A Mage Reborn: Legacy of the Fallen Emperor
Chapter 50. Night of Extermination

Chapter 50: Chapter 50. Night of Extermination

"Leaving the Lord’s seat vacant will only exacerbate the chaos," the Prime Minister cautiously argued.

Marib offered a counter-proposal. "We can dispatch an advisor as a temporary measure. They can monitor the situation, address the public’s concerns, and later, we can appoint a Lord."

"Investigator Erica’s task force is already there," Wesley pointed out. "They are likely handling the aftermath even as we speak."

Marib let out a scoff, as if to say, "Don’t be ridiculous." The blatant dismissal hardened Wesley’s expression.

"The task force is responsible for the deaths of the citizens’ families. Besides, they’ve only managed to apprehend one of the three, and haven’t even identified the other two."

Thud.

He threw down the documents, not bothering to hide his displeasure with the task force. No one could refute him; everything he said was true. The ministers merely nodded in agreement.

"Since this incident was a result of the Imperial Order, the Empire needs to take swift action to resolve it. That is what will uphold the honor of my father, the Emperor, and Bariel."

"...No objections."

"Well said."

Every word was undeniably true.

Moreover, compared to other territories, Bratz’s productivity was significantly lower. Was it a bit far from the capital? The thoughtless ministers didn’t care who ruled such a place.

"Then, we shall dispatch an advisor and monitor the progress. The appointment of a Lord will be discussed afterward."

"Since Bratz is quite distant, it would be best to send a letter as soon as the meeting concludes. Let’s send a messenger bird to ensure it arrives as quickly as possible."

"Agreed."

Marib was determined not to give Gale any opportunity to interfere. Everything was a logical suggestion, so the Prime Minister raised his staff to confirm the agenda.

It froze in mid-air at Wesley’s remark.

"If you’re referring to an advisor for reconstruction-"

She quickly interjected, asking,

"Who do you have in mind?"

"Well, Romandro would be the most suitable candidate. He recently demonstrated his capabilities in the earthquake-stricken area near the White Temple."

"Then we shall also send Sir Molin down with him."

"Sir Molin?"

It was a stubborn intention, one she wouldn’t back down from. Marib stroked his chin and muttered,

"Sir Molin only recently arrived in the capital."

"But he is undoubtedly the one most familiar with that territory within the Imperial Palace. We should ask for his opinion. If he agrees, it is only right that he accompanies the advisor."

The ministers glanced at each other at Wesley’s insistence. Was this really an issue that needed to be dragged out? There were countless national affairs that required their attention. Sensing the mood, the Prime Minister slammed his staff down and declared,

"No objections."

Bang! Bang! Bang!

"Now, the next agenda is..."

"The sea route leading to the Blaster Sea..."

’Damn it. What is he up to?’

Her eyes dropped to the documents, a flimsy shield against the unease twisting in her gut. The morning meeting? Him, acting like that? No, Marib had a plan, a hidden blade he was sharpening. The question was, who was he going to cut?

’At least I managed to prevent him from sending the advisor alone...’

As Wesley glanced at her, Marib simply raised an eyebrow and smirked. The problem was, whenever he smiled like that, it usually meant something bad was about to happen to them.

"...Then, this concludes today’s general assembly."

"Thank you for your hard work."

"I shall see you all in the afternoon with His Majesty."

As soon as the meeting ended, Marib left the hall without a second glance.

The ministers bowed behind him, tense, wondering if they should offer him tea. Marib quietly instructed his subordinate waiting outside.

"Summon Romandro."

"Romandro?"

The subordinate hesitated, looking slightly troubled. Romandro had just returned to the capital after resolving the situation at the White Temple. After two months of separation from his newlywed wife, he might just resign if he found out Marib was summoning him again. Seriously.

"Why are you just standing there?"

"No, it’s, um. Understood."

But what could he do? Orders were orders.

Convincing Romandro and bringing him back was also part of his duty. Oblivious to his subordinate’s inner turmoil, Marib glanced towards Wesley and turned away.

"Will you be alright? Without us?"

"Don’t worry about me. Just hurry up and leave."

Erica waved her hand dismissively, reassuring the captain of the Central Army. Among the minimum forces that needed to remain in the mansion, Erica was included.

"It feels like leaving you in a den of beasts."

"Harming the task force would be an act of rebellion against the Central. That Ian fellow may be unpleasant, but he’s quick-witted. He won’t do anything rash."

Including Erica, only five elite soldiers were to remain in the mansion. It was more effective to have Erica guarding the place than a hundred unknown grunts.

She wasn’t exactly a central figure in actual combat, so this was the best strategy. All other forces, excluding them, were to follow Mary and Chell and leave Bratz.

"Then we shall make haste."

"Please, please recover their bodies, if nothing else."

"Yes, understood."

"Depart!"

"Depart!"

The soldiers organized their ranks and marched out of the mansion. Children ran around the streets, excited, and the citizens gathered in groups, gossiping about the Central Army’s not-so-subtle withdrawal.

"They’re going to look for the Madam and Young Master Chell, right? I heard a rumor they left the city gates alive recently. Maybe it’s true."

"Watch your mouth, you fool. Aren’t they traitors?"

"Good riddance! I hope they never come back! Go straight to the Central, to your homes, and never return!"

"Get lost! Don’t ever come back!"

"Scram!"

Citizens who had lost their families and homes in the battle threw stones and caused a commotion. The Central Army soldiers could only glare uncomfortably, unable to do anything because of the Chenryeo warriors standing amongst them.

"Farewell. We won’t see you off."

"Let’s pour molten iron on the city gates once those bastards are gone!"

"Then how will we get out, you idiot?"

"They’re nothing but freeloaders, those damn bastards."

"Shh, they’ll hear you."

They couldn’t afford to cause trouble right after departing, especially before even leaving the territory. It was true that they had taken food from the citizens while stationed there.

Unlike those who were enraged, there were those who ran around with pure joy. The children.

"Yay! The Central Army is leaving!"

"Mom, Mom! The soldiers are all leaving!"

They looked like defeated soldiers of a foreign country. That was the perception of the citizens due to the battle, and that was the reality. Geographically speaking, the Chenryeo and the Hawan Kingdom were much closer than the Central.

"Everyone seems happy."

Erica clicked her tongue, watching the scene from the mansion. She turned to head back to her room through the main entrance, but the Chenryo warriors blocked her path.

"What, what is this?"

"We will be using the main building from now on. Since your numbers are small, you will be using tents from now on."

"Are you out of your minds?! Who are you telling to...!"

"If you have any complaints, take it up with Kakantir."

Erica’s jaw dropped in disbelief. The Central Army hadn’t even left the territory yet. And they were already drawing a line like this?

Just an hour ago, she could freely enter and exit the main building. What kind of situation was this?

"Fine, let’s see. Your leader. I need to have a word with him."

"...Follow me."

Erica was guided to the reception room by the warrior. Kakantir and Ian were there together.

Slam!

"Are you kidding me? Huh?"

"Is something the matter? Has the Central Army left?"

"Shut up. It’s none of your business. You’re going to use the main building? Don’t make me laugh. Aren’t you the ones who live in tents outside?"

Her yelling and flailing were quite a sight. Ian sighed inwardly and stared at Erica.

Kakantir, as if he had been through this many times, clicked his tongue and looked her up and down. It had been a while since they started living under the same roof, but he still couldn’t get used to her, judging by his expression.

"Listen. If you want to use the main building, how about reducing your numbers further? If you want, we can give you a room to yourself. There’s a storage room left at the end of the hallway."

"...Hey, you...?"

"By the way, if reducing your numbers is too difficult, I can help. My sword is getting rusty; it’s about time I sliced some meat."

Erica’s face turned pale at the blatant threat. Barbarians were indeed barbarians. Seeing their attitude change as soon as the Central Army left, she realized they were not to be trifled with.

Ian interjected, trying to change the subject.

"Anyway, you’re just in time. The reports and documents the task force will send to the Imperial Palace have been compiled and are ready to be taken. Now, we are planning to proceed with Derga’s execution."

Derga’s execution, suddenly brought up. Erica made an X with her hands, as if to say she would never allow it.

"There’s a proper procedure for everything. Derga’s execution will take place after Mary and Chell are secured."

"What if Mary and Chell are not secured? Are you planning to stay here forever?"

He was trying to drive in a wedge. If they couldn’t show results within a set period, whether it be a week or a month, they would have to leave the territory for good.

Erica bit her lip.

"...You’re exaggerating."

"I apologize. I thought it would be less offensive than calling you parasites."

Just as Erica was about to retort, Kakantir casually interjected, flicking his dagger.

"One week. If the execution doesn’t take place within that time, we will take care of Derga ourselves."

There were two intentions behind this statement.

One was to declare the Chenryeo’s stance to the Imperial Palace. They had driven out the task force and the Central Army, not to defy the Imperial Order and save Derga, but for the true benefit of the territory.

The second was a warning to Erica. If she continued to resist, her life, along with Derga’s, would be forfeit. No matter the method.

"Haa."

Just as Erica was grinding her teeth, trying to come up with a retort, a commotion was heard from outside.

"Investigator Erica! Investigator Erica!"

It was one of the task force members. He burst into the reception room without knocking, then flinched at the tense atmosphere.

"Investigator Erica, it’s finally arrived, huff!"

"...Arrived? What?"

At the same time, Ian and Kakantir turned their heads. Everyone’s attention was focused on the subordinate. He looked like the youngest, and his flushed face was filled with joy.

Erica felt a flicker of hope rising within her.

Could it be, could it be, damn it, finally?

"...A message has arrived from the Central."

"...!"

"...!"

"Those motherfuckers, they’re all dead!"

"Congratulations, Investigator Erica!"

"Congratulations!"

Erica pumped her fist in the air, celebrating. Her subordinates behind her, emboldened, placed their hands on their sword hilts. This was the best news, the one card that could instantly drive out Ian and the Chenryeo!

If a Lord was appointed, they would officially become the rulers of this place. She would crush that vulgar, lowborn bastard and those beastly savages in one fell swoop.

"A message from the Central! Where is it? Let’s go down immediately!"

"Ah, yes! There’s no need to go down. It came by messenger bird."

At those words, the heightened atmosphere seemed to deflate. They knew what it meant for a message from the Central to arrive by ’messenger bird.’

Only Kakantir and the task force member seemed to grasp the strange atmosphere.