Chapter 219: Convincing Duke Ersi! (1/2)
Noticing that Duke Ersi still looked a bit offended, Pedro could not help but to shake his head and said, ”Please calm yourself, Duke Ersi! As I said… Though my visit was something personal, my goal was still to ensure the safety of the majority of the people in the Kingdom. I did not want to interfere with a stronghold's political affairs in the first place, but… Things have already come to this point!”
Pedro sighed and glanced towards Duke Albert, saying, ”I am sure that you are familiar with what would happen if such news about the death of the King spreads out? I even heard that there are quite some problems in the Kingdom, especially in the slums area. Add up the monsters that became an annoying problem to all the strongholds, be it a mere village or an almighty Kingdom... I am sure that if things won't be handled properly, there is a huge possibility of chaos breaking out inside the Kingdom! And we can't rule out the possibility of obtaining huge casualties, especially when the vampires are lurking around in the corners of the Kingdom! If that happens… I am not confident that I would be able to provide you that much aid, since our fleet's main focus is fighting the monsters and not humans! With all of that said... I am afraid that the Kingdom might fall!”
”Still…” Duke Ersi retained the frown on his face. Then, he glanced towards Duke Albert, and asked, ”Albert! You are the King's friend! Why can you stay calm despite knowing this fact?”
Duke Albert could only shake his head in response. Then, he glared towards Duke Ersi and said, ”What can irrationality bring to me at this moment? Look, Ersi! Yes, I am the King's friend, but… I am also a Merchant—the official, that was entrusted to handle the commerce of this Kingdom! Whatever is the case... Whether I like it or not... I am still the one trusted by the King, himself, to manage the Business and Trade Industry of the Kingdom! It is my duty to ensure the prosperity of the Market in the name of the King! So… It's not that I am unaffected by this information but... The King has trusted the Kingdom's Market to me! I can only do my best, in return, whatever is happening!”
”Are you saying that I am just being emotional?!” Duke Ersi shouted as he glared daggers towards Duke Albert.
In turn, Duke Albert could not help but to his head and said, ”No! Of course not! What I just wanted to say is that… the King entrusted us our tasks to ensure the prosperity of the Kingdom and the welfare of his people. Would we risk the chance of jeopardizing what we—together with the King, had painstakingly reformed and develop just because of such a scenario! All I wanted to say is that... Whether the King is dead or alive, in the end, it would be us who would take responsibility for managing the Kingdom in his stead. So... We must focus on that part instead!”
”Well…” Duke Ersi could not help but to calm down and sigh after realizing what Duke Albert said. Then, he glanced towards Pedro and said, ”I'll check the validity of your information as soon as our meeting is finished! So… can I know what the two of you had in mind in case you are correct?”
”That matter… I am leaving that to Duke Albert!” Pedro said with a calm demeanor. Then, he said, ”My concern is just all about the people's overall safety! If the both of you could ensure the safety of everyone in this Kingdom, then… I don't give that much thought and focus on the political affairs of this Kingdom! So… I'll leave it to your hands.”
”I Understand…” Duke Ersi nodded in response. At this moment, Duke Ersi returned to his calm and composed demeanor. Then, he said, ”If… Just in case that what you said was right… What can I do to help prevent chaos from occurring in the Kingdom?”
Pedro simply scratched the back of his head and said, ”In the meantime... Please focus on defending the Kingdom from the monsters in our stead. I would like to focus on helping Duke Albert in handling matters from within the walls—like the vampires and such, first and foremost! So that we would be assured that there won't be enemies biting behind our back! As for the so-called Adventurer's Guild... I am sure that both of you are aware of the sudden increase in numbers of the Adventurers. And to control and organize them while transforming them into contributing entities for the Kingdom, I want to ask for your support and establish an independent organization called the Adventurer's Guild! Imagine unifying all the adventurers visiting the Kingdom and using them as an additional force in fighting the monster waves! Won't it be a big help to you and the Kingdom's Army?”
”That's true…” Duke Ersi could not help but to rub his chin as he nods in agreement with what Pedro had said. On the other hand, Duke Albert simply remain silent and retained his calm demeanor to avoid suspicion of Duke Ersi.
It was not because he was the one who orchestrated the death of the King and Duke Kleon, but because he did not want to give a wrong impression to Duke Ersi that he and Pedro were the ones behind everything and got blamed for conspiracy of some sort.
Besides… It would not be a good idea if there would be any further internal conflict between them. It would just hasten the chaos that they all wanted to avoid no matter what!