The Debt Of Fate

Chapter 349: The only Smart person

After a moment of silence, a noble spoke up.

"Now that the Seventh Region is under your control, I say Edward should be beheaded. Leaving him alive will only bring future trouble."

Many nobles agreed with his statement.

Indeed, Edward, as a king, had tried to kill a loyal man. His crime of attempted murder could be punished by death.

Ernest looked around at the nobles.

"Write," he said calmly.

The court scribe quickly stepped forward and prepared his parchment.

"My decree is this," Ernest continued.

"Edward will not be executed. Instead, he and his family will be banished to the Island of Kain, which lies on the northern side of the Seventh Region."

The hall became quiet as the nobles listened.

"All the lords and nobles who left the royal city to support Edward will also be banished with him."

A low murmur spread through the chamber.

The Island of Kain was known to everyone. It was a cold and bitter place. The soil produced very little food, and survival there was difficult.

Then suddenly, a young noble stepped forward and fell to his knees.

"Your Majesty!" he said quickly. "Please show mercy to my family."

Many people turned to look at him.

"I remained in the royal city and never joined Edward," the young noble continued. "But my father and elder brother followed him. I beg Your Majesty to spare them."

Ernest looked at him quietly.

He understood what had happened.

Some families had tried to play both sides of the conflict. One member stayed in the royal city while another followed Edward.

It was human nature to try to protect oneself.

After thinking for a moment, Ernest spoke again. "Are you willing to trade your merit for their survival?" Edward asked.

"Yes, your Majesty," the young Lord agree without a second thought. How could he be at peace while his family parish?

"I will change my decree," Edward said after he saw the man’s willingness.

The hall became silent.

"Those who remained loyal to me may ask pardon for one family in exchange for their merit,"

Many nobles looked relieved when they heard this.

"However," Ernest continued, "even if they are spared from exile, their titles and lands will be taken back by the crown."

The nobles understood the meaning of his words.

It was mercy, but also punishment.

After all, the Island of Kain was a cruel place. The wind there was cold, the land was poor, and food was scarce.

Being sent there was almost the same as being sent to suffer for the rest of their lives.

Hearing this promise, a few nobles stepped forward to ask mercy for their relatives. Some did not bother; after all, with their relatives gone they would inherit the entire estate. Man was both greedy and loyal.

Ernest watched the entire process. He ordered his trusted aide to take note of all those who stepped forward. In his heart, he decided to promote those people who had asked mercy for their family members. To him, this act showed loyalty. Those who did not would be quietly suppressed. After all, if a man is not loyal to his kin, how can he be loyal to the throne?

Ernest waited for the hall to quiet down before he spoke again.

"There is another matter," he said.

The nobles immediately paid attention.

"This concerns Prince Lucan."

At the mention of the prince’s name, several nobles looked at each other. Everyone knew that Lucan was Edward’s younger brother. Many had wondered what his fate would be after Edward’s defeat. Although he had not left the royal city when the gates were opened, his identity was special.

Ernest continued calmly.

"During the struggle for the throne, Prince Lucan did not support his brother."

Some nobles nodded. This was true.

"He remained neutral and did not take part in the war," Ernest said. "More than that, he willingly gave up any future claim to the throne."

A low murmur spread across the hall.

It was not easy for a prince to give up his right to the throne. His actions meant that even his children would not have a claim.

To many, his decision was noble. He cared about the people and the progress of the kingdom, so he earned their respect. Unfortunately, he was injured and did not have many years to live.

Ernest looked around the chamber.

"Because of this, I will grant him a title. From this day forward, Prince Lucan will hold the title of Protector of the Border."

Several nobles looked surprised.

The border regions, although not with the best conditions, were important to the kingdom. Only someone trusted could be given such a responsibility.

Ernest continued speaking.

"He will leave the capital tomorrow and travel to Lowe Pass."

Many lords frowned. Lowe Pass bordered Gube. Prince Lucan was married to the princess of Gube. They worried that the two might unite and fight against the king.

"Your Majesty, why not send him to the border of the Fifth or Sixth Region? Lowe Pass has history with Prince Lucan," Lord Williams spoke up.

"Lord Williams has an excellent point, but the bone is safer when it is handed to the dog to care for," Ernest said. Sending Lucan to the border of Lowe was both a test and a sword. If Lucan betrayed his trust, then he would have the right to kill him.

The older lords immediately understood his thoughts.

"Your Majesty is wise," a few old lords praised.

"Prince Lucan will guard the border and ensure the safety of the kingdom," Ernest continued.

The nobles bowed their heads.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"General Robert," Ernest suddenly called.

General Robert stepped forward. He had just returned to the royal city when Ernest gave the decree to open the gates. He had been on the battlefield long enough.

While others thought that Ernest had become arrogant because he had won a few battles, he had analyzed the situation. Even with the backing of two kingdoms, Edward would still lose.

Ernest’s brilliance was clear for all to see. Moreover, he had been close to King George. He knew the real reason Anastasia was made to marry Edward back then. This was why he had encouraged his daughter Anita to adopt her under her name, but everyone thought they could defy heaven.

Duke Thompson had even come to convince him to leave the royal city, thinking that Sam and Elizabeth were still his grandchildren. He advised him against it, but Thompson, always thinking he was the only smart person, had refused to listen.

Why had he not stepped forward to ask pardon for the Thompson family? It was because that family was related to Queen Anastasia. They were enemies of the throne. Pleading mercy for them now would only put him in an uncomfortable situation.

Had they listened to his advice and stayed, then it would be different. His daughter’s children were important but so were the other five grandchildren from his sons.

"Your Majesty," General Robert bowed.

"The threat from Gube has arrived at Lowe Pass. They marched to support Edward... Lowe Pass must be defended. Can I count on you?" Ernest asked. Of course, he knew that Gube had the ambition to rule over Nexile.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Robert said. He was glad that Ernest was willing to hand such an important task to him. This meant his family was safe and would continue to thrive.

"Then get ready to march to Lowe with the Protector of the Border, Prince Lucan," Ernest said.

General Robert bowed.

"At His Majesty’s command."