Free Web NovelChapter 455: Chapter 57: Isn’t This Just Asking Me to Make a Mistake?
Regarding the post-war reconstruction, Westheid declared that the Qinghui Territory would gladly take the lead in assisting with the efforts.
Do you even understand the value of the Celestial Vault Kingdom’s technology? When it came to infrastructure, they were unrivaled.
Of course, the cultural treasures the Royal Court had accumulated over millennia could not be restored. Such things could only be forged by the slow passage of time.
However, at a time like this, no one was concerned with restoring the City in the Lake to its former glory. Simply resettling the vast number of refugees and rebuilding upon the ruins was good enough.
And so, Westheid sent a continuous stream of supplies and equipment across the open border into the Thousand Laws Royal Court. He was helping the Royal Court rebuild their nation upon the ruins and slowly recover from the wounds of war.
This extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit of international cooperation deeply moved the people of the Royal Court. Although Duke Qinghui was no longer an outsider after the marriage alliance, for him to pour resources into building up the Thousand Laws Royal Court as if it were his own territory was beyond anyone’s imagination.
What they didn’t know was that Westheid truly was treating the Thousand Laws Royal Court as his own domain. Even if he didn’t give it the same priority as his own Qinghui Territory, he was still dedicating more to it than he ever had to the Country of Yonglan. Perhaps this stemmed from a sense of compensation. After all, when he was the Knight King, he had given the Yonglan People the endless conquest they craved. His intentions toward the Thousand Laws Royal Court, however, had been to seize the blessing of their Divine Ancestor.
In the Purity Palace of the Central Royal Court, nestled between mountain and stream, Westheid walked up a flight of lustrous, magnificent steps, surrounded by a group of the Royal Court’s Execution Officers.
"The members of the Punishment Camp have proven their loyalty and worth in battle. Now that Eilvette is imprisoned and the disaster caused by the Demons is over, their punishment should end as well. Let’s disband the Punishment Camp and have them help rebuild their homes. Nearly half of the Cities in the Lake have been destroyed, and we need a great deal of manpower. In that regard, the Qinghui Territory can’t be of much help—we don’t have enough people ourselves."
Upon hearing Westheid’s words, a Royal Court Execution Officer immediately replied:
"We are more than grateful that the Qinghui Territory can provide supplies and equipment! We could recover on our own, given enough time, but we need your help to regain our strength quickly. The members of the Punishment Camp were originally just ordinary residents of the Royal Court. Now is the time to let go of all past mistakes and suspicions."
’Even if you suspect someone of being a Demon Believer, there have to be Demons for them to believe in!’
Westheid nodded and said, his hands clasped behind his back,
"Furthermore, post-war rewards and commendations are essential. All of you are pillars of the state who made great contributions during the Royal Court’s most difficult hour. What’s more, the entire Land of Rhythm is now in ruins, waiting to be restored. Once the various Cities in the Lake are rebuilt, there will be many vacant Governor positions."
The Duke Qinghui’s words were heavy with meaning and gave them much to consider. The eyes of the surrounding Elf Royal Family members instantly blazed with fervor, as if their innate talent for political scheming had just been activated.
"In that case, Duke Qinghui, what are your thoughts...?"
Westheid put on a stern expression. "I handle all matters with impartiality! Since the Wind Law Queen has placed her trust in me, how could I possibly disappoint her? As for this matter... let’s discuss it at length in private. Gentlemen, you may come directly to my residence when the time comes."
The implication was clear. Those who were meant to understand, understood.
’Since rewards are to be distributed based on merit, then all these things must be properly evaluated. Who gave their all? Who committed transgressions? Whose contributions were inflated? Who wasn’t a team player?!’
Although Ailorus would be the one to give the final approval, the Elf Lolita had handed the power over specific personnel appointments to Westheid. The pretext was that only the "front-line commander-in-chief" would know who the most capable officers were. The potential for him to maneuver here was immense.
If this continued, it was likely that the entire Thousand Laws Royal Court, from top to bottom, would become Westheid’s supporters. In terms of control, would he soon have a tighter grip here than he ever did on the Country of Yonglan?
After some further discussion with the Royal Court’s Execution Officers, once all the various matters were settled, Duke Qinghui headed for the Wind Law Palace.
Although Westheid enjoyed the feeling of being fawned over by the Royal Court’s nobles, he hadn’t forgotten his true purpose. Compared to the trivial affairs and power struggles of the Royal Court, studying the Thousand Laws Ceremony was far more important.
Ever since returning to the capital in victory, Westheid and Ailorus, the two Wind Law Qualifiers, had gathered every day for discussion. Exchanging ideas with a High-level Tuner like her was proving to be incredibly beneficial for him.
Because of this, Reiya and Mivana had little time to spend with their lover. However, they were both sensible and understanding young women. They understood Westheid’s ambitions and ideals, showed him immense tolerance, and even made sure to give Westheid and Ailorus time alone together.
"Duke Qinghui, Duke Qinghui..."
As Westheid arrived before the Wind Law Palace, Faticia and the others immediately hurried over to greet him, their expressions odd.
"What’s wrong?"
Westheid saw that there was no one else around and that all the servants from the Wind Law Palace seemed to be outside. He immediately grew wary.
’Are they planning a repeat of what happened with Eilvette? No, no, my mind is getting carried away.’
"Her Majesty... Her Majesty wishes to see you alone, so we came out first."
Faticia seemed to notice Westheid’s suspicion and explained,
"Please go in. There’s a pleasant surprise waiting for you... I think."
With that, she led the other maids away from the inner palace.
’Oh? What’s so surprising? Don’t tell me Ailorus made another breakthrough on the path of a Tuner? And she plans to teach me? That would indeed be good news, the kind not meant for outsiders’ ears. After all, the Law of Wind is not to be shared.’
