Meanwhile, since these fiefs were still near the borders of the Eastern Sea Province, he could intimidate them whenever necessary.
For instance, he could have the border garrison lift its blockade and let the War Grand Duchy's army enter the Eastern Sea Province, giving them a taste of the threat of war.
After this succession of combination punches, public opposition within the kingdom vanished in an instant. Whether they belonged to the Noble Faction or the Royal Family itself, his opponents had now disappeared. No one would openly oppose Duke Barick's succession to the throne anymore.
Yet although Duke Barick held an overwhelming advantage, he remained extremely cautious. After all, his father had died under mysterious circumstances.
Even now, Duke Barick had not abandoned his investigation into the matter. At first, he had thought it might have something to do with the Central City-State Alliance.
But after sending envoys to negotiate with the Central City-State Alliance twice during this period, while gathering intelligence along the way, Duke Barick discovered that the alliance probably had little to do with his father's sudden death from illness.
More and more evidence suggested that the conspiracy might have come from another direction: within the kingdom itself.
Upon learning this, Duke Barick went straight to his teacher, Marquis Stanley, and informed him of the situation.
Concerned for Duke Barick's safety, Marquis Stanley immediately transferred his own Personal Guard to the duke's side to serve as his guards.
The old marquis had selected these battle-hardened veterans from the army. Every one of them was an elite soldier, adept at charging into enemy lines, and he frequently used them as the cutting edge of his forces on the battlefield. With them protecting the duke, the old marquis could feel somewhat more at ease.
Meanwhile, the Imperial Guard,