King
Chapter 127 - 127 101 Ambition_1

127: Chapter 101, Ambition_1 127: Chapter 101, Ambition_1 Watching Baron Katelai stomp off in a huff, Hudson had initially planned to gift the wild goose he hunted as a consolation for the Baron’s hurt ego.

However, recalling the significance of the number thirteen in the Continent of Aslante, he ultimately abandoned this provocative idea.

It wouldn’t do to aggravate the situation with good intentions.

The Baron had already reluctantly agreed.

A little more prodding, and he might just lose his mind.

Perhaps the mere coincidence of the goose hunt seemed like a deliberate “intimidation” to Baron Katelai.

Good heavens, “five arrows, thirteen geese, each arrow piercing a skull” – could a normal person achieve such a feat?

Even if Hudson cheated, it would still require cooperation from the geese.

The miracle wouldn’t have happened if the geese weren’t changing formation at the exact moment the arrows arrived.

Unfortunately, Hudson’s display of prowess was too successful – he bewildered Baron Katelai who hadn’t even considered the possibility of coincidence.

Shooting just five arrows was not merely for show.

More importantly, to achieve such a range, Hudson could only shoot five arrows.

Any more, and he wouldn’t have been able to handle it.

After all, he was only a fledgling, barely an Intermediate Knight at this stage.

Normal archery did allow for hundreds of arrows to be easily shot; but the high-intensity elven strong bow would naturally have its limitations if he could barely draw it fully under normal circumstances.

Unless decreasing the shooting range and reducing the exertion of arm strength, his sustained offensive with the strong bow would be emotionally stirring.

Though Hudson’s transportation fleet had yet to be fully organized, the second infantry battalion that had entered Qiaomu County, in cooperation with the local nobility, had completed two rounds of dragnet-style searches.

They were turning everything inside out.

In the process, which lasted well over half a month, no trace of the Skeleton Society was found.

If it weren’t for the bodies of Knight Florian and fifty-seven soldiers, along with numerous eyewitness testimonies, everyone would have doubted the rumours of the Skeleton Society’s activities.

The inability to locate them made everyone even more tense, not less.

The terror of the cult organization was due to their ability to hide in the shadows.

In contrast, it would be easier if their identities were exposed.

Unfortunately, since the day of the incident, time dragged on without any leads.

“Perhaps the Skeleton Society members have left Qiaomu County.

These rats excel at concealing themselves.

Historically, they would be long gone after committing a crime.

Though we didn’t catch the Skeleton Society Saint-Lord this time, we haven’t come away empty-handed.

We successfully dismantled the Evil God Cult, Chaos God Cult, Church of Desire, and many other cult organizations.

We also destroyed three private salt clans, arresting a total of two hundred and thirty-six criminals.

I believe that the social order in Qiaomu County will improve after this…” As Viscount Orlan listened to Baron Raphael’s summary of their accomplishments, he wore a thunderous expression.

Most of these criminals were rooted out from Qiaomu City, which was a harsh critique of his governing ability.

Yet, the facts were clear, and he had no rebuttal.

Baron Raphael, who was sent by the Governor’s Mansion to assist, did not need to curry favour with him.

“Baron Raphael is correct about our accomplishments during this period.

However, these are merely small fish and have nothing to do with our main goal.

To achieve lasting peace, we must continue to make great efforts to wipe out the entire Skeleton Society.

This cult organization, ever since it entered my Alpha Kingdom, has already initiated five rebellions.

While the earlier few rebellions were far from us and could be temporarily ignored, everyone has personally experienced the one that broke out in the counties of Layton and Wharton.

We originally thought they would retreat immediately after failing like before, but here they are again.

Doesn’t this suggest that they have new plans in Qiaomu County or the Southeastern Province?

In any case, until this tumour is removed, the Southeastern Province will not be able to rest easy!” Viscount Orlan stated earnestly.

Halting the search operation is out of the question.

Who knows, once everyone disperses, will the Skeleton Society members return?

Running the risk of exposing their identities for the sake of action, surely it wasn’t just to kill Knight Florian?

One knight, how could he be worth such an event?

A blood feud, a love affair, or did Knight Florian desecrate the Skeleton Society Saint-Lord’s grave?

None of these seemed likely!

The late Knight Florian, while not someone of upright character, most certainly wasn’t a despicable scoundrel.

He had a decent reputation among the nobility.

“Viscount Orlan, the Governor has already declared martial law across the province and ordered strict checking of all traffic routes and docks.

Once the Skeleton Society members show themselves, they will be immediately discovered.

Especially the routes in and out of Qiaomu County – they are under heavy surveillance.

The Skeleton Society members would have to be smart enough not to make a move at this time.

Perhaps they have already entered Faren Province to the north, or Fengyun Province to the west.

These areas are outside our jurisdiction, so the Governor’s Mansion will have to send a letter to the two provinces to handle the situation,” Baron Raphael analyzed.

Unlike the native nobles of Qiaomu County, who could afford to stay here indefinitely, the second infantry battalion has its duties to fulfil.

Coming to help occasionally was one thing, but permanently stationing in Qiaomu County?

What about the port?

If they were removed for a long period and their superiors discovered that the port could operate normally without them, wouldn’t that be awkward?