Warhammer Divine Throne

After listening to Francois’ words, Laine pondered deeply. He had also once considered returning the land ownership to the peasants, liberating productivity, and then promoting commercialization. However, Francois’ words made him immediately understand.

In this world, what is the main contradiction faced by humanity? Is it the conflict between peasants and knights, between nobles and commoners?

No, absolutely not. The fundamental contradiction faced by humanity in this world is the struggle for survival, surrounded by countless external enemies and internal corruptions. Vampires and Chaos Sect lurk in the upper echelons of humanity, while Beastmen and Green Skins wreak havoc in forests and plains. In the not-too-distant Northern Wasteland and the farther Chaos Wasteland, the strong and malevolent Chaos Army awaits their master.

What safeguards the nation? Is it the peasants? No, knights and nobles constitute the main fighting force of a nation. In this sense, the Empire is so, and Brittania is likewise. The difference is that the Empire’s main forces consist of diversified troops, whereas Brittania commits its national power to sustain knights.

Does Francois oppose reform? No, the Duke himself actually supports reform. He has noticed that the country’s serfdom system is on the verge of collapse, and he also believes that after hundreds of years since the country’s founding, the once noble knightly spirit and code are gradually degenerating into superficial decayed trappings. Knights are tormented by their inability to touch the Holy Grail, and peasants suffer in dire straits.

But the Duke was teaching Laine. I also support your desire for reform, but this process must be cautious. Knights’ existence is the foundation for protecting and maintaining this nation. If it weren’t for the strongest knights of the Old World guarding this realm, Brittania would have long become a wasteland. Peasants cannot be tasked with home defense amidst countless external threats, and any reckless actions might lead the country towards collapse and destruction. Chaos and vampires will not give humanity the time to slowly reunify; they will appear immediately to destroy the Knight Kingdom.

Laine knew he could never rely on faithless merchants or barely religious peasants to combat evil. Defending the home and nation ultimately requires knights who steadfastly offer their faith and loyalty to the Lake Fairy. They alone form the backbone of this nation.

As a Holy Grail Knight, Francois saw very clearly, and Laine understood as well. His series of actions has already made many great nobles of the kingdom notice something. Francois specifically found an opportunity to subtly warn him: I support you, but now is not the time. The timing is not ripe, just like the Cavendish issue, the peasants simply won’t appreciate you.

He is already the greatest beneficiary within this system, and such foolishness as eating with one hand and scolding with the other is not something he would do.

Moreover, this world has gods. As long as one is devout enough, illness can be cured through prayer. This is where some theories are immediately rebutted.

Strong faith and order are the tools to resist Chaos Corruption. The more knowledgeable and wise, the more one needs strong faith and willpower to avoid being corrupted by Chaos.

While contemplating, Laine and Francois followed the robed man to a market.

The market was bustling, with many vendors selling fruits and vegetables, as well as meat. The robed man quickly mingled into the crowd. Laine and Francois attempted to pursue him, but the appearance of the Holy Grail Knight instantly set the whole street abuzz with excitement. The crowd thronged around Francois and Laine, loudly chanting the Holy Grail Knight’s name and blocking the street completely.

To escape the crowd, the two had to loudly command the people to give way. Consequently, the robed man immediately noticed the presence of Laine and Francois. With a turn, he disappeared into a two-story wooden building.

”Damn it, we’re not suited for these kinds of searches,” Laine said in frustration to Francois. ”Our identities are too conspicuous; wherever we appear, people gather around us to sing praises.”

”You’re right, Laine,” Francois frowned. ”That seemed like a tavern?”

”In any case, let’s head back to the inn. If we investigate that tavern, we might reveal our intentions,” Laine shook his head. ”My Duke, I’ll instruct someone to keep an eye here.”

”I’ll leave it to you then,” Francois naturally gave the order. At his level, the Duke himself rarely took direct action; today’s event was a chance occurrence.

Laine nodded, then he and Francois returned to the inn. The Duke himself had booked the entire three-story inn. Seeing Francois and Laine return, the Duke’s daughter said in surprise, ”Father? Laine? Sylvia said you went out together this afternoon?”

Seeing his darling daughter, Francois grinned widely. ”Isn’t father doing this for you?”

Surya’s face instantly turned red, ”Fa... Father, what are you saying!”

Laine’s facial muscles twitched; he felt like Francois’ words were more directed at him, but he was too tired to care much. ”Hex? Amelia? Come with me.”

Hex immediately responded, his expression unchanged, as he always wore a stern face. Sitting beside Surya, Amelia asked softly, ”Do you need my help?”