CHAPTER 744: BIND TERRA TO GRAECIA

Idle chatter arose between Vlad and Konstantine, characterized by elegance, etiquette, and cordiality. Neither of the two men genuinely relished this particular form of conversation. However, they understood its deeper meaning.

Such an exchange wasn’t simply about displaying charm or politeness; it was a measure of one’s ability to control emotions and impulses. It tested their capacity to remain composed, calculating, and decisive. These were traits of profound significance in all realms—be it governance, diplomacy, or warfare.

Finally, after nearly half an hour of carefully navigating pleasantries, Konstantine shifted the conversation toward a more pressing issue.

"King Vlad," he began, his tone carefully measured but edged with seriousness, "about the unfortunate actions of my grandson..."

Though Konstantine himself possessed enormous power and held a respected status within the Graecia Empire, the reckless act committed by someone from his family—especially invading the territory of an officially recognized Duke of Graecia—was a political liability.

Opponents within the Empire could easily exploit this incident to undermine his authority, tarnish his family’s reputation, and weaken his political standing.

Simply paying the ransom was insufficient; the situation needed to appear as though the incident had never occurred at all.

Vlad’s expression sharpened as he regarded Konstantine. His eyes reflected wisdom and severity.

"If I permit someone to enter my home with hostile intent, then allow them to leave unpunished," Vlad spoke with calm determination, "it will only encourage others to repeat the same mistake."

Konstantine’s expression hardened subtly. Initially, he hoped Vlad might offer leniency, considering their newfound cooperation. But now, he worried Vlad intended to publicly punish Leandro severely. Yet, as Vlad continued speaking, Konstantine quickly realized he had judged prematurely.

"Fortunately," Vlad continued smoothly, "Leandro did not enter my world as an enemy. Rather, he arrived as a protector. He courageously came to Terra, the sovereign domain of the Xaos Kingdom, to defend it from other Legends who dared invade the territory of a Duke of Graecia."

Konstantine’s eyes brightened immediately. A broad smile of appreciation spread across his face, and admiration filled his gaze as he studied Vlad.

"So young, yet so wise," Konstantine thought privately, genuinely impressed. Vlad’s strategy resolved the situation masterfully—simultaneously safeguarding the Kylon Kingdom’s reputation and avoiding any appearance of weakness in the Xaos Kingdom’s authority.

"Of course," Vlad continued, his voice firm yet diplomatic, "as a responsible guardian, Leandro must naturally remain on Terra for the next ten years."

Leandro’s eyes widened dramatically at this unexpected decree. Being forced to remain in a newly ascended world for a decade felt unbearably restrictive.

Konstantine, however, immediately nodded in firm agreement. "Certainly. That makes perfect sense."

Leandro felt his heart sink; his future had been decided without a moment’s hesitation. One misguided action had cost him significantly.

Vlad, on the other hand, paid Leandro little attention. In truth, the presence of the Kylon family member made little practical difference to him. Even without Overlord and the rest of the Depravita, Vlad possessed abundant resources and formidable defenses. Terra was secure regardless. However, the arrangement served well enough politically.

With the delicate issue now settled, Vlad turned the discussion toward matters of greater personal interest.

"King Konstantine," Vlad said with curiosity, leaning forward slightly, "as you pointed out earlier, I am officially a Duke of the Graecia Empire. However, the precise responsibilities and advantages attached to my new title remain somewhat unclear to me. Could you please enlighten me on these matters?"

"Of course," Konstantine replied readily, pleased by Vlad’s openness and keen to solidify their relationship. He saw Vlad as a powerful ally, whose partnership would prove beneficial to his own faction within the Empire.

"As a Duke," Konstantine explained patiently, "you hold authority over a vast territory within the Graecia Empire’s homeworld. Typically, this includes subjects loyal to your name, extensive income, and considerable political influence."

Vlad listened carefully, clearly intrigued.

"However," Konstantine added, pausing deliberately to ensure Vlad’s full attention, "there is another, less traditional option available specifically for individuals in your position."

"You could choose to formally bind this world, Terra, to the Graecia Empire instead. Doing so would grant you enormous wealth and numerous treasures, as well as immense economic opportunities and political protections."

Vlad’s interest visibly intensified at the mention of wealth and treasures. Yet, he hesitated at one critical concern. "Would that not normally require surrendering my direct control over Terra?"

Konstantine smiled knowingly, having anticipated this worry. "Ordinarily, yes, but in your specific circumstance, there is a unique allowance. Rather than accepting traditional lands within Graecia’s homeworld, as a Duke you may instead exchange your imperial holdings for direct control of an external world—like Terra. This would ensure Terra’s inclusion into the Graecia Empire, but still under your absolute and autonomous rule."

A satisfied smile appeared on Vlad’s face. This arrangement perfectly suited his ambitions, benefiting both Terra and himself without sacrificing his sovereignty.

"Of course," Konstantine added gently, reading Vlad’s growing enthusiasm, "as Terra would officially become part of the Empire, it would also be subject to imperial taxation. Dukes typically owe a percentage of their domain’s gross domestic product to the Empire."

At the mention of taxes, Vlad’s expression grew complex, his enthusiasm temporarily dampened. Noticing this, Konstantine chuckled lightly.

"Hahaha, I understand—taxes are indeed an annoyance to say the least. But thankfully, due to your elevated rank, your required tax contribution would be a mere 2.5%. In exchange, you receive comprehensive protection from the Empire’s forces, unrestricted access to its expansive trade networks, political backing from the Emperor himself, and many additional advantages."

Vlad’s eyes regained their brightness. Even though he was confident in his personal ability to defend Terra—even against Lords—the idea of additional military backing was undeniably attractive.

Moreover, access to the Empire’s trade routes stirred his imagination greatly. Thanks to Overlord’s work, Terra already generated extraordinary quantities of valuable resources daily. Connecting Terra to Graecia’s vast interstellar markets would produce astronomical wealth.

"Could you explain to me, in detail, precisely how this binding process works?" Vlad asked eagerly, leaning forward slightly.

Konstantine smiled warmly, pleased by Vlad’s interest and enthusiasm. Without hesitation, he began carefully outlining the specific rituals, agreements, and political maneuvers necessary for formally integrating Terra into the Empire’s governance structure, while still leaving absolute authority securely in Vlad’s hands.