Justinian closed his eyes briefly, thinking about how to resolve the current situation.
And one thing stood out as the most important.
While Justinian was definitely cruel to his servants, barely leaving the palace, and even issuing commands.
That would be his saving grace here.
That would mean his current reputation outside of his palace was built on rumours and neglect, not exactly tyranny or public cruelty.
If they were his servants, then it wouldn’t work, but since their citizens whom he barely even touched, he has the perfect excuse.
An excuse he had read countless times before from textbooks.
"You believe I hid while you suffered. You are right, I did. But no longer."
Justinian shouted, stepping in front of Javier to completely reveal himself to the crowd.
Making sure to emphasize his humble attire, but also his royal mantle, making sure one doesn’t overpower the other.
"While I stayed silent, traitors spoke in my name. They bled this city and told you it was I who abused you. They lied."
"Before the week is done, there will be bread, warmth, and a festival in Snowkeep. This I swear by the blood of House Thirell."
Justinian proclaimed to the entire crowd, arms stretched wide as he made sure to accompany his body movements to his speech.
This wasn’t exactly his expertise, but public speaking in college and plays prepared him enough for this.
"My people!"
He placed a hand on his chest.
"Spare me a week, and I will rid Snowkeep of unrightful leaders, and finally claim my throne and rule as I have always should!"
Justinian panted, breathing heavily from his speech as he stared directly at the sky with eyes half closed.
His thoughts were a mess. This was another gambit from him, a duchy this screwed would realistically be impossible to save.
Especially from a character like him.
But of course, this world stemmed from a fantasy novel, which means... anything could happen.
As Justinian finally looked down, he had seen the crowd stop, not exactly moved, but also not enraged by his speech.
All of them looked bewildered, not sure how to react.
Then murmurs started to spread.
"...He’s kinda right... We haven’t faced cruelty from him directly."
"And him abusing his servants...? What if they were just rumours?"
"He’s neglectful, sure... but not really a tyrant."
The public opinion began to change live, with some of the militia even looking in surprise, the crowd they were barely able to push back, suddenly changing sides so quickly.
"His speech as well... he seems so eloquent as well, not like how Lord Rhyne described him..."
Another spoke, one that started the domino.
"You’re right... and he’s wearing so little... he must be suffering like us."
Snowkeep (Capital): Unrest (84%)
Justinian just looked at them, letting them decide on their own. His words seemed to work, and he didn’t dare speak again for the risk of it backfiring.
Snowkeep (Capital): Unrest (76%)
But of course, another variable showed up.
"Nonsense! His neglect caused us all to suffer; he ignored all of us while the nobles profit from us!"
"Yeah! I just had my lands revoked, and I sent an appeal to the duke with no reply."
"He’s just as guilty!"
That was the reaction Justinian expected from his speech, but, good thing for him, the first wave of positive reactions was enough for him to formulate a retort, one that he could weaponize directly.
"Castellan Perval."
He spoke the name with disdain.
If he remembered correctly, and along with Matthias’s information, in the novel, that castellan was also another minor villain, but unlike Justinian, played a bigger role.
One who wanted to fill his wallet and escape to another kingdom after he had pocketed enough to live lavishly the rest of his life.
But whose plans were foiled right after the righteous golden boy raided his manor after investigating Snowkeep’s suspicious revolt.
"I am no saint, but if you truly want to punish those who deserve it more, then march with me... let us purge the first snake in the capital together."
Justinian spoke, one hand stretched towards the audience, then gripping it tightly, like ripping out a heart.
Symbolism of how he would weed out those who corrupt the dukedom.
This time, his words were no longer a gambit, because this time he knew he had proof; the novel already showed that Perval is corrupt, so a simple raid would be enough to legitimize his word.
’I wonder how my old professor would rate this acting of mine...’