Chapter 835: Netherlands, Collapsed

Before the seven or eighty people in the middle of the hall could react, Luke raised his hand, and the soldiers tied them up immediately and took them away separately.

Amidst a noisy commotion of arguments and questions, all influential figures in Middleburg were captured in one sweep.

Cook expertly arranged for his subordinates to identify and screen these individuals—he had done this many times recently in other cities.

Among them, high-ranking officials and "uncooperative" wealthy merchants would be sent to the prison in Antwerp, the capital of the Flemish Republic.

Those perceived as "able to cooperate with the government" would be retained with new assignments.

More cooperative merchants and bankers, after paying a "bail bond," would also receive parole.

In a few days, officials appointed by the Flanders Council would assume office and take over the management of Middleburg.