Imperial Crown.

Chapter 591 Executed
"Didn't I tell you?!" "Don't disturb my rest!" "It hasn't been that long!" "Is there anything you can't handle?"

Beihai Province, Shanlu County.

More than half a month later.

Inside the castle, Ferdinand's disgruntled reprimand echoed. If the person standing before him hadn't been his illegitimate son, he would have already smashed him into a pulp!
"Marshal." "I'm sorry, please forgive my sins."

Akery pounded his chest with his left hand, knelt on one knee, and said with utmost respect, "I did not mean to disturb your rest. It's just that this matter is too strange, and I felt I should report it to you to avoid missing a crucial opportunity in the battle."

“Speak,” Ferdinand said coldly.

“Yes, Marshal.” Akery swallowed hard, trying to ease his tension. After all, what he was about to say was a speech he had meticulously crafted for ten days. He had to recite it word for word: “Last time, Raven sent a dragon to harass us, but thanks to your bravery and valor, you single-handedly slew a fifth-tier dragon! You are an absolute ‘Dragon Slayer’! And the only ‘Dragon Slayer’ in the hundreds of years of the Keynes Empire to have been truly witnessed by hundreds of thousands of soldiers! This is a blessing for the Vandorian family! A blessing for the entire empire! A blessing for all humanity on the Middles Continent!” Although Akery hadn’t seen Clown K make his move, he had witnessed Adjani’s attack on Zolsaan, yet he still showered her with praise without batting an eye. He felt his words were perfectly appropriate and polished.

On the other hand, Ferdinand did indeed benefit from it. Although his aged face remained unmoved, he did not utter any more words of rebuke.

"It was because of your invincible prowess and ability to turn the tide that our soldiers were able to quickly regain their composure from the immense panic caused by the dragon's sudden attack. They were able to regroup and restore their fighting spirit." "And I," "Akerui," "also personally slew a young dragon shortly after you went into seclusion, becoming the second after you."

“Let’s get to the point!!!”

With a loud bang, Ferdinand slammed his hand on the table, shouting angrily. What kind of time is this? This idiot is still incessantly praising his insignificant achievements! If Raven attacks while he's injured, he'll be in an extremely passive position!

"Uh..." "Yes, yes," Akery was startled and hurriedly changed his words, "But then things changed. It turns out that Raven didn't just send dragons. There was also a suicide squad!" "A suicide squad composed entirely of second-tier extraordinary heroes!" "These wicked and despicable skunks carried out a shameful massacre of our unsuspecting soldiers!" "They killed many of our extraordinary generals!" "I have a list of the fallen here. If the Marshal is interested, please take a look." "But what I'm most worried about isn't that." "Marshal," "Based on my understanding of Raven, this little bee is as cunning as a jackal and as despicable as a mole. There's absolutely no way he would make such a selfless sacrifice." "I seriously suspect that Raven is plotting something in secret." "Either he's carrying out a covert operation." "Or he's employing a desperate tactic."

"A desperate army"? "Will they win?" Upon hearing this, Pei Dinan stretched his neck like a turtle, poked his head out of the darkness, and muttered the same phrase repeatedly.

"Yes, Marshal."

Akori looked worried. "That's why I abruptly disturbed your rest."

"Read the list in your hand."

Ferdinand remained silent for a moment, then gave a disdainful snort. Before true overwhelming power, any petty tricks were futile. Having even killed the dragon, Raven had lost his greatest asset. Waiting to die was the best ending for Raven. This story of a "thug becoming a nobleman" had come to an end.

"Yes," Akori replied, then opened the list and began to read aloud. Akori had his own motives; the number of fallen extraordinary generals was simply too great. This matter needed to be reported promptly. Otherwise, if he waited for Ferdinand to emerge from seclusion, he feared he too would be implicated and punished! Meanwhile, in the past two weeks, the battlefield ravaged by the dragons had finally been completely cleaned up, and all losses had been accounted for.

"Nasane, Tier 3, Seven Star, Deputy Executive Officer. Heroic sacrifice."

"Weberqi, Tier 3, 5-star, Deputy Executive Officer. Heroic sacrifice."

"Gosworth, Tier 3, 4-star, Deputy Executive Officer. Heroic sacrifice."

"Leizson, Tier 3, 3-star, Deputy Executive Officer. Heroic sacrifice."

"Montmarie, Tier 2, 9-Star, Deputy Executive Officer. Heroic sacrifice."

"besides,"

"There were also many low-ranking officers who died as second-tier transcendents, such as 17 people like Edokah."

"There were also many first-tier transcendents without military rank who died in action, such as Angelo, who numbered 49."

"More than 3000 ordinary soldiers were also lost." "A supply depot and armory hidden in a deserted town were also lost."

After Akery finished reading, he looked up and carefully observed Ferdinand's expression, but it was too dark in the room for him to see clearly. "But please rest assured, Marshal, this filthy gang of skunks has been completely wiped out!"

"Oh"

Ferdinand gave a faint reply and sighed, "I never imagined that just two breaths from that dragon would cause such a huge number of casualties. It's truly shocking."

“Uh…” “Marshal,” Akery’s scalp tingled, and he hurriedly corrected, “What I just said only refers to the casualties caused by that suicide squad.” “The casualties caused by the dragon and later the young dragon are not included.” “Zorsahn killed two fourth-tier transcendent executives with a single poisoned arrow.” “Sham and Raigor.” “The number of dead is even greater, reaching 3 soldiers.” “However, most of them have already turned to ashes, so it is impossible to compile a list.”

"……,……Um?"

Ferdinand paused for a moment, then subconsciously let out a soft hum, “You mean… all the losses you mentioned just now were caused by that group of about a dozen second-tier transcendents?” “Did I hear that right?” “Baron Akery.”

Akery's forehead was now covered in sweat, and a chill ran down his spine. "Yes, Marshal." "You heard me right." "These skunks are utterly despicable; some even disguised themselves as women to assassinate our generals in brothels." "So..." "So..."

A long silence fell over the room. The only sound was the rapid beating of Akery's heart.

"Damn Raven!"

Bang! The table collapsed immediately. Ferdinand, still recovering from his injuries, let out a painful roar. He hurriedly took out a bottle of medicine and poured it into his mouth.

"Marshal!" Akery rushed forward, "Please take care of yourself, Marshal!" "Raven is nothing to you, he's not worth getting so angry about!"

"I asked you to send a letter to the Holy See, did they reply?" Ferdinand swallowed the potion, visibly feeling much better, and asked in a deep voice. "Yes." "Yes." Akery hurriedly pulled out a small piece of paper from his pocket, "This is the second reason why I dared to disturb your rest." "They only replied with two words—'Deserves to be executed.'" "I couldn't understand their meaning, so I came to ask you for advice."

"Humph!"

Ferdinand snorted coldly, a sinister glint in his eyes. "Send word to Governor Tyrone to immediately wipe out the traitors of Nord Province!" "Start with Dalton of Binziman in Hippocrates." "Then Jonathan of Newsnor in Mansa County." "These two—one a former knight of Ramsay Bolton, the other a descendant of Viscount John." "Kill, burn, and loot everyone in these two territories! Implement a scorched-earth policy!" "I want to see if these vile commoners and lowly nobles of Nord Province will still dare to stand aside and side with Raven after these two territories are destroyed!"

Akery was shocked upon hearing this. He never imagined that the words "should be executed" in the Holy See's reply meant this! This was a serious departure from the Holy See's doctrine! If the truth came out, it would be a heavy and fatal blow to the Holy See's reputation. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call it a "catastrophic disaster."

"Yes." But Akori didn't dare hesitate and immediately shouted.

"Alright, go ahead." "Don't disturb my recovery any longer." "Once I've fully recovered and emerged from seclusion, I will personally slay Raven." Without the dragon, Pédinan was no longer afraid. He spoke with great confidence. Therefore, he didn't send out his army, nor did he allow Tyrone to attack Snow Maple County. Everything would be ended by Pédinan himself.

"Uh……"

Akori mumbled something incoherently.

"Is there anything else?" Perdinan frowned and asked with displeasure.

“Marshal.” “Perhaps I’m overthinking it.” After much deliberation, Akery decided to voice his concerns. “All the letters I sent to the capital have gone unanswered.” “Whether they were sent to the family or to Duke Gottfried…” “None of them have received a reply.” “And there are rumors that the capital has recently tightened its security.” “Entry is permitted, but exit is not.” “I’m wondering… could this be the hidden agenda behind Raven’s dispatch of the suicide squad?”

"It should be fine."

Ferdinand pondered for a while, then shook his head. "Perhaps the Emperor is also wary of Raven!" He then chuckled. "It seems I'm not the only one studying the Battle of Eivor." "The Emperor also knows how Raven conquered Eivor." "The surprise attack on Bluehold was Raven's final battle." "It's normal to be on guard." However, despite saying this, Ferdinand still offered a response: "Send a team back to the capital to gather information. After I emerge from seclusion, you can personally return."

"Your will will be carried out, Marshal." Akori bowed, slowly walked out of the house, and closed the door behind him.

"tsk"

However, Ferdinand, inside the room, didn't immediately begin cultivating. Instead, he frowned and clicked his tongue softly. Just now, in front of Akori, he had feigned ease, not wanting others to see his true thoughts. Now, upon closer reflection, he was certain something significant had happened in the capital.

Ferdinand had a vague sense of unease, but couldn't quite pinpoint what it was. Logically, while the Emperor and the new faction were present in the capital, Prime Minister Hamilton was also there. The only oversight was that he had led his troops out, and Egihard had returned to his territory in the province of Venetian. Only the old-school noble family of Gottfried remained in the capital. Even if the new faction wanted to take advantage of the situation, wouldn't the Prime Minister stand idly by? If His Majesty was truly determined to attack the old faction, then returning now would be tantamount to suicide.

After pondering for a while, Pei Dinan stopped thinking about it and closed his eyes to begin cultivating. The most important thing now was to recover as quickly as possible from the injuries caused by using the divine weapon!
……

"Father!" "Trust me this once!" "I'm not a child anymore!" "We should support Marquis Raven!"

Midals Continent, Keynes Empire, Mangtelid Province.

Inside the Baldwin Marquess's castle.

Hume said loudly.

"What do you know!" Baldwin stood up, somewhat impatient. He had Hume late in life, his previous sons and daughters all having perished in battle against the orcs. Therefore, he doted on Hume immensely, spoiling the child rotten. For the past few months, Hume had been constantly urging him to support Raven. This was the first time Baldwin had ever been so angry with Hume. Baldwin's fiery red beard seemed to explode. "Son!" "Listen to me!" "Go against the Emperor!" "Raven will surely lose!" "Whether he'll even survive is another matter!" "While I personally admire Raven and have a considerable relationship with him," "You must not gamble with the future of the family!" "There is no room for discussion on this matter; say no more!"

"Father!"

Hume was even more arrogant than Baldwin, roaring, "You saw all those orcs who went there before, didn't you?! Even werewolves, eaglemen, even goblins... these orcs all knew to support Raven!" "Are we less capable than these orcs?!" "Yes!" "I understand you're worried about the family's future!" "Afraid of offending the Emperor!" "But have you considered this?" "This act of kindness in our time of need is our family's only chance for future glory!"

"Enough!" "Son!"

Baldwin smashed his wine glass. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to!" "If I don't agree, you'll sneak off to the Nord Province tonight, won't you?" "I'm telling you, I'm not dead!" "I'm still the master of this castle!" "You can't go anywhere!" "That woman, Savannah, is dead!" "She died at Raven's hands!" "There are plenty of good women in the world!" "Don't let your emotions cloud your judgment!" "And..." "Do you think I don't want to support Raven? But child, do you know! The reason the Keynes family has endured for a thousand years, the reason the High Court has never been breached, has never been due to any appeasement policy, but rather those divine weapons!" "Do you know that ninth-tier armor..." "The power of 'Blood Reign'? If you don't know, I can tell you! Even a first-tier transcendent, wearing it, can kill a third-tier transcendent! A second-tier can kill a fourth-tier! A third-tier can kill a fifth-tier! A fourth-tier can directly reverse the situation and kill a sixth-tier!" "Now," "Do you still think Raven has a chance to win this war?" "Offending the Emperor," "Death" "may be the lightest punishment for Raven!" "The taller the tree, the more the wind blows! The higher you climb, the colder it gets!" "Our family has fought against the orcs for generations, guarding the border, sacrificing seven generations to earn a marquisate!" "Once we support Raven!" "Then the next to be wiped out will be our 'Aiahan' family!" Baldwin earnestly advised.

"Father!" "Supporting Raven really has nothing to do with Savannah!" "Why won't you trust me just this once?"

Hume continued to argue his case.

“Because… I can’t afford to gamble!” Baldwin stroked his fiery red beard and said in a deep voice. After speaking, he glanced at Hume, “Son, I can promise you that if Raven manages to escape, I can take him in.” “How about that?” “Don’t be foolish again!” “You are my only son!” As he spoke, this iron-willed man actually shed tears and sobbed uncontrollably.

"Ugh!!!"

Hume looked up to the sky and sighed. He knew he had no way out and could no longer change his father's will.

Perhaps his father was right. But Hume had a strong intuition. This intuition told him that he had to go and support Raven.

As for Savannah, she was certainly one of the reasons Hume went to help. His intuition told him that Savannah was not dead, but was somewhere waiting for him to rescue her.

Thinking of the orcs who had passed through to support Raven, Hume felt immense regret. If he had known this would happen, he should have left with the orcs at that time.

……

(End of this chapter)