Imperial Crown.

Chapter 632 Executioner

"Uu——"

Raven lit a cigarette and exhaled a long puff. There were just too many official matters to handle within the territory. He couldn't even imagine how exhausted he would be without his aunt's constant and dedicated help.

Russia and soon

A commotion came from outside the study. Thor was in front, followed by two men, one fat and one thin.

The fat man entered the study, took off his hat without saying a word, covered his chest, bowed deeply to Raven, and said in a respectful tone, "Viscount Raven. It is an honor to meet you."

After bowing, he strode forward, placed his hat on the edge of the table, and gently lifted Raven's right hand across the desk with his chubby hands, kissing it. "Your Majesty, Godfather. Long live the Godfather, and may you live in peace and health."

The thinner one had a pale face and a hint of anger in his eyes. He remained silent.

These two are the only two viscounts in the Nord Province who share the same title as Raven.

Duke, Marquis, Earl, Viscount, Baron.

After so many years of turmoil, the Marquis of Tyrone is gone. The Marquis of Raven has also been stripped of his title. As for the Earls and Viscounts, they were all killed long ago. They were either killed by Tyrone or wiped out by Raven, leaving only a bunch of tiny Barons. Therefore, in this vast province, apart from Raven, only these two Viscounts remain.

Raven wanted to completely conquer the Nord Province, so naturally he wouldn't let them go.

Yes. They may not have done anything wrong. But politics is cruel. No one will allow two disobedient factions under their command. Especially for Raven, he knew all too well the harm of "warlords." To paraphrase Tyrone—what does it matter to you if I destroy you?!

Just as Mr. Krabs said, the continent of Middlesex is not a world that operates on reason. It has its own unique set of underlying rules.

The law of the jungle, where the strong prey on the weak. Cruel, ruthless, and rotten.

"You..." "What's your name?"

Raven was somewhat embarrassed. He couldn't recall the other person's name for a moment. Mainly because the other person's presence was so faint, and they came from Irene County, which borders the province of Morinier, quite far from Snowmaple County.

"Smile"

The obese man chuckled and replied, "Lord Raven, my name is Smile." "You may call me Xiaoxiao."

"Smile??"

It was clear the obese man was timid and seemed somewhat afraid of Raven. He was extremely reserved. And today, he had deliberately worn an Angel Feather suit, almost identical to Raven's. Anyone who didn't know better would mistake them for a groom and groomsman. It was undoubtedly a clever way to curry favor. Hearing the man's answer, Raven raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Why is your name like that?" Raven was genuinely curious.

The obese man smiled shyly. He was somewhat like Fiona back then—shy and socially awkward. If he hadn't been a viscount, he probably would never have crossed paths with Raven. "My mother said life was too hard," he said, "so she named me this." Smile explained softly.

Finally, he added, "My father died in the previous locust plague, and I... I am actually an illegitimate son who succeeded to the throne."

Raven nodded and gestured, "Have a seat." Then, he turned his gaze to the thin man who had been staring at him coldly ever since he entered.

Seeing Raven looking over, Jonathan sneered, "Raven, if we don't agree to your terms, will you kill the two of us right now?"

This man was none other than Jonathan, the son of Viscount John.

These words immediately chilled the atmosphere in the room. Eric, Vesdon, and the others glared at Jonathan with hostility. The portly Xiaoxiao, who had just sat down, sprang to his feet like a spring, his face filled with terror as he scanned Raven and Jonathan.

Jonathan

Raven's face darkened. "You're a smart man." "You once funded the Razorfen Downs, and I haven't settled the score with you for that yet." "If it weren't for your father's influence, who do you think you are?!" "When Talon broke with me, you didn't send troops, but you didn't help me or stand on my side either." "In the end," "it was the orc army that came to my aid that saved your life."

"I have already repaid your father's kindness."

“I was an old friend of your father, yet you treat me like this!” “For a wise person,” “the ability to survive through compromise is a skill.”

Raven spoke calmly, his gaze deep.

Anyone who knows Raven even a little should understand that he has already decided to kill him.

Jonathan still sneered, "So, we're supposed to obey your orders and exchange the territories we've built up over the years?" "And we can only take our families." "And then we'll exchange territories again in five years." "Is this still nobility?!" "Is this still lordship?!" "Won't this just turning us into your lackeys, Raven's dogs?!"

How much effort does it take to develop and build a territory?! Changing leadership every five years leaves almost nothing to be done. Even the talents cultivated are discarded; at best, one can live a slightly more comfortable life. Everything, the lord's power, has been stripped away by Raven. It's not that he's fearless, but Raven has already driven him into a dead end!
The ruthlessness of this scheme is unprecedented in a thousand years.

It's a blatant conspiracy!
Jonathan was naturally resentful. But he also understood that Raven had already returned alive from the capital, burdened with the crime of "Kingslayer." He was no longer burdened by anything. His struggles, anger, and threats were nothing to Raven.

“I treat everyone the same.” “This is not directed at the two of you.”

Raven remained calm and rational, taking a stack of parchment from the drawer. "Sign it." "Let's start exchanging territories and castles when we get back."

The act of releasing military power over a cup of wine was Raven's final act of tenderness towards the territory beneath his feet.

Xiaoxiao walked up from the side and signed her name without saying a word. Turning back, she tried to persuade Jonathan, "Brother Luke, you should still sign it." "Life is life, isn't it?!" "Before I became a lord, I traveled around with my mother doing gigs to earn money. Those days were much harder than now!" "The Godfather's terms are already very kind." Luke was Viscount John's family name, and also Jonathan's. As she spoke, Xiaoxiao walked over to Jonathan and forcibly dragged him to the desk. "Think about it." "If it were that heinous Tyrone," "would you and I still be standing here alive?" "He slaughtered the entire Hippocrates! A full 36 people!" "Even you almost died at his hands, didn't you?!"

Holding Jonathan's hand, he smiled and signed Jonathan's name. Only then did he place the quill pen back on the desk. "I'm sorry, Godfather." "I believe that Brother Luke will come to his senses one day." "Please, in your mercy, grant me some more time."

Jonathan remained like a zombie throughout, completely at Xiaoxiao's mercy. It was clear that although he was extremely unwilling, this was the only way out he could get.

Raven nodded and watched the two leave.

These two were relatively fortunate; at least they received a personal audience with Raven. As for the barons of the other 16 counties, they were simply ordered to obey. Disobedience meant being sent to see their great-grandmother on the spot. Otherwise, why would they refuse to exchange territories? It must be because they missed their great-grandmother!
"call"

After seeing the two off, Raven sat back on the sofa and rubbed his temples.

Thor

Raven was just about to ask Thor to call more people in when the door was suddenly flung open with a bang, startling him. Judging from the expressions on the faces of the people inside, they were all clearly also somewhat frightened.

This is Eagle's Fortress! Who dares to be so insolent and rude?!

A disheveled old woman burst in, yelling, "I want to see Lord Raven!" "I want to see Lord Raven!" "Don't stop me!!" Petty and Lingling followed her in.

Both of them looked somewhat frightened. "I'm sorry, sir." "She." "She, she, she." "She insisted on barging in..." "We couldn't stop her either."

Raven glanced at the old woman, sighed inwardly, and quickly waved his hand, "It's nothing." "You can go now." After saying that, he strolled over to the old woman with his hands in his pockets, and smiled amusedly, "Why didn't you stay home? Why did you have to come looking for me?!" "Missed me?"

The old woman was disheveled, her clothes were layered, and her face was filthy; anyone who didn't know better would think she had just come out of a coal mine. She stubbornly pulled Raven's hand out of her pocket, looked at him, and tears streamed down her face. Her eyes were filled with terror, as if the man before her was a demon! Despite her fear, the old woman didn't forget her instructions to respect Lord Raven. She held Raven's hand in her hands, gently kissed it, and said, "My esteemed Godfather, may you live long, be happy, and be healthy." After completing this ritual etched into her memory, she then pleaded tearfully, "Raven..." "Lord Raven!" "Have you seen my son?!" "I miss him!" "Please let him come back!" "I beg you!" "I'm willing to give everything, to be your slave, to give my life."

Raven pointed and said, "Then take a look at who this is!"

The old woman glanced at it, then shook her head. "No! I don't know him!" She sobbed like a child, then grew angry and threw a tantrum. "Raven!" "You killed my daughter!" "And you killed my son!" "I hate you!" "I will never forgive you!" "You are a demon!" "You are a real executioner!"

"I curse you!" "I curse you to be alone for life! To die alone!" "No wonder you can't have a son!" "This is the Lord of Light's punishment for you!" "You're just jealous that I have a son!" "So that's why you sent my son to his death, isn't it?!"

"You'll go to hell, Raven!"

"Hellfire will..."

As she spoke, the old woman became agitated, her expression turning ferocious as she hurled sharp curses at Raven.

But before she could finish speaking, Eric's thunderous roar rang out from the side: "Ouch!" "Shut up!" "Shut up!" "Just shut up!!!"

Eric's roar nearly ripped the roof off. Naturally, the old woman was terrified and quickly hid behind Raven, clinging tightly to his waist, her small, thin body trembling uncontrollably. She looked extremely frightened, like a child who had done something wrong and was utterly afraid of Eric.

Raven put his arm around her shoulder and sighed softly. "Don't be afraid." "I'm here, everything will be alright." "He won't dare to do anything to you."

"Your son isn't dead." "Thor is still alive!"

Raven patted her shoulder gently and comforted her.

This old woman was none other than Romi, Thor's mother and Eric's first wife. Ever since discovering Thor's blood-written letter, Romi had suffered a devastating blow, becoming mentally unstable. She no longer recognized anyone except Raven and Eric.

It's understandable that she remembers Eric, since she lived with him her whole life. Naturally, she'd remember the person she loved most. But remembering Raven is even easier to explain, because she blamed Raven for her daughter's starvation and her son's willingness to die. She saw Raven as the murderer, harboring extreme resentment towards him; how could she forget her enemy?!

Even if Thor hadn't died, even if he were standing right in front of Mrs. Romy, she wouldn't recognize him. All she remembered was her beloved son, whom she had raised with such care, who had left a letter written in blood and gone to the North Sea Province without a second thought. And there he died.

If it were a physical injury, Raven could treat it, but unfortunately, Romy, like old Gordon, was mentally confused. Raven was powerless to help.

That old woman always loiters around Eagle's Keep, constantly berating Raven. Nobody can control her. Today, she finally caught a glimpse of Raven meeting guests inside the castle, and that's why she rushed over without a second thought.

"Alright, you can go now."

Raven patted her on the shoulder. His gaze drifted towards the door. Patty and Lingling rushed in, followed by Elaine. The three of them, pulling and dragging, finally managed to pull the old woman out.

Eric was furious, and she dared not scold Raven anymore, fearing he would hit her. She left, looking utterly wronged.

Raven turned around, looked at Thor who was bowing his head and remaining silent, and reached out to squeeze his shoulder. This gesture was clearly meant to comfort Thor. His mother's current state was inextricably linked to him. Self-blame, guilt, sadness, and pain washed over him like waves. Most importantly, there was the fear of his mother publicly insulting Raven. Let alone Raven, any nobleman would have already torn his mother to pieces. Raven's squeeze on his shoulder was clearly an indication that he wasn't particularly bothered.

After all that commotion, Raven lost all interest in receiving guests. He glanced around, initially intending to ask Hu Xia to help with the reception, but then realized Hu Xia had left without saying goodbye. "You brat!" he cursed inwardly. Raven then noticed Vesdon, who remained calmly seated on the sofa. Indeed, after so many years in the capital, his former lively and energetic nature was gone; he sat quietly in his room like a wooden statue, remarkably composed. This greatly pleased Raven, who immediately said, "Thor, tell Petty, cancel all the remaining meetings. Tell them to contact Vesdon later."

"Oh," Thor said, hanging his head, and walked out.

Vesdon looked somewhat surprised, raising an eyebrow, but remained silent, clearly accepting Raven's decision. "A promising young man," this thought delighted Little Bee once more.

A short while later, Thor entered again. Vesdon coughed lightly and stood up, saying, "Brother, the grain reserves in our territory are now critically low! The construction of the canal is no small matter; perhaps we should wait until next autumn's harvest to begin?" As Daenerys's son, Vesdon naturally possessed firsthand intelligence and knew the true situation within the territory. His mother had recently been so worried about the food that she hadn't been able to eat.

Raven leaned back on the sofa, his legs crossed and propped up on the desk, playing with a magical toy he had once made out of boredom—a ball of yarn.

He tossed the ball of yarn, then caught it again. Hearing this, a slight smile played on his lips. "Don't worry," he said. "I've taken care of the food; it'll be here soon." Seeing the enchanted ball of yarn, Raven was reminded of Sicot. Though his heart was filled with immense pain, he showed no sign of it. He even wore a smile. Ordinary people like Romi could at least vent their inner suffering. But Raven could only lick his wounds in solitude, silently enduring his pain.

"solved?"

Viston was somewhat surprised.

Not only him, but also Eric, Thor, Link, and the Hyena all showed surprise and joy.

Raven didn't elaborate further on "yes".

"How did you solve it?" Vesdon couldn't help but ask again, mainly because the northwest region had suffered from snow disasters, and at this critical juncture, it was impossible to buy food from other provinces. "You didn't buy it from Lai Lunning, did you?"

"Lai Lunning has arrived?!" Raven was now surprised.

Vesdon nodded, his tone somewhat displeased. "He visited my mother as soon as he arrived. 'To discuss the supplementary amounts for the major tithe, the minor tithe... and the blood tithe.' 'He also said that since you've been demoted to viscount, you could receive some preferential treatment based on your rank.' 'He didn't bring up the size of the territory.' 'However, he's very cunning; he immediately saw the food shortage problem within the territory.' 'He said that if my mother was willing to give him a 2% commission, he could transfer food from the Holy See to sell to us.' 'But you know my mother's stingy nature, so you naturally disagreed.'"

The so-called "large tithe" refers to agricultural products. The "small tithe" refers to fruits and vegetables. The "blood tithe" refers to livestock products.

On the continent of Midals, according to the doctrines of the Church of Light, all land is a gift from the Lord of Light, territory He established in the past. Therefore, believers should consciously return one-tenth of all the produce of the land to the Lord of Light—that is, the Church of Light.

This is the ultimate, irreconcilable conflict between the Holy See of Light and all human lords.

Hearing Veston's words, Link couldn't help but interject, "Is Lairenning really at the fifth rank?!"

Vesdon nodded. "Yes. At least a priest of the fifth rank and five stars."

Raven laughed heartily, "Looks like losing my title isn't all bad. At least I'll pay less tithe!"

Upon hearing this, everyone tried to find humor in the situation and laughed along.

……

(End of this chapter)