Pioneer Lord: Starting From Daily Intelligence

Chapter 1008: Chapter 142: Governing the Blue Mirror Territory (2)

This valiant (even somewhat reckless) yet decisive charge saved the battle, winning the baron a critical victory. Baron Grant praised his unparalleled courage and grasp of battle opportunities, ennobling him as a Kingdom Knight and awarding him a fertile piece of land on the southern shore of Blue Mirror Lake, named after the lush cypress forests, ”Cypress Territory.” He also gained the title of ”Array Breaker.”

Sir Leonard loves battle, tournaments, and hunting. His manor resembles a military camp, echoing with the sounds of training and hooves. He is direct with the commoners but rewards and punishes fairly, especially emphasizing military training. His territory is renowned for providing excellent Impact Knights (Knight’s Squires and Light Cavalry) and strong Long Lance Soldiers. He himself is the spearhead on the battlefield, loyal to the baron, eager to prove himself in combat.

During the Battle of the Valley, facing the advance of Hesse Territory, he led a fierce cavalry countercharge, attempting to repel or pierce the Hesse army’s lines. However, surrounded by Hesse’s superior cavalry, his mount was shot down, and he was ultimately captured by dwarves after intense close combat.

His character is most stubborn, and he is also the most devout Manan believer, absolutely unable to accept the noble territory falling into the clutches of heretical minions, so he not only refused to cooperate but also vociferously encouraged other Manan believers to bravely resist, never to surrender.

Thus, after several exchanges with no result, Su Li directly sold him to a slave merchant, then expelled him, declaring he would never be allowed to return to this area around Blue Mirror Lake. His Cypress Territory was also stripped away by Su Li!

This territory caused an uproar throughout Flash Spear City, with many churches eyeing it covetously. After all, Su Li’s current strength was undoubtedly strong, but he indeed did not yet possess a title. It didn’t sound good in name to forcibly strip an imperial noble of their title and confiscate their territory.

Within the Empire, this was undoubtedly an action devoid of virtue. Only in the Border Prince’s Territory, where order had collapsed and mergers were rampant, could such unbridled action take place.

However, if Su Li could donate this land to the Church, turning it into a church district, the matter would be different. Donating to the Church would be an act of virtue. Moreover, he wouldn’t be annexing this land, only receiving praise.

This matter caused a hubbub, even overshadowing the Mole Church’s grand construction of the Watchtower Gate at Rapids Castle.

Su Li had considered for a long time, and in fact, Sir Leonard’s actions gave him a perfect excuse—a zealot openly inciting rebellion and resisting a legitimate (at least under Su Li’s rule) ruler deserved to be stripped of everything. The Border Prince’s Territory’s rules were never inscribed in parchment laws but were power carved into swords and gold coins.

However, he also knew that directly swallowing Cypress Territory, although no one would dare question him to his face due to his strength, would indeed be a lower position in name. In the empire’s core provinces, where tradition and legality were more valued, such behavior would be seen as a blatant atrocity, severely damaging reputation and ”virtue.” In this chaotic border region, though mergers were rampant, acting too blatantly could easily make one a target of many, also making it more difficult to conquer other territories in the future.

So, while Flash Spear City was buzzing, he earnestly considered this matter.

Forcibly stripping a noble’s territory was undoubtedly recognized by the Empire as an act of ”tyranny” and ”greed.” But to ”selflessly” donate this land to the divine would be a symbol of piety, generosity, and commitment to local stability (churches usually provide basic order and relief). This could greatly turn public opinion, especially among non-Manan believers.

At the same time, this would also help him to escape blame and shift contradictions. Cypress Territory was now a hot potato. Once Su Li donated it, he would no longer be the direct owner of the land. The object of the coveters would shift from Su Li himself to the church receiving the donation. Su Li would then withdraw from the storm’s center, becoming a generous donor and a maintainer of order.

Choosing which church to donate the land to was choosing a powerful ally. Whether it be the Yurik Church (military support), Shalya Church (popular support), or other influential churches (like Tal, Mole), all could provide Su Li with legal backing and practical assistance for his rule in Flash Spear City and even Blue Mirror Territory. The power of the church should not be underestimated.

In the end, Su Li simply didn’t choose, and let the churches fight for it themselves.

He gathered representatives from all major churches in Flash Spear City, and then announced that he, Su Li, as the de facto Guardian of Blue Mirror Territory, mindful of the damage the recent turmoil had caused to faith and people, decided to donate the entire unowned Cypress Territory to a deity and church dedicated to peace, order, and prosperity, for the sake of demonstrating piety, seeking protection, and comforting the land ravaged by war.

Then he asked the representatives of each church to elaborate on their church’s vision for governing Cypress Territory and benefiting all people. He would make the final decision according to their promises and the will of God...

The news spread like wildfire. Flash Spear City boiled over, with the Manan Church mourning as if bereaved, their angry curses and impotent protests drowned out in the clamor of other churches.

The priests of the Yurik Church rubbed their fists and palms, mobilizing armed believers, preparing to demonstrate their strength and protective resolve during the ”vision presentation.”

The nuns of the Shalya Church hastily devised plans overnight, preparing to emphasize healthcare, relief, and community rebuilding.