"What the lords have mentioned... seems to slightly deviate from His Majesty's prior decree."

The audience was startled and turned towards the voice, which belonged to the youngest real power holder in the Northern Territory—Louis Calvin.

"Since there is a need to amend the Dragon Throne's established resource allocation process, I boldly believe that this matter should first be reported to the Dragon Throne Council or be judged directly by His Majesty the Emperor, otherwise, it may be considered overstepping."

He didn't finish his words, yet it felt like a needle of ice was piercing the still water, causing the representatives of the four departments to noticeably change their expressions.

At that moment, Duke Edmund glanced at the expressions of the officials from the four departments across from him.

The representative from the Logistics Bureau, Heruda, maintained the same facial expression, yet forced a smile at the corner of his mouth.

Kant from the Ministry of Finance raised an eyebrow and said in a low voice, "No need to trouble His Majesty with minor matters..."

Mei Si from the Monitoring Institute slightly narrowed his pupils, then lowered his gaze to conceal it.

Only Gareth, the military affairs representative, revealed a faint trace of annoyance that was hard to detect.

In that brief moment, Edmund finally realized: they were staging a joint performance, and he was almost about to walk right into their trap.

Even if... this really was His Majesty's intention, what harm was there in kicking the ball back to the throne; it would only buy some time.

"Indeed." He spoke slowly, his voice tinged with a trace of sarcasm, "Such matters should ultimately be decided by His Majesty."

These words caused the atmosphere in the meeting hall to turn chilly in an instant.

The representatives from the four departments all calmed down and chose not to say any more.

Only Kant laughed dryly a couple of times, trying to smooth things over: "Since it's just a proposal, it can naturally be deliberated."

On one side of the council chamber, Astha slowly raised his head and looked at Louis's profile.

This was the first time he had truly seen this legendary Viscount of the Red Tide.

He was silent, calm, not eager to speak, yet he immediately severed the situation with a soft reminder, causing his opponents to fall into disarray without resorting to strong arguments.

This person was younger than himself, yet sitting in the meeting hall, he was the most steady.

Thus, the meeting drew to a close, with the Reconstruction Department still chaired by Edmund, while the logistics coordination proposal was shelved.

The military affairs representative took advantage of the situation to suggest strengthening front-line military logistics, expressing willingness to send additional troops to assist in holding the Northern Territory border, trying to find an alternative route to avoid being implicated.

All of this naturally owed to Louis's one sentence that pierced through the false hints from the Imperial Capital's four departments.

In fact, he had already learned a few days ago through the Daily Intelligence System about the secret alliance between several representatives from the Imperial Capital, aiming to profit together and undermine the local nobility.

Therefore, he was prepared in advance to see how they would perform.

As for Edmund, although still somewhat fearful, he also calmed down silently in his heart.

He was not unaware of the loopholes in the words of those three, but... that instant of anxiety and the "lonely minister's peril" almost led him to misjudge all the signals.

If it weren't for Louis's timely revelation, today's meeting might truly have seen him surrendering control.

Once fallen into the other party's control, retrieving it would be as hard as climbing to the sky.

Post meeting, the participants stood and left their seats.

Edmund did not leave immediately, instead waited quietly in place until that familiar young figure walked towards him.

He rarely showed a relaxed smile, patted Louis on the shoulder, and said in a low voice, "...Well done, Louis."

Louis was slightly startled, then humbly smiled, "Actually, it's nothing. If I remained silent, you would have realized sooner or later, I just spoke a bit earlier."

Edmund shook his head, looking at the not yet extinguished fireplace flames: "You think too well. Those few set a deep enough trap, and even before the meeting, they had... At that moment, I did waver somewhat."

He paused, his voice lightened: "Perhaps it's been too long since I've left the power core, and I almost believed that it was indeed the Emperor's intention. Indeed... I was a bit anxious."

After a moment of silence, Edmund seemed to realize something, and his tone returned to the usual rigor: "Today was just the start, tomorrow will be the real tug of war.

You have demonstrated enough today to let them know that the Northern Territory is not clay they can mold. With matters like resources, fiefs, military settlements, grain taxes... each one, they cannot bypass you. But for tonight, go back and rest well first."

His tone carried a rare hint of concern: "Tomorrow, I still need your help."

Louis nodded in acknowledgment and bowed: "I understand, Duke. Then I shall take my leave."

Duke Edmund nodded in agreement, allowing Louis to go back and rest.

As Louis was about to leave, a gentle greeting came from behind: "Viscount Calvin... please wait a moment."

Turning back, he saw the Sixth Prince Astha approaching steadily.

"Your Highness." Louis stopped and saluted, his tone respectful yet not servile.

Astha nodded slightly: "I heard you also graduated from the Imperial Capital's Knight Academy? Although we attended at different times, being from the same school counts for some connection."

Louis displayed a polite smile: "That's true. If I remember correctly, Your Highness enrolled a few classes before me. While I was still in the Southeast Province, I had heard of 'Lord Augustus' tactical examination scoring top marks of the year."

"That was just for the year," Astha laughed lightly, transitioning his tone seamlessly, "Having seen you today, despite your youth, you do make this senior feel somewhat humbled."

"I wouldn't dare claim so. The affairs in the Northern Territory are complex and numerous; if caution is to be commended, Your Highness's conduct today is truly admirable."

The two exchanged smiles, each taking a step back, a respectful exchange without deep words between them.

This was the standard ritual in noble circles for initially closing distance.

Astha calmly said, "If the Viscount is ever free, feel free to come to my place for a visit. Although my residence is still being organized, I can at least offer some warm tea."

Louis bowed again: "If Your Highness doesn't mind the simplicity of it, there are always a few kegs of strong liquor at the Red Tide residence ready to warm and invigorate Your Highness."

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