Regicide Plan
"My lord, Snow Moon Lake is one of the taboos of the Orc Empire; our army cannot be stationed there permanently!"
Just as the order was given to set up camp and establish a logistics transit station by the lake, a group of Northern Nobles in the army rushed over to persuade him.
Seeing the fear on everyone's faces, Hudson knew there must be a story behind this.
There are quite a few "forbidden places" on the Aslant Continent, but their terror is relative. Most threats target ordinary people, and very few can threaten an army of tens of thousands of monsters.
According to intelligence gathered by the kingdom's officials, the three most dangerous places in the Orc Empire are located in the northern plateau, the western Salal Hills, and the central Ula Mountains.
Snow Moon Lake wasn't mentioned at all in the information. He honestly couldn't recall any danger there.
"Oh, what terrifying thing is in this lake that makes you so wary?"
Hudson asked, puzzled.
As long-time adversaries, the Alpha Kingdom should have a fairly good understanding of the Orc Empire.
Snow Moon Lake covers an area of several thousand square kilometers, and if there is any threat to the army, it should not be ignored.
"Your Excellency, we are not entirely sure what dangers Snow Moon Lake holds."
When I was deep in the Orc Empire gathering intelligence, I overheard an interesting story.
According to ancient legend, Snow Moon Lake is the place where gods fell, and a curse exists in the lake. Tribes that live here for a long time will suffer various accidents and then rapidly decline until they perish.
We do not have specific evidence, but the Five Great Royal Families' directly subordinate tribes all tacitly abandoned Snow Moon Lake, which was rich in water and grass and suitable for agricultural production.
The Beastfolk tribes living nearby are all small tribes that couldn't make a living outside and had no choice but to settle here.
Even so, their tribes stayed as far away from the lake as possible, with the nearest tribe being at least thirty miles away.
These tribes only move to the lakeside during the lean season each year. Once they overcome the hardship, they leave immediately!
Upon hearing Baron Keterai's words, Hudson's expression immediately turned serious. Ancient myths and legends may not be true, but the choices of the Beastfolk natives could not be ignored.
Under normal circumstances, a piece of fertile land that should be fiercely contested has become a dangerous place that everyone avoids. It's impossible for there not to be problems.
Deep down, Hudson's resentment towards the five dukes of the North suddenly surged.
These Northern Nobles under their own command, who had only conducted a few transactions deep within the Orc Empire, already knew that Snow Moon Lake was problematic. How could these locals not know?
However, in the information provided to him, the only mention of Snow Moon Lake was. "The land is fertile and the vegetation is abundant." It was clearly a deliberate attempt to trap him.
Hudson didn't want to give up the convenience of water transport. However, the potential dangers in the lake couldn't be ignored.
Glancing at the group of Northern Nobles, Hudson asked with concern, "Is there any more specific information about Snow Moon Lake, including local legends?"
"Your Excellency, there are many legends about Snow Moon Lake, which can be mainly divided into three categories: lake monsters, Evil God, and curses."
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It is said that living here for a long time will taint you with the ominous influence of the lake. Three years ago, when I was on a mission here, I encountered a small tribe that was wiped out.
Out of curiosity, we examined the body carefully but found no injuries. There were no signs of foul play; the only odd thing was that there was some dust on the recently deceased corpse.
Realizing something was wrong, we quickly left. We also secretly inquired with the local Beastfolk, who said that this kind of thing happens every few years.
Most of the victims were members of nearby tribes. Some died in the wild, while others died at home. The manner of death was similar; no injuries were found on the bodies.
Some say it's a water monster seeking revenge, others say it's the work of Evil God, while many others believe there's something ominous in the lake that will curse you if you come into contact with it.
It is said that the Beastfolk Royal Court also sent experts to investigate, but the final outcome is unknown. In any case, no tribes of the Five Great Royal Families have settled here since then.
Within the Orc Empire, Snow Moon Lake has another name—Devil's Lake.
Baron Reno answered with a hint of trepidation, as if awakening a deep-seated fear within him, leaving Hudson completely bewildered.
However, he still keenly noticed one thing—there was dust on the corpse.
Under normal circumstances, whether it's Evil God causing trouble, a water monster seeking death, or a curse killing someone, it's all dealt with cleanly and efficiently, without leaving behind a pile of dust.
"A volcanic lake!"
In an instant, those three words popped into Hudson's mind.
In my memories before the journey, there was information about a volcanic lake, which is similar to the situation at Snow Moon Lake.
When a volcano erupts, it releases large amounts of harmful gases and dust, which ordinary people simply cannot withstand.
For Beastfolk who lack knowledge, it's normal to make wild guesses when encountering the unknown.
"Pass down the order: move the camp thirty li upstream along the Jade River. Send men to scout the lake area to see if a volcanic crater exists."
Hudson gave the order decisively.
The truth can be investigated gradually, but the source of danger must be avoided. If we're unlucky enough to encounter a volcanic eruption, the army will suffer heavy losses.
If the judgment is wrong, it will be even more terrifying. Unknown dangers are far more frightening than known risks.
Looking at the crystal-clear lake water and the schools of fish swimming back and forth, Hudson felt that something was wrong.
Under normal circumstances, there should be no fish in a volcanic lake, and the surrounding environment should not be so comfortable.
However, this is a different world, and the rules governing its operation are quite different. The theoretical knowledge gained before the journey may not be correct here.
On the vast grasslands, a human army suddenly broke away from the main force and headed towards the coastal area, which deviated from its original course.
As he looked at the map and led his team forward, Duke Pias was constantly on edge.
As the vanguard of the army, he undertakes the highest military tasks and faces the greatest risks in the entire army.
Although the news from the Dragon Cavalry indicated that the Beastfolk had not deployed heavy troops in the coastal areas and that only some small and medium-sized tribes were entrenched along the way, he was still uneasy.
There was nothing he could do; the news came from the Church. If the Kingdom's air force hadn't suffered heavy losses and the information came from his own people, he wouldn't have panicked at all.
"Duke, Bishop Simon of the Papacy has come to visit."
The guard's words startled Duke Pias slightly. He quickly recovered and ordered, "Please come in!"
The Alpha Kingdom and the Church have a strained relationship, but now that they are in a period of joint operations, theoretically they should put aside their differences and work together.
If it were at a different time, and the Church were to visit in such a grand manner, Duke Pias would have to consider avoiding any appearance of impropriety.
"Your Grace, what is your decision?"
The Locknerd Family is in a rather unfavorable situation right now. Caesar III has long wanted to eliminate you, but he just hasn't found the opportunity to do so yet.
If he didn't have designs on you, he wouldn't have appointed Count Hudson, with whom you have a blood feud, as the commander-in-chief of the army.
You've already seen how formidable this person is. Being a vanguard is just the beginning; many more dreadful missions await you.
Count Hudson is a master of slowly boiling a frog; if this drags on, the Locknerd Family will suffer great losses!
Bishop Simon tried to sow discord.
It's understandable that Caesar III had grievances against the Northern Nobles, but to say he would eliminate them would be an exaggeration. Even if he were to take action, it wouldn't be now.
With the Alpha Kingdom's military strength severely weakened, neither faction within the country dared to instigate internal strife at this juncture.
If we lose our last remaining assets and attract the attention of foreign enemies, then we're doomed.
For example, the Church, which had long coveted the Alpha Kingdom, had been looking for an opportunity to interfere in the kingdom's internal affairs.
"Your Excellency, you are exaggerating the situation. His Majesty is wise and powerful, and would never do anything that would cause pain to loved ones and joy to enemies at this time."
As for Count Hudson, do you think I'm afraid of him? So what if he's the commander-in-chief of the Allied Forces? There are so many nobles in the army watching!
Besides, even if I agreed to cooperate with you, it wouldn't make any difference. The Locknerd Family alone is simply incapable of controlling the kingdom's situation!
Duke Pias answered somewhat nervously.
As a member of the great nobility, he was also a staunch supporter of Royal Authority and harbored no goodwill towards the Church. However, the benefits promised by the Church were too great, which swayed his will.
Once the Church's plan is complete, the Locknerd Family will be the most powerful family in the kingdom. Except for not being able to directly ascend the throne, their power will be almost equal to that of the King.
The only problem is that the plan's success rate isn't high enough. Even if the initial plans are completed smoothly, it will be difficult for the Locknerd Family, with their strength, to control the kingdom.
Whether other families will object is unknown, but the newly rising Coslo Family will definitely jump out and challenge them.
In terms of overall strength, the Locknerd Family is likely several times, or even more than ten times, stronger than the Coslo Family.
However, the power struggle among large families is not only about overall strength; in extreme situations, military strength becomes even more important.
In the short term, the relative military strength of the two countries remains to be seen.
Moreover, the Locknerd Family has had more than just the Coslo Family as enemies over the years.
They want to seize control of the kingdom, and driven to desperation, their enemies might very well take a desperate gamble and join forces to deliver a severe blow.
After all, rules are only rules if everyone follows them. You can't break them yourself and expect others to continue to follow them.
"Your Grace, there's no need to worry. If one of you isn't enough, then just bring in a few more allies!"
The Five Great Families of the North have been closely allied for so many years, I think you must have a way to drag them down with you.
With the combined strength of your Five Great Families, you should be able to suppress the nobles in the south. If that's not enough, you can bring in a few more allies.
As long as you are steady enough and do not infringe upon the core interests of the Southern Aristocrats in the early stages of your rule, civil war will not break out.
Your Grace, think this over carefully. This is the best opportunity you can have. Once those guys in the south regain their strength, the situation will be very different.
They recover much faster than you. Once they recover first, it will be your doom.
Some things, once they've happened, are gone forever, and no one can undo them.
Bishop Simon warned with a chuckle.
It's not surprising that the Church has so many dirty tricks up its sleeve given the numerous scandals involving the Northern Nobles.
His family's reputation was already bad, and Duke Pias didn't mind exposing some of his dark history. What truly worried him was that there's no such thing as a free lunch.
The Church's repeated promises to help them control the Alpha Kingdom were so selfless that they moved him to tears.
As Bishop Simon said, some things, once done, cannot be undone. What they are about to do now is—regicide.
Even if you are not the main character, but merely create opportunities for the people of the Church, it is still regicide.
For any orthodox nobleman, the psychological impact was enormous.
The Church can be indifferent; they have killed more than one or two King throughout history, and they don't care about Caesar III's life or death at all.
Duke Pias is different. The Five Great Families of the North are closely allied, but that's just a union of interests. If it comes to regicide, he can't guarantee that the other four families won't follow suit.
If this were to be exposed, it would be their doom. Not only would the Locknerd Family's enemies not let them off the hook, but even their vassal nobles would most likely turn against them.
Don't expect much support from the Church; it won't make much of a difference. Remember, the collapse of the Church's rule back then led to the execution of a King, sparking a wave of anti- Church sentiment among the nobility.
If it were really exposed, they wouldn't even have time to shift the blame; they wouldn't come out to take the fall.
Even a pope couldn't bear the stigma of regicide. It was a taboo that no monarch could tolerate.
As long as someone is willing to take the lead, everyone would be happy to form a coalition to fight against the Church and remove the danger from our heads.
"Your Excellency, now is not the time. How about we first help you take Fengyue Port and cripple the Orc Empire?"
"If we don't eliminate the threat from the north first, the pressure on our families will be immense if the kingdom descends into chaos!"
Duke Pias tentatively suggested.
Trust is the most important element in cooperation, and as the weaker party, Duke Pias has more to consider.
For the Church, the plan was largely complete once Caesar III died, but for the Locknerd Family, it was just the beginning of a new trouble.
If one wants to control the government, one can only do so gradually through infiltration, rather than blindly rushing in to become a powerful minister.
In the early stages, one must even behave oneself and pretend to be completely unprepared. Any slight transgression could easily lead to association with regicide.
"No problem!"
Bishop Simon readily agreed.
They hadn't originally planned to cooperate with the Five Great Families, given the vast difference in their strength; they were hardly equal allies.
However, regicide is a technical job, and without inside help, assassins can't even get close to Caesar III.
The assassins sent by the Church had been lurking in the Royal Capital for several years, but they had not found an opportunity to get close to Caesar III, and instead suffered considerable losses.
Left with no other choice, they had to find partners in the Alpha Kingdom. For any other matter, bribery and influence would be easy to carry out, but this time was an exception.
No matter how good their relationship was, if they showed even the slightest intention to commit regicide, the other party would immediately turn against them without showing any mercy.