The Vastness of Magical Destiny
Chapter 456: Volume 9: Phantom of the Ancient Castle - 11: Subdued

Chapter 456: Volume 9: Phantom of the Ancient Castle Chapter 11: Subdued

The Duke, usually calm and composed, paced frantically more than ten times back and forth across the great hall like an enraged lion. He even smashed three expensive, exquisitely crafted crystal cups to the floor in a fit of anger, wasting craftsmanship worth six thousand gold shields— a sight that pained everyone who saw it, though no one dared step forward to offer consolation.

"Boninski, look at the fine mess you’ve made! Up to this point, you still can’t clarify who exactly the ringleader is among these mobs in your own territory, always three steps behind in your knowledge. You even have the nerve to come to me whining about it. You needn’t bother with explanations any further; I’m telling you that I have already forwarded the notice of your noble title’s revocation to the Imperial Star Court. I believe it won’t be long before you receive the official edict from the Kingdom Star Chamber Court. If you have any grievances, you may appeal to the Star Chamber Court. Now, you may leave!"

The uncontainable rage in Duke Philip was so severe that it couldn’t possibly get any worse. Five thousand five hundred soldiers, plus three exceptionally valuable mages and four magicians, hadn’t managed to bring back even a single soldier from the north bank of the Nissai River. If he had not reacted quickly enough to send three thousand soldiers from the Busen Plain to Bruce Fortress urgently, he feared those damned half-beast mobs would tear apart the pitiful five hundred soldiers in the fortress, even if they had to swim across the Nissai River.

Everyone in the room was shocked at Duke Philip’s statement.

Who was Count Boninski?

He was one of Duke’s favorites, despite the Leon Region’s contributions to the Homer region being not particularly significant. But those who knew the inside story understood that with the region’s wealth, the Duke would not have let a fool like him to take up the position of Lord Leon without significant benefits for himself.

You should know that this was a hereditary seal—a territory that could be passed down from generation to generation. Not just anyone could become the lord of such a large piece of fertile land with a population of hundreds of thousands.

"You can’t do this, Duke!" Count Boninski, pale-faced and stricken with panic, looked at the Duke with a flushed face, "Please deploy another army to Leon. Those damned mobs just got lucky. As long as you send an army into Leon, victory is assured!"

Seeing the increasingly desperate Boninski speaking out of turn, Philip felt even more annoyed.

This man, whose life was mired in gambling and debauchery, had indeed made no small contribution to him, but in the current situation, especially with the kingdom eagerly finding fault with him, this affair had blown up so significantly that a person of substantial stature had to take responsibility.

If only Haranto were available, he would make an excellent scapegoat, but now there was no choice but to sacrifice Boninski.

The entire Leon Region had suddenly become a paradise for lawless mobs, and the Bruce defenders had even burnt the Grand Floating Bridge, which took three years to build, to prevent those armed mobs from breaking into the Busen Plain. The link between Leon and Homer had now been completely severed and, with the absence of any seaports in the entire Leon region, it was effectively cut off, with only a land route to Caucasus remaining.

"Send another army? How easily you say that. Where am I supposed to send an army from? Shall they swim across the Nissai River or sprout wings and fly over? Get out of my sight!" Duke Philip bellowed in rage once more. The loss of a third of his infantry division, along with three mages and four magicians, had already brought him to the brink of tears, not to mention that the situation in Leon had deteriorated even further.

"Duke, you can’t say that. Over the years, Leon has made no small contributions to Homer, and I have served you with dedication. Yet now, to end up like this seems somewhat unfair," Count Boninski’s face turned green and his attitude changed subtly, "Without remembering past loyalty, do you mean to say you hold no responsibility for Leon falling into the hands of those mobs? While I certainly bear the brunt of failing to protect my territory, as its protector, Duke, what have you done? Blaming me for everything, I fear, even the kingdom will not allow you to abdicate all responsibility that easily."

Philip immediately sensed something off in the undertone, looked deeply at Boninski, and slowly nodded, "Very well, Boninski, right and wrong will be determined by the public. It seems I misjudged someone. As for who is at fault for the Leon Region falling into the hands of mobs, the Star Chamber Court will make that determination. If you believe there’s been any mistake, you’re free to lodge an appeal with the Kingdom Star Chamber Court."

"Yes, of course, I will. Revoking the noble title of a Count is not a decision anyone can make lightly. Making such a hasty decision, Duke, you will regret it. I hope you reconsider this matter carefully. Otherwise, when the Kingdom Star Chamber Court overrules your decision, it would be quite embarrassing," Boninski’s tone became increasingly ambiguous, and his demeanor no longer showed the initial panic, indicating he was gradually recovering from the initial shock.