Establishing authority
Lincoln looked at Alexander with satisfaction. The man certainly knew what was good for him. Most of the seven elemental Sovereigns had likely pledged their allegiance to the Four Rule Sovereigns, but the Four Rule Sovereigns wouldn't step in over such a trivial reform.
Having someone else bow first worked much better than killing one to make an example of him.
"All right, let's get to the real business. How is Mike's family doing?" Lincoln asked, his expression turning serious.
"Here we go!" Markul stepped forward, beaming. "My lord, the entire Mike Family has been wiped out. Gadi, who dared to offend you, died after suffering terrible torment to his soul!"
Lincoln looked at Markul oddly. "Did you do it yourself?"
"I ordered my subordinates to take care of it." Markul was still quite pleased with himself.
Lincoln studied Markul, the Sovereign, closely, feeling rather surprised. Even when a Sovereign died, the others generally wouldn't go after the deceased Sovereign's family, out of respect for appearances. That was how it had been with the Four Divine Beasts. Although they had made plenty of enemies, no Sovereign had ever stepped in to wipe them out. Even Augusta had treated the Four Divine Beasts Clan like ants on the ground, not caring whether he stepped on them, or whether he crushed them underfoot.
"Are you sure they're all dead?" Lincoln asked.
"Absolutely sure!" Markul sensed the displeasure in Lincoln's tone and grew nervous.
Lincoln stared at him coldly, then abruptly took out a flame-shaped waist token and threw it to the ground with a thud. "Take a look at this first."
Markul picked it up, looking somewhat alarmed. After inspecting it for a moment, he said hesitantly, "This is a Soul Defense Sovereign Artifact."
"Try binding it with your blood."