Ancient Xien Language. This was an ancient tongue born after the end of the dark ages, one the original Murphy had never known.
But in his years as Baron, he had naturally mastered the language.
And all of the Wizard’s Scriptures were recorded in this language.
Murphy’s gaze lingered for a mont on the Magic Model for Control Human, then he turned a few pages.
This page, in addition to the complex Magic Model, also contained detailed records of techniques for controlling people’s minds, such as using Spiritual Power for hypnosis and suggestion.
While this knowledge wasn’t as powerful as a complete Magic Model, it was far easier to master and apply.
In the first twenty years after Murphy beca Baron, he had countless opportunities to change the state of the territory.
But every ti he wanted to implent more advanced breathing exercises or attempt technological innovations, he had to account for the Forr Lady Baron’s presence.
Even if he had managed to outmaneuver the shrewd lady, the attention from neighboring Lords and the Church Court would have prevented him from acting rashly.
To safely complete the task for System Option Two, his only choice was to bide his ti.
Only after the Forr Lady Baron passed away did Murphy dare to cautiously introduce inventions like the difference engine and the analytical engine.
Even so, his reforms proceeded with caution, as he constantly assessed the potential chain reactions of each new technology.
The real turning point ca after Princess Margaret’s visit.
Yes, Margaret.
When Murphy told Aurora, "Actually, I did it for the territory..." he wasn’t lying.
Controlling the Princess was equivalent to planting a crucial piece within the Royal Family and an invisible informant within the Church Court.
With this cover, many plans that were once too high-risk were now feasible.
’Is it too late?’
’Of course it is.’
The border war was imminent, and everything seed to be too late.
’Would it have been better to push for reforms earlier?’
’Maybe, maybe not.’
’But even if it would have been, so what?’
Murphy had never been a noble man.
All he could do was benefit others as much as possible, but only after ensuring his own safety.
And besides, even if the border war destroyed the prosperous Duval Territory, at least his subjects had enjoyed nearly twenty years of good lives, ten of which were quite prosperous.
’Should Murphy be blad for the coming hardships of the border war?’
’Were the old days better, when they starved under exorbitant taxes, never knowing if they’d see the next day?’
’Was the tragic sight of people freezing and starving to death in droves each winter more comndable?’
Murphy was no Saint. He was just an ordinary man with a bit of empathy, doing what he could within his limits.
...
Inside Lawrence’s residence, the flas in the hearth danced, casting the silhouettes of the three old followers onto the stone walls.
Arthur nervously gripped the leather-wrapped hilt of his sword. Luca repeatedly adjusted his collar. Gilbert stared quietly at the dancing flas, his fingers tapping unconsciously against his knee.
"Miss Aurora has suddenly summoned us," Arthur said, breaking the silence. "What do you all think it’s for?"
Luca sighed softly, his gaze sweeping over the others. "The last ti Lawrence t her alone, she didn’t give a clear answer, did she?"
Gilbert slowly shook his head, his voice low and steady. "That’s precisely why the fact that she’s summoning all four of us this ti is so significant."
Just then, Lawrence erged from an inner room, carefully adjusting the silver buttons at his collar.
The firelight danced on his graying hair and beard, illuminating his composed expression.
"Why are you all so worried?" Lawrence’s voice was steady and strong. He walked over to the hearth and stopped. "Miss Aurora has summoned us at this ti, naturally, to discuss the future of the territory."
Arthur asked urgently, "What makes you so certain? Last ti, she—"
"Last ti was last ti," Lawrence interrupted. "She needed ti to deliberate then. But now..."
He looked around at the others. "The situation at the border grows more tense by the day, and the threat from Rosenia is imminent. Miss Aurora understands the current crisis better than anyone."
Luca began hesitantly, "But is it proper for us to gather like this? What if Lord Sylvan finds out..."
Lawrence’s voice suddenly grew stern. "We are gathered here out of our duty to the Duval Territory. Are we simply to stand by and watch a century’s worth of work be destroyed?"
Gilbert nodded pensively. "I just returned from patrolling the border yesterday. Even in winter, Rosenia’s scouting activities are growing more frequent. If we don’t strengthen our defenses..."
"Precisely," Lawrence said, his voice now tinged with fervor. "As the rightful heir to the Duval Clan, Miss Aurora would never stand by and watch the territory fall into crisis. Her hesitation last ti only proves she is considering her options carefully."
Arthur was still hesitant. "But won’t it look bad if we all go to see her together?"
A knowing smile touched Lawrence’s lips. "We need only be honest with her. Rember, our loyalty is to the Duval Clan and this land, not to any single person. When the Lord fails to fulfill his duty, it is our responsibility to ensure the territory’s safety."
The firewood in the hearth suddenly let out a sharp crackle, sending up a shower of sparks as if in answer to his words.
Luca finally made up his mind. "In that case, how should we approach this eting?"
"Remain calm and state the stakes plainly," Lawrence said, looking at each man in turn. "Let Miss Aurora see our sincerity and our concern. I am confident she will make the right choice."
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