Minister of the Interior Ortega voiced his opposition, but Foreign Minister Aldo believed they could make an exception under the circumstances.
"The Free People are no ordinary tribe—they know every trade route and oasis in the Crimson Stone Desert. They command numerous cavalrymen and have spent years contending with the orcs, Gabella, and other powers, giving them extensive combat experience. If granting Ivanko a ducal title can stabilize him and win the Free People's wholehearted loyalty, it will be equivalent to erecting a natural barrier across the Crimson Stone Desert. That is worth far more than a mere noble title!"
The two sides held firmly to their own positions, and the debate grew increasingly heated. The ministers supporting the ennoblement argued that extraordinary times called for extraordinary measures, and that exchanging a title for the Free People's loyalty and the desert's stability was an exceptionally profitable deal. Those opposed insisted that the aristocratic hierarchy could not be casually overturned, or it would undermine the dignity of the Royal Family and the entire nobility, leading to an excess of noble titles.
Rhodesney XVIII listened in silence throughout, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest as his gaze swept again and again over the arguing ministers in the Council Hall.
Just then, a royal attendant stumbled into the hall, clutching a letter tightly in his hand.
"Your Majesty! Urgent battle report!" The attendant dropped to one knee and raised the envelope high. "Marquis Greiman has sent word from the grasslands. The Northwest Legion fought a fierce battle against the orc main force personally led by Alba—and won a major victory!"
The Council Hall instantly fell deathly silent. The argumentative expressions on the ministers' faces froze, and even their breathing seemed to stop.
Rhodesney took the envelope, pulled out the letter, and hurriedly scanned