King-Chapter 1367 - 260, Saint_2

The Alpha Kingdom is isolated in the Northern Continent, making it difficult to engage in South Continent affairs. This is both the kingdom’s greatest disadvantage and its greatest advantage.

Being far away means that, for a long time in the future, there will be no conflicts over core interests.

Although the Human Race is currently dominated by three major nations, the Frank people and Iberian people only see each other as competitors.

As for the third-ranked Alpha Kingdom, everyone is out of reach for now—what threat could it pose?

The Kingdom’s sole mortal enemy within the Human Race, the Clergy, has been stripped of its tiger skin by the Frank people. It’s now like meat on the chopping board, struggling for survival. There’s no time for them to trouble Hudson!

As a member of the Human Race camp, in the absence of conflicts of interest, acts of goodwill naturally prevail.

Seeing this, Hudson’s heart finally settled down. The title of "Human Marshal" indeed carries significant weight, yet it does not affect the substantive interests of various nations.

Even if an impact occurs, it would only be within the Alpha Kingdom itself. As a Marshal who rose to power against different races, Hudson feels no anxiety whatsoever.

In the Alpha Kingdom, as long as he can lead everyone to crush the Orc Empire, then all problems will be easy to negotiate.

What’s more, Hudson’s approach was to first create a bigger pie and then take a share from the expanded portion, leaving the remaining bulk for everyone to divide amongst themselves. All parties thus have no reason to refuse.

When personal interests are tied to collective interests, then everyone becomes "one of us."

...

"Welcome, representatives from across the continent, to Canglan City to participate in this Alliance meeting.

Time is tight, so let us begin the agenda immediately. According to the laws governing Alliance meetings, the first item on today’s agenda is the re-election of Alliance councilors.

..."

On the podium, Caesar IV spiritedly addressed the assembly.

Ordinarily, such hosting duties would only require assigning a highly respected minister to oversee proceedings. However, the King, eager for recognition, had seized the role for himself.

Even from afar, Hudson could tell that Caesar IV seemed much more cheerful compared to before.

Clearly, this marks the beginning of Caesar IV gradually stepping out of Caesar III’s shadow.

Every son of a hegemonic monarch inevitably faces comparison with their formidable father. If they cannot emerge from this shadowed zone, they’re essentially doomed.

It’s not a concern if the King loafs around, indifferent to his duties. But it’s worrisome when a new monarch is determined to prove himself. Historically, rulers most keen to establish their legitimacy often sow the seeds of bitter consequences later on.

In this regard, Caesar IV is fortunate. While Caesar III was indeed impressive, he died too young, leaving many kingdom tasks unfinished.

Had he lived a few more years, achieved continuous triumphs, and crushed the Orc Empire, leaving Caesar IV with a powerful empire, then the term "eternal darkness" would have truly applied.

As fate would have it, Caesar IV hasn’t stirred up much chaos in recent years. Increased Kingdom strength consistently elevated his reputation, positioning him among the Continent’s "celebrated monarchs."

Together with Charles III, Bordeaux VIII, and George, he is now part of the "Four Human Race Monarchs."

A departure from past lengthy speeches, he went straight to the point, signaling his intention to reshape public perception of his persona.

Judging by the atmosphere at the scene, it seemed everyone was warmly receptive to the Alpha style.

Of course, Hudson privately believed the real reason was simpler: no one was interested in prolonged meetings.

Rather than endure a string of hollow political platitudes, it’s better to wrap things up quickly and return to deal with hidden agendas.

Experience-based assumptions often lead to miscalculations. The purchasing enthusiasm displayed by Alpha Kingdom nobles turned out to be far lower than expected.

Those representatives who arrived early managed to seize the opportunity and profit. But those who arrived later could only lament their bad luck, with piles of "baggage" accumulating in their hands.

There was no alternative—fault lay in their flawed market positioning. For instance, if they had imported large quantities of strategic resources like grain and meat products, they could have cleared inventory in a single day.

Nobody would spend a fortune on indulgent "luxury goods" under current circumstances.

Most prominent local nobles had already gathered on the front lines, leaving behind only a few reserve nobles with very shallow purses.

Even merchants presenting gifts knew the importance of foresight. If strategic resources in significant quantities were involved, they’d be welcomed at any noble estate as distinguished guests.

Theoretically, presenting enough strategic materials could even compel the King himself to make an appearance. Obtaining a noble title wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility.

But delivering a pile of luxury goods won’t get one kicked out, though expecting much attention from noble lords would be wishful thinking.

In the worst-case scenario, front-line powerholders wouldn’t even learn of their gifting efforts, let alone feel grateful.

The Alliance meeting did not begin smoothly. As soon as Caesar IV finished speaking, representatives from a string of vanquished nations erupted in protest.

Their countries were gone; if they also lost their councilor seats, they’d be nobody in every sense.

Unfortunately, reality is merciless. Matters involving the interests of major powers can’t be altered with mere protests.

Despite attempts from chairing councilors to mollify their complaints, they had no effect. Ultimately, guards marched in and "escorted" the dissidents out directly. The scene briefly descended into chaos, though the overall situation remained controllable. freēnovelkiss.com

As a conciliatory gesture, the Alliance meeting pledged that once their collective forces defeated the different races, the representatives’ nations would be restored along with their councilor seats.

Indeed, "making promises"—or "painting fantasies"—is an innate talent of political figures, effortlessly grasped without instruction.

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