Chapter 50


    If the lords position is vacant, the chaos will intensify.


    Mariv presented an alternative to the Prime Ministers cautious objection.


    Instead, we can dispatch a temporary consultant. We can monitor the results and take care of public sentiment, andter appoint a lord.


    Erica, the head of the investigation team, is already there. Shes probably handling the situation right now.


    Mariv burst intoughter at Wesleighs opinion, as if telling her not to talk nonsense. Wesleighs face hardened at the tant disregard.


    The head of the investigation team is the one who killed their families from the territorys citizens standpoint. Moreover, she was ordered to capture three and hasnt even found the other two.


    <i>Thump.</i>


    He threw the documents without bothering to hide his dissatisfaction with the investigation team leader. Since everything was true, there was no room for rebuttal. The ministers nodded their heads in agreement.


    This happened under the royalmand, so a quick recovery is needed at the national level. That would be an honor to my father, the Emperor, and Bariel.


    I have no objection.


    Your words are fair.


    There was not a single incorrect statement.


    Besides,pared to othernds, Bratzs territory has significantly lower production. The ministers,cking foresight, saw the management of such a ce as inconsequential.


    We will observe the progress after dispatching the consultant. Well discuss the appointment of the lordter.


    Its best to send a letter to Bratz as soon as the meeting ends. Lets send a messenger bird, as quickly as possible.


    I agree.


    Mariv decided not to give Gale a chance to interfere. As everything was a rational suggestion, the Prime Minister lifted the seal to finalize the matter.


    Wesleighs words hung in the air, but then


    If you mention a consultant for reconstruction


    She quickly interjected.


    Who do you have in mind?


    Well, Romandro seems to be the most suitable candidate. He recently showed his abilities in the earthquake-affected area near the White Temple.


    We will also send Sir Molrin with him.


    Sir Molrin?


    The womans determination was unwavering.


    Mariv rubbed his chin, muttering, Sir Molrin has only just returned here.


    But he certainly knows the most about that territory in the imperial pce. Its best to ask him if its alright, then send them both together.


    The ministers nced at each other under Wesleighs gaze.<i> Was this matter really worth dragging out? </i>There were piles of national issues to attend to. Sensing the mood, the Prime Minister brought down the seal, replying,


    I have no objection.


    <i>Bang, bang, bang!</i>


    Now, the next issue is


    The waterway leading to ster Sea


    Damn it. Whats going on?


    She lowered her eyes to her documents, feigning indifference, but she couldnt clear herplicated thoughts. If Mariv insisted on attending the morning meeting, there must be something more.


    Ive stopped him from sending the consultant alone, but


    Wesleigh nced at him, and Mariv raised his eyebrows and smiled. The problem was, whenever he smiled, something bad happened to them.


    So, lets conclude todays general meeting.


    Thank you for your hard work.


    I will see His Majesty in the afternoon.


    As the meeting ended, Mariv left the conference room without a second thought.


    The ministers bowed behind him, and the tension in the room rose. Mariv quietly instructed his waiting subordinate outside.


    Call Romandro.


    Romandro?


    His subordinate asked, slightly perplexed. Romandro had just returned to the center after managing the White Temple. He had been separated from his newlywed wife for several months. If he knew Mariv was calling him again, he might even resign. Seriously.


    Why are you standing there like that?


    No, Your Highness. I, um. Understood.


    <i>But what could he do? If ordered, he had to obey.</i>


    Persuading Romandro and bringing him was also within his subordinates capabilities. Mariv, knowing or not knowing his subordinates inner turmoil, nced at Wesleigh and turned away.


    * * *


    Will you be alright? Even if were not here.


    Stop worrying about me and hurry on your way.


    Erica reassured the Central Armys captain by waving her hand dismissively. She was included in the minimum force required to remain in the mansion.


    It feels like leaving you in a beasts den.


    If the investigation team is harmed, its like raising a rebellion against the Central. Ian may be unlucky, but hes quick-witted, so he wont do anything clumsy.


    They decided to leave only Erica and five elite soldiers in the mansion. Having one Erica guarding was much more efficient than a hundred unknown soldiers.


    In actualbat, shes not even a central figure, so this is the best strategy. All other forces are about to leave Bratz, chasing after Mary and Chel.


    Well be back soon.


    Please, make sure to retrieve the bodies at least.


    Yes, I understand.


    Move out!


    Move out!


    The soldiers aligned themselves and left the mansion. Children ran around the streets in curiosity, and the locals gathered in groups, talking about the Central Armys not-so-retreat.


    Are they going to find thedy and young master Chel? It must be true that they left the castle gates alive a while ago.


    Watch your mouth, arent they traitors?


    Ah, I feel so relieved! Go and never return! Go straight to the Central, all the way to your homes!


    Go away! Nevere back!


    Get lost!


    The locals, who had lost their homes andnd in the battle, threw stones and made a fuss, but the Central Army soldiers just looked displeased and did nothing, thanks to the Cheonrye tribe standing amongst them.


    Go far away. Dont even get close.


    Lets pour molten iron on the castle gate when they leave!


    How do we leave then, you fool?


    Lets feast and call those sons of b*tches.


    Hey, listen.


    They couldnt create a disturbance just as they were leaving, and not even before leaving the territory. They had indeed taken the locals food during their stay.


    Unlike the excited ones, there were those who ran with pure joy. It was the children.


    Wooow! The Central Army is leaving!


    Mom, Mom! The soldiers are all leaving!


    They were like defeated foreign soldiers. The perception of the locals was like that, and so was the reality. Geographically, the Cheonrye tribe or the Hawan Kingdom was much closer than the Central.


    Everyone seems excited.


    Erica watched the scene from the mansion and clicked her tongue. She turned towards the main gate to return to her room, but the Cheonrye warriors blocked her way.


    What, whats going on?


    Well use the main building from now on. Since you have fewer people, youll use tents.


    Have you gone mad! Who do you think youre talking to!


    If you have aint, talk to Kakantir.


    Erica opened her mouth in disbelief. The Central Army hadnt even left the territory, and now this?


    Until a moment ago, they freely roamed the main building, but now she couldnt understand the situation.


    Fine, lets see. Your leader. I need to talk to him.


    Follow me.


    Erica followed the warrior into the reception room where Kakantir and Ian were.


    <i>Bang!</i>


    Are you kidding me? Huh?


    Whats the matter? The Central Army has left, hasnt it?


    Shut up. Its none of your business. Youll use the main building? Dont make meugh. Arent you the ones who should be outside in tents?


    Screaming and raging, she looked ridiculous. Ian sighed and stared at Erica.


    Kakantir also looked at her up and down as if he was grinding his teeth, a look that said he wasnt getting used to her despite their long cohabitation.


    Hey, if you want to use the main building, reduce the number of your members. If you want, I can provide a room just for you. Theres a storeroom left at the end of the corridor.


    Hey, you?


    By the way, if reducing the number of your members is difficult, I can help. It seems that the de has rusted, so its time to cut the meat.


    Ericas face turned pale at the tant threat. Barbarians are truly barbarians. Realizing anew that he was someone she should never associate with, as his attitude changed as soon as he left the central army.


    Ian intervened between the two, changing the subject.


    Anyway, wee back. The report and materials to be sent to the Imperial Pce by the investigation team are bundled together, so you can take them with you. Now, Im nning to proceed with Derghas execution.


    Suddenly, the subject of Derghas execution was brought up. Erica made an X sign with her hand, indicating she would never allow it.


    Theres a procedure for everything. Derghas execution will proceed after the new pursuit team secures Mary and Chels bodies.


    What if both Mary and Chels bodies are nowhere to be found? Will you sit here forever?


    He was trying to drive a nail in the coffin. A week would be a week, a month would be a month, and if they didnt show results within a set period of time, they would definitely leave the estate.


    Erica bit her lip.


    Thats too much.


    I apologize. I thought it would be less offensive than calling you a parasite.


    At Ians words, just as Erica was about to shout something, Kakantir naturally intervened, snapping his dagger.


    One week. If the execution is not carried out within that time, we will seize Derghas life ourselves.


    There were two intentions here.


    One was to dere the position of those sent to the Imperial Pce. They had driven out the investigation team and the central army, but this was not to save Dergha against the emperors orders; it was to prove it was for the territory.


    And the second was a warning to Erica. If she continued to resist, her life would be taken along with Derghas, whatever the way.


    <i>Sigh</i>.


    As Erica was grinding her teeth, pondering what to respond with, amotion was heard outside.


    Erica-<i>nim</i>! Erica-<i>nim</i>!


    It was one of the investigators. He flung open the reception room door without a knock, flinching at the fierce aura.


    Erica-<i>nim</i>, they have finally arrived, gasp!


    Arrived? What?


    At the same time, Ian and Kakantir also turned their heads. Everyones attention was focused on the subordinate. The youngest one, his face flushed with joy.


    Erica felt a bubble of hope welling up in her heart.


    <i>Could it be, perhaps, damn it, finally?</i>


    A letter has arrived from the central court.


    !


    !


    These motherfu*kers, theyre all dead!


    Erica-<i>nim</i>, congrattions!


    Congrattions!


    Erica cried out in joy, clenching her fist. Her subordinates, who had been standing behind her, also triumphantly raised their hands to the hilt of their swords. It was the greatest of great news, the one card that could instantly drive away Ian and the barbarians!


    Once appointed as the Lord, she would officially be the owner of this ce. She would easily crush those lowly and unluckymoners and beastmen.


    The central letter! Where, go down right away!


    Ah, no! Theres no need to go down. Itse through the telegraph office.


    The atmosphere, which had been highly charged, seemed to dete at those words. She knew exactly what it meant for the centrals letter toe through the telegraph office.


    Only Kakantir and the investigators subordinate were puzzled by this iprehensible atmosphere.