Above The Sky
Chapter 987 - 987 97 Fiery Flame Land is capable of doing anything truly unimaginable beasts 5800

987: Chapter 97: Fiery Flame Land is capable of doing anything, truly unimaginable beasts (5800) 987: Chapter 97: Fiery Flame Land is capable of doing anything, truly unimaginable beasts (5800) [At the end of the Third Novennial Cycle, Year 774 of Terra, I, Baron Silverpeak, Ian Aljumon of Xiawei Territory, was attacked by the Dragon Worship Cult in the forests of the southwest district of Sanhe City while leading a convoy.]

[This group of Dragon Worship Cultists was composed of various factions, led by the Dragon Worship Cult of Canaan Moore, supported by the Dragon Worship Cults of Fiery Flame Land and the Azure Sky Royal Court.

There were three Second Energy Level Sublimators and seven First Energy Level Sublimators, ten in total.]

[Their assault caused substantial damage to my convoy and also posed a grave threat to the territorial security of our nation, mocking our national authority.]

[Enraged, I fought them with all my might.

After paying a steep cost, I finally managed to defeat the enemy with the assistance of the Viscount of Harrison Port, Ailes Grant, capturing all three Second Energy Level Sublimators.]

[Although victorious, the price we paid was immense.

My team suffered heavy casualties and losses in order to achieve this victory, while the honorable Viscount Grant, who selflessly aided us, even suffered damage to his Aether Armament.]

[My own losses are of no importance, but Viscount Grant, who crushed the cultist forces, ensured the security of our territory, and upheld our national prestige, should undoubtedly receive commendation.]

“How does this sound to you?”

Peace Cloud Town, a quiet settlement nestled between Sanhe City and Harrison Port, now served as a resting place for the convoy from Xiawei Territory.

Inside a room scented by lit insect-repellent incense, Ian handed his freshly drafted report to the smiling Viscount Grant across from him.

“Your handwriting has improved, Ian,”

Accepting the report, Viscount Grant didn’t even glance at its contents before praising Ian’s penmanship—a style clean, elegant, and growing more refined since the youth first began learning to write.

The more he read it, the more he admired it.

For officials, particularly the noble local leaders who had to sift through an endless tide of handwritten documents daily, encountering messy handwriting was pure agony.

Deciphering the scribbles alone was headache-inducing, let alone dealing with stains or corrections, which often sparked the impulse to summon the offender for a harsh scolding.

But such trivialities rarely merited the effort, nor did anyone have the time to mandate improvement.

Overall, it was a constant source of annoyance.

In any scenario, those who wrote beautifully enjoyed a clear advantage—unless humanity one day advanced to a time when writing by hand became entirely obsolete.

However, despite his appreciation for Ian’s script, Viscount Grant, drawing from years of experience, began pinpointing numerous areas in the report that required revision.

“Don’t mention your ‘Xiawei Territory convoy.’ Although truthful, it gives the impression to higher-ups that you acted solely to protect your personal assets—it will cost you points.”

With a practiced eye, the viscount remarked smoothly, “Change it to ‘a civilian convoy passing through Sanhe City.’ This highlights the convoy’s innocence and vulnerability, as well as the image of an unprovoked disaster.

That way, it looks like you dutifully fulfilled your responsibilities as a noble.”

“Also, the word ‘attack’ should be replaced with ‘ambush’ to heighten the sense of urgency.

These small details are crucial.”

“Got it!”

Ian, his head bandaged (despite not being injured at all), nodded solemnly and jotted down the advice.

Meanwhile, Green Tide, standing cluelessly to the side, appeared utterly baffled by the discussion between the two.

But of course, this was far from over, as Viscount Grant was only getting started.

He meticulously pointed out the many ways Ian’s report lacked refinement.

“Next, avoid explicitly naming the Dragon Worship Cult.

While everyone outwardly pretends ignorance, it’s common knowledge across South Ridge that you’re now also affiliated with the Dragon Worship Cult.

By naming them outright, others will view this as an internal factional dispute within the cult—I suggest rephrasing it as ‘a special operations squad from another nation.'”

“This isn’t lying, and you can capitalize on the recent terrible reputation Fiery Flame Land’s special ops teams have built in South Ridge to garner sympathy.”

“Additionally, omit the name ‘Canaan Moore.’ The Imperial Capital recently announced our alliance with Canaan Moore, so we want to avoid making statements that might jeopardize diplomatic relations.

Just phrase it as ‘a special operations squad led by Fiery Flame Land and the Azure Sky Royal Court, with other nations involved.’ Everyone knows who’s included, but there’s no need to spell it out.”

By now, the viscount appeared energized.

Gesturing at a nearby map, he continued advising Ian: “Particularly Fiery Flame Land—if there’s been any recent incidents within your territory such as magical beast attacks, unexpected losses, or disasters, feel free to attribute them to Fiery Flame Land.”

“Ian, as a newly ascended lord, you must remember this: don’t shoulder everything on your own.

Whenever there’s blame to be assigned, ensure you shift it to others—the Mountain People, the Natives, other lords, even the natural environment or magical beasts if necessary.

Only as a last resort should you feign bravery and take responsibility.”

“But if Fiery Flame Land is an option, always use them.

Otherwise, the higher-ups won’t be pleased, and they might even withhold support funds.”

“Isn’t this a bit excessive?”

Ian, though already well aware of this game, put on an innocent face and replied, “I understand most of it, but what if it’s my policies that have caused a serious problem?”

“No need to worry.

Just push the blame, no matter what.”

The viscount replied without hesitation, “Fiery Flame Land is capable of anything—truly despicable creatures.”

“If it weren’t for them, how could you have made a mistake?

It’s undoubtedly their fault!”

After imparting this advice on the art of governance, Viscount Grant resumed reviewing the report.

“Next, the number of casualties you’ve written is too low.”