Chapter 76: Overconfidence and Pride
Arabella and her companions also learned one of the reasons why pieces of information about what was happening in Prudencia did not go out.
At the start of his guidance, Gulliver acted all nice and responsible. He directed the oldest heir of Prudencia to hire capable young men and women in the palace.
Thus, the sons and daughters of a lot of the nobles in Prudencia were all gathered to work for the palace.
The nobles have doubts about Gulliver since he was also a knight who participated in the war. However, everything worked smoothly at first so the nobles trusted Gulliver.
But then, one day, taxes were raised. Soon "tribute" began to be collected as well. The nobles complained but Gulliver threatened them.
One of the most powerful nobles in Prudencia continued to raise concerns, and one day, his oldest son was found dead.
It was a warning from Gulliver.
The nobles quickly asked their children to resign from their posts in the palace but it was too late.
Their children were forbidden to go home to their families nor go out of the palace which was heavily guarded by Gulliver’s men.
Gulliver had them work in the palace to hold them as captives so whatever he does, the nobles would do as he says, or else, their heirs would be killed. They were hostages.
Even Count Rowell’s two sons were working in the palace. Two of his younger sons who were supposed to be staying in his county were re-assigned to the northern borders where it was most dangerous.