It must be said that Fairy Tail's "stellar reputation" played an absolutely pivotal role at this moment.
Had it been any other guild, the effect might not have been the same.
Yet with just a few words from Marco, these people were already second-guessing themselves.
Dare to test the waters? Try it and die trying!
Duke Savalu glanced at the intimidated crowd, finding it almost unbearable to watch.
Fairy Tail weren't lawless ruffians!
Did they really think the guild would go around wreaking havoc at will?!
Marco Dreyar hadn't even implied anything of the sort—these people were letting their imaginations run wild, scaring themselves senseless.
That said, it was clear Duke Savalu himself had considered the possibility; otherwise, he wouldn't have immediately grasped the other nobles' concerns.
Some stereotypes aren't formed overnight—nor can they be dispelled so easily.
As the nobles stared at Marco's smiling face, a chill ran down their spines.
"Of course, we're willing to cooperate with Fairy Tail and support the kingdom's policies. Opening up railway access? A fantastic idea! It'll make transporting goods so much easier! Truly beneficial—absolutely worth supporting!"
As expected, someone immediately chose to surrender.
Duke Savalu shot a furious glare at the groveling noble.
"Good. I like people who know what's good for them. The South's lack of railways and insistence on high autonomy only benefits a select few at the top.
For most minor nobles, railway access is actually a boon—it'll greatly facilitate commerce and transportation. There's no need to tie yourselves to ambitious schemers. Think about your own interests. Think about which side you should stand on."
Seeing someone defect, Marco pressed his advantage.
This was practically a direct challenge to Duke Savalu authorities.
Duke Savalu's expression darkened instantly.
Marco was digging at the very roots of Southern nobility!
"Marco-kun makes a valid point!"
"Of course we should follow national policy!"
"Fairy Tail is trustworthy! They'd never harm us!"
With Marco's relentless pressure and Duke Savalu's silence, more and more minor nobles began defecting.
To them, Marco's argument made perfect sense.
Their earlier reluctance had stemmed solely from fear of Duke Savalu and the other major nobles' influence.
Now that an even more formidable force—Fairy Tail—had arrived, switching sides came without hesitation.
"Fine, fine! your defection doesn't surprise me in the least!"
Duke Savalu's face twisted in anger.
Though he claimed indifference, the minor nobles' swift judgment—that he stood no chance against Fairy Tail—was a crushing blow to his pride.
"Duke Savalu, being a local power in the South isn't bad, but riding with Fairy Tail definitely means boundless opportunities. You must understand—we don't have many choices."
The middle-aged count who had spoken first fired back at the duke.
His words made Marco take a second look at him—this man had remarkable insight!
"And you are...?" Marco asked curiously.
"Marco-san, I am Count Gaudiche, with my fief near Balerona."
As soon as the middle-aged count spoke, Marco understood.
Balerona was located near Magnolia, not too far away in the southeastern region.
It was perfectly normal for this guy to defect to his side immediately.
Well, this one was genuinely afraid.
After all, if Fairy Tail really took action, he would undoubtedly be the first to get wiped out as collateral damage.
Moreover, being relatively close by, Gaudiche had a deep understanding of just how "terrifying" Fairy Tail could be.
To avoid being destroyed by Fairy Tail, Magnolia had even invented a special "Gildarts Mode"!
The entire city would make way for just one person, activating it every time Gildarts returned.
This alone showed how audacious Fairy Tail could be!
Gaudiche gave off the impression of someone who knew just enough to be dangerous—and it was precisely this state that bred the most fear.
Those who knew nothing wouldn't fear Fairy Tail.
Those who understood deeply wouldn't fear Fairy Tail either.
It was these half-informed individuals who were utterly terrified of Fairy Tail.
"Very well. Mr. Jude, would it be acceptable to allocate one percent of the Balerona station's profits to Count Gaudiche?"
Marco looked at Jude, seeking his opinion.
He believed Jude would understand—this was the classic tactic of winning some over while suppressing others.
Offering a small share of the profits in exchange for local support could reduce unnecessary trouble.
Of course, they could also choose not to offer anything—after all, sheer force alone could subdue them.
But Marco was a principled man; he preferred to share a little.
However, if anyone took the money and still secretly caused trouble, then Marco wouldn't hesitate to show them just how ruthless he could be. Tʜe source of this ᴄontent ɪs ɴovelfire.net
Did they really think his money was easy to take?
"No problem, that's only fair." Jude nodded immediately.
He could certainly see the reasoning—after all, they couldn't realistically wipe out every single southern noble.
Suppress the biggest and most troublesome ones, then win over the smaller, more compliant factions.
This would actually benefit their future operations, as these local powers could provide considerable assistance.
"Wonderful! I'll cooperate fully!"
Hearing that there was still a share of profits to be had, Gaudiche was naturally delighted.
Regardless of the amount, this gesture at least gave them some respect—they were now collaborators, not defeated captives!
This perspective was something Marco hadn't even considered.
"Everyone who supports us will get their share!"
Seeing Gaudiche's positive reaction, Jude went on to reassure the others.
Railway stations would inevitably be built in all major cities, and each station would only need to allocate one or two shares of profits at most.
This was hardly a significant cost, yet the returns would be substantial.
Of course, Jude also understood that such a small price could buy the support of these local powers solely because Marco was here—because Fairy Tail stood behind them.
If it were just him, these local nobles would surely feel he was treating them like beggars.
Yet now, the same shares had them all overjoyed.
Truly, this was the difference between having backing and having none.
Watching the crowd of minor nobles surrounding Marco, Duke Savalu turned away with a cold expression.
Of course, he didn't dare to openly clash with Marco here—he feared being detained by this seemingly reckless young man, so he decisively made his escape with his entourage.
However, he certainly wouldn't let this matter rest.
If he couldn't deal with Marco Dreyar, if he couldn't touch Fairy Tail, then surely he could still handle Jude Heartfilia?!
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