Chapter 257: "It was a set-up from the start. Everything had been arranged."
Jacques-Hwan's hands were shaking, not just out of fear.
They trembled with anger too, as he realized too late that he had been manipulated into a trap.
Despite this belated understanding, he was helpless.
"Make way! Move!"
"Count!"
"Where do you think you're going!?"
"I must command the troops outside!"
The nobles trying to stop Jacques recoiled in fear.
Once he dashed out of the fortress, his actions contradicted his earlier words.
"Lickey! Where's Lickey!?"
"Here, Your Grace!"
"Gather the knights! We're escaping!"
"What? Why?"
"Hurry!"
"Alright!"
After summoning the knights, Jacques-Hwan rushed towards the east gate faster than anyone else.
'I must survive first. How did it come to this...'
Blood trickled from his bitten lip, but he felt no pain.
Regret consumed his thoughts entirely.
Throughout his life as a noble, he had been cautious, avoiding greed to protect himself from threats.
He had survived the 1st and 2nd civil wars by being wary of those eager to seize power.
Only when these threats vanished did he let down his guard, believing himself safe.
'I forgot that this king eliminated those threats.'
The confusing events were orchestrated to eliminate dissidents.
Realizing he was targeted for hindering the King's plans was unthinkable.
'I must flee. To the small kingdom alliance... no, to the empire. I'll find peace there.'
Thankfully, he had some wealth saved.
With a few jewels, he could secure a mansion in the empire's capital.
The next steps...
'Survive first, then plan.'
He lacked the energy to think further.
Thud-thud-thud.
"Faster! Hurry!"
As he urged his knights impatiently,
"We've located Count Jacques-Hwan."
Suddenly, a cold voice made Jacques-Hwan's world spin.
Before losing consciousness, the last sight was a swift silver movement.
Thud.
"We have captured Jacques-Hwan, leader of the rebellion, Your Majesty."
"Heh... That sly fox has done it again..."
Ignoring an old rival's grumbles, Wisken looked at the young king.
"Good job, Sir Wisken."
The King smiled in approval.
The young man who once defied him, now stood as a remarkable figure, the king.
From hero to traitor, to king, and even a tyrant, the journey amazed Wisken.
What he once saw as a budding hero now ruled the country before him.
The unpredictable king's every move left Wisken unable to predict his next steps.
"Your Majesty, is it true you plan to significantly reduce taxes for the people?"
"Yes. Last year's taxes were burdensome. Our people suffered greatly."
Aware that the heavy taxes were imposed to strengthen the army, Wisken wondered where the king's focus would shift next.
"To curb the lords' power and then..."
"Hey, enough, waggler. Follow His Majesty's orders quietly."
"Keep quiet, lump. Not everyone is as thoughtless as you."
Despite Luther's interruption, Wisken's gaze remained fixed on the king.
After the civil war defeat, he felt purposeless in the country.
Bound by duty to the Sword Sage, except for the Sword Sage...
'Ah, except for this king too.'
He chuckled at the thought.
Yet, he stayed for lack of a greater ambition.
With his abilities, he could rise as a noble in any land, even the empire.
Hence, he lacked motivation.
Easy gains didn't drive him.
Thus, Wisken longed for a new challenge to reignite his passion.
Fortunately, the king seemed to grasp his psyche.
"Sir Wisken, curious about my next moves?"
"Yes. I'm eager to hear."
The king's eyes reflected desperation despite his lean frame. An unexpected response followed.
"I will safeguard my people."
"Pardon?"
"I'll protect my family, people, and country from all threats. Every action serves that purpose."
"Why such a..."
Wisken's unspoken question about Count Juan's people was understood by Logan.
"It was necessary."
"I can't comprehend, Your Majesty."
Wisken found the king's unwavering gaze puzzling.
From hero to traitor to king, the king waged war to lower taxes, claiming it was to safeguard the realm.
Had Wisken not seen those resolute red eyes, he might have dismissed the king as mad.
History's madmen were often lauded as heroes or great men.
The king's reign promised unpredictable yet potentially remarkable changes.
'This won't be dull.'
This amusing thought brought an unexpected chuckle.
"Pffft..."
The defeat's flames rekindled within him.
"Ahahaha!"
"Drybones, have you lost your mind...?"
Ignoring his friend's banter, Wisken smiled widely, planting his cherished sword, transfixio, firmly into the stronghold ground.
"I, Wisken Callianh, pledge my loyalty to the King of McLaine."
Startled by this sudden declaration, the king's gaze wavered.
"What's with this sudden outburst?"
"I accept your pledge, Sir Wisken. I look forward to our collaboration."
Welcomed by the king's cheerful tone, Wisken beamed back.
* * *
- The king quashed the rebellion.
The swift battle, lasting mere hours, sent shockwaves through the kingdom.
"Why did the nobles rebel when the military difference was vast...?"
"They must have had their reasons."
"Nobles' folly knows no bounds, blinded by greed."
Self-proclaimed intellectuals mocked Jacques-Hwan and the fallen nobles, unaware of the truth.
Those with insight into the situation recognized the king's cunning strategy and stayed silent.
In this tense atmosphere, Logan gathered the nobles for a significant assembly.
Logan, stoic as ever, began to address the crowd.
"Taxes from the territorial nobles to the crown will remain at 60%. However, lords' taxes on their people will be capped at 40%."
Despite the shocking tax decree, most nobles remained silent, bowing in acceptance.
The main figures opposed to taxes had been eliminated at Juan's stronghold.
The remaining nobles were either cautious or cowardly, unwilling to challenge Logan's decision.
* * *
- Territorial people's taxes will be reduced to 40% or less.
The new tax policy swiftly spread across the kingdom.
Initially skeptical, the people accepted the reality as royal inspectors confirmed the change, and lords silently assented.
Joy erupted throughout the realm.
"Woohoo!"
"Long live the King!"
"Long live McLaine Kingdom!"
Accustomed to high taxes of 50-60%, the people, who cursed Logan and the royal family the year before, now praised him.
The subsequent policies also pleased the citizens.
- All citizens are under royal protection; lords cannot exploit them beyond fixed taxes.
- Any noble extorting property beyond taxes will face severe punishment.
These policies prevented lords from abusing tax reductions and were met with cheers from the people. The nightmare of the previous year transformed into admiration.
"The corrupt nobles were removed for our benefit."
"Indeed. He vanquished the tyrant to become king. We were hasty."
With a promising future ahead, smiles brightened the faces of McLaine Kingdom's citizens.