Derek understood the meaning in his eyes.
But... this wasn't the Royal Capital. Could he really take down a powerful noble just by smearing him with false accusations?
Derek gave a mocking smile. This marquis had probably spent too long playing court intrigue.
"High treason? Then I'd first have to ask whether the Holy Cross Kingdom would be willing to pardon my crimes."
Derek knew his place very well. Today's Viscount Derek was no longer yesterday's Knight Derek.
From the moment the King delegated his authority, and after Augusta repelled the Holy Cross Kingdom's attack—
Viscount Derek had become something everyone envied—an actual power-holding noble.
Go ask the King of the Holy Cross Kingdom whether he would be willing to take Derek in if he switched sides now.
Far from the Royal Capital, if things stopped being pleasant, he could simply change employers.
By then, not only would Saint Myra Province be thrown into turmoil again, even the Northern Province might be lost.
Let's see what choice His Majesty the King of the Locke Kingdom would make then.
Marquis Hussein realized it a beat too late, and his expression changed for an instant.
He opened his mouth, but could not say anything.
Derek had already turned away.
"Assassins, whip them to death right here today. I don't need to find evidence. That's the constable's job.
Here, there are only criminals. Whoever I feel has attacked me is the culprit.
So I don't need confessions."
Augusta's knights did not hesitate in the slightest. They immediately got to work with their horsewhips.
The sharp cracks of the whips not only silenced the First Army of the Northern Expedition soldiers kneeling on the ground, but also silenced the restless nobles.
And Derek was not done yet.
"Recently, the snow has been heavy and