232: Chapter 136, Sibling Soldiers _1 232: Chapter 136, Sibling Soldiers _1 The resolution to the robbery incident was soon decided, without any surprises, the Skeleton Society, which had caused the most ruckus last year, was left to bear the brunt of it all.

The nobles who fell under the control of the cult were unified by the Governor’s Mansion, and priests were arranged to lift their curses.

The soldiers involved in the robbery were all banished to the Northern Front Line, from which they were never allowed to return.

Generally speaking, this was a solution that all parties could accept.

Even the Skeleton Society, who was blamed, didn’t make any meaningful remarks.

Perhaps it was because they were desensitized to excessive debt, or perhaps they simply played the last card and let things fall apart, but whatever the case, Hudson didn’t hear about any movement from the Skeleton Society recently.

The only ones probably unsatisfied were the robbed merchants.

The criminals were caught, but the lost goods magically disappeared completely, which was absolutely absurd.

But resistance was futile, as they were the group with the least say in political matters, and had never been granted speaking rights.

If they dared to make a fuss, a quick investigation into their past transactions would easily come up with a hundred reasons to condemn them.

The term “deceitful merchants” was not baseless.

Legal businesses were typically built on high-risk and hard-earned money.

If one wanted to earn a fortune, they couldn’t expect to play it safe throughout their entire life.

Most merchants had the backing of the nobles or managed to establish a connection with them.

Some major merchants wielded greater influence than minor nobles.

They could even command some respect in front of the major nobles.

However, should they become too familiar with the nobles and start considering themselves as one, it would be the onset of disaster.

This was a classic example, even if the merchants mobilized all their influence, they still couldn’t get a satisfactory outcome in the end.

The response from the Governor’s Mansion was unsatisfactory, and the answer from the Kingdom was even more absurd.

Just like nothing had happened, there was another warrant against the Skeleton Society, coupled with an aggravating personnel appointment.

The Skeleton Society, being a longstanding rebel organization, had already had hundreds of warrants against it over the years in the Alpha Kingdom.

One more didn’t make a difference.

Not only were the merchants dissatisfied with the personnel appointment, but a group of native nobles, including Hudson, also expressed strong dissatisfaction.

“Baron Caryo is to succeed as the Governor of Wharton County.”

“Baron West is to succeed as the Governor of Layton County.”

Everyone fought tooth and nail, only to have the victory snatched away by these two second-generation nobles.

No one would be happy with such an outcome.

If Hudson hadn’t managed to secure a position as a Viscount, partially making up for his political losses, he might have lost his position as the spokesperson for the native nobles’ interests.

It couldn’t be helped that everyone was pragmatic, for the world was too cruel.

It was extremely difficult for minor nobles to rise to power.

Although others seemed to be voicing their dissatisfaction for Hudson, they were actually expressing more of their own resentment.

Many people felt that if they had come from the same background as West or Caryo and had access to such resources, they could have done much better.

In the midst of this whirlpool, all Hudson could say was: It is what it is!

There were indeed many nobles within the two counties who had inferior capabilities compared to the two, but unfortunately, some gaps could not be filled through later efforts.

Even if the two messed up, as long as they could create some waves, their families would be willing to pay for their “tuition.”

In contrast, the offspring of other minor nobles could not afford a single mistake.

One small mistake could cause all of their efforts to go to waste.

Feeling resentful was pointless, for the world of the nobles had no room for tears.

After a brief moment of distraction, Hudson quickly recovered.

Life was long, and temporary gains and losses meant nothing.

Blessings can turn to curses, and curses to blessings!

Though he missed out on the position of governor and seemingly lost in this power struggle, it also allowed him to avoid many headaches.

The King’s appointment only gave legitimacy on the surface.

Whether the position of governor could truly be justified would depend on their capabilities.

Regardless of the situation in Wharton County, if Baron West wished to take control of Layton County, it would depend on whether Hudson was willing to cooperate.

No one could be blamed for this.

Baron West was just unlucky.

Having two viscounts within one county was not a novelty in the Alpha Kingdom, but most of them were simply titular viscounts.

Non-governor viscounts were rare across the entire Continent of Aslante.

Once such a situation occurred, the authority of the Prefecture Government would inevitably face severe challenges.

Whether they could maintain control depended on the strength of the governor’s family and their personal capabilities.

While Baron West had a solid backing, the problem was that Master Hudson, whom he confronted, was no pushover.

His father, the Grand Duke residing in the Northland, had limited influence in the Southeastern Province, and the power of the Felix family in the Southern Frontier was not enough to make Hudson bow.

It was not that he coveted power, but he had no control over his circumstances in the realm of the nobles.

As the representative of the native nobles’ interests within the county, they demanded him to fight for their rights.

How could Hudson back down?

He couldn’t possibly desire to enjoy the benefits without shouldering any responsibilities, right?

Why would his subordinates follow a leader who shirked his responsibilities?

Without the support of these people, Hudson would not have achieved his current status.

Although his rise seemed to be due to luck and his own efforts, the native nobles also contributed greatly.

Take the impressive title for instance, it was hyped up by them.

When they lacked resources and needed to trade, not one of the native noble families took advantage of the situation.