Chapter 3148: Retirement and the Eternal Campaign (Part 3)

“They are rushing towards freedom… at least they think they are rushing towards freedom.”

Murphy didn’t turn back, maintaining the posture of that “king of coercion” and spoke in a gentle voice:

“Regrettably, what awaits them in Transylvania will be the heavy work of reconstructing the territory. I will give them spacious and bright dormitories, delicious and nutritious food, a wage that isn’t generous but enough to make ends meet, an expectation of a new homeland, and finally a bit of visible prosperity. Prosperity molded by their own hands. But there will be no freedom, nothing but freedom… Lord Leon, do you think this makes me a bad person?”

“At the very least, you’re not a good person.”

Count Leon had seen the world.

When King Louis was still his youthful literary self, flitting about with his affairs, Count Leon was by His Majesty’s side, granting him ample experience in dealing with young rulers. Based on the various reports from the Cape Family’s intelligence gatherers about Murphy, the Count had already formed a preliminary impression of Murphy.

He knew how to reply to make Murphy feel satisfied.

So, leaning on his cane, the Count said softly:

“Only those who lack freedom most brag all day about coming from a so-called ‘free’ nation; those who have become used to ordinary things do not flaunt them. Hence, I would deem Transylvania as a place of freedom. The best part is, there is more than just freedom that this place could offer to these refugees.”

“Ah, what a perfect answer, Count.”

Murphy turned around and looked at Count Leon.

He nodded slightly and said:

“Then I also have enough reason to believe that in the future country dominated by the Cape Family, it will also be filled with everything you and I wish to see. Before we start the main conversation, let us first discuss some delightful bits of gossip. I heard that during the preparation for the railway construction in the Antani District of the Goldenrod Kingdom, the Cape Family failed to secure the leading authority of the project. King Louis’s most trusted finance minister granted the profitable railway contract to another family, and worse still, that family only recently started to prosper in the past few years. Compared to your lineage, they are mere upstarts. Lacking both depth and heritage. So can I understand this as King Louis, from far-away Misty City, perceiving that the Cape Family can no longer expand? It is noted that aside from fully owning the Kato area, you already control 40% of industry in the Anjou Region. The Eleville Family, which has collaborated with you for less than a year, already controls a third of the land around Nantes City and started monopolizing part of the arms market in the Goldenrod Kingdom. Forgive my bluntness, Count, but the way you and the members of your system are consuming is a bit frightful, especially to the ruling powers. You see, I might not be top-tier, but I do count as a ruler myself.”

Murphy stared at Count Leon and said:

“If your patterns of behavior do not change, I suspect King Louis’s next blade will soon fall upon you. A wise ruler doesn’t allow an uncontrolled ‘Leviathan’ to exist within his kingdom.”

“Yet you do not know, His Majesty has resolved to reignite the exploration of the New Continent.”

Count Leon said, expressionless:

“The Cape Family has been entrusted with the task of assembling the Exploration Fleet for His Majesty. Our position in the Goldenrod Kingdom remains secure, so if you intend to sow discord…”

“No, no, no, I’m merely giving a friendly reminder! Out of friendship, I advise you not to rush to the New Continent, the powerful Aztec Kingdom is currently in a terrific rage.”

Murphy shook his head and said:

“Because of the shameless rampage by the White Devils, Louis must face His Majesty Osiris’s Sunset Expedition if he wants to colonize the New Continent. I doubt the current Goldenrod Kingdom can challenge such an Outer Domain Behemoth. Your only hope lies further north on the Holy Spirit Plain of the New Continent. That place has been completely slaughtered by the Heretics, making it the perfect colony. Yet Louis receiving fertile new land means he has to give up some of what he originally had. Lord Leon, I am not one to hide my head and tail, nor do I like to beat around the bush, so let me be straight. In the future ‘Cape Duchy’, I hope the Church of the Sacred Light can become the state religion, I hope we can become allies, and I hope the Cape Family can stand on the right stance regarding certain sensitive issues.”

“Those matters are too distant. I may not even live to see them come to fruition.”

Count Leon shook his head and said:

“So let’s talk about something more current, Excellency. Regarding my unfortunate child’s life, I chose a wife for him, but he does not like her. The person he likes has been educated by you to become an outstanding woman whom I must also admire. Thus, I hope my child won’t end up alone in the future.”

“That would be up to Brigadier General Fraser to find a solution for himself. We in Transylvania have no tradition of forcing women into diplomatic marriages. It is well known that our women are not to be trifled with—I have no desire for Milian to put a bullet in my head.”

Murphy shook his head and said:

“Also, your son’s failure to court Miss Biqi is not my concern. What he should change is not his style, but his gender… she doesn’t like men. The purpose of inviting you here tonight is merely to enhance our cooperation, although it now seems clear our collaboration could extend to a deeper level. There’s a dusk lingering in the Goldenrod Kingdom, and Brigadier General Fraser will not let them off. On this matter, I am his most steadfast companion, and delightfully he will have ample time and resources to deal with the hidden dangerous infiltrators among you after returning to his boring noble life upon retirement. I hope you won’t obstruct him, for clearing out those madmen does no harm to you or Your Majesty.”

“They almost killed my child!”

Count Leon said gravely:

“I would choke the life out of them, so of course I will cooperate and support my child. So, may we have joyful collaborations in all aspects, Governor.”