My older sister is a villainous rich girl

They were forced to remain patient only because of Ross's suppression and the complete absence of news about Norman. If Norman were to reappear one day, they would likely switch allegiance to their former master very quickly.

Based on the results of the investigation, Wayne reorganized the remaining old troops into three departments. Those who wanted a stable life were allowed to stay and continue running the factory, which was called the Production and Management Department; those who were determined to restore the country were assigned to handle various matters that required dealing with the rebels and other external forces, which was called the External Liaison Department; and the remaining people without any particular inclinations were incorporated into the Special Operations Department.

This Special Operations Department was established by Wayne, modeled after the city guard's special operations team, and directly obeys his orders.

"Soon I will be ordered by King Lornes to lead a team to the southwest to participate in the suppression of the rebellion."

Upon hearing this, everyone present reacted with varying expressions.

Some people subconsciously tried to read something from Ross's face, but Ross already knew about it from Wayne, so he simply kept his eyes down, hands hanging down, looking completely obedient.

After a brief silence, someone finally couldn't help but tentatively ask in a low voice, "...Young Master, is there anything we can do to help you?"

"Of course, otherwise why would I go to such lengths to rebuild the team?" he said bluntly.

"As you all know, we have been streamlining and shrinking our forces for some time now. I have dismissed all the unreliable people. The reason you can meet me directly now is because you are all in the same boat as me."

The implication is that everyone's interests are closely intertwined, and since I dare to personally step forward, if I betray anyone present, none of us can escape the consequences.

The eleven men before them were the core figures of the restoration forces of the Principality of Milistan, each head worth a considerable bounty. If the city guards were to come out now and capture them all, it would likely be the greatest achievement in ten years.

"Next, the people in the Production and Operations Department will remain in the capital to earn operating funds for the organization, while the External Liaison Department will immediately dispatch half of its personnel to various parts of the southwest to secretly support my actions. The Special Operations Department will set off with me and be on standby at any time."

There are some things he can't do himself, but they are his forte.

"The rebels are no longer trustworthy. A mob united by interests will inevitably fall apart because of those interests as well. Therefore, the task of the External Liaison Department is not to cooperate with the rebels' activities, but only to gather information, take precautions, and avoid direct confrontation should any conflict arise. Any disturbances must be reported promptly."

Only one person hesitated to speak.

He was one of the three people in charge of coordinating affairs in the southwest rear area.

Chapter 688 We can't let her look down on us, can we?

Wien pretended not to notice the suspicious looks from below, but after the meeting, he kept the three people from the southwest region behind alone.

Previously, since Wayne did not have the opportunity to personally go to the southwest region for inspection, he could only temporarily send other subordinates to convey orders on his behalf.

This was our first meeting.

“You have been on the front lines of the rebellion for a long time and are very familiar with the complexities of the local situation. Now, if you still have any concerns, please tell me in person. Once the army to quell this rebellion is dispatched, it will move with lightning speed. Anyone who dares to obstruct my intentions, whether they are officials of the Kingdom of Lornes or former citizens of Milistan, I will not show them any mercy.”

They were summoned to the capital specifically to gather intelligence and to establish the authority of the authorities.

For these rebels who had been operating in the rear for a long time and had a certain foundation within the internal forces, it was not an easy decision to immediately put aside their affairs and come alone to the capital of Lornes, where they had no influence.

One wrong move and you could really be sending someone to their death.

Fortunately, Wayne was satisfied with the result.

Perhaps they still had many concerns before setting off, but now they all followed Wayne's instructions exactly as instructed, sitting here obediently and not causing any trouble that would embarrass everyone.

As long as they are willing to listen, everything is negotiable.

This suppression of the rebellion was not only driven by His Majesty's desire to discover new revenue streams, nor solely by Franz's ambition to implement fiscal reforms, nor merely by Duke Elliott's desire to seize the opportunity to fulfill the unfulfilled wish of the late Duke Winche.

For Wayne, this was a golden opportunity to directly intervene in and control local personnel through violent means.

Wien welcomed the reform of the corrupt local economy, which would allow him to gain the support of Minister Franz's faction. He also wholeheartedly supported the purge of the decadent military aristocracy, which would allow him to gain the support of Duke Eliot's faction.

By eliminating one group, it's natural to also recruit another, thus providing an opportunity for "one of their own" to control the local situation.

Therefore, this operation cannot afford any mistakes. He needs to clear the area as quickly as possible and confirm that the people in key locations are aligned with his objectives.

Factions don't matter; what matters is that they must all be used to my advantage.

Holding an unwavering belief, Wayne exuded a powerful aura, and none of his three subordinates dared to meet his gaze.

Despite the weather not being particularly hot, Kallian couldn't stop the sweat from beading on his forehead, yet he tried his best to appear calm. However, his repeated hesitations and attempts to speak had already alerted Wayne to his unease.

Finally, just as Wayne had expected, Kallian couldn't help but speak up.

“Young Master Wayne, perhaps you are not very familiar with the specific situation in the Southwest. But we... we are rebels who have been dedicated to resisting the rule of the Kingdom of Lornes since the fall of our homeland. We have survived only by exploiting the corrupt grassroots and the decadent upper echelons of the local population. That is why Lornes has been unable to completely eradicate us despite repeated campaigns. If you invest too much power in suppressing the rebellion, even if it allows us to avoid direct impact, it will also deprive the local people of those parasites who can be bribed and blackmailed, and we will cease to exist.”

Before setting off, Kallian never imagined he would face such a situation.

Although he knew that Lord Norman Laird did indeed have a son who could inherit his business, and that under Ross's management, the son had gradually taken control of the capital, and that he had already had several exchanges with the man through a special envoy.

He also worried that if the other party turned out to be hopeless, he would have to find another way out.

However, he never expected that this person was actually Duke Winchester's adopted son!

Upon meeting, he was met with a thunderous and overwhelming "suppression of the rebellion." How could he not know how terrifying Duke Winchester's army was! The Duchy of Milstein had been utterly defeated under such pressure.

After hearing his opinion, Wayne smiled.

"Traitors? In my opinion, the real traitors are those who cannot bring a good life to the people of Milistan."

The three looked at each other, speechless, none daring to speculate further about his stance.

So Wayne stood up, turned his back to the crowd, and slowly said, "Those who associate with parasites without realizing the harm they cause will become the new parasites themselves. I want to bring peace and development to Milstein, not exploitation and plunder."

Some people looked grim.

“I admire your loyalty to your homeland, and this loyalty should be rewarded accordingly.”

Some people looked pleased.

Wayne continued speaking, seemingly unconcerned.

"However, our organization has always acted in order to build a better home. On this point, I believe that Laird, my father and grandfather, all shared my ideas. Anyone who does not share my ideas can speak up now."

He waited two seconds, and no one objected.

"It seems we have the same goal. If that's the case, then things are quite simple."

……

After the group left, Ross, who had been standing by, told Wayne everything about their reaction.

Wayne sighed inwardly. Sure enough, even as he turned his back, some people couldn't hold back.

"You truly have profound insight and a heart for the people," Ross couldn't help but flatter. "Milistan will surely rise again under your leadership!"

Wasn't Archduke Laird insightful and compassionate towards the people back then? And what was the outcome?

Wayne wouldn't be fooled by his sweet talk.

"I'm just doing what I'm supposed to do."

Whether for public or private reasons, no one is more suitable than him to step forward and accomplish these tasks.

Perhaps this world is ultimately just a secondary dimension existing based on a certain story, perhaps it can never contain any magnificent magic and technology, and it pales in comparison to the bustling world of another world... But at least it has accommodated all the people living here, and it has accommodated itself.

Rather than initially wanting to satisfy his own desires that he couldn't fulfill in another world and doing whatever he wanted in this world, he never stopped to carefully consider that the people in this world also have many things they desire but cannot obtain, and that they too would be willing to risk everything to pursue what they want to achieve.

He just bury his head in the sand like an ostrich, staying in a position that makes him feel comfortable.

But he was not alone. As he met all sorts of relatives and friends and developed more connections with the world, he was also being shaped by the people around him without even realizing it.

"—Just as I believe in you, Wayne, wherever you are and whatever your status, you will surely push the world forward and enable the oppressed to live better lives."

We can't let her look down on us.

Even though what you want to achieve may not always come to pass, in everything, you always have to take action before you can get results, right?

Chapter 689 The Real Obstacle Between Her and Him

"So, you're going on another long trip?"

Chris fiddled with the doll in the room that was the same size as herself.

The little brown bear—no, it should be the big bear—lay limply on the plush carpet, being tossed around by her rather rough movements.

Wayne had made all the travel arrangements, except for informing Chris.

He didn't know if his delay stemmed from guilt or something else. Although he already had a valid reason, he only needed to frankly explain his dramatic past to Chris, and she would surely understand his distress and actively support his plan.

But he still chose to keep it a secret.

Perhaps after successfully deceiving someone the first time, that peculiar feeling mixed with luck and guilt can be addictive, to the point that one subconsciously chooses to continue deceiving them in every subsequent test, until…

"I'm sorry... just wait a little longer, I'll handle it as soon as possible, this is for the future of our family..."

The king has formally summoned her and issued the letter of appointment, so Chris can't stop it now even if she disagrees.

Chris's gaze wasn't on him, but rather fixed on the teddy bear she was holding.

“Wayne, I don’t really care how much power or wealth the family has. It’s okay if you don’t manage those things,” she said softly.

Wayne remained silent for a moment.

"I see."

For her, perhaps it's just a matter of transmigrating into the body of an ordinary person to have a wonderful life.

Especially in this otome story world full of beautiful fantasies of young girls, there are so many qualified backup suitors who can fully meet her needs that they could line up from inside the palace all the way to outside the royal city gates, but unfortunately, she just happened to run into herself.

Because they shared the same secret, Wayne understood her thoughts and feelings better than anyone else. But because he understood her as well as he understood himself, he also understood that neither of them would back down in their conflict.

The real obstacle between him and Chris is not any worldly prejudice or material constraints; the only thing that can separate them is the desire they both hold deep within their hearts to fulfill all their wishes in another world.

“But,” Wayne said, “I also have things I want to do.”

Chris stopped what she was doing and stopped fiddling with the doll in her hands.

"Can't I be involved in what you want to do?"

Although she wanted to say it, she didn't in the end. She just glared at the doll angrily, as if she were only angry at this stupid brown bear.

Wayne noticed that the back of her hand was tense from using too much force.

He stepped forward, gently put his arm around Chris's shoulder from behind, and patted her reassuringly. "Haven't we been together every day these days?"

“That’s because we already live together,” Chris said, getting even angrier.

"Alright, alright, once I've sorted out the trouble in the Southwest, I'll come back and pester you every day until you can't get rid of me."

Although Chris's temper can be difficult to handle at times, she is generally a very easy girl to please. Even after Wayne made a very sincere vow in the name of God, she still generously expressed her understanding towards him.

"Then you should come back soon."

"it is good."

"You're not allowed to flirt with other girls outside. If I find out, I'll make you pay."

“I have absolutely no such idea.” Wayne said solemnly.

……

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Wayne mounted a tall, black horse and set off from the capital.

There weren't many pedestrians on the main road in the early morning, only the occasional water carrier hurrying by and some suburban residents diligently pushing carts full of goods. These people, who usually lived outside the city, always lined up outside the city gates before dawn in order to secure a better stall in the capital to sell their handicrafts.

Instead of waiting two more days to set off with the assembled force of about 20,000 men, Wayne decided to personally lead a full-strength mage squad of forty men as a surprise attack.

These people were Duke Winchester's true confidants; it could be said that this mage corps was the Duke's true asset, more important than any other wealth. In the Battle of Mist Moon, Duke Winchester relied on the formidable achievements of his entourage of mages to lay the foundation for his decisive victory.

Conversely, if this mage corps were to perish outside, the Duke of Winchester's mansion would fall into a complete collapse, unable to rebuild another squire mage corps after decades of painstaking effort, and would never be able to restore its former glory.

Therefore, in Wayne's eyes, the real enemy is more likely to be hiding inside Lornes than the enemy he will have to fight face to face on the battlefield.

To avoid suspicion, the group disguised themselves as a powerful merchant caravan from the capital, and Mr. Urban naturally became his assistant, whom he had specifically hired to "seek investment opportunities."

A group of people, carrying caravan passes issued by the Edgeworth family, successfully left the city. As the magnificent gates of the royal city receded into the distance behind them, Urban couldn't help but glance back and chuckled, "Today we left the city unremarkable, without any special treatment. But when we return next time, we'll surely be triumphant, meritorious, and welcomed by the people of the capital."

Wayne glanced at him, unconcerned. "Ever since the Battle of Fog Moon, when has Lornes ever failed to quell a rebellion? Even if this rebellion succeeds, what difference will it make to the people of the capital?"

For most ordinary residents of the capital, even if a map were laid out in front of them, they might not be able to point out which part of the Southwest Province was being referred to. The pride of being citizens of the capital made them completely indifferent to anything happening in remote and impoverished areas, and minor rebellions in the border regions were far less interesting than the gossip surrounding His Majesty the King.

“The past is the past, and the present is the present.” Urban’s voice was soft and high-pitched, and his giggles were somewhat unsettling. “Perhaps you don’t realize it yet, but you’re quite a prominent figure not only at Seiki Academy, but throughout the entire capital.”

“When you return with good news, people will flock to you out of curiosity.” He paused slightly before continuing, “As for us little shrimps, we will naturally be able to ride on your wings and enjoy the glory of your triumphant return.”

Wayne reacted coldly to his outlook and paid no attention to the implicit flattery in his words.

The situation in the southwest had been chaotic for a long time, with frequent rebellions of all sizes. However, the reports of victories sent back to the capital made it impossible to analyze the true situation on the ground. Historical records even mention a general who single-handedly quelled seventeen rebellions in a single day, a feat considered superhuman.

Undoubtedly, these exaggerated military achievements were ultimately converted into rewards, feeding a large number of greedy nobles. These people occupied high positions and acted arrogantly, which further worsened the local situation. Under oppression, more people would always stand up and join the resistance. Thus, the whole process formed a stable vicious cycle.

If it weren't for my involvement, this suppression of the rebellion would probably have been no different from previous ones.

But now that I've already waded into this mess, it would be a waste of this perfect opportunity, with all the right timing, location, and people, if I didn't seize the chance to make a big scene and turn things upside down.