Chapter 409: All They Know Is to Run

Chapter 409 -279: All They Know Is to Run

“A speech? What’s it about? He’s not here to collect taxes, is he?” A wrinkled old man frowned, his voice tinged with worry.

“Who knows? But I heard they were sent by that Butcher Count. Can’t be anything good.” A middle-aged man next to him pursed his lips, his tone filled with distrust.

Taxes. That was the biggest thing on everyone’s mind. A single tax hike could crush countless families.

Besides, Henry’s reputation in the fiefdoms of these hostile great nobles was mixed, to say the least.

“Sigh… We can only take it one step at a time. All we can do now is leave it to fate,” a woman holding a child sighed, her eyes filled with helplessness.

On the street, a troop of soldiers stood in formation, holding spears and shields, their eyes warily scanning the surroundings.

Claude led a team of orators, walking slowly in the middle of the formation.

They were dressed in magnificent robes and had the air of scholars, but their faces bore a look of condescending superiority—an unconscious arrogance.

Claude stood in the center of a small square and looked around. A crowd of citizens had already gathered, some standing, some sitting, their faces etched with tension and unease.

Claude cleared his throat and said in a booming voice, “Citizens, I am Claude, Minister of State Affairs to Count Henry. Today, we have come here to have a heart-to-heart talk with you all.”

He paused, observing the crowd’s reaction. Their expressions varied; some frowned, some were blank-faced, and others were murmuring amongst themselves.

“I know you must all be very afraid right now. The war has brought you so much suffering. You’ve lost loved ones, lost your property, and perhaps even lost all hope for the future.

“But I am here to tell you that all of this is about to become a thing of the past.” Claude’s voice was confident, reassuring the onlookers.

“Did you know? Count Henry is a great lord, a man of grand ambitions and noble sentiments.

“He is not just a valiant Warrior, but also a benevolent ruler.

“Under his rule, Westwood Laine rose from a pile of ruins to become a prosperous and thriving land.”

Claude began to recount Henry’s “glorious deeds,” his voice rising and falling with dramatic flair as if he were telling a moving legend.

“In Westwood Laine, Count Henry implemented a series of policies to ensure that every single person could live a good life.

“He reduced taxes and encouraged farmers to cultivate their land, leading to a massive increase in grain production. He also built roads, improved transportation, and spurred the development of commerce.

“Those who were once destitute found renewed hope for their lives with Count Henry’s help.”

Claude stopped and looked around. Seeing that the expressions on some of the citizens’ faces had begun to soften, he continued, “The reason your lives are so difficult now is that you have not been living under the rule of Count Henry.

“Those other nobles, all they know is how to bleed you dry, giving nothing in return. But Count Henry is different. He sees you as his own people, cares for your suffering, and thinks of your future.”

He paused again, letting his words ferment among the crowd. A stir went through them, and some citizens began to put their heads together, discussing in low voices.

“Look at those nobles and wealthy merchants who were driven out! They lived in abundance, but what about you? You could only struggle to survive under their oppression.

“Now, Count Henry has come, and he is going to change all of that. He wants you to live good lives, free from poverty and oppression.”

Claude’s voice grew louder and more impassioned. He waved his arms as if trying to transfer all his fervor to the citizens. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

In short, Henry’s arrival means peace for Akakarat City! His arrival means a new dawn of justice!

“Count Henry has already given the order to restore order to the city as quickly as possible and get your lives back on track. He will also reduce taxes and encourage you to start anew.

“He will provide you with loans to help you rebuild your homes. You will no longer have to worry about the hardships of life, because Count Henry will be your strongest supporter.”

He stopped, took a deep breath, and then said in an almost inflammatory tone, “So, my fellow citizens, let us welcome the rule of Count Henry together! Let us work together to bring this city back to life!”

The crowd began to stir again, and looks of hesitation and anticipation appeared on some of the citizens’ faces.

A middle-aged man stood up and asked loudly, “Is what you’re saying true? Will the Count really reduce our taxes?”

Claude nodded, a confident smile on his face. “Of course. It is Count Henry’s promise, and he always keeps his word. You need only believe in him and follow him, and your lives will surely get better and better.”

People in the crowd began to nod and whisper to each other, and the atmosphere gradually grew more lively. Seeing this, Claude was inwardly pleased; his speech had worked.

“My fellow citizens, let us cheer for the arrival of Count Henry! Let us welcome our bright future together!” Claude shouted, his voice full of passion and charisma.

Someone in the crowd started to chant along, “Long live the Count!”

“Long live the Count!” More and more people joined in, the sound growing louder and louder, as if it would make the entire city tremble.