Chapter 748: Volume 22: Revival and Rise - 8: Inside Support
"Mr. Muktse, what are you worried about? Are you worried that the nobles will forcefully support Hoffman’s ascent to the throne? Are you worried that, with the support of the Great Lord, Hoffman will act without any scruples? Without the backing of the three great legions, do they have the courage to do so?" Komer retorted. His questions were skillful. The Norinwa family’s level of intelligence within the kingdom was in some aspects no less than his own spy network. Komer hoped to understand some situations that he hadn’t fully grasped from the other party’s words.
"Oh, Mr. Komer, how can you entertain such absurd thoughts? Regardless of whom Mathew and Tez personally favor, they would never allow the three great legions to be drawn into the internal strife of the Royal Family, make no mistake about that! The three great legions are the kingdom’s army, only to be dispatched by His Majesty the King. Until a king is made, no one can mobilize them for anything other than foreign warfare. No commander wishes to be labeled an ambitious schemer and pushed onto the gallows of the Star Chamber Court, nor will they involve themselves in these matters. Moreover, I understand the true state of the three great legions far better than you do. Setting everything else aside, even if they desired to take action, it would be difficult to achieve much with their current situation."
Muktse shook his head vehemently, clearly finding Komer’s ignorance hard to comprehend. The Central Kingdom’s mechanisms of power were indeed complex, but as a noble, even a low-level one, and a lord besides, he should not be so blind to these rules.
"Mr. Muktse, I am of course aware of these rules, but since Hoffman cannot ascend to power in this manner, can he simply rely on the nobles’ power to take the throne? Are you confident that General Mathew and Lord Tez would not intervene in this succession struggle, even if it means letting the kingdom go bankrupt and the army mutiny? Even if they do not interfere on the surface, wouldn’t they reveal some inclination in their attitudes?" Komer nodded, his flurry of rhetorical questions seemingly overwhelming Muktse, who didn’t quite grasp what Komer was trying to convey.
After some contemplation, Muktse’s complexion changed, "Do you mean we could influence the attitudes of General Mathew and Lord Tez, thereby dividing the nobles’ camp? That’s impossible; General Mathew and Lord Tez will not capitulate to such threats!"
"Oh, Mr. Muktse, you are too sensitive. We are not threatening anyone, but we can express our opinions or concerns. If Hoffman relies on the nobles, he will inevitably sacrifice the merchants’ interests. To maintain the kingdom’s operations and fend off the Beastmen invasion, an increase in taxes is inevitable. With the nobles owning vast amounts of land and forests, controlling toll waterways and mines, Hoffman will have to raise commercial taxes to secure their interests. Who would be at a loss?" Komer said with a sinister smile, "If he suddenly labels the Norinwa family as rebellious or colluding with enemies, not only could he successfully annul all debts lent to the kingdom by the family, but also seize all the Norinwa family’s assets. Isn’t that a win-win situation? Who could say such a thing wouldn’t happen?"
Muktse was stunned by Komer’s words. Such a prospect was utterly terrifying, a naked act of murder and robbery, almost unbelievable. Yet, upon reflection during these tumultuous times, with the kingdom’s finance in crisis and people’s hearts unpredictable, it was hard to say if someone might resort to such malevolent tactics.
Taking a deep breath, Muktse tried to calm himself, suspecting that this might be a deliberate alarmism to coerce him into changing his stance. However, he also had to admit that if Hoffman ascended to power with the nobles’ support, he could not dismiss the possibility of such unprecedented events befalling his own family, especially since his image in the nobles’ eyes was extremely poor, and all those noblemen were old hands at deceit and manipulation.
"Mr. Komer, your words are shocking. Although the possibility is slim, since you’ve thought of it, I must acknowledge that those scoundrels might entertain the same idea. They’re not willing to achieve wealth through their efforts and legitimate means, but always seek to plot for others’ rightful fortune with their nefarious schemes. And yet, these people grandly occupy their temples. Perhaps you’re right, we cannot let these individuals succeed." Suppressing his emotions and steadying his spirit, Muktse spoke gravely, "But I would like to hear your plan, how we might prevent such events."
"It’s simple. Right now, the middle and small aristocrats in the western regions of the Empire tend to support Katya, while traders and financiers are still observing. Maybe this is why Mathew and Lord Tez are silent. If you could make contact with the traders and financiers, while I rally the middle and small aristocrats, I believe neither Mathew nor Lord Tez should ignore the interests involved. I can also find one or two suitable Great Aristocrats to act as our representatives and stir from within the Great Aristocrats’ camp. What do you think of this plan, Mr. Muktse?" Komer did not beat around the bush and spoke bluntly.