Chapter 90
"No, it's not that. You mean you can get investigators from the Western Territory to help me? Do you really have that much power?"
Jonathan cursed, "You're starting to doubt me now? Take it and use it without worry. Even in the Imperial Capital, not many people have this thing... Alright, alright, hurry up and leave. I hate seeing you."
"Don't worry, Captain, I'll definitely come back alive to keep bothering you."
Ryan wasn't too worried about security.
This is it... He really recognizes it!
The flame is the symbol of the Burning Covenant. This badge is called the 'Chapter of the Covenant' and, according to the game description, it is awarded as an honor and reward to those who have made significant contributions to the Fire Chaser organization.
The difficulty is probably similar to becoming a duke in the Empire, since those who obtain this item are basically investigators at the sixth or even legendary level.
Ryan simply couldn't understand how his old boss, who was always so slovenly, could have such a treasure.
It wasn't mentioned in the game either.
"Never mind, it's good stuff anyway."
With this thing, Ryan felt much more at ease. He led the Iron Blood Army onto the train and embarked on their journey to Childe City.
Clang~ Clang~ Clang~~
The train swayed rhythmically, and Ryan and Gruk sat facing each other by the window.
Because he needed to return to Cherd, Ryan had to make it clear to Gruk that there was a mole within the Iron Blood Legion, and that he had to be careful in everything he did.
As for the news that Magana is alive, Ryan hasn't told anyone else yet. It's not that he doesn't trust Gruk, but he's worried that the latter will tell others again. After all, there are traitors everywhere... Damn, why is this game still a brewery?
"... Don't worry, Ryan, once we reach Cherd, I will act according to your instructions," Gruk assured him.
Magana has entrusted this Iron Blood Army to Ryan, so they will only obey Ryan's orders, and it won't matter if other legion commanders come.
For Gruk, his urgent return was simply to find out whether the Grand Duke was dead or not, and if he was, what would happen to the Western Territory? He would never allow his territory to be taken back.
"Princess Caslathdi doesn't know that you are the Grand Duke's man. This is our best opportunity." After saying that, Gruk added, "The Grand Duke said that you are the person she trusts most in the Southern Territory."
Ryan was speechless. "Alright, Gruk, don't bring this up again. Don't worry, I will never betray the Grand Duke. Even if she is really dead, I will lead you to follow her last wishes and never compromise with the Empire."
"Hey-hey."
Gruk scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly.
He was indeed worried about this. After all, Princess Caslathdi had been good to Ryan. What if the Grand Duke really died and Ryan was moved by her sincerity and turned to the Princess?
"Tell me about the situation of the Iron Blood Legion."
Ryan needs more information.
According to Gruk, the Iron Blood Legion had four Battle Group, totaling 50,000 men, not including those in charge of logistics and equipment.
Fifty thousand men is an absolute overkill for a duke's private army, but since Magana has been guarding the Western Territory, that many men are needed, so the empire has tacitly agreed... or perhaps they had no choice but to.
The First Legion is named 'Iron Fist', and its commander, Max, is a veteran who originally fought alongside Magana and is utterly loyal.
With 20,000 men, it was the largest and most capable of fighting among the four legions.
The Second Legion, the 'Skullcrusher,' led by Legion Commander Everson, numbers ten thousand. The legion excels in offense, and they are always at the forefront of every Grand Duke's campaign.
The Third Legion, 'The Arbiters,' led by Legion Commander Mylen, has ten thousand men.
The Fourth Legion, 'Iron Will', Commander: Malde, number 10,000.
The Third and Fourth Legions were established three years ago. Due to the need to deal with the Western Barbarians, Magana expanded the Iron Blood Legion and added two more legions.
This incident caused a huge sensation in the Imperial Capital. The senators felt that Magana was rebellious and one by one they asked the Old Emperor to strip her of her noble rights.
In the end, it was Creed's advice that saved both legions.
Creed was also involved in the construction of the Arbiter and the Iron Will.
"So, the Iron Blood Army who have agreed to cooperate in going to the Imperial Capital to investigate are basically from these two legions?" Ryan was dumbfounded. This is really a grand scheme.
"Yes," Gruk added, "Not everyone. The two legion commanders, Mylen and Malde, seem to be wavering. It's mostly their subordinates who agree."
Gruk and the others came from the First Legion 'Iron Fist, which is why Everson contacted him directly and did not suspect that they had betrayed the Grand Duke.
"Alright, you go and rest first. I'll think about it."
After Gruk left, Ryan pondered alone.
It now appears that the plan to deal with Magana was conceived three years ago.
However, it seems that not all the Third and Fourth Legions are traitors, since the personnel appointments were made by Magana, and aside from anything else, this short Grand Duke does have some personal charisma.
Otherwise, Gruk and the others wouldn't have followed her so devotedly.
Creed's methods are nothing more than coercion and enticement, using Magana's fate to wage psychological warfare. So as long as the latter can come back, everything will be fine.
The Grand Duke dislikes betrayal.
"It's alright, it's not too bad."
When in doubt, play a game first.
Empress Online, launch!
Start the game and check your character's status.
Since 'Shally' returned, she has been working to restore order to the underground fire. After fighting for so long, it really deserves a break.
However, once Berman City's underground industries are integrated, her next task will be to lead the army out to hunt and develop, striving to break through levels as soon as possible, the higher the better, as Ryan can transform as long as he has the Character Card.
They'd already come up with a reason for the attack: to maintain the security of their territory and wipe out all those bandits.
'Ina' is still working as a secretary, and Ryan still trusts her completely.
As for 'Vainay', after returning from this support mission, chaos indeed broke out in her territory again.
Several groups of bandits were causing trouble in the territory, specifically robbing passing merchants and creating widespread panic. Negative rumors about 'Vainay' were also circulating in the city: a 'brutal lord,' a 'vampire,' practically a demon.
However, 'Vainay' didn't hold back either, directly arresting and interrogating people. It has to be said that the Soul Singer is really good at interrogating criminals. Although she can't control others at her level, she can still hypnotize them briefly. Those who were arrested almost revealed the color of their wives' underwear.
After some interrogation, it was no surprise that Thomas was behind it all. He had spent a lot of money causing trouble both inside and outside the city, all in an effort to drive out 'Vainay'.
He even spent a lot of money to post a bounty on 'Vainay's' head at the Hunter's Guild, but the Hunter's Guild intercepted the offer and handed it over directly to 'Vainay'.
Unfortunately, it wasn't Thomas himself who did it.
However, through the interrogation of 'Vainay', it was learned that Thomas was assembling an army and planned to attack the castle to decapitate 'Vainay'.
The attack is scheduled for tomorrow night, and the number of attackers is estimated to exceed one thousand; they are said to be highly skilled.
"That idiot, he just won't stop."
Ryan frowned. "Tomorrow night, huh? We'll catch him then and lock him in the underground dungeon. We'll send a dozen big men to kill him."
There's no doubt that Thomas has powerful backers, but now that 'Vainay' has also climbed up to the Her Highness the Princess, given Berman City's astonishing record, even if someone wanted to deal with her, they wouldn't dare to do so openly.
But it doesn't matter.
Once Thomas is arrested, the truth about who's behind it all will become clear.
While pondering, Ryan switched character interfaces.
I've been so busy these past few days that I haven't paid much attention to what's going on with 'Lin Qi'.
"It's time to see my first wife."
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