Interrogation

Hashim was a little nervous when he saw Edmund, but Edmund didn't say anything. He just asked bluntly, "Baron Benn isn't dead, is he?"

Hashim quickly replied, "No, I just hit him a few times, but he's still in good spirits!"

"Where are his family members?"

Bertley, who was following behind, quickly said, "I've locked them all up. The women weren't harmed; they were just a little scared."

Edmund nodded in satisfaction and then went inside first. Hashim was a little confused. He looked at Bertley, Bertley quickly nudged him, signaling him to follow.

Then Bertley followed behind Hashim and whispered, "Since the fleet commander hasn't said anything, it means there's no problem. The fleet commander is very generous; he will definitely do what he promises you, but you can't lie to him."

After hearing this, Hashim felt relieved and followed.

Edmund entered the dungeon and saw a middle-aged man, shirtless, bound to a wooden stake about one person's height. He was broad-skinned and had fair skin, clearly someone who did not do any work.

Based on the information Hashim had given him, Edmund knew that this man was Baron Sweet Sorghum, an enemy of Hashim's entire family.

At this moment, Baron Benn was wailing in pain. Edmund noticed that he must have been whipped by Hashim, as his face and upper body were covered in whip marks, and several fingers on his left and right hands were swollen, as if they had been broken.

Edmund watched for a while and found that Baron Benn's voice was still very loud and he kept screaming in pain, so his body should still be able to hold on and he would not die easily.

At this moment, Bertley and Hashim also came in. Seeing that Edmund didn't say a word, the two of them held their breath and dared not speak.

Edmund watched the two men act like children who had made a mistake, and a smile crept onto his face. He had initially been worried that Hashim would kill Baron Benn out of hatred. Although he had promised to hand Baron Benn over to Hashim for disposal, it was best if Hashim did not kill him himself.

After all, the independent nobles of the Grand Duchy of Vera are nobles recognized by various countries. They would be addressed as "Your Excellency" in any country. If they were killed by Freemen like Hashim and it became known, even with Edmund's protection, Hashim's future growth would be greatly limited.

However, seeing that Baron Benn had only suffered some physical pain and was not in any danger, Edmund breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that although Hashim was tall and strong, he was actually still a 13-year-old child and not so ruthless as he thought.

However, Edmund still ignored the two of them. "Baron Benn, I am Edmund Dragonblood Orchid, son of Earl Dragonblood Orchid of the Kingdom of Ryan, and the commander of this task force. I am here today because I need your help with something. If you are willing to cooperate, I can make things more comfortable for you."

After saying this, Baron Benn hadn't said anything yet, but Hashim couldn't hold back any longer. However, before he could speak, Bertley grabbed him and held him down.

Baron Benn opened his eyes and saw Edmund, saying excitedly, "You are from the navy of the Raine Kingdom. Why are you attacking my territory? I am also a registered noble of the Grand Duchy's Noble Council of Nobles. Aren't you afraid of damaging the friendship between our two countries?"

Edmund sneered, "I've already expressed my position by speaking to you in the name of Kingdom Navy officer. Don't you find it ridiculous that you're saying these things now?"

"Baron Benn, don't be so clever. Cooperate with me and answer my questions, or I won't be able to stop little Hashim."

Upon hearing this, Baron Benn's fat face twitched a few times, and he quickly said, "Lord Edmund, please speak. I am willing to answer, only please do not let him hurt me again."

Edmund did not answer, but asked directly, "Tell me about the situation of the surrounding noble territories, and also tell me all the intelligence you have about the Civil War."

Baron Benn sighed and began to speak slowly, "The noble territories surrounding me are..."

Edmund closed his notebook. He had already gotten the information he wanted from Baron Benn, and it would be most convenient for him to come directly to the nobleman and ask him.

Edmund stood up and turned to leave, when Baron Benn suddenly asked, "I've said so much already, could you please put me down, or at least give me a drink of water?"

Edmund didn't answer. After walking to the door, Edmund winked at Bertley and left, as if he hadn't heard Baron Benn's words.

After watching Edmund leave, Bertley said to Hashim, "Come on, take good care of our Baron Benn."

After saying that, Bertley picked up a bucket, walked directly to Benn's side, slammed the bucket down, and poured the water over Baron Benn's head.

Baron Benn was immediately thrown into a drenching and began to struggle and scream. When he opened his eyes again, he found Hashim walking over with a sinister grin on his face.