The War Court and Lap Pillow, Austria's Mandate of Heaven

Chapter 1585 Final Remarks
The next day, early in the morning.

The two, who were slowly awakened by the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves, did not realize for a long time that they were trapped in a prison.

"I must say, this cell is really well-built. Look at the patterns on the walls, they're practically works of art. I don't want to leave here."

Even at this point, Bismarck couldn't resist making a joke.

However, Bishop Alfred, who hadn't slept all night, was now complaining with dark circles under his eyes.

"There are so many bugs here. I've never seen a bug as big as my palm."

There was no way to prevent Alfred from inheriting the family business as the youngest son of the Taffy family. So his parents would try their best to satisfy him materially. Needless to say, he grew up in luxury. Bismarck, on the other hand, was just a minor nobleman from the countryside.

"You went to Africa to preach and you didn't see this either?"

Alfred blushed.

"I'm usually in charge of the work of the parish's central administration."

Bismarck nodded. He had also witnessed the extravagance of high society, and the fact that the man in front of him did not scream upon seeing the reptile was already a testament to his good manners.

Will your brothers send troops to rescue you?

Alfred shook his head and said.

"My elder brother is weak and incompetent, but he is a dutiful governor. I will also fulfill my duties."

Bismarck's last hope was extinguished, but he felt somewhat relieved and fortunate.

Bismarck always felt that he was special. He believed that he was destined to achieve great things, and he was never afraid of any difficulties or obstacles. He even chose the biggest and most difficult challenge, because only in this way could he live up to his abilities.

But unexpectedly, his greatest contribution turned out to be not causing trouble for others.

How ironic!

As the two were still reflecting on their situation, the cell door opened, and a group of natives wearing black breastplates walked in. The two immediately recognized them from their equipment as the royal guard of the Kingdom of Imerina.

These black breastplates are actually made of rattan as the skeleton, covered with a layer of tough crocodile skin, and the outermost layer is made of scales cast from copper and iron.

Such armor can greatly protect against damage from swords and even withstand shots from old-fashioned firearms at long range.

The Imperial Guard of Imerina was equipped with firearms, but also carried a variety of other melee weapons, including rattan shields covered with iron, horn-tipped knives, and double-edged spears.

After entering the cell, the black-armored natives did not speak with the two men before preparing to take them away.

Bishop Alfred tried to struggle a little, but it was of course in vain.

Soon the two were led to a platform, before which lay a deep pool teeming with crocodiles. Across the pool was a high platform, upon which stood a woman wearing a massive crown, surrounded by a crowd.

"That must be Queen Lanavarona I herself. It's a pity I don't have a gun."

Bismarck said with some regret.

"So what if you have a gun? You can't hit an elephant at this distance. You should think about what to do first."

There were many body parts in the crocodile pool. Judging from the remnants of their clothing, most of them were their companions on this trip, as well as some natives.

As the two were talking, another group of people were brought up. Most of these people were officers, team leaders, and high-ranking church officials.

"It looks like we're in the last batch."

Bismarck said with a smile.

On the high platform, Queen Lanavarona I rose and flaunted her captives to the surrounding crowd; it was clearly a grand public execution. However, Bismarck and his entourage apparently couldn't understand her until the Sakalava chieftain translated for them.

"Her Majesty the Queen is willing to give you a chance. As long as you are willing to give up your evil beliefs and swear allegiance to Her Majesty the Queen, you will be able to live."

Immediately, some people chose to prostrate themselves on the ground and swear allegiance, and the black-armored natives nearby indeed led them away.

But there were only a few people. After all, most of the remaining people were people of status and position. Even if they didn't consider themselves, they had to consider their families, so they all looked righteous and awe-inspiring.

Queen Lanavarona I seemed to have known this would be the outcome all along, and was even somewhat excited about it.

The Sakalava chieftain translated.

"Her Majesty the Queen can give you another chance. She will pardon you once you have swum across the pool in front of you."

The group exchanged bewildered glances, and finally someone jumped into the crocodile pool first. The crocodiles seemed to have eaten quite well recently, so even with the food offered to them, they showed little interest. Seeing this, more people jumped into the pool, hoping for a chance.

Just as they swam to the center of the pool, the crocodiles suddenly started moving. Some tried to rush over, while others tried to return to the platform.

The crocodiles' attack began, the screams of the victims echoed through the sky, and the pool of water was quickly stained red with blood, while the surrounding native nobles watched with excitement and cheers.

The crocodiles were also frolicking and devouring their prey. Some people were shouting and begging in the water to become servants of the native queen, but the Sakalava chieftain was just translating to the surrounding audience and had no intention of saving anyone.

The beasts' revelry didn't last long, as there weren't many people this time. The audience booed, clearly not yet satisfied.

At this point, only four prisoners remained on the platform. The Sakalava chieftain, the same native chieftain who had previously contacted Bismarck and Alfred, continued translating.

"Her Majesty the Queen allows each of you to say one more word."

The first to be affected was an elderly priest, who was so frightened that his tongue was almost tied in knots, but he still managed to come up with a response.

"Ranavalona I, you are the greatest person in the world."

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Lanavarona I's old face.

"Her Majesty the Queen allows you to continue."

"People say you are cruel, but that's because they don't understand you. Just think, who else but you could protect this country? You are a beacon in the darkness. It is under your wise leadership that order has been restored and justice has shone like the sun."

The elderly priest showered the priest with compliments for several minutes, until he was almost exhausted by the end.

However, he only received one sentence from Queen Lanavarona I.

"Push him into the water."

The elderly priest was quickly torn apart by crocodiles after falling into the water.

Next, it was the officer next to Bismarck's turn. This officer from the Austrian Empire was a student who had just graduated from military academy. Needless to say, his family lineage was impeccable. He had also witnessed the fate of the priest from before.

The officer then launched into a tirade of curses.

"Lanavalona I, you bitch! Your hypocrisy disgusts me! You are worse than these wild beasts in the water, and your rule is creating hell on earth!"
I curse your soul to suffer eternal torment in hell!
"

Before the officer's words could be fully translated, Queen Lanavarona I ordered him to be thrown into the crocodile pit.

This time it was Bismarck's turn.

"What do you want to say?"

"He's right, but you have no right to judge me! I demand a trial by combat!"