Chapter 225.2
The Helton dukedom is located in the western part of the Kingdom of Cleydale.
The duke family is proud of their ancient lineage, which existed before the former duchies of Dandol and Melrose were united with Cleydale, but they only married one princess to the king three generations ago, and currently have a weak blood connection with the royal family.
The duke family should protect the royal bloodline, but the current duke has little desire to do so, and they are merely one of the upper noble families hidden behind the two great margraves who have wealth and power.
Even so, they are proud of their status as dukes, but it is also a twisted pride, and the current duke has come to oppose the royal family, who prioritize domestic demand.
Originally, the Helton dukedom existed to protect the kingdom from the neighboring Solhoss Kingdom. However, the duke has ignored the royal family’s wishes and purchased large amounts of cheap wheat, distributing it within the kingdom.
Duke Helton’s faction has many territories with marshes, so wheat does not grow well. Seafood can be caught from the large lake, but the fast-moving seafood is only consumed within the territory, and even if dried, it does not sell well in other territories.
Although the people of the territory can produce enough crops to not starve, as a duke, he does not receive enough taxes from his host. A few years ago, the duke tried to defeat the phantom beasts that appeared along the border himself, to regain his own authority. However, the beasts were repelled by some adventurers, and the plan failed.
Duke Helton is also a nobleman of the Kingdom of Cleydale. He does not want to harm the kingdom.