If you ask what has been the most surprising event on the Solun Continent recently, it is probably that Domingo has declared war on his sister Rosalind; Domingo of Castile has directly declared war on New Castile.
Not only that, Domingo has also gained support from other siblings. Although most of this support is only verbal, in an instant, Rosalind, who was previously at peace with her older siblings, has suddenly become a target.
This has triggered chaos throughout the Solun Continent again, with many who had taken land to establish their own nations wanting to follow these Grand Lords to gain some merit, and some even fought alongside them. If it was said that previously other nations maintained a superficial alliance with the Avars, the Solun Continent has now completely entered an era of warfare.
Rosalind, however, did not escalate her military preparations, nor did she impose the tripled taxes as Domingo initially suggested, nor did she engage in sustainable over-exploitation, but rather began to liberate the serfs, average the land, and start registering households in her territory.
If it were just this, it wouldn’t have led to Domingo, who had previously been amiable, suddenly declaring war; the most important reason is that Rosalind did not leave any nobles behind.
Yes, Rosalind did not adopt the nobility politics like the fragmented Castile, which is to govern the world with the monarch and nobles, or what could be called a noble coalition politics; instead, she chose to consolidate noble power.
The nobles who previously opposed Rosalind are dead, and no one speaks out in this chaotic era. However, Rosalind’s actions seemed overly rash, leading to significant dissatisfaction among many reformed nobles.
Moreover, many of the nobles that Rosalind cleared away fled to other places, with most of them going to the neighboring Domingo territory. The Great Nobles behind Domingo listened to these nobles who were clinging to distant relatives wailing and looked at Domingo.
In this era, the lower class cannot voice their opinions; Rosalind’s benevolence towards the lower class turned into sheer malice against the nobles. Thus, Domingo’s campaign against his own sister became a righteous act aimed at combating a cruel tyrant.
Additionally, with the vigorous propaganda from those nobles expelled by Rosalind, Domingo established a public image of “sacrificing kin for the greater good” for the sake of the “people.”
As the Gray Robe initially said, Rosalind’s policies will offend many people.
Moreover, Rosalind indeed is now a fat sheep; whether it is artillery technology or those foreign merchants, just one bite can leave those nobles drooling.
As for what impact this has on the so-called Empire?
Although Domingo does not know the specifics of the Empire’s strength or its appearance, he does not believe that the so-called Empire would be pleased with Rosalind’s actions. After all, Domingo and those Great Nobles believe that a great Empire should be jointly governed by many nobles and a wise Emperor, and they cannot imagine what a powerful country that has cast off the old nobles looks like since they have never seen one.
Rosalind pinned a thumbtack on the map, representing yet another place where a rebellion occurred: “National Master, did I really do something wrong?”
“No, Your Majesty, you are not wrong. We have always been on the right path.”
The Gray Robe comforted Rosalind.
“But Sister Bernice and those merchants think I acted a bit too rashly.”
After all, Rosalind is still quite young. Though she has the Gray Robe’s support, the Gray Robe cannot handle all situations for Rosalind. Moreover, if the Gray Robe truly had the capability to negotiate and align, he would not have been sidelined like Rosalind.
The Gray Robe also did not know how to comfort the Little Princess. Clearly, Rosalind had liberated many serfs and provided those farmers with lots of land, yet she did not receive much support, and some even rebelled alongside their original lords.
Although the rebellion was quickly suppressed, after the news of Domingo declaring war arrived, Rosalind began to reflect on her actions.
This was different from her expectations, especially since those subjects who had accepted her help also rebelled alongside their original lords.
“It is unreasonable to directly copy His Majesty the Emperor’s policies.”
At this moment, Regas, who had been fiddling with gold coins, finally spoke up.
“That Emperor inherited the Northern Border of the Lars Family. At least from a legal standpoint, he is indeed the lord of the Northern Border, but around Valunia Port, the title of the Castilian princess may not be as useful as this gold coin in my hand.”
At this point, more people came in to report that farmers in another territory had rebelled against their lord, and Regas glanced at the map, saying, “This position likely indicates that the local lord was sent back by Domingo, and he instigated the people below him to rebel.”
Rosalind was very perplexed: “Why? I clearly distributed land to the locals and gave them weapons to protect themselves. Why would they still rebel?”
“There could be many reasons, possibly related to the professions brought in by the local lord being newly entrenched. The locals may have been coerced, or it could be due to the long-standing prestige established by that lord.”
Finally, Regas shrugged and said, “Of course, I think it might just be that the lord returned to distribute money.”
Rosalind wanted to say something, but ultimately her words got stuck in her throat.
The village had indeed been distributing gold coins; even Rosalind’s distribution of gold coins was ineffective. If the locals were not firmly guarded by a strong military, they would still align with whoever attacked.
“We have no choice. Since we cannot establish a good relationship with the local lord, we can only send our own troops to guard the territory, but clearly, we are currently understaffed.”
Regas appeared indifferent, continuing to fiddle with the coins in his hand, while the Gray Robe remained silent beside him. Just as he had said before, Her Majesty Rosalind’s path is correct, but in practical handling, she still seems a bit inexperienced. Without the local lord’s allegiance, it is very challenging to control the local subjects on the Solun Continent.
At present, all surrounding forces are observing, watching whether Rosalind can withstand Domingo’s attack. If Rosalind shows signs of faltering, those surrounding her will likely swarm and completely engulf her.
Of course, with the Empire’s fleet supporting her, at least Valunia Port can be surely defended.
“If you ask me, there is no need to take those rebellions seriously. After all, we lack manpower and administrative personnel. The best course of action would be to send a team of elite troops to strike the enemy’s nest.”
Regas finally put away the coins and said, “Otherwise, considering the time, your brothers may be getting closer to the lighthouse.”
…..
At this moment, the Avars were also quite conflicted. Domingo had sent an invitation to the Avars, hoping to join forces with them against Rosalind. However, pressured by the Imperial fleet’s display of force previously, combined with rumors of the Avars’ defeat on M Continent, the Avars remained hesitant.
The commander at Avar Harbor, after arguing, went to the seaside to clear his mind. He was unsure whether to align with the nobles’ scheme to take down New Castile in one blow or to continue observing.
The Empire hung over the Avars like a sword, and before that blade fell, the Avars would never know just how sharp it was.
At that moment, a panting soldier ran over and shouted, “My Lord, ships!”
“A black ship is approaching!”
