Chapter 192

This chapter contains 6300 words. It's the equivalent of three chapters in one go, which can be considered a bonus update to make up for yesterday's missed updates.

Having finally eliminated the traitor who framed him three years ago, Leon felt no joy at having avenged himself.

His feelings were somewhat complicated at that moment.

More than the success of his revenge, he felt bewildered.

Would someone really abandon their principles and beliefs just because they're always second best?

There may be other reasons why Victor became a lackey of the empire.

But Leon had no way of knowing anymore, since a corpse cannot speak.

Just like how the Empire blamed the defeat in the war and the internal traitor on Leon, this "dead man".

Of course, Leon would not regret killing Victor.

Those who betray their cause must not be allowed to live.

Allowing him to live would not only be a threat to Leon, but also pose a significant risk to his mentor, Rebecca, and Martin.

Leon composed himself slightly and returned the two pistols to Rebecca.

One was used to execute Victor, and the other was the blank-firing pistol that he assembled at Rebecca's house on his first day back in the Empire.

"I was wondering why I couldn't find this gun; it's been with you all along," Rebecca said.

Leon turned away from Victor's corpse, turned around, and smiled wearily. "Aren't you worried at all about losing your gun?"

"I thought I had put it in some corner again."

Rebecca carefully put the pistol away. "You know, homebody like Martin and I are homebodies, our homes are always a mess, it's not unusual for things to go missing."

Martin, clutching his aching chest, tried to defend himself, "Rebecca, my room is very clean, and I'm not homebody, I just simply don't want to go out."

"Isn't not wanting to go out a homebody? What's the definition of homebody then?" Rebecca argued vehemently.

Martin was unable to defend himself and silently shut his mouth.

He clutched his chest and, leaning on the dining table, made his way to Victor's body.

The former vice-captain lay dead in a pool of blood.

After a brief silence, Martin sighed, "Why did Victor help the Empire frame the Captain...?"

Leon slowly shook his head. "It's pointless to dwell on the motives of a mere pawn. Let's simplify the question: Why is the Empire so eager to kill me?"

Martin, who came from a ministerial family, quickly came up with a reason. "His achievements overshadow the emperor's?"

Since graduating from the Dragon Slaying Academy, Leon has risen from an ordinary soldier in the Dragon Slayer Army to become the legendary 'strongest Dragon Slayer' in just a few years.

In terms of both ability and personal charisma, Leon truly deserves this title.

Leon's prestige among the people gradually increased, and he gained the support and love of countless people in the Dragon Slayer Army.

Such a person is nothing short of a potential threat to the power center of the empire.

Leon had indeed considered this possibility: whether his presence was seen as a thorn in the side by the Empire, and therefore he had to be eliminated to ensure the centralization and unification of power.

However, this does not explain the cooperative relationship between the Empire and the Dragon Race.

Or perhaps, these are two completely unrelated things...

"I think the reason why the empire has taken notice of this kid is not just because of his so-called outstanding achievements."

Tiger's voice came from behind.

Leon and the other two turned around to look.

Tiger, cradling his katana, leaned against the doorway. "I experienced some things when I was young that made me fully aware of the Empire's power and darkness. That's why I often taught Leon to focus on fighting and not interfere in politics. But Leon's understanding of power at the time wasn't enough for the Empire to be so eager to get rid of him, so there must be other reasons behind it."

After a pause, Tiger added, "It might really be related to the Dragon Race. This war, which has lasted for hundreds of years, still has many, many secrets and conspiracies that we don't know about. Killing Victor, this small fry, won't stop the Empire from hunting down Leon. We still have a long way to go."

The master's words made the atmosphere in the room heavy.

Yes, taking out one mole doesn't mean anything.

Victor is nothing more than a puppet being manipulated; the real mastermind has yet to appear.

In order to kill Leon, they even went so far as to send a dragon king like Constantine.

What will be the next steps?

A stronger Dragon King? Or something else entirely?

Leon didn't know.

This Human Empire, which has stood on the vast land for thousands of years, possesses a profound and hidden history that Leon cannot fathom at present.

He needs more time and deeper exploration to unveil the layers of mystery surrounding him.

But before that...

Leon looked at Rebecca and Martin.

"The Empire will soon find out that we killed Victor, and the hunt for me will turn from an 'insider betrayal' into an open arrest warrant. Martin is relatively safe; no one knows you're with us tonight, and your father can protect you."

Leon said, "But... Rebecca... I'm sorry to have dragged you into this mess with us. After we lay low for a while, my master and I will send you away from the Empire to a safe place. Master, could you send Rebecca to your wife?"

Tiger raised an eyebrow and scratched his forehead. "Sure... that's possible, but how should I put it, your master's wife has gone back to her family's side, and I'm not very familiar with her family..."

"Master, you and your wife have been married for thirty years, but you're not very familiar with her family, is that right...?"

The old man blushed and said, "So what if we've been married for thirty years? Does thirty years mean we're really close? We don't see each other often. Kids shouldn't ask such questions."

Leon was also in a bit of a dilemma. "Is that so...? That's really difficult. How about letting Rebecca stay with Martin for the time being? At least that would ensure her safety for a while. After all, the Empire wouldn't dare to just barge into a minister's house and search for people, would it?"

The master nodded. "That's a good idea. Martin, what do you think?"

"I have no objection. Rebecca can stay at my house as long as she wants. I want to prove to her that I'm not homebody."

"Okay, then—"

IIjiu⊙cover delete eight odd one③ "I have an opinion!"

The twin-tailed loli raised her hands high, "I'm touched that the three of you are discussing where I'm going, but are you really not considering my feelings as the person involved?"

The three of them turned to look at Rebecca.

Leon had anticipated this crazy girl's plan. "You wouldn't be thinking of making me and my master wanted criminals together, would you...?"

"Of course! Don't forget, we're Weak and Sickly Combo! Without me, you'd only be old, sick, and disabled, how awful would that sound?"

After a pause, Rebecca added with feigned seriousness, "Besides, isn't it standard for a team to have a beautiful girl in it?"

Leon raised an eyebrow and asked suspiciously, "You... are a beautiful girl?"

"Beautiful, young, girl, how am I not a beautiful girl!"

To be fair, Rebecca's appearance does indeed meet the public's standard for a beautiful girl.

Add to that her distinct personality, perfectly proportioned chubby legs, and signature twin tails, and she's sure to shatter some people's fantasies.

Unfortunately, her captain wasn't buying it.

Of course, she also knew that the clueless straight man wasn't interested in her style.

People prefer stunningly beautiful mature women with long, straight silver hair.

But that doesn't mean he can say he's not a beautiful girl!

XP is subjective, while "beautiful girl" is objective!

Leon stopped dancing in Rebecca's minefield and got serious.

"But it will be very dangerous for you to come with us. Have you really thought this through?"

"I've told you before, Captain, going against the Empire isn't the most dangerous thing. The most dangerous thing is just loafing around in the patrol team and waiting to die."

Rebecca said firmly, "It's a deal. You're not getting rid of me."

Leon had considered that Rebecca might stay, but he didn't expect her to be so determined to stay.

Well, once the crazy girl has made up her mind, even Leon can't change it.

"Um... Captain," Martin said softly from the side.

Leon was taken aback, then quickly blurted out, "You stay home and don't get involved." (8)

It wasn't that he didn't trust Ma Yiding's abilities; he simply didn't want to risk another talented junior with him.

Moreover, Martin is different from Rebecca. Rebecca is an orphan, all alone, while Martin comes from a high-ranking family. His future, while not necessarily bright, is at least guaranteed a comfortable life.

Leon can't ruin Martin's life because of himself.

"No, no, no, I won't cause you any trouble, Captain."

Martin immediately explained, "I just thought that if I were at home, I could help you gather intelligence and information about the Empire. Don't worry, I know what I'm doing and I know how to get information."

Leon stood with his arms crossed, frowning in deep thought. ⑨

Seeing that Leon didn't respond, Martin added, "Captain, let me do my part too." (5)

Seeing this, Rebecca also spoke up for Martin, "Yes, Captain, Martin has been listless ever since your accident. Now that you're back, his life finally has something to look forward to. You can't just pour cold water on his fighting spirit, can you?"

After much thought, it seems the only option is to agree to Martin's offer. (South)

Leon sighed. "Okay, but you must gather information while ensuring your own safety, understand?"

Martin's eyes lit up. "Yes, Captain!"

Snap—n

Rebecca clapped her hands. "Great! Then our group can be renamed 'Old, Weak, Sick, Disabled, and Homebody'!"

"I'll say it again, I'm not homebody!" Martin made a futile struggle.

Rebecca made a face at him, "The homebody's getting anxious~ The homebody's getting anxious~"

But at this moment, Tiger, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up.

"Leon, you can't stay in the Empire."

Upon hearing this, before Leon could ask anything, Rebecca blurted out,

"Why can't the captain stay in the Empire, Dad?"

"After Victor's death, the Empire will definitely intensify its efforts to hunt down Leon. Within three days, his wanted posters will be plastered all over the streets and alleys of the Empire, and the intensity of the search will be much stronger than when I was in the Empire."

Tiger analyzed slowly,

"Keeping him here will only increase his risk. And most importantly, since we need to find out what kind of conspiracy is brewing between the Empire and the Dragon Race, we can't just investigate within the Empire. Someone has to go to the Dragon's realm to find the other half of the answer."

"And this person must be trusted by the Dragon Race and have a considerable understanding of Dragon Race."

Trusted by the Dragon Race, and knowledgeable about Dragon Race...

Tiger and Rebecca both turned their gazes toward Leon.

Leon blinked. "Do I... do I seem to be trusted by the Dragon Race...?"

"You've married a dragon and had a baby, and you still don't trust him?" Rebecca asked.

Martin was shocked. "Wait, wait, wait, the captain married a dragon and had a child? When did that happen? How come I didn't know? And aren't humans and dragons reproductively isolated?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you this afternoon, the captain not only had children with the dragon, but he had three!" Rebecca held up three fingers.

"Three?! Captain, that number would be subject to a fine in the Empire!"

Leon covered his face.

He desperately wanted to escape, but he couldn't.

He thought he would only face this kind of social torture when he was with Losweiser.

Why won't you leave him alone even though you're in a long-distance relationship?

"Ahem... Since everyone thinks so highly of your popularity among the Dragon Race, then the important task of going deep behind enemy lines to gather intelligence will be entrusted to my beloved disciple." Tiger with a serious expression.

"Master, where did you get the idea that everyone thinks I'm popular among the Dragon Race? We haven't even gotten to that point yet!"

"Alright, let's vote. Those who agree to let Leon return to the Dragon Race to gather intelligence, please breathe."