The Conservative governnt rapidly expanded primarily because they represented the interests of the local Major Nobles.
Using the territories from twenty years ago as the dividing line, all the established provinces experienced a wave of annexation.
In contrast, the newly established provinces, with substantial undeveloped land in everyone’s hands, temporarily had no interest in annexation.
Of course, this was primarily because the Major Nobles within these provinces themselves had weak strengths.
The lower-ranking Nobles, all erged from the battlefield, possessed formidable fighting capabilities.
If it really ca down to a fight, so provincial Governors might not even be able to overpower the Prefectural Governors below them.
In fact, Pri Minister Beckett choosing to halt now was largely because annexation couldn’t proceed further.
In the Alpha Empire, where martial spirit prevailed, Major Nobles indeed had strong power, but the lower Nobles were also capable fighters.
To these Nobles distinguished by their military achievents, the primary approach was to win them over.
The act of annexation was also about picking the easier targets.
Even when picking easier targets, it had to be done in a legitimate and justifiable manner.
...
Snow Moon Territory.
As the wave of annexations rose across various areas, Hudson’s residence beca lively again.
The small Nobles being targeted were unwilling to be annexed, dealing with the situation superficially while seeking help everywhere.
As the Empire’s Marshal, and not participating in the annexation wave, Hudson was held in high regard by many Nobles.
"Franz, do you think we should lend them a hand now?"
Hudson asked with a smile.
Being the eldest son of a Noble is not easy; to smoothly inherit the family business, one’s personal abilities must be enhanced.
Apart from daily assignnts, Franz had begun engaging in political affairs.
"If they are our people, we definitely should help.
However, the Major Nobles across the regions are not foolish; for Your sake, Father, they surely won’t move against those closely related to us.
Until now, our branches spread nationwide have not involved one in annexation.
Even close relatives have not been affected.
Those seeking help now mostly have strained relations, with whom we seldom have dealings.
Moreover, they’re dishonest!
Being targeted is not only due to their weak strength but also because there’s a handle on them.
Major Nobles must consider political influence; without any pretext, the likelihood of rash annexation is quite low.
The crux is that accepting these wastrels, besides offending people, brings little assistance to the Clan!"
Franz cautiously analyzed.
The truth is indeed cruel to so extent, but this is truly the essence of the world; weakness is the biggest original sin.
These Nobles usually didn’t interact with them, not because they didn’t want to, but because Hudson’s residence had high thresholds.
Before he rose, Nobles hadn’t interacted with him, and afterward, trying to establish connections was difficult.
Even if there was previous goodwill, with the identity and status gap widening, equality in communication could not continue.
Distancing in relationships was unavoidable, old goodwill could play a role at most once.
Those who managed to maintain goodwill were mostly those providing substantial help during Hudson’s rise.
During festivals, receiving a gift from Hudson was a matter of great pride for the small Nobles, desirous of making it known globally.
When the tiger’s skin is pulled up, the tragic affair of being annexed naturally doesn’t fall on them.
This is the tacit understanding among Major Nobles, as everyone has friends and family to take care of. Since everyone’s mixing within the sa circle, giving so consideration is inevitable.
"Hmm!
With external expansion coming to a halt, internal annexation follows.
Similar troubles will certainly increase in the future, these people are for you to handle."
Hudson said with a hint of sadness.
The rise of major internal annexations is also the beginning of transforming a country into a ho.
The consecutive years of warfare over the past decade created a batch of erging Nobles and equally led several Clans toward decline.
During this process, small and dium Nobles faced the greatest impact; Major Nobles with strong powers remained largely unaffected.
The current internal strife is relatively mild.
The unique national conditions of the Alpha Empire, unless political and military reforms occur, will lead to unprecedentedly intense struggles in the aftermath.
The repercussions Hudson predicted years ago are now brewing; this is the price of forcibly halting the war machine.
Regrettably, the war-centric system isn’t so easily shaken.
Currently, the Conservative governnt plays the role akin to a plasterer.
But the Empire’s issues are masked by its formidable power, with no one noticing the lurking crisis.
Or perhaps the crisis is noticed, but for personal interests, people selectively ignore it.
...
As days passed, half a year went by in the blink of an eye.
Sunlight flooded the room; a slightly refreshed Caesar IV spoke: "Empress, help go for a walk!"
Standing on the loft gazing into the distance, Caesar IV suddenly turned pale with shock.
"What’s going on outside? Why are so many people being sent to the gallows?"
In an expansive Empire, executions are not unusual.
But the place Caesar IV saw was different; it was the nobles’ exclusive execution ground.
Ordinarily, it barely opens once a year or so, yet now, a whole group of nobles were being sent to the gallows.
Realizing it couldn’t be concealed, the Empress felt her heart tremble.
Deep down, she had silently cursed an entire slew of governnt high officials.
The matter settled half a year ago had not yet concluded, only conspiring to be discovered by the Emperor.
However, it wasn’t due to the Conservative governnt’s incompetence; mainly, lawfully executing a noble during peaceti was extraordinarily cumberso, requiring a series of protocols.
This sort of mass execution necessitates not only gathering sufficient evidence but also convening a Noble Parliant for adjudication.
Going through this series of procedures delayed the matter until now.
"Your Majesty, these are minions of the Evil Spirits!"
Though succinct, the sentence contains a wealth of implications.
Recalling the authorization order signed earlier, Caesar IV spurted a mouthful of blood, collapsing suddenly.
"Your Majesty!"
"Quickly, summon Lord Tyron!"
...
Through a hurried commotion, Caesar IV was carried to the bedroom, at a state where he was more exhaling than inhaling.
"Alas!"
Glancing at the bedridden Caesar IV, Lord Tyron sighed before turning to the Empress and saying:
"Your Majesty’s condition is critical; for now, his life can only be sustained.
Empress, call for Ministers and Governors from all provinces imdiately.
Later, I will use a Secret Technique to awaken Your Majesty and arrange for him to give his last words before everyone."
This is all he could do; Caesar IV’s body had reached the end of its tether with no hope of recovery.
Even royal commands made during normal tis are frequently rebutted by Ministers.
When an Emperor reaches the end of his life, usually, the last words he leaves are not contested.
Provided they aren’t too excessive, the ministers would afford the Emperor so respect.
However, for such last words to be effective, more witnesses are required.
"Uncle..."
Before the Empress finished speaking, Lord Tyron cut in: "There’s no need for further words, proceed as instructed.
If Caesar were alert, he would make the sa choice.
The utmost priority now is: ensuring the Prince ascends smoothly, any delays might incite changes!"
There are plenty interested in the throne, and Alpha the First rely was the first to leap forward.
His perception remained stuck in centuries past, in an era where he single-handedly determined matters relating to the Kingdom.
Failing to adjust his mindset tily, he mistakenly assud the Kingdom must revolve around him, and subsequently made a series of erroneous decisions,
those coveting the throne in secrecy are nurous.
So within the Royal Family are scheming, while externally, many Major Nobles also harbor ambitions.
Yet these individuals, caught in the current of the era, hold a relatively objective view of their own strengths, refraining from manifesting ambitions openly.
...
Lakeside of the Snow Moon.
Hudson, who retired early, was leisurely fishing and enjoying wellness. Upon hearing the Attendant’s report, he imdiately stood up.
"What, Your Majesty is nearing the end?
When did this happen?"
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