Chapter 3: The Lord (I)

The Holy Dragon Empire is no exception. The royal family of the Holy Dragon Empire, namely the Kaichi family, was once merely a prominent family of the previous dynasty. The royal family of the previous dynasty sought to dominate the entire empire alone, vigorously suppressing other prominent families. What they did not anticipate was that several other prominent families united, claiming to oppose the tyranny of the royal family and to alleviate the suffering of the people, ultimately overthrowing their rule in the Holy Dragon Empire. They were eradicated, with only a small number of their kin escaping with a vast amount of treasures to a place beyond the reach of the Holy Dragon Empire, where they lived in seclusion. What they did not anticipate was that several other prominent families united, claiming to oppose the tyranny of the royal family and to alleviate the suffering of the people, ultimately overthrowing their rule in the Holy Dragon Empire. They were eradicated, with only a small number of their kin escaping with a vast amount of treasures to a place beyond the reach of the Holy Dragon Empire, where they lived in seclusion.

Only Sean the magician remained with his eyes closed, appearing indifferent to the matters at hand. He had no interest in these worldly affairs; his mind was entirely focused on exploring the mysteries of magic. The reason he attended this meeting was that Kaich had specifically invited him

Your Majesty, since this assassination attempt was planned and executed by the remnants of the Turan Empire, our Holy Dragon Empire should intensify our efforts to eliminate them and issue a substantial bounty through the Adventurers' Guild, striving to eradicate them completely. As for the imperial nobles who colluded with them, the mastermind should be executed, their titles should be stripped, and their fiefs should be confiscated said Chancellor Chierman with caution

Cage addressed the most important ministers of the empire beside him, saying, "You have all heard Carter's explanation; do you have any insights?"

Carter observed that Cage's expression had improved somewhat and continued, "According to my investigation after the incident, this assassination was planned and orchestrated by the remnants of the Turan Empire, which our Holy Dragon Empire has eradicated. They somehow found one of the three divine artifacts of the long-lost Elven Empire, the Sunset Divine Bow and the Sunset Divine Arrows, which had been missing for a millennium. They dispatched assassins to infiltrate the tavern, waiting for Your Majesty to take advantage of this opportune moment during your inspection tour, and unexpectedly shot you on the spot. The reason the assassins were able to stealthily infiltrate the tavern without being detected and evade the scouts of the palace guard, while also arranging a large number of killers among the cheering crowd, is significantly related to the protection provided by certain nobles within the empire. However, as this matter involves substantial implications, I do not dare to investigate further without Your Majesty's instructions."

Upon hearing Carter's words, Chancellor Chierman and Marshal Thomas did not show any signs of surprise. They had already been seasoned political veterans through two generations of emperors, having navigated the political landscape for nearly two hundred years. If they could not discern such matters, they would have long been ousted from their positions. How could they possibly remain in the roles of Chancellor and Marshal for such an extended period, earning the reputation of being the political stalwarts of the Holy Dragon Empire?

Thomas noticed Cage looking at him and thus spoke: "Your Majesty, the territories of Turan, Loulan, and Assyria have only recently been occupied by the Empire, and many of the old nobility from these regions are still in flight. The residents of these territories do not have a strong sense of belonging to the Empire. Should there be any upheaval within the Empire or if local nobles rise against it, the lands of the three nations could easily detach from the Empire's control, resulting in significant losses for the Empire. Therefore, I believe the Empire should intensify its efforts to eliminate the remnants of the three nations and reinforce its military presence in those regions to prevent any gatherings of the remnants that could lead to rebellion. At the same time, we should grant noble status within the Empire to those small and medium-sized nobles from the former three nations who have a favorable view of the Empire or are close to it. This way, we can win over a majority of the small and medium-sized nobility from the former three nations. Consequently, our rule in those areas will become more stable, and in several decades, once the residents have developed a sense of belonging to the Empire, we can systematically eliminate the nobility that is detrimental to the Empire's rule and install a significant number of imperial nobles to govern those regions."

With each change of dynasty, they do not suffer significant losses, as the presence of their family is indispensable in every transition. The establishment of each new dynasty requires their support; otherwise, it is challenging for that dynasty to endure.

Cage, with a grim expression, pointed at Carter and said with some anger, "Carter, explain in detail the assassination attempt. Why, at such a crucial moment today, did an assassin manage to infiltrate the tavern to attempt to kill me? If it weren't for the unexpected intervention of someone who saved me, given the circumstances today, I would undoubtedly be dead, with no chance of survival. As the Chief Guard of the palace responsible for my safety, is this what you call protection? If that's the case, how can I trust you with my life and property? Did you conduct a thorough inspection before my tour? Did you care about my life or death? Or do you genuinely wish for my demise? What is your Chief Guard doing? Do you not want to continue in this role?"

Cage closed his eyes, lying on the armchair, furrowing his brow, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest. A fierce expression flashed across his face, and he suddenly spoke with a menacing tone, "Order the First Army Group, the Second Army Group, and the Third Army Group to proceed to the former territories of Turan, Assyria, and Loulan. They are to exert all efforts to eliminate the remnants of the three nations, and anyone who expresses dissatisfaction with the Empire or obstructs its operations, whether civilian or noble, shall be exterminated without exception. Furthermore, fortifications must be constructed at all strategic locations, with heavy troops stationed to guard them. Should any disturbances arise, they are to be ruthlessly suppressed. At the same time, any imperial nobles colluding with the remnants of the three nations shall have their masterminds eradicated, their hereditary titles and fiefs revoked, and all their properties confiscated. Their family members must leave the imperial capital by tomorrow, or they will face execution in public."

In the palace council chamber, Emperor Kaichi of the Holy Dragon Empire, Prime Minister Chierman, Marshal Thomas, Chief Guard Carter, and Chief Mage Sean sat opposite each other at a long table made of precious purple silkwood sourced from the Beast Forest

However, they did not interject, but instead pondered who might have done this, why it was done, and what benefits it could bring to them. Does Your Majesty know who is responsible for this matter? How does Your Majesty intend to handle it? Will this be an opportunity to deal with some disobedient nobles? What should I do in this situation? How can I maximize my benefits without going against Your Majesty's wishes? Will this be an opportunity to deal with some disobedient nobles? What should I do in this situation? How can I maximize my benefits without going against Your Majesty's wishes?

The Chancellor and the Marshal both hail from two other prominent families. Therefore, any decision made collectively by the Emperor, the Chancellor, and the Marshal will be executed immediately, provided it does not harm the interests of the majority of other nobles. This is why Kaichi sought the opinions of the Chancellor and the Marshal

Thank you for Your Majesty's trust. I will certainly bow deeply and dedicate myself to alleviating Your Majesty's worries until death, and I will absolutely not allow such a thing to happen a second time. If it does occur again, without Your Majesty's command, I will take my own life to atone for my sins. Carter stood up, expressing his gratitude to Cage, then straightened his posture and turned to leave.

Cage moved his fingers slightly, turned his head to look at Marshal Thomas, and calmly asked, "What is your perspective on this assassination incident, Marshal?"

This continent is ruled by nobles, each of whom possesses formidable strength due to their long history. Particularly, those great nobles with a history spanning a thousand or even ten thousand years have accumulated wealth that is beyond the imagination of ordinary people. Their connections permeate every corner of the empire, and their profound heritage is unmatched. Anyone who dares to pry into their affairs must pay the ultimate price with their life. The wealth they have amassed over millennia is unimaginable to the average person, and their networks extend throughout the empire, with a depth of heritage that is unparalleled. Anyone who attempts to glimpse into their world must be prepared to pay with their life.

The Cage family, being the most powerful, was elected as the royal family. Therefore, in addition to the royal family of the Holy Dragon Empire, there are also two other prominent families. The handling of significant events in the empire must go through consultations among the three major families before they can be promulgated and implemented. If it concerns matters of life and death for the empire, it must also be resolved through the noble council; otherwise, the resolution cannot be enforced in the empire

A series of accusations and questions from Cage left Carter terrified. Given Your Majesty's current state of anger, if a clear explanation is not provided today, along with a satisfactory account for Your Majesty, then one should not expect to see the sun rise tomorrow, and one's family will inevitably share the same fate.

Cage looked at Carter, who had followed him for decades and had saved him from peril numerous times during the war against the Turan Empire, and felt a surge of panic. He thought to himself: this matter cannot be blamed on him; he is innocent. Thus, his heart softened involuntarily, and his previously ashen face gradually transformed into a calm expression as he said, "I know you are loyal to me; this matter is not your fault. You may go now"

Thinking of his beautiful concubine and the newborn child, Carter felt a sharp pain in his heart. He immediately knelt on the ground, panic-stricken, and said, "Your Majesty, my loyalty is as clear as the heavens and the earth; how could I ever wish for Your Majesty's death? Moreover, I have followed Your Majesty for nearly a hundred years; surely, Your Majesty understands my loyalty? Before Your Majesty's recent tour, I conducted a thorough inspection and found no suspicious individuals. This assassination attempt raises significant doubts, and I hope Your Majesty will see through it."