The weapons I forge are absolutely flawless.

These words suddenly sent Adeline's thoughts back to that painful memory.

It was because she underestimated Lucien and the lurking power of the demons within the empire that Shuster was sacrificed.

If it weren't for Wiener's timely intervention, she might have followed in Schuster's footsteps in Snowdrift Valley.

“It’s not just difficult to break the deadlock…” Perez shook his head.

With eight demons, twenty-seven apostle-level half-demons, and the even more troublesome Labbel, this lineup already possesses the power to destroy a nation.

If any of the four factions loses a single one, the result will only be a Pyrrhic victory; any further mishap could lead to total annihilation.

At that moment, Perez was extremely grateful that Tilisa had stopped him.

If he were to directly confront the allied forces without knowing the truth, he would not only become a sinner against the kingdom, but also against the entire continent.

A single wrong thought can lead to utter ruin.

“Now all three parties have agreed, and we are just waiting for you, General.” Venere extended his hand.

“I am just a military general, how can I represent the kingdom?” Perez hesitated.

“With Labbel executed and Dimili killed in battle, in terms of merit, seniority, and reputation, no one in the kingdom can surpass the general,” Jessica admonished. “If the general does not step forward now, are you going to entrust the future of the kingdom to those ministers who only seek their own safety and let the kingdom fall into the abyss?”

These words were like a sharp dagger, piercing the deepest anxieties in Perez's heart.

"Let me think about it."

Perez closed his eyes, a fierce struggle raging in his mind.

The royal family's current predicament is not a result of a single day's efforts; the machinations of treacherous officials played a crucial role, and these people must not be allowed to live.

If the resurgence of the demon god were not so imminent, he might still have time to carefully select and nurture an heir from the royal bloodline.

But reality did not allow him to delay in the slightest.

If you want to pursue efficiency—

"I will lead the army into the city and make it public that His Majesty has been framed by the demons. At the same time, I will thoroughly investigate all the officials in the capital. Anyone who has shielded or colluded with the demons will be executed."

Perez finally spoke, his voice carrying a chilling murderous intent.

"If that's the case, the general's reputation will likely be greatly affected," Lisette said worriedly.

While iron-fisted suppression is indeed the most efficient method, it also provokes the strongest resistance.

Perez, who could have become a hero of the kingdom, would be subjected to countless accusations if he actually did as he said he would.

"Personal reputation is insignificant when it comes to eradicating the demons. Once I have accomplished this, I will lead my army back to the Ogara Wasteland to garrison it." Perez's expression was resolute, as if he had already made up his mind.

"But I implore Lord Vena to use his status as a hero to take over the capital after I have wiped out the remaining rebels, and it would be best if he could select a member of the royal bloodline to take as his disciple."

Upon hearing this, Vina immediately understood Perez's intentions.

He had no desire for the power that was within his grasp, and preferred to play the villain to highlight the hero's righteousness, thus completing the transition.

“I cannot agree to the general’s request,” Viner said softly.

"Can--"

“But I can ask Dean Leia to come to the capital and do what you asked for.”

Arios's identity is ultimately fake, and if it is used for a long time, it will inevitably reveal its flaws.

But if it were Principal Leia, it would be a completely different story.

St. Freya Academy's reputation is beyond question, and given the Holy Knights' achievement in helping the kingdom eradicate the demons, Freya might be a more suitable candidate than Vena to handle this task.

Perez understood this principle.

He stood up and bowed to the crowd again.

"On behalf of the Kingdom, I am deeply grateful to you all."

P.S.: 1. Thanks to Qi Chongyunxiao, Zilong Zhao, and Huahuo Yuzhe for their monthly ticket support, and thanks to Qi Chongyunxiao for the Xianyu Tuci reward.

Happy Labor Day! Taking a day off.

I've made plans to go hiking with my classmates, so I'm taking the day off today. Happy May Day to everyone, get out and about!

Purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding

Purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding

Purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding purple potato pudding

The goblin has been kidnapped and taken on a blind date. Please give me one more day.

≦(._.)≧

I just got home from my night shift and was about to update when my family pressured me to go on a blind date. I have to ask for another day off. I hope everyone understands.

He's not a eunuch, he really isn't a eunuch, it's impossible for a eunuch to be a eunuch.

Those who have followed this far should be able to see that the book is nearing its end and will be completed within this month as planned.

I hope everyone will forgive my laziness during this period.

Chapter 686 Leia's Persuasion

Rhea stood before the city gates of the capital, gazing at the city with a complex expression.

She probably didn't expect to step onto this land again so soon, especially given the many unpleasant things that had happened before.

However, this time they were treated with state honors.

Leia knew very well whose credit it was.

After settling accounts with the nobles involved, Perez will make the whole story public.

Upon learning the truth, the people of the kingdom naturally held the dean in high esteem for his act of repaying evil with kindness.

As for the remaining nobles in the capital, they had no objections whatsoever.

"The rest is in your hands, Lady Rhea." Perez's voice pulled the headmaster back to reality.

He gave a solemn military salute, his expression dignified and resolute.

Apart from the Holy Knights who remained in the capital to maintain order, the armies of the empire and the vassal states had long since withdrawn from the kingdom's territory.

Although the three countries are now exchanging goods and services, the people below still need a period of time to accept the change.

Even the border troops are ready to leave, waiting for Rhea to take over the affairs of the capital.

"What are General Perez's plans after he leaves?" Leia asked with concern.

"It's just the usual routine, continuing to guard the kingdom's borders, there are no plans whatsoever." Perez shook his head.

With the Demon God's resurgence imminent, the most important thing now is to recuperate and rebuild his life. He was also too embarrassed to make any further demands on his newly formed ally.

“Then let the Holy Knights accompany the general to the Ogara Wasteland,” Leia said slowly.

Perez looked up in slight surprise, seemingly not expecting such a suggestion.

The demonic threat within the Ogala Wasteland has not yet been eliminated. If it weren't for the need to prevent those with ulterior motives from disturbing the capital, he would have long ago led the border army back.

If we can get the assistance of the Holy Knights, not only will the stability of the defense line be greatly enhanced, but we might also be able to take this opportunity to switch from defense to offense.

"Then I would be extremely grateful."

Perez said nothing, but bowed again to show his respect.

-----------------

Standing atop the city wall, watching the busy figure, Viner couldn't help but sigh with emotion: "Thank goodness it wasn't me there."

As the current regent of the kingdom, Rhea has only been there a short time and is already swamped with various affairs, with many issues requiring her approval waiting for her to handle.

Having been in the capital for several days, he has only appeared a few times in the guise of Arios to help stabilize public sentiment.

Apart from that, his life was extremely leisurely.

Felix was envious that he didn't have to attend lengthy meetings or deal with tedious government affairs.

"You really have absolutely no interest in power that's so readily available?" Adele finally couldn't help but ask.

If it were her, she would probably accept Perez's petition without hesitation.

“I’m not the kind of person who would lock myself up just because of my interests,” Wiener shook his head and said. “The more power you want, the more responsibility you have to take on. Sitting in that position is certainly glamorous, but the trouble that comes with it is also considerable.”

The world is big, and he wants to see it.

If it weren't for the Damocles' sword of demons hanging over her head, Venus would probably have become an adventurer who traveled the world.

When he gets tired of it all, or when he takes an arrow to the knee, he will find a village to live in seclusion.

It would be best to find a village with a blacksmith shop.

“I really admire you and Chlorie for that. You’ve been under that kind of pressure since you were little. It must have been very tough for you.” Venus turned to look at Edel.

After thinking for a moment, Adele said, "...You're the first person to ask me this question, but I don't find it difficult."

If Wiener is the kind of guy who's only forced into things and only takes responsibility after being given the corresponding power...

So Edel first took on the responsibility of becoming queen, and then gradually seized those rights.

For her, this was not a constraint, but a mission.

"Is that so? I thought you stayed because you didn't want to face the mountain of official business," Viner said half-jokingly.

As a leader of the same faction, Chlorie only rested for a few days before returning with the Allied forces.

Edel, on the other hand, entrusted the task of leading the army to Sigurd and stayed in the capital alone.

“Not everyone is like you, Vena,” Edel shook her head with a light laugh. “I also want to go back and see Sylph soon, but I need to finish my business first.”

She could send troops simply because of a request from Venus, but the same reason could not persuade the nobles under her command.

Even though the three kingdoms have now formed an alliance, the kingdom still has to pay the price for its previous defeats.

The main reason Edel stayed in the capital was to wait for the headmaster to arrive so they could discuss the issue of compensation to the kingdom.

As for the personal reasons, they are...

"You've been slacking off enough these past few days, haven't you? Lady Rhea specifically asked to see you."

Jessica's voice suddenly came from the side, interrupting Vina and Edel's conversation.

“Okay, I’ll go right away.” Venere nodded, then looked at Edel, as if asking about her plans.

"Since it's Lady Rhea who's looking for you, she must have something important to discuss. You don't need to worry about me," Edel said politely.

She could have met Léa with the two of them, but she didn't want to reveal her calculating side to Vina.

"See you later then." Vina didn't say much, but simply handed her hand to Jessica.

His movements were casual yet practiced, as if they were a tacit understanding that had been cultivated long ago.

With a gentle spatial fluctuation, the two figures disappeared from the spot.

Adele stood there, gazing in the direction they had left, a complex expression on her face.

"I still can't abandon the empire."

-----------------

Leia looked at Vina in front of her, her face full of satisfaction: "You have done a great job during this time. Not only did you resolve the crisis between the Empire and the vassal states, but you also brought the Kingdom into the territory of the alliance."

"These deeds will bring at least a century of peace to the continent of Fodor."

Upon hearing this, Vena lowered her head slightly: "Lady Leia, you flatter me. This is not all due to my efforts alone. Without your support, the strong assistance of the Academy and the Holy Knights, and the trust and cooperation of Edel and the others, I could not have accomplished any of this on my own."

"Moreover, the greatest test is yet to come. As long as the crisis of the Demon God remains, what we have gained so far is merely a respite."

Leia listened quietly, her smile gradually fading, replaced by deep agreement.

She had intended to take this opportunity to remind Wiener not to let his guard down because of this partial victory, but the other party had already seen through the situation.

Leia looked at the throne behind her and couldn't help but sigh: "So you really don't want to accept the position of leader?"

"Dean, you should give up. Even if you force him to take the position of leader, his first order will probably be to pass the leadership to you," Jessica said bluntly.