Chapter 380: The Executor

"Most nobles have complied, which makes things easier." Muria tapped his fingers on the desk in front of him. "Each of your departments should submit a list of nobles who have ignored the new tax law and have not implemented my decrees. Include their family members, the locations of their fiefdoms, and the forces and resources they control."

Upon hearing Muria's request, the leaders of the secret organizations each produced a list that had been prepared in advance and handed it to a servant, who placed it on Muria's desk for his perusal.

Muria pulled out several thick volumes from the stack and briefly flipped through them, noting the records were extremely detailed, including comprehensive biographies and histories of the rebellious nobles.

"Well done, you've been thorough," Muria nodded in approval, then pondered for a moment before deciding to offer an incentive, "If you want your descendants to excel, allow your families to move to Scallet."

"Only through lawful means," he added, seeing the thoughtful expressions on the intelligence chiefs' faces. One should never overestimate the moral boundaries of those who operate in the shadows.

"Grand Duke Muria, most of us in these secret organizations do not have heirs," spoke up a chief of the dark guards who had anticipated Muria's intention to offer them benefits.

"If you have no heirs, then stay within the palace when not on assignments. There's enough here to benefit you and your descendants for a lifetime."

Feeling his point was clear, Muria waved the intelligence chiefs away and summoned his personal maid, now the overseer of palace internal affairs, Mia.

"Organize this information on the nobles, and then pass it to the twelve giants commanding the cloud giants. Let them handle it—capture these rebels and bring them to the capital. If they resist, they may be executed on the spot."

Muria's tone was laden with lethal intent. For those who failed to implement his tax reforms or obey his commands, he considered them outright rebels. As the ruling Grand Duke of the Rockman Kingdom, he expected his orders to be obeyed without question, regardless of their views or personal interests.

Muria was aware that his new tax law, though crafted swiftly with many noble ministers based on the varying incomes of the common folk, was imperfect and would need adjustments based on its implementation.

For some lords, the new tax law meant increased revenues, but for those who exploited their people, it would significantly cut their incomes, perhaps to nothing. Yet, this was no excuse for disobedience. Nobles had numerous other revenue streams—natural resources, trade caravans, estates. Defiance could not be justified simply because it hurt their profits.

"If they feel their interests are harmed, should they then defy royal commands, or even betray their country and king at some point?" Muria mused. Issues could be discussed; ignoring his laws outright was unacceptable.

Muria believed his commands were reasonable—they did not threaten the nobles' survival. Most had complied; why couldn't the rest?

"Lord Muria, how will you deal with the nobles who do not resist once brought to the capital?" asked Mia, who still appeared youthful despite her age, thanks to her prolonged exposure to Muria's dragon essence.

"Strip them of their titles, abolish their surnames, reclaim their lands, then hang and display them on trees," Muria replied without a change in expression.

"Your Highness, wouldn't this cause unrest among the other nobles..."

"Mia, understand this: they disregarded my command. If I do not impose the harshest penalties, others will follow their example, and my orders will become meaningless."

Muria's face turned cold. "I must ensure my authority is respected, or I become a mere figurehead."

"Lord Muria, with ten mighty ancient dragons at your side, such a scenario is unlikely. Don't think Mia is uneducated; I've read as much as any royal heir."

The golden-haired dragonkin girl retorted playfully, "And Lord, I don't think you should spare these nobles. I'm just wondering if hanging is too merciful to deter the others."

"So, you think my sentence is too lenient?" Muria asked, slightly embarrassed.

"Yes!"

"Then, once the giants bring these rebels back, you'll oversee the executions. Decide their fate. I only ask that their bodies be left intact. I need to deter those who think I'm too kind."

Muria smiled warmly at Mia, ready to indulge her harmless requests as she had been with him since childhood.

"You are truly kind, Lord Muria," Mia responded, hugging Muria as he returned to his complex administrative tasks.

"Enough, let's focus. Organize this list of rebel nobles," Muria said, feeling her warmth against his back and keeping his composure with a firm tap on Mia's head as she leaned on his shoulder.

"Under

stood," Mia pouted slightly, somewhat displeased, but ultimately carried the list to the side to sort it out.

It was a compilation from five different intelligence agencies, each varying in content, detail, and accuracy, thus requiring careful organization and summarization.

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