Imperial Crown.

Chapter 573 The Situation is Critical

"what do you want to say in the end?"

Reclining in the rocking chair, enjoying Lux's gentle massage of his temples, Raven frowned and asked with a hint of helplessness.

Lux smiled, her flawless white hand lovingly stroking Raven's cheek, feeling the rough texture of his chin—which, though cleanly shaved, still felt like stroking gravel—and said softly, "I want to say that this whole thing has nothing to do with Savannah; she was truly kept in the dark." "I've questioned her thoroughly; she had no idea what was being delivered. That Chavey initially refused to speak, but under her persistent questioning, he finally admitted it was a letter." "Raven," she said, "I understand the current situation is unfavorable to us, and I understand the pressure you're under." "But you are ultimately different from those people, aren't you? That's why I love you so much." "We cannot be confused about right and wrong, and even more so..." "He can indiscriminately kill innocent people." "Sawana is a very pitiful girl. Like me, she grew up in the Church of Light." "Although I wasn't familiar with her before, we both believe in the Lord of Light! I can sense her purity and tell if she's lying." "She's a naive girl who's been used by Thomas without realizing it." "Thomas knew you had a past relationship with her, which is why he chose to have her deliver the memorial crystal! He not only exploited Savannaa's naivety and piety, but he even deliberately sent her to her death." "He just wanted to use her as a tool to kill! To make her die unjustly and heartbroken at your hands." "That's why we shouldn't be fooled, and we mustn't let Thomas's evil scheme succeed."

Raven knew all this, but he simply couldn't swallow his hatred! Standing up from the recliner, Raven walked to the table and poured himself a glass of wine. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the glass tightly, his features twitching slightly, and his voice trembled as he said, "But Lux, did you see how cruelly they treated my child?" Despite Raven's best efforts to hold back, the thought of Banks biting his tongue and committing suicide at his feet still brought tears to his eyes.

324 Wind Kings! 324 soldiers from the orphanage! All perished in battle, not a single one survived. The only one to return, Banks, was blind and had long harbored a death wish. Even if he had been saved in time, he would likely have sought death later. And now, even after so many days, Raven hadn't fulfilled Banks' last wish to send their ashes to the cemetery beneath the old castle. Because he didn't know how to face Nancy. How could he even begin to speak?

"Ugh"

The thought of the corpses carried back batch after batch by the young dragons was utterly horrific! Therefore, even before Raven shed a tear, tears streamed down her beautiful yet slightly gaunt face like raindrops. Lux, of course, fully understood the unspeakable pain in Raven's heart. Especially the orphans like Banks and Lennon, who were no different from her own children to Raven. Returning to Raven's side, Lux tightly embraced his head. This provided Raven, on the verge of collapse, with a shield, allowing him to weep silently. This was the first time Lux had seen Raven so vulnerable. "Raven," she said, "I will hire the best makeup artists in the city to restore their appearances and repair their mutilated bodies. Let them pass away with dignity." "Politics," she continued, "is inherently about bloodshed and sacrifice." "You understand this better than I do." "But Savannah is the same; she helped you wholeheartedly, without any ulterior motives, didn't she?"

"Why are you so determined to protect her?" Raven asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Because," Lux said sincerely, "I do see a reflection of my past self in her."

"..." Raven remained silent, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

tuk tuk tuk

A knock sounded at the door, and Petty walked in. "Sir, General Eric and the others are already waiting for you in the meeting room."

"understood."

Raven put down his untouched wine glass, kissed Lux's forehead, turned and left the study, heading up to the third floor.

There is a dedicated military conference hall on the third floor, which is very spacious and the size of four rooms.

Eric, Link, Hyena, the second generation... almost all the high-ranking military officers in Eagle Territory were present. Inside the meeting hall, there were already four or five display boards covered with meticulously detailed maps. In the center, there was a long, narrow, recessed stone table, filled with sand tables that had already been laid out.

Raven strode over, and everyone stood up abruptly, their faces solemn, and they shouted in a heavy voice, "Your Excellency, Marquis!"

Raven waved his hand, signaling everyone to sit down.

"Hoyaz, have you brought everyone back?" Raven asked Hoyaz.

Heaz was clearly in poor condition; his hair hadn't been washed for who knows how many days, the curly strands drooping listlessly onto his forehead like a wilted eggplant. Compared to others, Banks and Lennon, his childhood friends and brothers, were even more unable to accept the devastating fact that they had all perished "at their doorstep." His face was frighteningly pale, as if covered in a thick layer of plaster. Hearing this, he stood up and replied like a walking corpse, "They've all been brought back, Father."

Raven nodded. "Lux will arrange for someone to prepare their remains. You can personally deliver them to the old castle then." "As for the soldiers who weren't from the orphanage, their bodies can be returned to their families."

If these people were truly to be buried beneath the old castle, their bodies would certainly need to be cremated. There wasn't enough space beneath the old castle, but in the culture of the Nord province, this was almost tantamount to desecration of the corpse, demonstrating the orphans' deep attachment to their mother, Nancy. Raven didn't say much. He would try to accommodate their every whim.

“Yes, Father.” Hoyaz seemed to realize he was out of sorts, quickly rubbing his cheeks before replying.

“Eric,” Raven said to the veteran general after Heaz sat down, “Order the entire Eagle Army of Bloodstone Territory to return.” When he returned earlier, Raven had only sent half of the Eagle Army; the other half remained in Bloodstone Territory. Now, the situation was completely unfavorable. The Holy See would never choose to cooperate with Raven, even if they had no idea. It was practically a foregone conclusion. Moreover, Raven had driven Cardinal Thomas to his death, creating an irreconcilable feud with the Holy See. It could only be said that plans couldn't keep up with changes. Raven wasn't a god, and he couldn't predict how things would unfold. He underestimated the Holy See's strength and even more so, Thomas's personal will. He had always looked down on the Holy See, believing it to be corrupt and decadent. Thomas, with his life, had given him a harsh slap in the face, waking him up. It also made Raven realize that not all those in high positions were cowardly cowards.

If Emperor Habsburg is an insurmountable and irresistible mountain, then the Holy See of Light is a mountain range with 100,000 equally high mountains, known as the "Ten Thousand Mountains"!

One mountain was already a challenge for Raven, making it difficult for him to cope. Imagine the combined forces of the two sides. The current dire situation has seriously jeopardized the survival of Eagle Territory and Raven's own life.

"So our Bloodstone Territory is just going to be handed over to them like this?" Thor said, clearly still somewhat indignant.

Youth is great, they don't know what fear is. Neither Eric nor Raven responded, then Eric asked, "Master, what should we do with those mercenaries?"

“Those who are willing to return should be arranged to come back together.” Raven frowned. “This matter must be done quickly; we don’t have much time left.” “You will personally lead Zolzahn to the Orc Empire.” “Those who are unwilling to return should not be forced to stay, otherwise they will rebel as well.” “I have received information that those who have come to attack us this time are most likely the old school.” The dragon Zolzahn cannot be away for too long, otherwise, once the enemy seizes an opening, Talon will definitely pounce on him like a mad dog.

“Your will will be carried out.” Eric stood up, gave a standard military salute, and said emphatically.

“Thor, begin the new round of recruitment immediately.” “The age limit can be relaxed a bit.” Raven looked at Thor. “Also, increase patrols. Increase from three teams a day to ten.” “Especially along the border.” Fortunately, the entire Snowmaple County was now under Raven’s control, which gave him more confidence to resist. But the only weakness was that Snowmaple County, though small, bordered three counties: Savery County, Hippocrates County, and Essex County. Among them, the one with the largest border area and the most difficult to guard against was Hippocrates County, where Tyrone was stationed.

The situation is now extremely precarious, and Raven has already considered relocating the fortress. The new Eagle Fortress is located too far back, making it difficult for him to control the entire Snowmaple County and receive timely feedback from various places. Thinking of this, Raven looked up and said, "Margard, after the meeting, inform your father, Koru, to prepare a residence for me in Holo Territory, or the old fortress can be vacated." Holo Territory is well-located, right in the middle of Snowmaple County.

“Yes, Your Excellency,” Magde hurriedly stood up and said.

Raven cleared his throat and tapped his knuckles lightly on the table. "If there's nothing else, let's adjourn the meeting."

"Father!"

Heaz jumped to his feet, his eyes seemingly burning with bloodlust. "Is this all we're going to do? There are still remnants of the Holy See in Hove City. Why don't we just go and kill them? Avenge Banks and the others?" Revenge? Raven certainly wanted revenge too! But the situation was different now! Before, as long as the Holy See remained inactive, the conflict between Raven and Habs was at most an internal dispute between ruler and subject! But now Thomas was dead. If the Holy See reached an agreement with Habs, then the Holy See's army could easily use the route through the Keynes Empire to come to Snowmaple County and fight Raven! That was the most critical issue. If Raven really wiped out the remnants of the Holy See in Hove City, it would undoubtedly push the Holy See completely to Habs's side.

Even if the Church of Light deceived Habs and didn't intend to be Raven's enemy, but merely used a pretext to send troops into the Nord Province, they would undoubtedly reach an agreement with Habs. This is not what Raven wants. The Church of Light's influence spans the entire continent, with countless priests and superhuman soldiers. Raven is currently too busy seeking reconciliation. Political maneuvering is never as simple as playing house.

With a sigh, Raven said in a deep voice, "This matter requires careful consideration. I understand your pain and thoughts. Believe me, Heyaz, my anger is no less than yours." "The most urgent task is to resolve the internal problems of Snow Maple County." "Resolve" in this context actually meant digesting and annexing the entire Snow Maple County. However, in front of so many people, Raven couldn't be too blunt or explicit.

Heyaz nodded silently, then wiped his eyes.

"Let's adjourn."

Raven stood up and was the first to walk out of the conference room.

……

a few days later.

Raven appeared inside the castle in Holo's territory. This baron's castle was small and dilapidated, and it smelled musty. However, it was clear that Korru had put a lot of effort into cleaning it.

"Alright, you can go now, Koru."

Looking at Koru, who was diligently taking care of him, Raven spoke kindly. He had come alone this time, wanting some peace and quiet. That's why Koru had stayed by his side the whole time.

“My lord, do you really not need me to stay here to take care of you?” Koru bowed and said, “I will certainly be as loyal to you as Mr. Gordon is and share your burdens.”

“I understand your feelings.” Raven patted Koru on the shoulder. This was also a pitiful person, and he knew some of Koru’s unpleasant past. “I came here because I wanted some peace and quiet.” “Just prepare three meals a day and bring them to me.”

“Okay…” Koru was somewhat disappointed. He knew that old Gordon’s position was not something that anyone else could easily replace. He then turned and left.

Raven went upstairs alone to his bedroom on the top floor.

However, after pushing open the door, Raven froze on the spot. He saw someone, or more accurately, someone who shouldn't be there.

"What are you doing here?" Raven asked, frowning in surprise.

“Of course, it’s because Lady Lux sent me,” Savannah replied indifferently.

"You can go now." Since Lux didn't want Savanna to die, Raven couldn't be too forceful. After all, Lux had risked her life to venture deep into the elven empire for his blood curse. Raven couldn't bear to hurt such a woman.

Savannah stood up. "Raven, I really don't know anything about those things. Why won't you believe me?"

"Believe it or not, it doesn't matter." "There's no friendship left between us." "I've already been merciful enough by not killing you or going to Hove City to wipe out your companions." Raven sneered.

He then took off his trench coat and hat, shook off the snowflakes, and hung them on the coat hanger.

Savanna snorted, glaring angrily at Raven. She had cut her hair short and was wearing an ill-fitting Angel Feather outfit. The top was an off-the-shoulder blouse that exposed one shoulder and her fair back, while the bottom was a standard outfit of a short skirt, stockings, and high heels. Clearly, Lux had gone to great lengths to get her out of there. After all, without this disguise, she would likely have been discovered long ago. Unfortunately, Savanna's figure was too voluptuous; not only were her stockings torn, but her short skirt also revealed half of her rounded buttocks. She looked somewhat disheveled and comical.

Seeing Raven's indifferent and aloof demeanor, Savannah felt a surge of anger and heartbreak. The instant Raven turned away, she suddenly lunged at him, shouting, "Raven! I'll fight you to the death!"

Raven's stress levels have been off the charts lately. Those who know Raven know that he needs to vent when he's under pressure. But he's already developed feelings for everyone around him, making it impossible for him to properly vent. This is the perfect opportunity to teach this enemy from the Church of Light a lesson.

Raven roughly threw Savannah onto the bed, then pounced on her like a lustful beast. Without a shred of tenderness or gentlemanly manners, he tore off all of Savannah's clothes. Conspicuous and gruesome red welts quickly appeared on her fair skin. Fortunately, Savannah, a seasoned martial artist and possessing extraordinary abilities, was not weak and endured the pain without uttering a sound.

After a fierce battle, Raven finally felt refreshed. He even felt that his mind was much clearer.

Dudu (shenhe) Dudu
A knock on the door startled Savannah, who scurried into bed like a cat and curled up inside.

"Who is it?" Raven asked.

“My lord, a man claiming to be an envoy requests an audience,” Kulu’s voice rang out from outside the door.

messenger??

Raven was completely bewildered, deliberately slipping his hand under the covers to tease Savannah while frowning in confusion. Could it be someone sent by the Emperor?

That would be perfect.

……

(End of this chapter)