Rebirth Of The Rejected Luna Chapter 40: A Meeting With The Noblemen

**Theo's POV**

"Funds are tight," he sighed.

"Are you sure about that?" I asked. In our pack, we rarely ever lacked anything.

"I've spoken with the minister of finance," Peter said. "What we can do is limited. Our current budget barely covers our essential defenses, and the treasury is strained. We need a significant amount of money to fund the construction of the fortified wall and the temporary barriers."

My father rubbed his temples, clearly frustrated. "So, what are our options?"

Peter hesitated before continuing. "We could organize a fundraiser. Encourage the citizens to contribute to the defense of the pack."

I shook my head immediately. "The goal is not to burden the citizens, especially when they do not even know the full extent of what’s going on. They're already dealing with the effects of the rogue attacks on their livelihoods. Asking them for more would only add to their stress."

My father nodded in agreement, "You’re right, Theo. The people are already struggling. We need another solution."

Peter glanced at my father. "What about the noble lords? Every one of them who was part of the throne room meeting could be asked to make a compulsory donation to fund the project. It’s their duty to protect the pack as much as it is ours."

My father’s eyes lit up at the idea. "That could work. They have the means, and it’s a matter of their survival too. Let’s call a meeting with the courtiers and discuss this."

We moved to the throne room, where the courtiers were already gathering. The room was abuzz with murmurs of conversation, but it fell silent as my father, Peter, and I entered. My father took his place on the throne, Peter and I standing by his side.

"We have gathered here to discuss urgent matters concerning the rogue attacks," my father began, his voice commanding the attention of everyone present. "Peter, if you would brief everyone on the architectural plans."

Peter stepped forward and cleared his throat, repeating everything he had told my father and I earlier on.

Lord Hammond frowned. "The structure is quite complex, so it will take a while to build. How do we protect our engineers during that time?"

I stepped forward. "We’ve considered increasing the number of guards patrolling the border during construction, providing them with extra support and better weapons and we could build a series of temporary barriers that can be moved as construction progresses?"

Peter nodded. “However, that will require more funding than what we want to construct, which by the way is a significant amount."

Lord Hammond looked concerned. "And where do we stand on funding?"

Peter sighed, pulling out a set of financial documents. "Funds are really tight. According to the minister of finance, what we can do is limited. We need to find a way to secure more money."

My Father stood up. "We are asking every noble lord that was part of this meeting to make a compulsory donation to fund the project."

Murmurs of both agreement and disagreement filled the room. Lord Kellis, spoke up. "A compulsory donation? Is that really necessary? We’re all feeling the financial strain."

My father’s eyes narrowed. "This is not about personal finances, Lord Kellis. This is about the survival of our pack."

Lord Kellis grumbled, but my father continued. "Each of you has a duty to your people. You enjoy the benefits and privileges of your position, and now it is time to contribute to the defense of the pack."

Peter stepped forward, addressing the courtiers. "We understand that times are tough, but this is a matter of life and death. The rogues are a threat to all of us. The funds are needed not only for the construction of the wall but also for the development of medical treatments for those affected by the rogues’ attacks."

He pulled out another set of documents. "The physicians have been able to find a temporary relief for the burning rash caused by the rogues. They’ve developed a salve that reduces the pain and inflammation, but it doesn’t eliminate the rash entirely. The relief only lasts for a few hours before the pain returns. They’re also developing a repellent for the rogues, experimenting with various natural compounds and herbs that seem to repel them. The idea is to create a spray or ointment that our soldiers can apply before going on patrol."

One of the courtiers, Lady Maris, looked intrigued. "A repellent? How does it work?"

Peter pointed to the documents. "The physicians have had some success with a mixture of wolfsbane and other pungent herbs. The plan is to create a substance that will keep the rogues at bay, making it harder for them to get close enough to attack. However, we need to test it thoroughly before we can rely on it."

"But wolfsbane is dangerous for us," a Lord whispered.

"It is, but it is the best we can do."

"Why should we bear the brunt of this expense?" Lord Kellis demanded. "We’re already contributing so much to the pack’s defense."

My father’s eyes flashed with anger. "Because it is your duty, Lord Kellis. You hold a position of privilege and power, funded by the taxes of the citizens. When their safety is at risk, it is your responsibility to step up and contribute. If you find this burdensome, perhaps you are not fit to hold your position."

Lord Kellis opened his mouth to protest, but my father cut him off. "Enough. Your greed and reluctance to support the pack are noted. Effective immediately, you are stripped of your title and lands."

The room fell silent, Lord Kellis looked stunned, his face pale. "You can’t do this," he stammered.

"I can and I have," my father replied coldly. "Let this serve as a lesson to all of you. We are here to serve and protect our people, not to hoard wealth and shirk our responsibilities. If any of you feel the same as Lord Kellis, you are free to leave now, but know that you will face the same consequences."

No one moved or spoke. The silence was deafening.

Peter stepped forward again, "We understand that this is a difficult time, but the funds raised will go directly towards the construction of the wall, which is for our benefit.”