Standing from the perspective of the nobles, this is undoubtedly evil. After all, it's only natural for nobles to stick together; it's a relationship passed down from ancestors, meant to strengthen the cohesion of the Empire. What are a bunch of cannon fodder thinking by banding together?

However, although the Council of Elders has many criticisms and rebukes against the Red Shield Brotherhood, these "Emperor's godsons" are after all flying the banner of loyalty to the Emperor, so the Emperor's real sons can't say much.

Over time, as the Aber family, with their "Demigod inheritance," was gradually marginalized due to differing opinions with the mainstream nobility, the previously weak Officer Faction immediately became a rising new force —

They represented the long-suppressed voices of the citizens.

If the nobles and priests still retained a bit of reserve in recruiting Roxey Colin, then they would stop at nothing to bring him to their side.

In fact, they were already doing it.

General Hamoldon invested a large amount of resources in Withered Wood Port without counting the cost, something impossible to accomplish relying only on his own strength and a few letters.

He thought he wasn't taking sides, but in truth, he had been in Marshal Laco Aber's camp from the beginning; those using him simply had no interest in pointing it out.

"…The news from General Hamoldon was indeed not exaggerated," Marshal Laco folded his hands behind his back, his gaze fixed intently on the Prince stepping down from the carriage, appreciating more as he looked, "Such youth and already possessing Platinum Level strength; if only he were a general under my command."

Julian chuckled, a hint of teasing in his tone as he said.

"Haha, isn't it too much of a waste to have a Prince serve as your general?"

"I'm just saying," Marshal Laco grinned, paused for a moment, and continued, squinting his eyes, "Among the young nobles of the Empire, there are many with strength, but to have both strength and reputation, along with recognition from all forces, is truly rare."

Not only that —

What's even rarer is his loyalty!

Not to mention those nobles leeching off the Empire, even within the Officer Faction, there are many corrupt individuals who are only after profit.

Yet this Colin is different.

He's neither someone who, driven by moral perfectionism, regards money as dirt, nor lacks a strict line and good conduct on what money can and cannot be earned.

This is most commendable.

What the Empire's nobles lack the most is a boundary; their persistence for power has eaten away at the foundation of the Empire, and the Aber family was merely expressing dissatisfaction with this, only to be ostracized and not accepted by the mainstream.

"…According to Hamoldon, during the time this Prince spent at Withered Wood Port, he not only helped the Empire solve an urgent supply issue but also demonstrated extraordinary organization and management skills. Most importantly, unlike typical nobles, he maintained adequate respect for the military. Such practical and well-mannered nobles have become nearly extinct in the Empire." Julian couldn't help but praise.

If all the Empire's nobles were like this Prince, he would not despise these hypocritical and pedantic people so much.

What Marshal Laco saw was a boundary and moral conduct, while he saw pragmatism and respect.

Of course —

Most importantly, it's about land.

Expanding the Empire's territories is the value of the Empire's warriors.

Moreover, from the perspective of tangible interests, the vast, unclaimed territories beyond the Vast Ocean indeed belong to the "Officer Faction" sphere of influence.

This is also their greatest bargaining chip to counterbalance the Council of Elders and the Church Court.

Marshal Laco nodded slowly.

"Exactly, the Empire's army does not judge heroes by lineage, but by whether a person is capable and responsible. If this young Prince can truly stand with us, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous boost for the Empire's future reform."

At this point, he paused momentarily, a slight, indifferent smile appearing on his face, as he continued.

"Now that he's here, let's stop chatting idly here and go talk to him directly."

Julian thought the same, nodding happily.

However, just as the two were about to step forward, two familiar figures appeared under the main building's door of the manor.

The manor's host, Albert Valencia, and the "Regent King" Granville Potas walked side by side, wearing friendly smiles as they welcomed them out from the banquet hall's doors.

This action immediately triggered a wave of murmurs from the surrounding crowd.

Marshal Laco raised an eyebrow, chuckling softly: "I didn't expect the Council of Elders people to be so proactive; it seems our Prince Colin is quite significant to them."

But alas —

They didn't know that Prince Colin had long been theirs.

Julian smiled faintly, yet his gaze fell upon Count Hillfin and the adventurer guild Chairman, who were also descending from the building, his eyes carrying a hint of amusement.

"I thought they'd be more reserved. It seems tonight's banquet will be livelier than we imagined."

All three groups moved toward the carriage parked at the manor's entrance, and a loud welcome drifted into Luo Yan's ears from afar.

"Prince Colin!"

Luo Yan tidied his cuffs slightly, the corners of his mouth curling into a poised and reserved smile, his gaze landing on the Regent King Granville Potas, standing at the forefront with a dignified bearing.

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