Expansion of Nine Hundred Thousand Troops

The silence in the great hall lasted for a long, long time. In the past, given Leslie's status, any proposal he made, good or bad, would have received considerable support.

But today, even the core members of his own faction remained silent, heads deeply bowed and expressions grim.

Because they were no longer the mud-legged peasants they had once been. They had already climbed ashore, becoming esteemed nobles and vested beneficiaries of this newborn kingdom.

Leslie's proposal harmed their interests far too severely. Thus, even though they were attached to Leslie's side, they were unwilling to compromise so easily.

The others kept cautiously shifting their gazes between Leslie and Roland, mainly watching Roland's expression.

If this had merely been Leslie's own proposal, they might still have had the strength to resist. But if it was Roland's intention to suppress the nobles and weaken their authority, then what the hell could they resist with? They might as well surrender outright.

A strange atmosphere hung over everyone's hearts. Even Felicia, who had just broken through to Legendary, slowed her breathing considerably as she looked at Leslie with deep admiration.

How brave. To stand alone against the entire kingdom's vested class was almost no easier than breaking through to Legendary herself.

At the center of the entire storm, Leslie's expression remained calm, his eyes deep. No one could guess his truest thoughts.

Finally, under that heavy pressure, James, the Deputy Director of the Administrative Department, could no longer sit still. He gave a light cough and broke the silence.

"I support Director Leslie's proposal. The kingdom truly needs a clear administrative body such as the Noble Department to coordinate the opinions and conflicts of nobles from all sides and safeguard noble interests."

James spoke firmly. He was not supporting Leslie; he was supporting