The Count grew agitated. He stood, paced forward two steps, then stopped and turned to Murphy, his expression almost solemn.

"But we, sir, what we envision is reform and a return to first principles, all within the existing divine order and legal framework! We acknowledge the supreme authority of Oriane, the sacred guidance of the Church Court, and the legitimacy of the Kingdom’s laws and the system of noble peerage. We never advocate violence, and we would certainly never incite rebellion!"

His voice slowed, but he enunciated each word with weight. "We advocate for Lords to return to their original, and most important, duty:"

"To be protectors and just administrators. We explore how to better practice the ’charity’ and ’justice’ mentioned in the Holy Scripture in the governance of our territories. We discuss how to establish fairer principles for taxation and trade, and how to allow the common people to live with more dignity and security. This is a call to conscience, an appeal, a reflection based on reason and ancient virtues—it is by no means subversion!"

He walked back to his seat but didn’t sit down. Instead, he leaned on the back of the chair, his gaze burning as he looked at Murphy. "Storming castles? Burning manor houses? That would only bring chaos, death, and even deeper suffering. It runs completely counter to the ideal world we seek—one of peace, prosperity, and everyone knowing their place! We believe change can happen gradually, through moral instruction, through setting an example, through those in positions of power."

"Led, for instance, by a renowned Legend such as yourself. We are a world apart from those dangerous fanatics!"

The Count’s words, charged with his conviction, echoed in the living room.

Murphy listened in silence, his expression unreadable.

Murphy spoke slowly. "In other words, you seek ’reform’ while acknowledging all existing power structures."

"You want to make the specific functions within this structure a little more just, all under the established authority of the Church Court, the Kingdom, and the nobility—all under the premise of their sanctity and legitimacy. And your method for achieving this is persuasion and setting an example, not confrontation, and certainly not violence."

"Precisely, sir!" Count Raymond nodded emphatically. "We firmly believe that justice and mercy are, in themselves, the most powerful forces. A territory that truly puts these principles into practice will see its prosperity and peace become a beacon, illuminating and attracting other Lords who are still lost in the fog."

"Change requires patience and wisdom. More than that, it requires a pioneer like you, sir—someone with both power and vision."

He sat down again, his composure somewhat restored, but the anticipation in his eyes was all the more apparent.

He took Murphy’s summary as a sign of understanding, perhaps even potential agreement.

Murphy did not immediately respond to this hopeful expectation.

His gaze swept over the Count’s earnest face, past the family portraits on the wall that exuded an ancient, quiet dignity, and finally settled back on the Count.

The living room fell silent once more. Only the sound of the Count’s slightly ragged breathing gradually subsided.

Aurora gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Eleanor looked at her father’s silent profile, then at the impassioned Count across from them. A thoughtful expression lingered deep in her dark eyes.

After a long silence, Murphy finally spoke.

"Then, Count, in your own domain, the Glamorgan Territory, have you begun to put these ideas into practice?"

Count Raymond said, "I am trying, sir. The Glamorgan Territory is not large; it mainly produces grain, grapes, and some olives. I’ve adjusted some of the taxes, particularly the proportion of tax paid in-kind by yeoman farmers and small tenants. This ensures that in a normal year, they still have enough seed and food left over after payment. I’ve also tried to implement a more cooperative approach on a few of my directly-managed estates."

He paused, as if organizing his thoughts. "I’ve rescinded some of the estate stewards’ more excessive disciplinary powers and established a ’council’ composed of a few older, respected farmers. They can represent the serfs and tenants, reporting to me or my chief steward about work allocation, tool maintenance, and even minor disputes."

"While the final decision still rests with me, it at least gives them a direct channel to voice their concerns, rather than having to go through stewards who are often inclined to be exploitative."

He glanced at Murphy, as if gauging his reaction, before continuing. "I also set aside a small portion of the estates’ annual revenue to establish a simple mutual aid fund."

"If a farmer’s family suffers from illness, a fire, or an unexpected bereavement, they can apply for a small, interest-free loan or a direct grant. This helps them through the hardship so they aren’t forced to sell their land or take on usurious loans they could never hope to repay."

As he spoke, a certain radiance lit up Count Raymond’s face. "These measures have been in place for several years now. I can’t claim the farmers of the Glamorgan Territory have become wealthy."

"That will take time, better harvests, and more investment. But at the very least, there are far fewer peasants fleeing my territory than from the neighboring lands. When the farmers see me, there’s less fear in their eyes, and more... gratitude, perhaps. The work during the harvest season seems more orderly and is done with more vigor."

He paused, his gaze once again fixed on Murphy, full of expectation.

Murphy said calmly, "It sounds like you are simply exercising a gentler and more responsible rule over your subjects, all within the existing boundaries of your authority. You’ve lightened their burdens, given them some breathing room and an opportunity to be heard, and attempted to establish a rudimentary safety net."

Count Raymond’s tone was earnest. "Yes, sir, you are correct. Ideals are like distant stars that show the way, but the path at our feet must be walked one step at a time. To completely overturn ancient contracts and established concepts of property is not something that can be done overnight, nor is it within the power of a single man or a single territory."