Chapter 229: Split and Weakened
The sudden change stunned everyone.
The new subjects had hoped that Kudore would become the guard officer of Ubei Territory, providing them with a reliable protector in the future.
However, they never anticipated that the lord, who had been so relaxed and calm just seconds before, would suddenly erupt in fury and kill someone without any warning.
Gazing at Kudore's mangled body on the ground, they were shocked. How could he, a nearly advanced professional knight, die instantly without the slightest ability to defend himself? They remembered their plans with Kudore, and a chill ran through them.
Some of the more timid ones collapsed to the ground, their clothes soiled with filth.
Others stood in shock, momentarily unable to react or decide what to do; some were so terrified that they knelt and begged the lord for forgiveness.
Meanwhile, Wilson and his group were initially stunned, then pleased.
Wilson thought, "How could the lord appoint an outsider and an intermediate knight as the guard officer of Ubei Territory? A man like Kudore isn't even fit to be McKen's deputy."
"You shall die if you challenge the authority of the adults!"
This thought angrily surged in Wilson's mind, dissipating the frustration he had felt when slandered by others.
For Roning, if Kudore had merely conflicted with Wilson and others, injuring them, his actions wouldn't merit death.
Punishing him would serve as a warning to others, and he could still be useful.
But Kudore's scheming went too far.
Not only did he form cliques and deceive Lord Roning in front of many, but he also collaborated to pressure the lord for personal gains.
If Roning were to relent and spare him today, what would stop this group from attempting the same in the future?
Anthony was right: Ubei Territory was indeed short of men, particularly capable knights.
Roning welcomed outsiders, but he had his limits. People like Kudore were not welcome.
"What I am willing to give is yours, and do not scheme for what I am not," Roning declared.
His voice, infused with a knight's fighting spirit, was loud and commanding, silencing the chaotic crowd begging for mercy.
"I understand your intentions. You just want to cause trouble. Ideally, you'd gain more farmland, but it's not crucial. Do you think I'll kill you all?"
He sneered, "I won't kill you, but I can expel you."
Bad news travels far and fast.
If he killed all these people, news would spread, painting the Viscount of Ubei as a merciless tyrant to those seeking refuge.
This would deter newcomers, severely hampering the territory's development.
"I am merciful. I will give you two hours to consider your options. If you agree to follow my rules, you may stay. If not, you must leave Ubei Territory now!"
Without lingering, Roning turned and left, instructing, "Rogner, maintain order here. Wilson, come with me."
"Yes, sir!" Wilson followed, puzzled and anxious about why the lord wanted him alone. Could he be facing punishment for mishandling the situation?
Though relieved that Kudore was dealt with, Wilson felt a twinge of fear recalling how swiftly the lord had executed the mid-level knight.
The kind lord also harbored a cruel side.
"Not many will leave, I presume. For those who stay, we need to separate them," Roning said as they walked away from the crowd.
"Distribute them among Shanlin Town, Sanfang Town, Swamp Town, and Black Soil Town. Each town is short of people," he explained.
Wilson nodded, grasping the lord's intention more clearly.
These 500 people make up one-seventh of the population of Shanlin Town. If they remain united, they could be difficult to manage and might cause conflicts with the local residents.
Although they pose no threat to Hillwood Castle, the unrest could significantly disrupt the lord's development plans and complicate Wilson's management tasks.
However, dispersing these individuals among the towns would simplify their management.
"I understand, my Lord."
Wilson paused to think, then asked, "What about families? Should they be separated as well?"
"Forget it if they're a family."
Luo Ning had no intention of dividing families; doing so would offer no advantage.
"When McKen returns, brief him. In the future, when many outsiders enter, have the knight squad ready with cavalry, infantry, and professional knights to maintain order. Today's events should not reflect poorly on the Lord's Mansion."
"Yes!"
Wilson bowed, his nerves apparent. "I will ensure better arrangements in the future!"
"I trust your capabilities, but you need to be more strategic."
Ronin's tone softened.
"You manage government affairs, and McKen handles defense. Though your departments differ, cooperation is essential, especially in maintaining order."
"You are right. I understand," Wilson acknowledged.
Roning gestured for him to leave and continue resettling the newcomers while he returned to Hillforest Castle.
"With the increasing population, implementing basic regulations is essential."
Before dealing with Kudorei, Roning had considered non-lethal punishments.
The kingdom had laws, but their specifics were unknown to him and his subjects.
"It seems we need to recruit legal experts."
Laws tailored to the Northern Ukrainian Territory are necessary, providing clear guidelines for addressing issues and administering justice.
When Wilson returned to the West Square, none of the newcomers from Barony Kona had departed, even those who had supported Kudorei remained, their heads bowed.
Firstly, leaving Shanlin Town meant they had nowhere else to go. Ronin's offer of farmland and a lenient tax policy was unmatched in other territories.
Secondly, leaving would mean navigating the forest at night, a perilous endeavor near the Wushan Monster Mountain Range.
Thirdly, there was fear of immediate retribution; Kudore's body was a stark reminder of potential consequences.
If they had foreseen this outcome, they would never have heeded Kudorei's call.
Some, realizing their error, acknowledged that a destitute knight could not realistically challenge the Viscount.
"My Lord is merciful. He will not hold your past mistakes against you but will treat you according to established policies."
Wilson's assurance calmed them, and some began to resent Kudore for the trouble he caused.
Wilson allowed his injured assistant to rest and continued the registration process with others.
"Continue to register now. I'll finalize your assignments within two days, and then you'll be guided to your new towns."
Observing from nearby, Rognar pondered the lord's strategy of diluting potential trouble by dispersing the group, recognizing the effectiveness of this approach.
He realized he had underestimated the group's cohesion around Kudore during the journey.
Reflecting on his oversight, he vowed to be more vigilant.
Glancing at his sheathed sword, he wondered about the lord's choice to use it for the execution. Was it a message of displeasure?
In reality, his worries were unfounded; Luo Ning had felt that using the prestigious Flowing Flame Sword on Kudore would have granted him undue honor.
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