Can't I develop my own character?

What Ryan didn't know was that McCoys had already discussed it with others before meeting him. The situation was urgent and hesitation would lead to failure. There was no time left.

"...I didn't expect it to go so smoothly."

Walking out of the main tent, Ryan whispered to Maganna, "These two shouldn't be the traitors."

"Macaus has followed me for a long time. There's no way he could be a traitor. As for Iverson... huh~ that's hard to say." Maganna said lightly.

Ryan thought to himself, then I will support Iverson more. This big guy is more trustworthy than McCauss.

But just think about it, I won’t tell this to the Grand Duke, those who understand will understand.

Next, it was McCaus’s job to spread the news, and then just wait for things to develop.

While there was still time, the two of them took a tour of the Iron Blood Army and asked Gluck to take them to some officers and generals to win their hearts.

Actually, I just want to get in touch with them and see. With Ryan's many years of experience as an insider (crossed out), he can tell at a glance whether some people are traitors or not.

But after getting in touch with them, I found that except for one or two who were a little suspicious, at least these people in the city were loyal.

Ryan guessed that McCoys had done some screening in advance. If a fight really broke out, the loyalists would have an advantage in occupying Child and defending the city.

By the afternoon, the atmosphere in the city had changed.

"Have you heard? Princess Casradi sent people to Childe to form an alliance with us!"

"Is this true? Isn't she from the royal family? Why did I hear that the royal family wants to deal with us?"

"Truly! My uncle's sister-in-law's second cousin is in the Iron Blood Army. He said it himself! He said that Her Royal Highness is unhappy that the old emperor has relegated her to the southern border, and plans to join forces with us in the western border!"

"Wow! It's the princess, we're saved!"

"It's hard to say. Who knows how determined the princess is?"

More and more people were discussing things on the street, so for safety reasons, Ryan hurried back to the camp.

Not long after, a group of imperial soldiers came and told the Iron Blood Legion that they wanted to take Ryan and Maganna away, on the grounds that they had injured Guy yesterday.

Yasen took his men and drove them out.

By evening, the two legion commanders, Mellen and Malder, also arrived at the camp. They came to find out the truth and confirm whether the Iron Blood Army really wanted to cooperate with Casradi.

Who is Ryan? He's the princess's favorite! The princess gave Ryan a city to be the mayor, and promoted a commoner against all odds. Isn't this a sign of trust?

He stood up and expressed his position, and others had to believe it even if they didn't.

Ryan discovered that these two legion commanders were not as firm in their stance as McCoys and Iverson. It wasn't that they were traitors, but they must have been trying to get close to Credl in private.

Now that the Grand Duke is gone, they don't think it's Creed's fault. He didn't do anything in the first place. Didn't the Grand Duke just charge into battle and fall into the enemy's trap?

Ryan's comment is that you should get rid of your position as soon as possible and not keep it for the New Year.

If loyalty is not absolute, it is absolutely disloyalty!

He originally wanted to go find the Fire-Seeking Covenant, but this was Childe, and he guessed that the Fire-Seeking Covenant's status was similar to that of the pagans in Berman City, and it was unlikely that they had detailed information about the Iron Blood Legion.

So Ryan plans to keep this card for future use.

Wait for the inner demon to defect."

At night, Ryan had a long talk with Maganna about Childe's situation.

"Hmm... It's pretty much what I thought. They're mainly on Creed's side." Magna crossed her arms and thought, "Those guys must be hiding very deep. Ryan, will your plan work?"

"We'll know tomorrow whether it succeeds or not," Ryan said. "What's more important is, Grand Duke, how far do you want to go? The word betrayal is actually quite subtle. Some people don't necessarily want to be traitors, but they will assess the situation. They'll obey your orders when you're around, but defect to the Empire when you're gone. You can't really call these people traitors, it's just human nature."

"Of course I know that." Maganna waved her hand. "I don't need every one of them to be absolutely loyal to me, but I need them to be responsible for Childe and the Western Territory. If they know this is a royal conspiracy and still help Alvin fight the Iron Blood Legion, they are traitors. They can remain silent or even leave. Do you understand?"

"okay I know."

If anyone with any wavering mind were to be eliminated, then I'm afraid half of the nobles in Child would have to be beheaded. After all, there are few people like Gluck who are loyal and willing to fight to the death.

Thinking of this, Ryan became a little worried. If the matter got out of hand, would the Grand Duke be able to cover it up? Although he said yesterday that he had a backup plan, he didn't know what it was.

...

Just as Ryan expected, the atmosphere in the city changed again the next day.

Yesterday they were still saying that the Western Territory and the princess were invincible together, but today a group of people appeared out of nowhere and started to spread the word that the Iron Blood Legion was secretly colluding with the Western Barbarians, and that they had accepted bribes and deliberately allowed the Western Barbarians to invade the imperial territory.

Maganna is the leader, she hopes to use the power of the Western Barbarians to help her seize the throne!

Even children would scoff at such remarks, but if so many people say them, it will become a lie. If you say something and he says it too, something false can become true.

More importantly, letters between Maganna and the Western Barbarians were circulated in the city, and they even had the Grand Duke's seal on them. You have to know that only Maganna herself can use this thing.

If the Western Barbarians had not been promised benefits, how could the Iron Blood Legion have just given up the Talma Line after guarding it for so many years?

As for Maganna's death, it was very simple, because those warriors in the Iron Blood Legion who were loyal to the Empire and hated the Western Barbarians killed her. The 6,000 people who followed Maganna deep into the Western Barbarians were not followers, but "judges".

As soon as the evidence came out, many of the Grand Duke's staunch followers in the city began to waver.

In Ryan's opinion, a powerful rumor is one that uses true conditions to draw false conclusions, which is simply a false proposition.

There were indeed people in the Iron Blood Legion who colluded with the Western Barbarians, otherwise the brave Grand Duke would not have fallen for it. The person who spread the rumors was obviously an expert.

But this was within Ryan's expectations, so he was very calm. It was just that Maganna was so angry that she almost grew taller.

"Are you an idiot? I'm colluding with the Western Barbarian Army? Do you want to see how many Western Barbarians die every year on the Talma Line?! Bastard, if I find out who's talking nonsense, I'll kill his entire clan!"

Ryan wondered who else it could be besides Creed?

However, he didn't expect that the other party had such a letter in his hand. Even Maganna herself didn't know about it, but the seal was real and the handwriting was real.

Spreading rumors was an excuse for action. Sure enough, in the afternoon, Gluck came to tell them that Alvin suddenly sent people to seize control of the city gate and led the royal army towards the camp.

McCoy is leading his men to confront them. The atmosphere between the two sides is full of tension and the battle is about to break out.

When Ryan and Maganna arrived, the generals of both sides were confronting each other in the void.

"Macaus, take the Iron Blood Legion to the Imperial Capital for investigation. His Majesty the Emperor will certainly not wrongly accuse any soldier loyal to the Empire. If you don't want Maganna's years of hard work to be wasted, you should listen to my advice."

The person who spoke was Alvin, who was said to be a veteran over sixty years old. However, he was muscular, wearing armor, and full of energy, which gave Ryan the illusion that he was comparing a fitness man in the park to a modern college student.

McCoy ignored him and looked at a hooded figure beside the other man.

"Cred, is this your plan? Bringing the royal lackeys to deal with your companions who fought alongside you, are you worthy of the Grand Duke's trust?"

Creed said in a low voice, "It is precisely because I am loyal to the Grand Duke that I cannot stand by and watch her go astray. The Iron Blood Legion is her life's work, and I must ensure that it exists in a clean manner."

"Damn it! You're such a shameless bastard!" Iverson cursed angrily. "It's you who betrayed the Grand Duke, and you still have the nerve to confuse right and wrong. Today I'm going to chop you up and avenge the Grand Duke!"

Iverson was about to rush forward with two big iron balls, but was stopped by McCoys.

"Do not impulse."

"You're very smart, McCoys," Alvin said calmly. "I've already blocked Childe. If a fight breaks out, what are your chances of winning?"

"Stop being so pretentious, Alvin. If you're sure you can defeat the Iron Blood Army, there's no need to waste time talking to me."

"I simply don't want to cause unnecessary casualties. I'm here for two reasons. First, you hand over Her Majesty's envoy. He injured an Imperial officer, and I want to take him away. Second, I'll give you one last day to consider. If the Iron Blood Legion still disobeys Her Majesty's orders, I will lead the Imperial Army to bring you to justice!"

"..."

"That guy is Creed?"

Behind the crowd, Ryan watched the show with great interest.

He had no interest in the old man Alvin, but was a little concerned about Creed. The other party wrapped himself up like a dumpling, and there was something wrong with him at first glance.

"Are you implying something about me?" Magna said.

She also wrapped it like a rice dumpling.

"I mean... this is a bit like the behavior of the Eye of Dawn and Dusk. Those old bastards like to play it that way." Ryan whispered, "In fact, I also found an old bastard when I was in Berman City. Fortunately, I was smart, otherwise I wouldn't have met you, Grand Duke."

"Oh?"

Magna raised her eyelids.

There weren't many signs of the Eye of Dawn and Dusk's activities in the empire, so she usually didn't pay much attention to it. But she had also heard that the pagans of the Eye of Dawn and Dusk liked to do sneaky things behind people's backs.

Could it be that the old emperor secretly controls such a force?

"Grand Duke, you are so brave." Ryan suddenly gave a thumbs up.

Magna wondered.

"You even dare to use someone like Creed. He's obviously an old bastard."

Maganna's tone paused, thinking, how should I know? It's been more than three years. I also investigated it when I took him in.

The two were whispering in the back while the two groups in front were already arguing fiercely. Alvin wanted to kick out Ryan, the troublemaker, first and then clean up the Iron Blood Legion. But McCoys obviously disagreed. Now the princess was on their side. Even if the Iron Blood Legion really wanted to commit treason, they would bind the princess with them!

Princess, let's rebel together!

"Mayor Ryan, are you going to keep hiding?" Alvin suddenly raised his voice, "Her Royal Highness sent you here. At least she has a clear attitude, right?"

wow~

Everyone's eyes turned.

Ryan shrugged and walked to the front.

"Old General, I don't know what the princess is thinking. She just asked me to come and talk to the Iron Blood Legion. After all, there was an enemy invasion in the southern border before, and the Iron Blood Legion helped repel the invaders. The princess and Grand Duchess Maganna are quite old friends."

"Heh~" Alvin sneered. What a ridiculous old friendship! He bet the two had exchanged no more than three sentences. "So, Your Highness the Princess wants to intervene in the Western Territory and recruit these traitors?"

"Hey, hey, hey, don't be so harsh, old man. How did the Iron Blood Legion become traitors?"

Just as McCoys was about to lose his temper, Ryan scratched his ear and said, "They've been fighting the Western Barbarians on the Talma Front for so many years. Even His Majesty the Emperor has often conferred titles upon the Iron Blood Legion. And with just one sentence, you've erased their years of military achievements. Are you also questioning His Majesty's wise judgment? You're even more capable than His Majesty."

Alvin frowned. This guy was really good at putting things on people's heads. Guy was right. Her Royal Highness the Princess's envoy was an expert at confusing right and wrong.

"General Alvin certainly didn't mean that. The Iron Blood Legion's military achievements are unquestionable, and the Grand Duke is absolutely loyal. But now there's a traitor in the Legion," Creed said. "For the safety of all the people of the West, the Iron Blood Legion must be investigated. As a subordinate of the Grand Duke, I don't want the Iron Blood Legion to be accused of treason after her death."

"Oh, you have a point, but I think you can't have the final say on this matter alone. No matter what the outside world says, people's hearts will not lie." Ryan touched his chin. "General Alvin, I am here on behalf of Her Royal Highness. Of course, I cannot join forces with traitors, but I also can't let anyone have the final say. I must open my eyes and see clearly for Her Royal Highness. What do you think?"

Alvin nodded. "That's right. Her Royal Highness represents the face of the royal family. We must not jump to conclusions."

"So...how about this? Gather all the influential nobles in Cherde City, along with all the officers of the Iron Blood Legion, and we'll hold a vote. If the Grand Duchess is innocent, she's been loyal for so many years, and people's hearts won't lie. If she's truly a traitor, there will naturally be people who vote against her. For the sake of my reputation, I won't let Her Highness get stained with mud. Then I'll leave, and you can handle the affairs of the Western Territory however you wish."

"Really?"

Alvin's eyes lit up.

"General," Creed whispered, "be careful."

"That's fine. The main thing now is to get rid of the princess as soon as possible. As long as she doesn't interfere, it's fine. The evidence you released was very timely. The people in Childe know what to do."

Let those nobles vote?

Alvin knew those people too well.

Even if they don't vote against it, they will most likely give up and will never dare to come out to support Maganna again.

A dead person, can supporting her bring you half a gold coin of benefit?

This is also a good opportunity to completely isolate the Iron Blood Army loyal to Maganna.

"Is it necessary to mobilize so many troops?" Iverson said unhappily. "Let those people express their opinions. What kind of attitude can those cowardly guys express?"

McCoy was also confused, but Gluck told him, "You can trust Ryan completely" and "Ryan is one of the Grand Duke's most trusted people." Anyway, it was like this, and he had no good solution, so he just waited and saw what Ryan was going to do.

Even if we take a step back, the worst outcome would be that he would lead the Iron Blood Army to launch a major attack.

Maganna didn't say a word the whole time. She just watched Alvin and Creed perform until everyone was called together in the evening. Hundreds of nobles, big and small, gathered in the central square of Child City.

On the other side, there were dozens of officers from the Iron Blood Legion, including the four legion commanders of McCoys. They all had to declare their position in front of everyone.

"Everyone here, right? Then let's get down to business. Given the complex situation in Childe, everyone should express their stance. The procedure is simple. Those who believe Grand Duchess Maganna is loyal to the Empire should stand on my left. Those who believe she's colluding with the Western Barbarians should stand on my right. Of course, those who want to follow Her Royal Highness and rise to prominence can also stand beside me. The rest of you can stand there... yes, a little in the middle."

Ryan said with a smile.

As expected, his words caused a wave of complaints.

"Who is this guy? He's giving orders here."

"Those sent by Her Royal Highness the Princess to interfere in the Western Territory, do as you are told."

"What nonsense! Such an important matter is being treated like a child's play. What are we doing standing here? Are we playing monkeys?"

"Just because we're standing there, does that mean we're really representing our position? That's ridiculous!"

"General Irwin has already agreed, as has General McCoys. Don't complain about it. Just think about where you should stand."

Although Ryan was still a commoner, he came on behalf of the princess. These nobles had heard about Guy's chopped-off hand. As an imperial viscount, his hand was broken, so it was just broken, and he was fine. This was enough to explain a lot of problems.

After a while, some people started to line up.