Annan certainly wasn't doing this because he coveted the nobles' wealth. At least a third... no, half the reason was that he despised nobles who lorded it over everyone else.
If you stood with me, I'd let you keep your wealth and status for being smart. But since you've chosen to question and oppose me, why shouldn't I take aim at the nobles while weakening the Kingdom?
"Go find Reynaldo and tell him to come see me."
Annan spoke to the scribe.
"What?"
The scribe's confusion made Annan realize his mistake. He corrected himself. "Never mind. I'll go find Uncle Reynaldo myself."
"I'm already here."
Footsteps sounded, followed by a deep voice. The Minister of War arrived at the City Guard with his trusted aides.
"Lord Reynaldo."
"Uncle."
Annan and the scribe greeted him at the same time.
Reynaldo nodded to the scribe, then smiled kindly. "Young Miss Olmedo, what did you need me for?"
The scribe tactfully walked away. Annan said, "Give me a list of everyone hostile to the Blade of Freedom."
"What are you planning?" the Minister of War asked with a frown.
"Don't worry. I'll deal with them within the rules," Annan reassured him. "Not one of those nobles has clean hands. I don't need to risk assassinating them."
"What brings you here, anyway?"
"I heard the City Guard caught a group of Blade of Freedom members. I couldn't figure out what you were trying to do, so I came to see..."
"Then you can come to the dungeon with me."
Annan and Reynaldo entered the City Guard's dungeon. Reynaldo watched the prisoners in the cells, some hanging their heads and others crying out without pause. His brow gradually eased. "They're Blade of Freedom?"
"Mm."
They called themselves the Blade of Freedom and acted in its