Warhammer Divine Throne

Chapter 1148: Chapter 498: The Weight of the Crown (Part 2)

”But Musillon is the kingdom’s tumor! We must remove it at any cost.” Lorne did not admit fault under Richard’s verbal attack, his attitude was serious: ”Whether it’s me, Laine, or someone else, we cannot avoid Musillon. After all, the Lady’s Oracle has made it very clear, whoever can conquer Musillon will be the new Duke of Musillon!”

Richard gently stroked his goatee, looked at Lorne for a long time, then nodded: ”Hmm, regarding your persistence on this matter, you are correct, Leon Kohl. Some issues are matters of principle. Domestic strife within our kingdom is one thing, external matters are another. On major issues of principle, you must stick to your position. If you were to tell me now to give up attacking Musillon, then tomorrow I would write to Her Highness Mogiana, telling her I also wish Laine to succeed to the throne.”

Lorne felt a cold sweat break out on his back.

That’s right, despite Richard mishandling some affairs in recent years which forced him into semi-retirement, many people have forgotten that he was still the Knight King who ruled diligently for over thirty years after ascending the throne! When John II was deposed and the kingdom was in chaos, it was he who stabilized the situation as King, ensuring Brittania did not collapse into chaos.

Despite these recent years’ failures to suppress Laine and unfavorable battles, with Richard still there, the Royal Court continued to run smoothly. Whether it was assembling the knightly path army or resuming production after the Chaos Invasion, Richard at least supported Lorne in accomplishing these tasks.

”Leon Kohl, think carefully, if we were to convene the King Selection Council now, how many dukes would support you?” Richard stroked his beard and seriously continued: ”Think carefully, count me as one, count yourself as one, Duke Aldred of Leonais as one, Duke Theodoric of Borelion... include him as one too, who else?”

”...” Lorne initially considered Montfort, but he immediately realized that Duke Fulcard of Montfort had just been saved by Laine.

Similarly, Duke Hagen of Jisoleox was not possible, and Duke Casvan of Paragon was uncertain.

”And do not forget the Lady’s attitude; Her Highness Mogiana is now residing within Laine’s territory.” Richard sneered: ”Laine is still the Lady’s Divine Chosen Champion; your advantage is not as great as you imagine, Leon Kohl.”

After a pause, seeing his cousin deep in thought, Richard nodded and continued: ”Nevertheless, you still have the advantage that you are legitimately the heir to the throne and my chosen successor, but you must understand why you are the successor, why we chose you, so you must act with appropriate restraint!”

”The foundation beneath the throne cannot be shaken.”

The old King’s words pierced Lorne’s deepest inner worries.

As Lorne-Rio Cornwall traveled among the Human Realm as an Expedition Knight, he naturally noticed the numerous drawbacks of the Knight Kingdom. Brittania, whether in terms of technological level or social vitality, was already lagging behind the Empire across the mountain.

As one of the champions chosen by the Lake Fairy, Lorne was certainly no fool, and he had many deep reflections on this, realizing that reform of this country was imperative. Therefore, upon taking office, this Kingdom Regent initiated tax reduction activities and actively engaged with the Empire and the Dwarves of the Gray Mountain Range.

He also wished to introduce Imperial muskets and artillery, and Imperial engineers, for which he had engaged multiple times with the Empire and the Dwarf Kingdom of the Gray Mountain Range to sign stable firearms purchase contracts and even attract some people to set up factories in Kulona.

Regarding these actions, Richard not only did not oppose but on the contrary, supported Lorne’s efforts; however, when Lorne wanted to go further, Richard’s attitude made an abrupt 180-degree turn. The old King staunchly opposed him making deeper reforms to the feudal system like Laine.

The reason, as Richard stated, is that the foundation beneath the throne cannot be moved. Why is Lorne now the frontrunner candidate? If he shows any such intentions, the nobles supporting him could abandon him at any moment and replace him with someone new.

This is the biggest challenge Lorne faces.

To make a mark and fundamentally change this country, he must become King.

But given his stance and his basic support, he cannot make drastic changes to the current system if he wants to become King.

”Leon Kohl, you are different from Laine Macado.” Richard’s cloudy eyes observed the offered mangoes and lemon dark chocolate with fruit desserts as he continued: ”Laine’s territory was originally little more than barren land, and he single-handedly built it up to its current state; his territory began from scratch, and he had the full support of the Lady and Her Highness Mogiana, so he succeeded, but you are different. Look at your Duchy, then at the Royal Capital, which family doesn’t have centuries of accumulation?”

”So Francois married Surya to Laine, using Laine’s lands as a testing ground? After Laine successfully advanced his reforms, only then did Francois gradually follow.” Lorne nodded: ”Then why can’t we do the same?”