Free Web NovelAfter the thrilling events of last night, the nobles had barely slept a wink.
Early the next morning, they all rushed to yesterday's banquet hall.
However, the banquet hall was completely transformed.
The opulent golden tapestries were gone.
In their place were neat tables and chairs, simple decorations, and a high-hanging Imperial emblem, as if solemnity and oppression had solidified in the air.
The banquet hall had become a true ‘place of deliberation’.
The nobles took their seats, many still feeling unsettled, the cold sweat from remembering Joseph being taken away last night not yet dry.
This time, Louis was not late.
He had arrived earlier than everyone else, standing calmly and gently in the center of the hall.
He wore a well-tailored black and gold-trimmed military uniform, even with the ‘Shield of the North’ pinned to his chest.
As he surveyed the simply arranged, unadorned hall, he greeted each arriving noble one by one.
“Lady Grant, today’s violet brooch suits you well.”
Facing the middle-aged noblewoman with slightly rounded cheeks, who always seemed cautious, Louis spoke gently, nodding slightly.
Lady Grant was taken aback, seemingly flattered, and quickly lowered her head to hide her panic, stammering in response: “Ah—thank you, County Governor—. I—I just—”
She had been filled with trepidation towards Louis; the scene at yesterday's banquet had almost kept her awake all night.
Today, she had planned to minimize her presence, but unexpectedly, she was called out in the very first sentence.
But Louis merely offered a polite greeting and moved on to the next noble.
This made her breathe a sigh of relief.
“Baron Berner, a difficult journey. The snow hasn't melted yet, and your timely arrival is truly commendable.”
“Viscount Wellen, I hear you’ve already started spring planting? The North needs more practical people like you.”
Each sentence was neither humble nor arrogant, neither too much nor too little.
Polite, proper, even cordial.
But the more he was like this, the more anxious each noble felt.
Because they all remembered Joseph being taken from the crowd yesterday, his fate still unknown.
Thus, many would have preferred Louis to be aloof and cold, like a ‘predictable County Governor’.
The gentler he was now, the more terrifying he became.
When the last noble was seated, the clock chimed precisely, not a moment too soon.
Louis turned, slowly walked to the main seat, and stood firm.
He looked down, surveying the entire hall. freewёbn૦νeɭ.com
There were no superfluous pleasantries, no introductory remarks, just a concise and powerful opening statement:
“Ladies and gentlemen, the winter snow has just receded, and the spring chill remains. The Northern Territory is currently in turmoil, and the intelligence brought by the Swiftwing Birds is increasingly alarming. This year, we are destined for a battle with the Snowsworn.
This is not just a contest on the battlefield, but a test for the entire Snowpeak County. If we continue to act independently and engage in internal strife, our enemies will ultimately profit.
Unity is the only prerequisite for survival.”
When his words fell, everyone was first stunned, then applauded one after another.
Amidst the applause, no one dared to openly question this man, nor did anyone dare to mention the name of the one who was taken away.
But every noble seated still harbored a question: What exactly did Louis intend to do?
Some guessed he wanted to seize the opportunity to weaken their power;
Some suspected he wanted to further centralize military authority, unifying the command of knights and armaments;
Others quietly speculated whether he intended to implement some unprecedented Imperial new policy, or even change the traditional status of nobles...
The more cautious ones began to quietly consider their escape routes.
After the applause subsided, Louis wasted no time and went straight to the point.
“Regarding Joseph, I know many of you are speculating,” he said calmly, his gaze sweeping over the hall.
“This matter is indeed significant, and details cannot be disclosed publicly at the moment, but I can tell you one thing: he was escorted to the Governor of the Northern Territory’s Mansion last night by the Duke’s personal confidants.”
The entire hall immediately erupted in an uproar.
Many had initially thought Joseph was merely detained privately by Louis, perhaps with room for maneuver, and some even worried they might be “next.”
But now, hearing the phrase “already sent to the Governor’s Mansion,” a deeper shock spread throughout the banquet hall.
“Even the Governor’s Mansion was alarmed?”
“What exactly did he do wrong?”
“It’s not a personal grudge? Then it’s really—?”
Discussions rose and fell, many with complex expressions, clearly realizing this was far more serious than they had anticipated.
Most nobles at this moment truly understood that Louis was not madly arresting people, but was handling a case so severe it could not be covered up.
Those who had been close to Joseph and had written letters seeking help last night now felt a chill down their spines.
They could only silently pray, “Don’t let it involve me.”
Louis paid no attention to the murmuring and secret guessing below.
His gaze was calm, his voice not loud, yet it clearly reached everyone’s ears: “I know Joseph has approached some of you recently.”
At these words, it was as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown into the hall.
Those nobles with guilty consciences immediately straightened their backs, their expressions wary, some even instinctively gripping the armrests.
Some lowered their heads, some held their breath, and others cautiously glanced at the main seat.
But Louis remained composed, seemingly not intending to delve deeper.
He paused slightly, then continued: “Nor am I a dictator.”
He scanned the hall, saying steadily and assuredly, “On the contrary, I am willing to share some power.”
He held up a piece of paper with several noble names written on it, shaking it gently.
“I have decided to establish a new system—the ‘Snowpeak Council’.”
Everyone involuntarily held their breath, listening intently.
“This Council will be composed of some of you who are reputable, capable, and truly care about the future of Snowpeak County.
You can participate in governance, propose policy suggestions, provide feedback on the actual conditions of various territories, and assist in overseeing resource utilization.”
This surprised everyone; Louis’s authority had reached its peak, yet he was willing to share power.
Louis’s tone shifted, his expression softened slightly, and his voice slowed: “The specific list of Council members will be gradually confirmed by me. But today, I can first mention a few candidates worthy of your acquaintance and trust.”
He turned and looked at the tall young baron on one side, revealing a smile that conveyed encouragement:
“For example, Edward Knott.”
A low murmur spread through the hall, many nobles looking sideways at the young man.
“The Knott family, born from a family of warriors, even as pioneers from the South, are no less courageous than the nobles of the Northern Territory.”
Louis’s tone was firm: “And at such a young age, he is already an extraordinary knight, a rare pillar of the nation.”
Edward was so praised by Louis that he felt a little embarrassed, his face slightly flushed. Under everyone’s gaze, he stood up and waved slightly at the hall, “Thank—thank you, County Governor, thank you, everyone.”
And Louis was already ready for the next: “Also, Roland Siris.”
He looked at the energetic white-haired elder sitting on the other side, “Mr. Roland comes from an old established family of the Northern Territory. He is humble and polite, knowledgeable, and familiar with the local situation. He is one of the elders I respect the most.
With a noble of such high moral standing as you presiding, I believe the Snowpeak Council will not go astray.”
Old Mr. Roland coughed lightly, pretending to be nonchalant as he waved his hand, but the smile at the corner of his mouth could not be hidden.
He nodded slightly, responding calmly: “If the County Governor truly intends this, this old man will naturally do his best.”
After speaking, he even stroked his beard a little self-consciously, secretly observing the reactions around him.
“The third one,” as Louis’s voice fell, many already knew who he would name.
“Yoen Harway.”
“His territory is well-governed, he possesses abundant wealth, and what is more commendable is that he consistently abides by the County Governor’s laws and never oversteps his bounds. He is a trustworthy partner.”
As soon as the words fell, Yoen suddenly stood up, grinning from ear to ear: “I am willing to contribute to Snowpeak County! It is my honor to work with the County Governor!”
With a few people taking the lead, the atmosphere was completely ignited.
Louis struck while the iron was hot, steadily pressing his hand gesture to quiet the crowd, and continued: “Of course, this is just the beginning. All of you present have the potential and the qualifications to join the Snowpeak Council.”
“This is not a reward, nor is it charity.” His gaze was sharp, every word distinct, “This is our opportunity to collectively govern Snowpeak County and weather the winter.”
When his words fell, after a brief silence, there was a wave of applause.
Initially, a few major nobles in the front row, Yoen, Edward, and the old man Roland Siris, were the first to applaud, freewebnovёl.ƈom
Their expressions showing a mix of excitement and pride, as if it were proof of being chosen.
Immediately afterward, more people stood up, and applause echoed through the banquet hall, like a rare warm current in the winter snow, quickly spreading.
Louis’s words sounded good, and they were happy to hear them.
But in reality, the so-called “Council” was ultimately just an empty shell.
Its establishment was merely a smokescreen on Louis’s chessboard.
On the surface, this was an unprecedented sharing of power, a sign of the County Governor’s respect and trust for the nobles.
But in reality, the final power of decision, command, personnel appointments, and financial allocation were all firmly held in his hands alone.
The meeting merely made them feel they had a chance to “participate.”
A sense of participation, a little sugar-coating of glory, was enough to soothe uneasy hearts and satisfy vain appetites.
It was safer and more effective than outright suppression.
And Louis only needed to stand steadily at the top, occasionally nodding, smiling, and listening, and that was enough.
Louis never promised to truly devolve power.
He merely elevated every noble to a seemingly respectable position, then let them willingly bow their heads.
However, some minor nobles began to show disappointment and loss, not applauding as enthusiastically.
After all, the Council members would never include them.
At this point, Louis spoke again: “I know that not all territories possess strong armies, abundant mineral resources,
Or a reputation sufficient to be called a ‘representative’.”
His tone was unhurried, his gaze sweeping over the middle and lower-class nobles sitting at the edges, who had been silent for a long time: “But I do not intend to disappoint others.”
The hall fell silent again.
“Starting this quarter, I will establish a special program called the ‘Revitalization Fund’.”
He paused, his eyes resolute, "Any noble with scarce resources or difficult territories, as long as they submit a detailed development plan—whether it's for salt mining, land development, or the fur and hunting industries—as long as it's reasonable, my Administrative Office will provide initial material, technical, seed, and labor support, and Grant tax reductions as appropriate."
Many people were already discussing in low voices, surprised that this policy directly targeted the lower nobility.
"This plan will be personally overseen by me, ensuring fairness, transparency, and freedom from interference."
Louis spoke concisely, yet it was enough to make the eyes of those marginal nobles gradually light up.
In the past, the great nobles would never have given them such an opportunity.
To gain a little resource, they could only rely on attachment, loyalty, and survival.
But now, this County Governor himself had opened a window.
Applause rang out again, this time not merely a perfunctory courtesy, but genuine anticipation.
Louis was not trying to be a philanthropist either.
Superficially, this was an act of universal benefit to the weak and support for the marginal minor nobles, benevolent and far-reaching.
But this was not charity; this was the art of distributing power.
Although the funds for the "Revitalization Fund" came from Red Tide Territory, they were not a gratuitous gift.
As long as resources were disbursed and support implemented, those minor nobles who were originally dependent on the wings of other great nobles in the Northern Territory would naturally gravitate towards a more reliable protector.
And Louis, this young County Governor who held resources, funds, and policies in his hands, was their only direction.
More importantly, every support plan required the submission of detailed data on the territory's current situation, asset valuation, personnel structure, and so on.
In the seemingly open, transparent, and professional execution,
Louis silently completed a thorough understanding of the minor nobles' geographical and resource structures.
And based on this, he gradually established a "direct vassal network" around Red Tide Territory, bypassing the control of the great nobles.
He used no soldiers, wielded no blade, relying only on a few documents and a few carts of seeds.
He could break the great nobles' monopoly on resources such as fur, salt mines, forests, and reindeer herds.
And once those minor nobles became dependent on him and voluntarily handed over their finances, military, and even territorial administration to the County Governor's Mansion for assistance,
Louis indirectly gained their "land control."
This was, in fact, a true centralization of power.
No need for war, no need to strip titles, just let them hand over power in "gratitude."
Of course, not everyone was truly convinced.
Among the nobles present, there were smart people.
They might not yet see through Louis's entire plan, but that subtle sense of control, that step-by-step encirclement, was enough to make one wary.
That was not a simple council establishment; it was more like a meticulously laid trap, and they were elegantly pushed into it.
But no one dared to question.
After all, Joseph's screams from yesterday in this very banquet hall still seemed to echo in their ears; their cold sweat had not dried, and their courage was already broken.
So they merely sat quietly, their gazes shifting, settling into silence amidst the applause and agreement.
Along with the crowd, they submitted to the superficial "joint deliberation."
The doubts and unease in their hearts [N O V E L I G H T] were quietly hidden.
Hidden behind wine glasses, hidden beneath lowered eyelids, and also hidden within the applause that expressed loyalty.
Then Louis raised his hand, as if to introduce a commonplace matter: "The last agenda item, with the establishment of the council mechanism, I intend to add a new auxiliary institution."
Everyone was stunned.
He paused, his tone as light as if discussing tomorrow's weather: "It will be named the 'Auditing Department.'"
These three words made the air slightly condense. Louis's tone was steady, as if to calm unnecessary panic: "Its duties are not complicated, and they are irrelevant to you,
if you follow all the rules."
He showed a faint smile: "The Auditing Department will be responsible for four things: First, ensuring taxes are submitted on time; second, verifying whether each territory's combat readiness construction meets standards;
Third, keeping an eye on those who attempt to collude with external enemies and endanger border defenses; fourth, monitoring whether the actions of our council members conform to their oaths."
The nobles below did not respond immediately. Their smiles froze on their faces, like masks frozen by the wind.
Someone subconsciously clutched their wine glass, someone's eyes flickered, then they lowered their head without speaking.
"You don't need to be afraid," Louis said casually, "The Auditing Department is not for monitoring you, but for protecting our common future from being eroded by scoundrels."
He looked around, enunciating each word: "So do not follow in Joseph's footsteps."
When this sentence landed, the hall was so quiet that it seemed as if the air had solidified.
Even the crackling sound of burning firewood in the fireplace now became unusually harsh and clear.
The nobles who had been whispering amongst themselves were now completely silent.
No one spoke.
No one wanted to be the first to stand out at this moment.
The nobles exchanged glances, complex emotions hidden in their eyes: suspicion, unease, struggle.
But in the end, all were swallowed by silence.
Louis's gaze sharply swept across the room, his tone suddenly becoming frank: "If any of you still have questions about the establishment of the Auditing Department, I am willing to hear different opinions; we can discuss it openly."
His tone held no hint of provocation, even carrying a certain sincere resonance.
But precisely because of this sincerity, it was even more alarming.
Who dared to speak?
Joseph's screams still echoed from last night, and that scene was vivid in the minds of everyone present.
Moreover, Louis had indeed just spoken of two "righteous acts": the establishment of the council and the revitalization fund, both genuinely good things.
At this point, if anyone were to jump out and oppose the Auditing Department, wouldn't they be branding themselves as a bad person?
Opposing the new policy of "protecting border defenses and clarifying taxes"—wouldn't that just be—a guilty conscience?
The scene was silent for a few breaths.
No one responded to him.
Louis nodded, seemingly unsurprised, his tone steady, almost gentle: "Since that is the case, then the establishment of the Auditing Department is thus decided."
A soft sentence, cementing the entire situation.
Yoen, sitting slightly behind him to his right, moved his fingers slightly, just about to stand up and say something.
But seeing that no one in the room moved, he merely nodded slightly, making a gesture of "agreement and support."
Willis had also prepared a speech to rationalize the Auditing Department's duties from a systemic design perspective, supplemented by considerations of efficiency and public order. But at this moment, he only needed to show a slightly gratified expression.
Louis had originally intended for Yoen to stabilize the situation and Willis to put forth the argument of "for the public good," so that the Auditing Department would emerge as "the will of the people."
But who would have thought it would go so smoothly?
Before the play even had a chance to begin, Louis had already seized control of the rhythm.
The establishment of the Auditing Department was not an impromptu decision, nor was it Louis speaking off the cuff.
Although this agency was named "Auditing," its duties extended far beyond merely supervising the council.
He could review all tax reports from other territories, cross-referencing incoming and outgoing accounts with actual granaries.
He had the right to inspect combat readiness warehouses, training grounds, and recruitment situations, and even personally visit border defenses to randomly check military equipment.
He would record every council member's stance, actions, and private dealings, monitoring all unclear contacts, suspicious communications, and covert collusions.
He even possessed the privilege of direct confidential reports to the County Governor, bypassing the council's own checks and balances.
This was power originally belonging only to the "intelligence system," now given the guise of legality and public authority.
No longer bearing the name of "secret agents," yet performing the duties of "enforcers."
And not accountable to the council, only loyal to the County Governor alone.
It could be called the Snowpeak County's Eastern Depot.
Just as Louis's words fell, applause erupted.
At first, it was scattered, like testing the waters.
A viscount sitting in a middle seat hesitated, clapped twice, and seeing no opposition, quickened his pace.
Then, more people followed.
"Clap, clap, clap, clap."
The applause grew louder, more uniform, like unavoidable footprints in the snow, one after another, yet no one dared to stop.
But behind the applause, the hearts of the smart people had already grown cold by half.
Baron Eugene, sitting in the furthest corner, who had been on very good terms with Joseph, now had cold palms and cold sweat trickling down his temples.
He clapped his hands, maintaining a polite smile on his face, even deliberately nodding in acknowledgment towards Louis.
But in his heart, it felt as if he had been pricked all over with fine needles.
"The Auditing Department—this isn't to supervise the council at all, but to tie us up one by one, tightening the leather ropes around us."
Applause surged like a tide, echoing ceaselessly through the high-ceilinged banquet hall, as if crowning a new king.
But just as the momentum was building, Louis raised his hand, a simple gesture that, like a cutting knife,
abruptly severed the applause.
The hall was instantly silent.
He did not rush to speak, but simply stood there, his gaze slowly sweeping across each face, as if taking a final roll call.
Confirming who had submitted, and who still harbored reservations,
Then he spoke, his tone no longer sharp, but carrying a tolerant and steady warmth.
"From today onwards," he said, "Snowpeak County will no longer be a loose aggregate."
"We are no longer just families and nobles barely pieced together, no longer just pawns looking out for their own interests."
His tone was slow yet firm, like driving stakes into the ground, fixing people's hearts in a common direction.
"We are a community. Because from today, we finally have a direction, a path, a blade."
His voice lowered slightly, yet carried an undeniable weight: "Everyone, from now on, we are all one family."
At these words, many people's hearts trembled.
Louis smiled faintly, a smile devoid of sharpness, instead showing a touch of approachable gentleness.
"I trust you, and you can trust me.
Every step that follows, I will not disappoint you."
As his words fell, a long-suppressed atmosphere finally seemed to find an outlet, and applause once again filled the hall.
Some clapped louder, as if eager to show loyalty;
Others clapped slowly, as if weighing Louis's true intentions.
