Imperial Crown.

Chapter 122: Decentralization (3 words update )

In the conference room, Raven was leaning back in his seat, resting his eyes.

No one spoke and the whole room was very quiet.

Old Gordon, Eric, Denise and Weston all fixed their eyes on the sword in front of Raven.

By the standards of the current empire, this sword is not very long. Including the blade, it is only a little over one meter long. Although it has a simple shape, the ebony scabbard locks its edge, so it is not worth attracting so much attention.

But they all knew that after Raven received the sword, he immediately convened this meeting, so he couldn't help but be concerned about this sword with a somewhat strange shape.

The footsteps were getting closer, the door opened, and Fili appeared in the room: "Baron, I'm late!"

Raven opened his eyes and sat up, pointing to a seat casually: "Sit down."

As Fili sat down, everyone sat up straight, and Raven did not hesitate:

"Next, I will respond to the call of the Slater family and lead the army to fight against the Hand of Death."

"Unlike the previous attack on Bloody Heights, this time I may be away for a much longer time. Two months, three months, or even half a year or a year is not impossible."

"So, during my absence, someone must take charge of Eagle Territory on my behalf, protect the territory's security, and maintain its operations."

After this sentence was said, everyone present had different reactions.

Eric's expression hardly changed. He was destined to follow Raven into battle. No matter who the Eagle Territory was handed over to, it had nothing to do with him.

Old Gordon looked at Denise uneasily with a hint of worry in his eyes. As a butler, it was impossible for him to take over this power. However, he had a considerable degree of distrust towards Denise, especially at such a critical moment.

Denise completely ignored the look in Old Gordon's eyes. Instead, her expression became calm, revealing an unshakable composure. Weston was too young, and Old Gordon's surname was not Griffith. If the Eagle Territory was not handed over to her for custody, who else could it be handed over to?
Visdon puffed out his chest, hoping that Raven would look at him more. After all, he had performed so well on the battlefield before, and if he fought for it now, he would have a chance!
Philip's mentality was quite calm. No matter who took over the Eagle Territory, he would still be the political official of Shining Gold Town. He just hoped that the next "boss" would not be too difficult to get along with.

Raven took in the expressions of his men and smiled. He said loudly, "So, this person is..."

"Viston Griffith!"

After he said this, the room became so quiet that even the sound of a needle dropping to the ground could be heard. Everyone was stunned. They never expected that Raven would actually hand over such a heavy responsibility to Visdon!

As the person involved, Weisdon himself was shocked. Although he had some fantasies, he also knew that they were just fantasies. He never expected that such a benefit would fall on his head!
Doesn't this mean that during the time Raven was away, he was the master of the territory? !
Weisdong stood up from his chair with a bang and shouted in a loud voice: "Thank you for your trust, brother. I will never let you down. I will manage the Eagle Territory in an orderly manner and leave the doors open at night!"

"I……"

"Okay, I understand your determination." Raven stopped Visdon's long speech, stood up, picked up the eight-sided Han sword on the table, and pulled it out with a clang.

The friction between the sword and the scabbard made a humming sound like a dragon's roar, which immediately attracted everyone's attention.

The sword, which is about 80 centimeters long, has been carefully forged. Each of the eight angular surfaces is as smooth as a mirror, showing the depth and majesty of the night. As it trembles, bits of light appear and disappear, as if thousands of stars are condensed in it.

Under the hilt, there is a simple but clear inscription:

The best in the world.

Eric's pupils suddenly shrank. He could feel a thick, pure smell of steel from the sword. Even without any enchantment, judging from the quality alone, this sword would not lose its status even if worn by a count!

"This sword is called 'Number One in the World'." Raven said in a deep voice:
“It is the first and the only one.”

"From today on, this sword will symbolize the identity of the head of the Griffith family. Anyone who holds this sword will have the same power and majesty as me!"

Denise showed a hint of realization on her face, and then a little pride - giving the sword to Weston was no different from giving it to her.

Old Gordon's face was filled with grief. If Raven had handed over the power of managing Eagle Territory to Visdon, he would still have certain means and capital to counterattack. However, Raven had given this sword such great significance, and then he would have no ability to check and balance Visdon and Denise!
This is just a joke!

He took a deep breath and was about to persuade Raven to take back his decision when he saw Raven put the sword back into the sheath.

Volav quietly placed a knife rack on the table, and Raven reached out and put his sword on it.

Weisdon, who had been ready to take over the sword, looked confused.

Raven said, "From today on, until I return, this sword will remain here."

"During this period, Weisdong, as the acting lord, you should consult more with Denise and Old Gordon. Any decision needs to be approved by all three of you before it can be implemented."

"At the same time, while I am away, I grant the three of you the power to draw this sword once each. Once it is drawn, no matter what decision you make, the other two cannot refute it."

"No one can veto the proposal of another sword drawer by drawing a sword."

A smile appeared on old Gordon's face.

The Baron will not give away his power easily. This arrangement is indeed ingenious.

Looking back now, letting Visdon serve as acting lord was indeed the best choice.

First of all, his last name is Griffith, and he is a man who can stabilize the hearts of people inside and outside the Eagle Territory, both in public and private.

Secondly, Weston is young after all, and has just reached adulthood. He is at his most rebellious age, has his own ideas, and will not obey Denise's orders.

Finally, and most importantly, the stroke of genius is this "best in the world" sword. Although it is only authorized once, Raven gave old Gordon a chance to overturn the table. With this as a deterrent, Weston and Denise did not dare to go too far!
Although she felt a little disappointed, Denise was not dissatisfied with Raven's decision. After all, even if it was only one third, it was still real power.

Only Visdon was in a bad mood. He thought he could be a baron in the true sense, but in the end his power was divided among others.

Raven didn't pay much attention to Weisdon's thoughts. He said loudly, "The day after tomorrow is the day to set off. This time, in addition to the militia I recruited before, I will also leave a team of ten people behind."

"Link, come in!"

The door opened, and Link and a group of his personal soldiers poured into the room.

"My Lord Baron!" Link pounded his breastplate and saluted solemnly.

Raven said, "From today on, you will temporarily take over Eric's position as the chief of the Eagle Guards and also serve as Visdon's bodyguard. You will obey his orders and protect his safety at all times."

"Understood, sir!" Link nodded heavily and turned to salute Weisdong.

This instantly made Visdon's originally depressed mood improve again!
He also has his own personal soldiers!
In fact, Simon was the best candidate, but Raven knew the importance of scouts, so after careful consideration, he put the burden on Link's shoulders.

This man has a long career and a steady personality. He has also been on the battlefield with Visdon before. With him around, Visdon won't go too far. "That's all the orders. Do you have anything else to say?" Raven glanced around the room.

Fili stood up and said, "Lord Baron, I heard that you are going to fight against the Hand of Death. The entire Chamber of Commerce of Shining Gold Town is deeply moved by your selfless spirit and has jointly raised a batch of supplies, hoping to help you!"

"I appreciate your kindness." Raven smiled and nodded to Fili. "But now the Nord Province is in chaos, trade routes are cut off, and everyone is not doing well. I will not accept this material. If you really want to help me, you can use this material for the defense and people's livelihood of Shimmering Gold Town."

"Yes, Lord Baron!"

After confirming that there were no other problems, Raven announced the adjournment of the meeting, but stopped Visdon as everyone was leaving.

After dismissing the guards, Raven took Visdon to the walls of Eagle Castle.

Raven walked in front, and Vesdon walked behind Raven with his head slightly lowered, feeling nervous, not knowing what Raven was going to say to him.

The two walked to the top of the city wall. Raven signaled the soldiers on guard to retreat. After confirming that no one could hear their conversation, he asked, "Wesdon, are you a little dissatisfied with my decision today?"

“No!” Weisdong shook his head repeatedly, but when he saw Raven’s scrutinizing gaze, he smiled awkwardly and admitted, “…I did at first, but I figured it out myself soon.”

"After all, I'm not your biological brother, and I've done so many wrong things before, so it's reasonable for you to distrust me."

"You!" Raven placed his hands on the city wall and looked at the scenery in the distance: "I knew you would go astray."

Weisdong was a little surprised: "Huh? Brother, you don't think so?"

"Of course not. If I didn't trust you, why would I let you be the acting lord?" Raven rolled his eyes at him.

Weisdong was even more confused: "Then... why did you keep the 'Number One Sword in the World' instead of giving it to me directly?"

"Because you are only fifteen years old," Raven said, "You need experience and tempering. If I give you all the power at once, I believe you can achieve some success, but you may also fall into a big pit!"

"Once you step into this pit, your confidence will inevitably be dampened and you will fall into self-doubt, which is what I don't want to see."

"That's why I left the sword to you and let your mother and old Gordon assist you. I hope you can walk more steadily and longer on the road of becoming a lord!"

Just a few words made Weisdong excited, just like before he went to the Bloody Highlands: "Brother, do you mean that I have a chance to become a real lord?"

"Of course!" Raven said, "You may have heard that the Slater family has promised to give the Griffith family a fiefdom this time. I can't be in two places, so I have to send someone to take care of the other fiefdom."

Weisdong's heart was even more heated: "You mean...you mean...!"

"I didn't say anything." Raven said calmly.

"I understand. It won't work if I tell you!" Weisdong nodded repeatedly: "Don't worry, I will definitely bring the eagle to you!"

Raven smiled noncommittally, then his expression turned serious. "I'm not worried about anything else, but there's one thing I must remind you of."

Weisdong also straightened his attitude: "You say!"

Raven turned around and stared into Visdon's eyes. "Whoever asked you to meet with Angel and promised to guarantee your safety is a traitor. You must remember this."

Weisdong was stunned. Raven's words were too profound for him. It was as if a layer of mist was covering his eyes. However, he could clearly understand the earnest teachings in the words: "Brother, don't worry, I will never forget it!"

"That's good." Raven smiled and turned to walk towards the castle.

Weisdon stood there for a while, looking at Eagle Town and Shining Gold Town on the vast land. His heart suddenly began to beat rapidly. Only then did he realize why Raven brought him here and said those words just now!
The scenery that almost jumped into his eyes told Weisdong that the responsibility on his shoulders was much heavier than he had imagined before!
Before Raven could get far, Weisdon ran up behind him, panting: "...Brother!"

"Anything else?" Raven stopped.

"I...I..." Weisdong took a deep breath and said, "I just don't know what to do next!"

"I feel more relieved when you say this." Raven looked up at the sky: "You need to figure out how to do it specifically."

"However, since you are not sure, I will leave you with one last word."

He paused and said in a deep voice: "Women and children can make mistakes, but men cannot."

Weisdon stood there in a daze, savoring Raven's words, with confusion in his eyes, and then slowly became determined, clenching his fists little by little: "...I, I think I understand, brother!"

He looked up, only to find that Raven had already disappeared.

Two days passed in a flash, and it was finally time to set off again.

The number of personnel dispatched this time was far less than that in the attack on Bloody Heights, but the supplies they carried were no less than last time.

Moreover, although the number of people is small, their momentum and morale are much higher than last time.

Especially when they saw the statues standing outside Eagle Castle.

The monument has not been completed yet, but its outline can be roughly seen. Looking from the front, it can be clearly seen that it is a soldier charging with a gun.

The base has been completed and is about two meters high. A sentence is engraved on it: All the soldiers who sacrificed for the peace and tranquility of Eagle Territory will be immortal.

This lets them know that their sacrifice will not be forgotten, and although their names will not be passed on, as long as they are still a member of the Eagle Army, they will always live in the memory of the Eagle Leader's people.

Sculptures will not fall, memories will not fade, and they will also last forever.

After the brief speech, Raven glanced at the crowd, but he didn't see the blond figure he was thinking about, and he couldn't help feeling a little disappointed.

Well, my safety is uncertain this time, so why add to my worries?

At the command, Raven galloped away on his horse, followed by Eric and thirty-five personal soldiers in shining helmets and armor.

The "Fool" spurred his horse towards the future called "Death", and the uncertain "Wheel of Fortune" began to turn.

Following the main road around the foot of the mountain, when the view was no longer obstructed by the mountains, a white horse suddenly jumped into Raven's sight.

On the horse's back was a blonde girl with blue eyes.

……

(End of this chapter)