Reborn As Noble Chapter 1450: A Foundation to Rebuild Upon ( 1450 )

Friedrich nodded slowly, his expression heavy with understanding. He met Heres’s gaze, his voice steady but carrying a note of regret.

"I understand, Your Highness. And I want you to know that I have investigated the Saint of Three Gods myself. I have seen their corruption, their greed, and their cruelty. I tried for years to make my late father see the truth, but he would not listen. He was blinded by their promises and the influence they held over him."

He paused, his gaze steady.

"I cannot undo what was done. For that, and for the role my family played in the coalition against Armand, I offer my deepest apologies and ask for your forgiveness. But I can promise you this, if Armand helps us reclaim our lands, I will do everything in my power to ensure that cult never sets foot in Vurghen again. I will not allow their poison to spread to my people."

Heres studied him for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Hmm... About that."

He reached for the sealed document, opening it with deliberate care. He arranged the papers into two neat sets, sliding one across the table toward Friedrich while keeping the other before him.

"These are the terms and conditions drafted by my father, the Sovereign of Armand, King Garius de Armand. He has considered the situation carefully and has prepared options for reclaiming your territory."

He paused, his gaze steady.

"However, I must be honest with you, Lord Friedrich. The full reclamation of both Lurghen and Vurghen regions may not be possible. The lands have been occupied, the infrastructure destroyed, and the population scattered or subjugated. Reclaiming everything would require a prolonged campaign, massive resources, and years of rebuilding. My father has proposed a more practical approach, focusing on securing the key towns and strategic positions that can be held and rebuilt effectively, rather than stretching our forces thin trying to reclaim every inch of land that has already been lost."

Heres took a slow, deliberate sip of his wine as the doors opened quietly.

Armand maids entered, their movements graceful and silent, carrying platters of beautifully prepared food. They placed a feast before the guests. A perfectly seared slab of herb-crusted venison, drizzled with a rich, dark wine reduction, accompanied by roasted root vegetables and fresh, crusty bread.

They placed a delicate porcelain cup of steaming hot chocolate before Emeline, its surface dusted with cinnamon and topped with a dollop of whipped cream, alongside a selection of fruit tarts and pastries.

Heres set his glass down gently, the soft clink echoing in the quiet room.

"Don’t get me wrong, Lord Friedrich," he said, his tone calm but firm. "It is not that Armand is incapable of reclaiming every inch of your territory. If my father wished it, and if the commander leading our current forces..."

He glanced at the elegant timepiece on his wrist, a faint, knowing smile touching his lips. "If he were ordered to, he could sweep through both regions and clear them of every last enemy soldier."

He leaned forward slightly, his expression turning serious.

"But the problem is not conquest. The problem is what comes after. Rebuilding. Reforming. Cleaning out the rot that has seeped into the land. Purifying the administration, the local governance, and the hearts of the people who have lived under the shadow of corruption, greed, and a false religion for so long. That takes more than just soldiers. It takes time, resources, patience, and a clear, sustainable plan."

Heres leaned back, clasping his hands together before letting out a soft, understanding smile.

"My father’s proposal is not born of weakness, but of wisdom. It is about securing a foundation that can be built upon, not stretching yourself thin trying to hold ground that cannot yet be properly governed or protected."

He shook his head gently, his tone softening.

"And let us be practical, Lord Friedrich. Consider what you have left. A thousand loyal soldiers, some wounded, some exhausted. A handful of advisors and officers who have stayed by your side. You do not have the manpower to govern and hold an entire region of your former size, even if we reclaimed every inch of it for you tomorrow. It would take years to rebuild your administration, retrain your soldiers, and restore the trust of a population that has been terrorized and corrupted."

He gestured toward the papers on the table.

"That is why my father’s proposal focuses on securing the essential towns and strategic positions, areas that can be held, defended, and governed effectively. This is not about limiting you, Lord Friedrich. It is about giving you a foundation strong enough to rebuild upon. Once the region is stabilized and your authority is established, we can expand further. Step by step. Not all at once."

Friedrich glanced at Emeline, who met his gaze and nodded softly, a gentle, encouraging smile on her lips. He turned back to Heres, his voice steady but carrying a hint of hope.

"Your Highness, does this proposal... allow for any choice on my part? Regarding which towns or strategic points we focus on reclaiming first? I know my people and my land. There are places that hold more than just strategic value, they hold the hearts of my people. Or is the selection already fixed?"

Heres studied him for a moment before reaching for a leather map. He unrolled it carefully, spreading it across the table between them. The map detailed the Vurghen region, with several key locations marked in red ink.

"This map was prepared by my father . These are the points he has identified as strategically essential for establishing a stable, defensible region. They are chosen for their terrain, resources, and existing infrastructure. Securing these first would allow us to establish a secure perimeter, protect the population, and begin rebuilding."

Heres paused, his finger tracing the marked locations before he looked up at Friedrich.

"However, if you believe there are additional towns that should be included, or if you have a different vision for which territories to prioritize, you may present your case. I will relay your requests to my father, and we will see if they can be accommodated. The final decision rests with the Sovereign, but your input will be taken into consideration."

( End of Chapter )