesty of Grantz need to address himself and not just some young lord who came from the ‘right’ family.”
“Now that’s something I can agree on. This young man speaks excellently as his father and Viscount Felldan, but surely, those who have heads on their shoulder can see through such honeyed words that’s decaying the brains of the others here.”
“Viscount Drew tried to separate himself from the Land of Etara beforehand, but he didn’t go against the King of Grantz. If you look at it another way, Count Inanis went and personally dealt with him because he didn’t like the idea of losing out on the resources that Viscount Drew used to contribute to him. It’s clear that he’s doing his best to accumulate power. Why did he have to go through the route of heedless violence?”
“What if… what if this is all to go beyond the control of the Grantz Royal Family? Count Gabriel’s reputation already precedes him. He was able to go against the nobility before and was given pardon, and now that’s all gone through his head. Who’s to say that he won’t try to strive for more?”
“Mark my words, this is just the beginning.”
All of the nobility spoke it in hushed tones between themselves, but unaware to them all, there were actually some obscure people who managed to hear of this.
Captain Donald and his guards were not too far away keeping a secure and safe appearance for the rest of the guests under the order of the Count Inanis.
After the instance of the assassination on Asher, the Count was too wary of any other attempts that might occur whether it was through another assassin or a suspicious individual attending the event secretly.
Captain Donald’s lips pressed down into a thin line and he exchanged looks with the guards who he was with and they made their way discreetly to Kiana who was closer upfront in the banquet hall.
“Miss Kiana, we have something we wish to report.” Captain Donald spoke in a low tone.
“What is it?” Kiana’s eyes narrowed.
Captain Donald and the guards quickly relayed the events to her.
“What do you wish for us to do?”
“I’ll tell Asher right away. Keep an eye on them but do not act,” Kiana said before she made her way to Lucius.