Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 71 Game of Power

Su Mu returned to the town, where he was greeted with a rare moment of peace.

I've been traveling a lot lately and haven't been to Kuraki for a long time.

He returned home from the council chamber only to find soldiers holding down a prisoner, who was waiting there.

"Sir, this person is suspected to be a prisoner from the Kyle family. You said to bring him here once you return to Kuraki."

Su Mu glanced at the cleaned-up little Kyle and suddenly remembered this incident.

After so many soldiers identified the candidate, it was almost certain that someone was the right person, but there were indeed more suitable candidates.

"Bring him in!"

Two guards dragged little Kyle into the courtyard, pressing his head down to prevent him from looking around.

Natasha heard the noise and came out with afternoon tea, but froze on the spot. She saw a prisoner in the courtyard whose figure seemed somewhat familiar.

Su Mu lay on the rocking chair and pointed at the prisoner.

“A man was captured during the Battle of White Rock. The surrendered soldiers say he is Terry Kyle, the second son of House Kyle. Valentine, identify him!”

The guards grabbed the prisoner's head and removed the rag stuffed in his mouth.

"My lord, I am not a member of the Kyle family. They have truly made a mistake..."

He stopped abruptly halfway through his sentence, looked at the familiar woman in front of him, and knew he couldn't continue his fabrication.

At that moment, the will to survive took over his mind, and he looked at Valentine with pleading eyes, hoping she would not tell the truth.

Valentine hesitated for a moment, then pointed directly at him: "He is Terry Kyle! The second son of the Kyle family."

Terry's pleading expression turned to despair, then to an unusual rage: "You bitch! Our family has treated you well, keeping you in our castle, feeding and watering you, and this is how you treat me!"

Following his gaze, I caught a glimpse of Valentine wearing a green gauze dress, her youthful and radiant white legs barely visible, and the fabric around her chest seemed to have been reduced considerably.

"You slut! Shameless! You are my fiancée, an heir to a barony. How could you willingly become the mistress of a despicable attacker? Where is your usual dignified and cold facade?"
He made you feel good right here on this bed? A savage…

Terry wanted to rant, but his bodyguard beat him mercilessly, striking his stomach dozens of times until he nearly vomited up all his bile.

Valentine's eyes glistened with tears, and he became furious: "You want to keep a canary, huh? The whole of Whitestone knows what the Kyle family is up to."

Do you know what my life was like in Whitestone City? I was kept under guard in a closed courtyard, not allowed to go out freely, like a prisoner.

"Even the maids can bully me, gossiping loudly at night, and then stage an accident after the wedding to make me disappear without a trace, so that the Kyle family can perfectly inherit the title."

Living in constant fear, yet forced to put on a brave face, quietly awaiting death.

"I've had enough of you! The Kyle family!"

"You deserve to die!"

After Valentine finished speaking, her body trembled uncontrollably. The suppressed emotions erupted, bringing her close to madness.

Terry Kyle, however, paid no attention to her words; his eyes were filled with hatred, and he wanted to kill the bitch in front of him.

"Take him away, don't let him commit suicide. Prepare to send him to Longlet Castle along with the resources."

Su Mu waved his hand, signaling someone to take Terry away.

It seems being a noble isn't easy. The Kyle family went to great lengths, even scheming for years, just for the title. In this process, there was no need for love between the two sides; as long as there was an heir, they would even resort to killing each other afterward.

No wonder many nobles are psychologically disturbed and commit cruel acts.

If it were someone else, they might tie Terry up in the yard, provoke Valentine, who is in tears, and have a fake relationship turn into a real one.

Su Mu, however, was not in that situation; he did not believe he would be limited to the rank of Baron.

Given this achievement and Terry Kyle's head, Maggie should at least show some sincerity.

Of course, he hadn't forgotten that he might be able to find Salman's connection in Longlet Castle, since that was the crucial matter concerning his life.

……

The escort team from Kuraki Town and the Angry Bear family brought back a large amount of resources and prisoners, causing an uproar throughout Langlit Castle.

The city's inhabitants picked up stones and hurled them at the prisoners parading through the streets. They had never forgotten the crimes these beasts had committed in breaking into Langlit Castle, and killing them was not an exaggeration.

"Mayor Kuraki is truly capable, joining forces with Argyle to directly seize White Stone City."

"I heard that Locke originally wanted to run away, but Su Mu was incredibly resourceful and blocked the enemy's retreating troops at the last moment, killing them all."

"See that young man? That's the second son of the Kyle family. We must burn him alive this time to vent our anger, otherwise it won't be enough to avenge my child!"

The city's inhabitants were filled with righteous indignation, a stark contrast to the previous return of the allied forces. Everyone shouted for revenge, which naturally satisfied Longlet Castle.

Maggie sat in the very center of the town council hall and pointed at the group of prisoners.

"Flog each of them a hundred times and drag them to the square for trial!"

“Terry Kyle, keep him in the water dungeon for a while, and he will be publicly tried in a week.”

Public trials were usually held in the town's largest square, the place where heretics were tried and speeches were given. A pile of timber was erected, and in front of thousands of witnesses, the sinful souls were burned along with their bodies—this was the proper end for the Kyle family.

Let everyone see what happens to those who dare to betray the kingdom and Longlet Castle.

The crowd looked at Maggie with fear, realizing that the person before them was no longer the little girl who had been easily ignored.

After the nobles had left, Maggie kept Baron Eugen, Viscount Jeff Payne, and Grand Master of the Magic Guild, Galad Blacksor, behind.

"Su Mu did a good job this time. He not only captured Whitestone City, but also caused Griffinson's reputation to plummet. Although he didn't capture Locke, he brought his son back, which gave the city's residents an explanation."

How should we reward him?

Maggie looked at the three nobles and asked tentatively.

Baron Eugen spoke first: "I recommended Su Mu, but I don't shy away from the idea. His achievements are obvious to all; he successfully blocked the vanguard of Isildur in Kuraki."

Later, they launched a surprise attack on White Stone City, forcing the rebels to return. Now, they have captured another city that the allied forces were powerless to conquer.

They must be granted titles and fiefdoms, and this must be widely publicized to encourage nobles in various regions to strengthen their military capabilities.

Maggie nodded, then looked at Viscount Payne. He was a former conservative nobleman, and also a relative of Maggie's maternal line, though not very close to Rex.

After Rex's downfall, Viscount Payne completely sided with Maggie, becoming her right-hand man.

Viscount Payne stroked his beard and said, "Su Mu's military achievements need no further explanation; he is indeed a promising young man."

But he is too young and difficult to control. If we give him a title and fiefdom all at once, what if he makes great contributions later?
If you ask me, we should take it slow. Young people need to gain experience and be tempered.

That's true; a marquis can indeed recommend a nobleman for credit, but there are limits. A viscount is the limit for a vassal; to go any higher, one must be recognized by the entire kingdom.

Garfield only has the right to propose it; whether or not Congress approves it is up to them.

Eugen was somewhat angry: "If those who have rendered meritorious service are not rewarded, who would be willing to risk their lives for Longletburg? Besides, Lady Maggie has sworn an oath of family honor. If she does not keep that oath, how can Garfield gain the respect of his men?"

Viscount Payne retorted sharply, "It's not like we're not going to reward him, just a little later. Give him a baronial title, let him relinquish Kuraki Town, appoint him as mayor of another town, and reward him with some gold coins and resources. Lady Maggie has also kept her promise." Eugen was so angry he laughed. Did they really think the nobles were fools? If even Sumu received such a small reward, wouldn't the others have even less to gain?

This time everyone was willing to raise an army to rescue and quell the rebellion. What about next time? We can only pray that Longlet Castle isn't attacked, otherwise the nobles' carriages will break down on the way—it's utterly ridiculous.

The two almost got into an argument, each with their own reasons.

Maggie had no choice but to look to the highly respected president of the magic guild.

Galadriel Blackso sat weakly in a chair, having entered without uttering a word, simply lost in thought, as if the matter had nothing to do with him.

Galad was seriously wounded in the last siege and spent a long time recuperating in the guild before emerging, still looking sickly. He originally didn't want to get involved in politics, but he couldn't resist Maggie's repeated persuasion, hoping that the old mage could help stabilize the situation.

All eyes were on him, after all, he was a figure at the center of power in the previous marquisate, and his words carried considerable weight.

"I'm old and tired, and I don't want to get into arguments anymore."

“Little Payne, I know you have your own thoughts, but Longlet Castle is large enough to accommodate newcomers; Eugen, you also want to pave the way for your future, but don’t forget that you are always a vassal of Longlet Castle.”

After being reprimanded by the old master, the two of them turned their heads away.

"To be fair, without Sumu, this city would have been destroyed, and Garfield would have been nailed to the pillar of shame. The city's people would not have had the opportunity to vent their anger and seek revenge today."

The old mage looked at Maggie with his cloudy eyes: "Reward and punishment are both up to you, but remember, whatever decision you make, you must be willing to bear the consequences, because you represent Longletburg!"

Your Excellency, Marquis.

After saying this, the old monk left, leaning on his cane, leaving the three of them in the council hall.

After a moment of contemplation, Maggie's eyes hardened: "I will request a baronial title for Su Mu and grant him the area surrounding Cangmu Town as his fiefdom."

Only the minimum tax needs to be paid, but the timber from the forest farm still needs to be delivered on time.

Eugen was quite pleased with the reward, but Viscount Payne was a little anxious: "My lord, you should think it over carefully."

Instead of teaming up with his own noble family, Su Mu summoned Argyle. White Stone City is still in the hands of the Angry Bear family. How is his behavior any different from Kyle's before?

One should always be wary of others!

Eugen slammed his fist on the table: "I don't consider myself a great general, but I know how to obey the commander who knows the army. Doesn't Viscount Payne understand this principle?"
Don't you know what level the coalition forces are at?
If you think you're stronger than Su Mu, then where was the Battle of Langlit Castle back then?

Seeing that the two were about to start arguing again, Maggie quickly separated them: "My mind is made up, and I will not go back on my word."

The Eagle Clan hasn't stooped to such shamelessness. Since he has rendered meritorious service to the Marquis, he should be rewarded!

"In a few days, the Kingdom's Sword will come to Longlet Castle to rest and regroup. Have all those who have contributed to this siege come over and ask the Knight Commander to report to the Parliament."

Upon hearing that the Sword of the Kingdom was coming, Payne said nothing more and hurried home to prepare the younger members of his family, hoping they might catch the eye of the Knight Commander. Although they weren't skilled enough to join the Knights, it would be quite good if they could be sent to the capital for training.

Just as Eugen was about to leave, Maggie called him back.

Will Su Mu become the next Kyle?

Eugen stood there, stunned. He wanted to answer immediately, but hearing Maggie's weary voice, he hesitated for a long time before replying, "He has the blood of the kingdom and would never side with the stronghold!"

They do not side with the fortresses, remaining loyal to the kingdom. But what about the marquesslands, and Longlet Castle?
Eugen did not give a direct response.

These days, Maggie has gradually consolidated power, ruling over the entire Longlet Castle. She thought that with her intelligence and talent, she could easily control the territory and manipulate the nobles.

But reality is not that simple.

Maggie has a natural advantage in terms of status, and nobles are willing to gravitate towards her, but this does not mean they are loyal.

Everyone outwardly respects the lord, treating her with utmost deference. But no one truly reveres her; in fact, when conflicts arise, they secretly form alliances to oppose her commands.

The most typical example is that a large number of people openly and secretly urged her to get married, as if only if she got married could Langlitburg be guaranteed.

No one believed that a woman could protect the interests of the nobility.

Eugen knew that Maggie admired Queen Lancaster and also wanted to achieve legendary feats.

But the path that queen walked was not one that ordinary people could endure. Her vassals stretched from Isildur to the capital, Eldon, and her retainers were all renowned marshals. She herself was a legendary hero.

Maggie has never revealed her magical talent, but in fact, she may very well have already become a hero.

The nobles weren't fools; at least Payne and Galad certainly knew. They remained silent, waiting for their lord to reveal his true intentions before putting on a show of submission.

Will this be enough to keep ambitious people in check? That seems unlikely.

If Maggie truly wanted to lead all the nobles, both spiritually and physically, it would be very simple.

A trial by blood and fire!
……

In Kuraki Town, Forrest built a secret chamber in the military zone, with each room separated by special materials, like a prison.

It doesn't hold prisoners, but rather sealed treasures.

To be honest, these sealed treasures are quite troublesome, especially the Divine Feet and the Dragon Wing Robe.

He had brought several couples into the house before and done everything he was supposed to, but there was still no reaction. In the end, Su Mu reminded him that he should think more about this aspect.

Forrest used his brain to suggest that the couples have some fun, and he successfully devised a sealing method for them.

Moreover, the divinely gifted creature seemed quite satisfied, moving around the room looking for a suitable vantage point.

Forrest then understood what it meant for a treasure to gradually become abnormal.

The other dragon-winged robe was also somewhat difficult, but based on the characteristics of the divinely bestowed feet, he deduced the sealing conditions of this treasure.

Forrest had a group of wyverns found, mostly low-level creatures, and threw their robes into the cell, successfully sealing them away.

Although the three treasures were successfully sealed, it is not a permanent solution. Perhaps one day the treasures will mutate and change the conditions, which would cause great chaos.

Therefore, Forrest is still thinking about ways to completely lift the lockdown.

This pile of treasures is wild and untamed, like lawless prisoners who should be imprisoned and reformed. But to reform them, something is needed to keep them in check.

The prison is currently well-equipped with security measures, but it lacks a dignified warden—a person or a treasure. A treasure would be preferable, as they share common traits.

If the modification is successful, the treasure may have additional benefits.

But where can we find such a treasure?

Forrest fell into deep thought.

From afar, Su Mu had already mustered his shield soldiers and Earth Bows, preparing to re-enter Langlit Castle.

Unlike last time, this time the lord is the true protagonist who is the center of attention.

Don't let the alluring ladies in the castle entice you to walk until you're practically leaning against the wall.

We must never forget our original aspirations!
Su Mu didn't hear Forrest's prayer; he simply killed the last batch of bastion soldiers before leaving, which was the best gift for the Kingdom's Sword.

(End of this chapter)