After the Golden Seal edict was issued, discussions throughout the Grand Duchy over its contents became intensely heated.
When the rabbit died, the fox grieved. Oskro's family had met such a fate that the nobles could not help but feel a chill in their hearts.
Even Marquis Merlin, the Chief Executive of the Cabinet, came to Russell. "This punishment is far too severe. Although Oskro's behavior was somewhat unruly, he had not truly done anything excessively outrageous. His crimes did not warrant this."
"Grandfather." Russell's expression remained calm. "My punishment of Oskro has nothing to do with the gravity of his crimes."
"What do you mean?" Marquis Merlin frowned. Since this grandson of his had ascended the throne, more and more of his actions had become impossible for him to see through.
"Simply because he lacks reverence," Russell said evenly.
Marquis Merlin's frown deepened. "Simply because he lacks reverence?"
"That is right." Russell looked at the bewildered Marquis Merlin and said blandly, "Twenty or thirty years of rule by the Elder Council, with the Grand Duke's position left unresolved, have already infected every noble with arrogance. They can no longer distinguish ruler from subject."
Hearing this, Marquis Merlin gave Russell a long look.
Russell calmly met Marquis Merlin's gaze. "I did not ascend as a Selecting the Young Master. I ascended as Shadowflame's intimate partner, as a Phantom Dragon Knight who opened a New Peak of the Knight's Path. The legitimacy of my rule cannot be questioned, and my strength reaches heaven and earth."
He paused, giving Marquis Merlin time to absorb it.
Only then did Russell continue, "Yet the nobles of this entire nation, the knights who have sworn loyalty to me, lack sufficient reverence and loyalty toward me. Loyalty that is not absolute is absolute disloyalty. From top