Blood tax

Chapter 567 This is the worst of times, but also the best of times
The Dictator of Bayeran, formerly known as the People's Commander or the Supreme Magistrate, is above all else and controls all administrative, military, legislative, judicial and other powers.

There can be no more than one dictator at any time and for any reason; he is the chief citizen of the Senate of the Republic and the holder of the highest governing power. He can use the land, resources, manpower and wealth of the country to decide the life and death of anyone.

No disobedience or objection to any instructions issued by the dictator is allowed.

The promulgation and interpretation of all laws can only be decided by the dictator alone.

The dictator's authority surpassed that of past kings. No one in the Byelan royal family had ever had such unquestionable power.

However, what Sonia saw was an aging, shrunken old man, with hair thinning and graying due to the erosion of time and worries, and a face covered with wrinkles and burns.

What made the Senate reach an agreement and hand over all its power and trust?

The more she thought about it, the more Sonia felt an ominous premonition. A reality that she didn't know but seemed to be a universal axiom became an unknown abyss.

There are many things that have been laid out a long time ago and have been arranged long ago...

Thalorian Plagueis took over the scepter that symbolized supremeness amidst cheers. He rolled up a corner of his robe with his left hand and raised his scepter diagonally upward with his right hand.

The wizards of the Arcane Council, the nobles of the Senate, and representatives of the industrial and commercial classes who should not be here applauded together.

The meeting came to an end, and the Senate handed over the task of suppressing the rebellion and ending the disaster to the dictator.

"Count Larmore, my most loyal friend," Salorian said as he came to the count surrounded by many senators, "you must be eager to inspect our army in person."

Everyone present became energetic and looked at the elder in black robe with eager and fiery eyes.

General Valentis on the side echoed: "Sir, we have assembled 40,000 troops according to your deployment, and another 100,000 are being trained and equipped in the military camp."

"Great--"

There was another cheer among the elders. After the magic power is out of control and the legion is defeated, if you want to pacify the rebels in Beyelan City and continue the sacrifice of the Chosen One, you can count on the Grand Republic Army.

Being able to organize an army immediately at such a difficult time is nothing short of a miracle! Who could be more worthy of the dictator's scepter than Salorian! ?
"Please issue an order immediately to destroy our enemies!" Arcane Council member and Sequence 5 "Mysterious Lord" Osidis said eagerly.

The potion supplied to the Legion was organized by Tiberion, and the theory came from the curse of Aaron, the "Son of Prophecy". In other words, the Arcane Council is fully responsible for the loss of the legions, and is also fully responsible for failing the Senate and damaging the children of the nobles.

As an agent of the Arcane Council, Osidis's situation was like being roasted on the fire.

"I will, poor Ossidis, don't forget that I am also a member of the Arcane Council," Salorian said gently, "I know very well who our enemy is.

"I will crush them completely with an unexpected thunder strike.

"I will never tolerate the division of the great Bijaland."

ah? Isn't this a bit contradictory... Sonia stood far away, but she also heard the dictator's promise.

This statement seemed to be recognized by everyone. Everyone seemed to have heard what they wanted to hear most, and they all nodded slightly.

While Sonia was still thinking and confused, she suddenly heard the dictator calling her name.

"Miss Larmour, come to me," Salorian called in his familiar college professor's voice. "Come, girl, I will take you to see someone."

The senators and dignitaries immediately retreated to both sides like an ebbing tide, making way for the Countess to lead to the dictator. Mrs. General MacDonald, who always had her eyes high, stood far away, smiling at Sonia with a very flattering look.

Sonia followed the dictator onto the carriage, and Count and Lady Larmour were allowed to ride together. The mighty convoy of senators left Sanssouci Palace and headed towards the harbor.

Sonia had a vague premonition of what was going to happen. She sat next to the almost disfigured dictator. Count Larmore's face was as cold as a piece of ice, but the countess maintained an impeccable smile. "There is nothing to worry about," the dictator suddenly spoke and said to the count, "William, I am a spellcaster, I once was; so are Elena and Sonia, and I have no doubt about their intelligence and brains.

"We are living in the worst of times. The glory of the past will soon become a fleeting smoke, leaving only lingering memories. But,"

"This is also the best of times."

"My lord..." Count William de Lamore opened his mouth to say something. The countess gave her husband a quick look, and the count immediately shut his mouth.

Sonia noticed all these little moves. She immediately guessed something, but didn't understand the whole story. The unknown amplified her fear, making her unable to control herself from trembling slightly.

Salorian raised his hand and pressed it weakly: "Don't worry, little girl, have you ever heard a story -

"Sitting in the room are the king, the pope, the rich man, and a mercenary..."

……

The harbor not far from Sanssouci Palace has become a huge barracks. The uprising in Bayeran City has not spread here yet, and troops are being unloaded continuously on the dock.

Before reaching there, Sonia heard a rolling roar, like a dull and suppressed thunder echoing between the sea and the sky.

The count's family followed the dictator up the hill to the castle terrace overlooking the port. Elders, wizards, and representatives from all walks of life were invited.

The flag bearer raised the eagle flag, and the military flag echoed in the distance.

The brand new legion was like a living creature, and the silent phalanx began to move. Thousands of battle infantrymen wore blue military uniforms, silver breastplates, and shiny helmets with beautiful feathers. Squadron after squadron marched in unison, each movement as uniform as clockwork.

Looking down from the castle, the military flags are flying, the phalanx is marching one after another, and the densely packed muskets and bayonets are like a silver wave undulating. They left the battleship and set foot on the earth. Cuirassiers and mounted artillery rolled in, full of the beauty of power.

Under the blue sky, with silver as the background color and decorated with scarlet, golden and black purple, the army stretched like a giant python, all the way inland.

The people on the castle looked at it and sighed. On the legion's flag, Sonia saw a series of symbols——

10th Legion of Verona.

It's Griffith's troops! Sonia's heart was so excited that she almost jumped out of her chest. She hurriedly searched for it in the crowd, and Salorian kindly pointed her in the direction.

"there."

The red eagle banner danced wildly in the wind, with the silver double-headed eagle perched on it, and the gorgeous golden cords and ribbons brushed against the knight's breastplate.

Griffith hung two swords on his waist, stood proudly, and paid attention to the dictator on the castle and the Senate. Erza was wearing a golden breastplate and holding a dazzling lance.

Another member of the Arcane Council, the "mysterious lord" Yasol Yahan who had returned from the southern battlefield, hurried to the castle. He greeted the dictator, but Salorian ignored him.

Yasol Ahan quickly went to find Osidis aside, and the two of them were whispering in the corner.

"Did he agree to attack the rebels in the city?"

"I told you, no problem."

"So did he say what to do next?"

"He didn't say..."

(End of this chapter)