Chapter 28

According to Eric, despite being targeted for assassination multiple times, His Majesty had remained silent on the matter.

However, did the fact that he began to speak of his true intentions after the sins of Duke Belkline came to light have some significance?

"Father, I am glad that you have acknowledged me, but it seems somewhat unnatural. Why in front of Lea—?"

Naturally, Eric also raised the same question to His Majesty as I did.

He questioned why His Majesty chose to reveal this to me at this moment.

"The House of Belkline, one of the Four Great Noble Families, is to be punished. The country will likely be plunged into turmoil. I have been observing to gauge your capabilities, but it is no longer necessary."

"……"

"Lea's presence seemed significant to you. I wanted her to know as well. Including the main topic I am about to discuss..."

"Main topic...?"

His Majesty stated that since Eric was already planning to punish the House of Belkline, there was no longer any need for silence for the sake of the nation's peace.

Moreover, it seemed that His Majesty had more to say.

What could be the "main topic" that he wanted me to hear as well...?

"---I will abolish the 'privileges' granted to the great nobles, in My name."

"---!?"

His Majesty declared that he would abolish the privileges granted to the great nobles, specifically the dukes.

These privileges included the right to appoint officials through special quotas, the ability to enact independent laws in their special territories, and various tax exemptions, which were more favorable than those given to other nobles.

This was one of Eric's goals.

He believed that these privileges were the root cause of the nation's confusion.

In fact, the special quota for appointing officials allowed members of the Four Great Noble Families to become officials without passing exams, which had become a breeding ground for corruption.

However, the only person in the country with the authority to abolish these privileges was the King, His Majesty.

Therefore, Eric had been determined to achieve this after becoming King, which led to his growing estrangement from the great nobles.

Now, the King, His Majesty, was about to abolish these privileges under his own name, a move that would surely provoke strong opposition.

Even Eric was quite surprised...

"Father, do you understand what you are saying? If you do this, it will certainly—"

"Undoubtedly, I will become the target of assassination. Even if the privileges are to be abolished, there will be about a month before it becomes an official decision. After I am killed, the next King, you, will be in danger."

The target of assassination—indeed, Belkline had been sending a large number of assassins, so Eric had been lying low recently. However, he had been targeted even before he denounced the two officials.

If the abolition of privileges were to be announced, the King, His Majesty, would certainly be targeted—no doubt about it.

"Then why! The abolition of privileges is something I intended to achieve when I become King."

"Exactly for that reason. I want you to become King without any worries. This is My last wish."

This was a manifestation of the King's resolve.

He probably had faith in Eric.

If Eric could throw a stone into the pond of the great nobles' corruption, perhaps he had already decided to take responsibility for the consequences.

"Eric, you understand the meaning of abolishing the privileges now, don't you?"

His Majesty further questioned Eric about the meaning of abolishing the privileges.

I understood as well.

And the reason for including me in this main topic...

"---Use this opportunity to eliminate all the troublemakers. The period is one month. If they try to target Father during this time, it will be impossible for them to avoid making mistakes. I am to seize these opportunities and capture them all."

"That's right. When you accomplish this, no one will dare to oppose your ascension to the throne. Together with Lea, we will rid this country of all its corruption...! To show hope to the next generation...!"

The King's last wish was a grand vision to give hope to the future of this country.

I never imagined that the conversation Eric had with His Majesty on the day his engagement was broken off would lead to such a significant matter.