The Lord Demon King is Unfathomable!

Chapter 1462 422: Conflicts Won't Disappear, But They Can Be Shifted

Campbell Castle, the Duke's study, the air was so quiet that the slight rustling of turning pages could be heard.

The young Duke Edward Campbell sat behind a massive oak desk, his eyes deep and steady, meticulously staring at the wrinkled newspaper in his hand.

Compared to when he first ascended the throne two years ago, his demeanor had changed significantly.

Clearly, it wasn't just Thunder City that had grown over time; the once ambitious reformer had transformed from an inexperienced wader into a seasoned captain.

Under his command, the small ship of the Campbell Duchy sailed upstream against the current, creating an incredible miracle on the northeast coast of Vortex Harbor!

Now, half of the city-states along the Vortex Sea see Thunder City under his rule as a dreamland, bringing countless goods and treasures to his duchy!

However, things weren't always so satisfactory.

For example, the news in this newspaper he held was just a small ripple encountered by the ship he was steering.

Standing in front of the oak desk, a baron in luxurious attire cleared his throat and began to speak with a tone like reciting a poem.

"Your Majesty Edward Campbell, we all know that the prosperity of Thunder County today is due to your wise reforms and judicious measures. Now all the citizens of Thunder City are cheering for your wisdom, and your benevolence and generosity are known to everyone..."

Edward turned the page of the newspaper in his hand.

He knew well that this flattery was just a prelude; people are always adept at hiding their true intentions in the last sentence of a long speech.

Sure enough.

The baron, as expected, shifted his tone after the compliments, tactfully expressing a long-brewing grievance.

"...But we all know that building a dam requires continuous effort, while it takes only an instant to destroy it."

"Baron Richard, no need for formalities. Given our relationship, you can directly tell me your concerns," Edward said in a gentle tone, as if talking to an old friend.

Although he said this to every supporter who stood by his side, whether they were influential or insignificant.

Seeing the Grand Duke valuing him so much, the baron was delighted, skipping the detours and getting straight to the point.

"It's about your sister! I dare not comment on your family matters, but... you really should restrain your sister a bit. Her behavior now is like a child who just got a new toy, poking at your home's fireplace with it."

There it was.

It was indeed about this matter.

Edward sighed, showing a troubled expression, rubbing his aching brow.

"What has she done this time?"

The baron continued without missing a beat.

"The Sixth Act! Or... the Labor Law, as everyone outside calls it! To put it bluntly, this is pure nonsense! The Campbell Duchy has never had such a precedent, employers not being able to dismiss employees at will? Collecting a 'tithing' beyond legal taxes in the name of the Royal Family? This is neither lawful nor reasonable, no matter how grand her excuses!"

His voice grew increasingly agitated, his spittle even landing on the Duke's desk.

Only when he saw Duke Edward furrow his brow did the baron restrain himself, lowering his tone and apologizing for his rudeness.

Edward had heard too many criticisms of Erin, and he even harbored a bellyful of complaints himself.

He cleared his throat gently, getting straight to the point.

"What is your demand?"

"Abolish the Sixth Act!" the baron said without hesitation.

Edward thought for a moment, his index finger lightly tapping on the desk, voicing his concerns.

"Indeed, she handled this matter somewhat inappropriately, but she has already announced it in the name of the Royal Family. I can't just retract it immediately."

Moreover—

This sounded like making him the bad guy.

Easily seeing through the Majesty's concern, the baron chuckled and immediately offered a suggestion.

"Your Majesty, this is easy to handle! You can announce your support for Princess Aileen's decision, but since the Sixth Act is significant, the related details need further discussion, and the Royal Family should fully listen to the opinions of every citizen. After all, this involves not only factories in the New Industrial Zone but also bakeries and markets in the city. It's not just my factory that has employees... ahem, I mean our factories! In short, those small shop owners in Thunder City also have employees; apprentices and child laborers are also considered employees!"

Edward glanced at the baron in surprise, revealing a hint of amused appreciation on his face.

This guy indeed had a good mind.

No wonder he could amass such a fortune in just two years.

Of course, he had thought of this plan long ago, only needing someone of stature to speak it out for him.

Seeing the seemingly "moved" Grand Duke, the baron seized the opportunity to continue.

"In this way, you don't even need to take action; as long as you send this act to the city council, those mascots you keep won't come to a conclusion in five or six years! The peasants will end up hating those weak citizens, and they absolutely won't blame you."

"Moreover, you can also convince your sister; it's not that her Sixth Act isn't being passed, but that it's being passed cautiously!"

Edward finally showed a smile on his face, thought for a moment, and nodded.