Rotten Flesh

The two remained silent upon hearing Aurelion's words, quickly changing the subject instead.

After a few rounds of drinks and dishes, The banquet ended early when Count Mori announced he wasn't feeling well. As everyone departed, Havent also intended to return to his chambers to rest. The leader of the Dawn Guard was acting strangely, almost as if he were ill.

His father and Count Mori had already returned, yet Havent continued to ramble on about this and that with him.

However, to Havent's surprise, this individual who claimed to be an enforcer of the Eternal Fire possessed a remarkably rich knowledge base.

Even some of the policies and methods from Havent's past life, which he mentioned casually, Could be discussed with profound depth and insight after some thought.

'Haa~~~~'

Havent let out a huge yawn, wiped away the tears that welled up, and headed to his bedroom.

'That charlatan~

So annoying, talking about all that nonsense. Doesn't he know you need to find the right person to solve a problem?

What use is it for me, a nobody, to hear all that?'

"Young Master Havent~ Young Master Havent~ Please wait!"

Hearing someone call his name, he turned his head and saw one of his father's personal guards rushing over from behind.

"What is it, Jess?"

"The Count wishes for you to go to the study."

"Huh? Now?"

Jess nodded in response.

"Did he say what it was about? Didn't Count Mori just say he wasn't feeling well, and Father took him to rest?"

"This subordinate does not know. The Count merely instructed this subordinate to find you and inform you to go to the study."

"Alright, I understand."

Outside Baiman City - Dawn Guard Field Camp

Aurelion was in excellent spirits after returning from the banquet hall.

He even hummed a little hymn along the way. In stark contrast, several Temple Knights followed behind him with grim expressions.

As they reached the entrance of the field camp, a knight clad in Sad's mithril armor approached them.

"Lord Aurelion, the Light Sentinels who went to scout have returned."

"Understood, Vandersa~ Thank you for your hard work. Gather all the captains at the Central Army Camp. I have something to announce."

He turned to look at the massive Baiman City under the night sky, waving his hand towards the banquet hall as if greeting someone.

About ten minutes later, The group of captains stood silently in the tent, watching Aurelion. He was deep in thought, holding the intelligence brought back by the scouts.

A few minutes later, Aurelion stood up and walked towards a map hanging on the side.

"Thank you all for waiting. I will announce our next course of action.

We will depart at dawn tomorrow and head to Ugalamar."

Hearing Aurelion's decision to leave Baiman City tomorrow, a Temple Knight standing on the left quickly stepped forward to advise him.

"My Lord, Bishop Kanra's intention was for us to take this opportunity to garrison two or three territories in the northern region...

If we leave tomorrow for Ugalamar, by the time we finish our investigation, those lords may have already recovered some of their strength.

I implore you, my Lord..."

Before the Temple Knight could finish, Aurelion patted his shoulder.

"I know, Salun~ Just do as I say. Staying here is a waste of time."

Hearing that Aurelion was still determined to leave tomorrow morning, Great Knight Salun became anxious and spoke again.

"Please reconsider, my Lord. Bishop Kanra instructed us to cherish this opportunity. The northern region is weak right now..."

"Enough!"

Aurelion's roar echoed, and his amber eyes instantly blazed with blinding light. A phantom image of a sun with a human face appeared behind him.

Everyone present knelt down. Great Knight Salun, bearing the brunt of Aurelion's gaze, prostrated himself on the ground, hands and feet flat.

"Since Lord Salun has such strong opinions, then how about this: I will hand over command of this Dawn Guard to you. What do you say?"

Salun, lying on the ground, sweat poured from his forehead like raindrops under the immense pressure, quickly hitting the floor.

"My Lord! Lord Aurelion!

I... I would not dare!

Please forgive my foolishness just now!"

The phantom image of the sun-like face behind him vanished, and so did the oppressive aura that had made it difficult for everyone to breathe.

Aurelion returned to his comfortable smile, one that would put anyone at ease.

He reached out and helped the Great Knight Salun, who was still on the ground, to his feet, patting his shoulder kindly.

"Then everyone go and prepare. We leave Baiman City at dawn tomorrow.

As for our goal of spreading the faith in the northern territories, we will eventually achieve it. Today, an interesting young friend told me something.

Appropriately avoiding immediate obstacles and then overtaking them is also a way to achieve one's goals.

Oh right~ He seemed to call this 'Tai Chi'."

"As you command!"

As his subordinates departed, Aurelion was left alone in the large tent. He leaned back in his chair, lost in thought once more.

'Haaa~~~~'

Havent yawned as he opened the study door.

Besides Count Havent and Count Mori, there were seven or eight other nobles who had been at the banquet.

Seeing his son approach, Count Havent waved him over to sit.

After sitting down, Havent surveyed the people around him.

'Viscount Fortmalin of Xinlun Territory, Viscount Hammel of Heridarans, Baron Zeli of Kudeyma...

And several soldiers covered in blood. What's going on here?'

"Soldier, you can now repeat what you saw."

"Yes, my lord!"

A soldier standing to the left stepped forward.

"Reporting to all lords.

I am Aishang, captain of the 27th Cavalry Reconnaissance Team under the 8th Regiment of Hailan Territory.

Yesterday, I was ordered to scout the Kudeyma region. Our team passed by Samia Village and discovered a small number of ghouls.

The team chose to detour towards Cooper Ya Fortress, but many ghouls were wandering in the outer area about five kilometers from Cooper Ya Fortress.

After suffering some casualties, the team managed to get closer.

However, when we were only five hundred meters from the castle, we were forced back by a large number of ghouls pouring out from within the city.

Finally, after a fierce battle, only your subordinate and three other soldiers managed to escape and return."

As the soldier spoke, gasps of shock rippled through the assembled nobles.

Following him, a second soldier stepped forward to present intelligence, then a third, a fourth...

When the last soldier finished speaking, the study fell into a profound silence. With a wave of Count Havent's hand, the soldiers left the study.

Once the soldiers were gone, the conference room instantly transformed into a noisy marketplace.

'Slap~ Slap~ Slap~'

With several loud slams on the table, the previously clamoring nobles quieted down.

They turned to look at Count Mori, who had stood up.

"What good will come of you all arguing like this?"

Seeing Count Mori's anger, the nobles returned to their seats.

"Lord Mori, what should we do now?

We originally planned to return to our respective territories tomorrow to rebuild our homes, but now..."