Industrial Revolution of the Mage Lords

Chapter 410: The Law Issuance
In fact, it was not only the young noble knights in the southern border who were inadvertently fed "chicken soup" by Harvey.

Of course, there are also a large number of passionate students from Pioneer Territory Public College who call themselves "advanced elements"...

After the new territorial law was promulgated, a huge notice board was erected in the square in front of the Central Administrative Office. Next to it was a thick hardcover book neatly placed. The cover was inlaid with a concise title in gold thread - "The Fundamental Law of the North". This was a territorial law drafted by Lord Harvey himself and carefully compiled by the core departments of the Administrative Office.

Before it was officially announced to the public, the law was distributed to administrative departments at all levels a week in advance, including the advanced teaching department of the territory's public colleges. The purpose was to allow current and future territory managers to know and learn the content in advance so that it can be implemented smoothly later.

Among them, students from public colleges responded most enthusiastically, and even spontaneously came to the municipal square where the law was posted, and took the initiative to explain the details of the law to the public.

"Everyone!" Ivan cleared his throat. "I'm sure you've all heard the news that the lord is about to build a new city in the northern border. This new basic law will be the general regulations implemented under the lord's rule after the city is built. I will explain it to you in detail. If you have any questions... you can ask me directly, or you can go to the administrative hall and seek answers from the officials."

The city hall officials who were standing by to maintain order looked helpless. They had not expected that the job of preaching the law would be snatched away by a group of students. Knowing that they had good intentions, they could only smile bitterly, nod, and applaud in agreement.

"First, the outline of the Northern Territory's Fundamental Law. This section... every single article and every single word was personally drafted by our respected Lord. It is completely different from the corrupt old laws and traditional systems..."

"Article One: In all territories governed by Harvey Floyd, all supreme authority belongs to the lord himself."

As soon as Ivan finished speaking, the crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers. "Long live Lord Harvey! We serve you faithfully!"

The students standing before the notice board displayed expressions of pride. "Article Two: The Central City Hall under the lord's rule is the highest authority in the territory. It handles all matters within the territory according to the lord's instructions."

The content of this regulation is a bit difficult to understand, and many people who are still struggling in night literacy schools have a look of confusion.

Ivan quickly translated it in plain English. "What it means is that if you have any difficulties, please contact the Administrative Office. The Lord will instruct the Administrative Office to make the decision for us!"

The people watching and listening immediately understood, and there was another round of thunderous applause and cheers.

"Article 3: After entering the territory, migrants can obtain official resident status through formal channels. Once they become official residents of the territory, they will no longer be burdened with the lowly status of slaves, serfs, tenants, and servants. Regardless of their origin, race, background, or gender, everyone will be treated equally."

This article is easy to understand, but the public response is not as enthusiastic as before - after all, it is normal for local wastelanders and orcs to band together to exclude people from the southern border, and it is difficult to change immediately in a short period of time. But with this law as a benchmark, at least there will be no serious discrimination in the open.

"Article 4: All citizens are protected by the laws of the territory and are entitled to all security and benefits. They also have the obligation to pay taxes, serve in the army, and be loyal to the lord."

Although this article was short, every citizen present felt the same way. They had come from afar to the Pioneer Territory, and the Lord had indeed fulfilled his promise, providing housing and food security for all the originally displaced people. At the same time, based on their benefits of free education and cheap medical care, the territory's tax revenue was almost fixed every year, and there had never been any temporary levy of exorbitant taxes. Service was entirely based on voluntary recruitment. The army's high salaries and benefits, as well as the visibly low casualty rate, even made soldiering an extremely popular and sought-after profession.

"Article 5. Nobles and spellcasters are equally members of the territory's inhabitants. Their status does not confer any special powers. Titles of nobility can only be inherited as honorary titles according to law."

As soon as Ivan finished speaking, a whisper immediately broke out among the crowd, "Isn't this equivalent to directly abolishing the privileges of the nobility?"

"Yes, I've heard a long time ago that the Lord wants to abolish the power of the nobles... Hehe, from now on, whether in the North or in the Grizzly Territory, I won't have to kowtow to those noble lords with their eyes on the top of their heads anymore." "The spellcasters in the territory are actually quite nice people, like Dean Egno of the Hospital. I'd like to respectfully call him Master Mage..."

"Dean Durt of the Spellcaster Academy is also very approachable. My child was selected to join, and he will have the opportunity to become a spellcaster in the future..."

The students waited patiently for the onlookers to finish their discussion before continuing to read out the remaining content of the regulations.

"Article 6. The personal safety and legal property of the people of the territory are protected by Lord Harvey Floyd and are sacred and inviolable."

"Article 7: The territory encourages citizens to engage in legal business operations and free trade. Taxes must be paid as required. Any business activities must not violate the laws of the territory or harm the interests of the territory."

"Article 8: Citizens shall have the right to receive free education, the right to freely engage in any work, and the right to freely choose their marriage, without hindrance or discrimination."

……

Ivan spoke clearly and slowly, explaining each item one by one. He would stop from time to time and explain the specific meaning and content of the law to the onlookers together with the other students, which made the administrative officials watching on the side nod in satisfaction.

In the past, laws made by the nobles were rarely read out and explained publicly in front of the common people, and the content of the laws rarely involved the common people. Even ordinary civilians of free birth were nothing more than objects for exploitation and conscription in the eyes of the nobles. When conflicts arose between the two, they would often use knights and the army to suppress them violently without any reasoning.

It was unprecedented for a lord like Harvey to enact a legal system that repeatedly mentioned the people under his rule.

Before the new law was promulgated, the people who had actually enjoyed various benefits under Harvey's rule were completely convinced of it - their lord, to whom they were wholeheartedly loyal, did not break his promise, nor did he deceive them with sweet words... sturdy and comfortable houses, delicious and filling food, and equal status for all, not only could everyone get what they saw in the present, but they also had full expectations for a happy life in the future.

A somewhat abrupt voice suddenly emerged from the crowd caught up in the heated discussion, and then more and more people, regardless of the obstruction of the Executive Office officials, joined the discussion of this topic emotionally.

"Why don't we just establish our own kingdom in the North? Your Majesty should be our king!"

"Yes! We have our own people's army, our own city hall... and a lord who treats us wholeheartedly. Why can't we establish our own country?"

"Your Majesty should be our King, our Emperor!"

Ivan and the students present exchanged a tacit glance, and all of them raised their lips subtly.

Their real purpose this time... was finally achieved.

(End of this chapter)