CHAPTER 844: CHAPTER 844: THEY ARE ALSO PEOPLE OF VALERIA

He gave the people a stern gaze and waited for someone to try to refute him.

No one dared to speak as they warily glanced at the sword he was holding.

Ferdinand was sure Arabella might not like this method but a bunch of people who act like this only listen when they have something to fear.

"The war with the Kingdom of Crux had begun today and we would have been there instead to retaliate against Crux’ offenses and the suffering they caused to the Prudencians.

But we chose to be here to prevent this disease and pests from spreading further.

Clearing plants and burning them is not my knights and magicians’ expertise either; but here they are still doing their best.

And yet, you come throwing all those accusations to them?

They do not deserve this disrespect and treatment from you after they have spent sleepless nights trying to protect you and Valeria.

The least you could do is treat them with respect after all their efforts."

Ferdinand emphasized his last point with a stern gaze at the people in front of him.

They were biting their lips and stopping themselves from further provoking him.

He did not let them and ensured they would think twice before doing something like this again or fear ever doing this at all.

"If we had not burned your crops and harvests, they would have rotted away and spread the diseases further.

Or they could have become further nutrition for the pests to multiply even faster than they do now.

Since we became aware of this situation late, this is what we must do to stop the pests and disease from further spreading.

Or do you want more territories to experience what you did?

If this disease and all these pests spread throughout Valeria, where do you think supply will come from if all our harvests and storehouses are reduced to ruined produce by all these pests? Or rot from this disease?

Closing all borders and preventing entry and exit is not just for the bigger territories but also for your sake and all of Valeria."

They looked like they wanted to say something but Ferdinand did not give them a chance this time.

He could already tell they would once again spout all the nonsense they had been saying since earlier.

"We understand you might be fretting since winter is nigh.

Thus, you are worrying for your families.

However, we have already told you time and again, supplies will come from Riva and every family will receive enough to live through winter and beyond without panicking about food and other necessities.

We have more than enough produce from other territories that can support you and all other territories affected by this predicament until the next harvest season.

But in the meantime, we are simply distributing enough supplies for a week to each household to prevent the pests from ruining and wasting them or the disease from causing it to rot.

We will only distribute huge portions once we have dealt with the pests and disease.

If you want supplies fast, then help in eradicating the pests instead of getting in our way.

And support the researchers as much as you can when they come to you asking for data.

This way, they could find out what must be done to ensure you could plant in the next planting season without having to fear this disease."

They glanced at each other and remained silent knowing fully well that Ferdinand was right.

Ample explanation was already given to them. Ferdinand had ensured that as Arabella had kept repeating to him that he must communicate well with his people too and not just her.

Ferdinand tried and his knights followed suit. But the people were stubborn and doubtful even with all the explanations they had given beforehand about why they were taking these steps.

"I will not tolerate this kind of behavior next time.

Anyone who does this again will be caught, imprisoned, and be punished accordingly.

The knights and magicians have sworn to protect Valerians so they have been lenient to you despite your distasteful behavior.

But remember, they are also people of Valeria whom I must protect.

I will not hesitate to cut you down if you become a threat to them.

I have warned you clearly now so mind your future actions," Ferdinand said with finality.

He turned to finally return the sword to the Knight Captain but before he could, all the knights kneeled on their knees.

Some of them had tears streaming down their faces.

’Huh? I didn’t know that people would cry from this. Is it because they’re not used to being treated like this by the people?’

However, when they spoke it seemed to be because of something else.

"We will serve Your Majesty and Valeria to the best of our ability for the rest of our lives," they swore an oath with a hand on their chest and their head bowed low.

Ferdinand blinked twice at the sight.

"That’s a given as long as you’re part of the knighthood. Stop it and rise. Such teary faces do not suit you at all. Get back to work. There’s still a ton of things to do," Ferdinand sighed.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" They rose and saluted before returning to work.

Somehow, they seemed more energetic this time with their eyes bright again. They even smiled at their comrades and shared a chuckle of delight.

They were happy he spoke for their sake.

Seeing the motivated knights now undeterred even after all the words and mistreatment they received earlier, the people finally began to disperse.

Hopefully, they regretted their actions and would not repeat this again.

Ferdinand no longer had the patience to talk to them again if they did this again.

"If there’s a next time this happens here, catch and imprison them. We cannot have them causing more trouble," he instructed his knights.

"Yes, Your Majesty," they responded in unison and finally went back to work.