This Lich Requests More Remuneration
Chapter 297 - 275 Allen’s Treason

Chapter 297: Chapter 275 Allen’s Treason

Allen spoke of leaving, and everyone understood exactly what that meant.

Staring at Allen, the Paladin General who controlled the city asked in a deep voice, "Do you know what you’re saying? Leaving, where do you think you’ll go?"

"I don’t know." Allen looked up at the sky, then continued, "Perhaps I’ll travel around the continent."

"You will bring shame to your father!" the general said, angered.

Allen smiled and replied, "General, I have served in the military for over five years; according to the law, I am entitled to discharge without conditions. If it’s permitted by law, why would it bring shame to my father? Has Laine stopped abiding by laws now?"

The general had nothing to say, because he knew Allen was playing dumb, and there was truly no need for debate on this matter.

It was not easy for Laine People to leave military service, even with the most lenient discharge procedures in Laine. According to the military code written in the documents, Laine People could choose to discharge unconditionally once they had served for five years. Even if the time served was insufficient, as long as there was a justifiable reason, the discharge was generally approved.

However, very few chose to discharge, primarily because the pay was very high in Laine’s military, and secondly because Laine’s societal norms were very unfriendly to those who initiated discharge.

Almost all soldiers who discharged for reasons other than injury were labeled cowards and deserters.

Unless you were an old soldier who had fought in countless wars, earned many honors, and reached an age where you could no longer participate in warfare, only then could you discharge with honor.

As for so-called legitimate reasons... You want to take care of your parents? Do your parents know you’re a deserter and a coward? You want to go home to marry? Does your fiancée know you’re a deserter and a coward?

No matter the reason, to apply for discharge voluntarily was an immense disgrace.

Allen had once seen a young man who, terrified by the battlefield, wanted to go home—his brother was so furious he almost wanted to kill him on the spot because such news would bring shame to the family.

And now, Allen was about to become a deserter himself.

The impact of this act would certainly rock all of Laine, for Allen was the youngest Legendary Holy Warrior in Laine’s history. The Empire had just honored him with this glory, and now he was turning around to be a deserter?

The prestige he had previously gained would instantly turn into a sword piercing at Allen. He might even be considered something worse than a deserter—a traitor.

"Allen, let’s pretend I didn’t hear what you just said. I’ll give you one day to think about it thoroughly. Once you’ve made up your mind, come back to me."

Though the general was not pleased with Allen’s recent performance, he still highly valued this young man, otherwise, he would not have allowed Allen to come to this remote place to loaf around alone.

With the death of the Silvermoon Knight, the military needed a new idol to stabilize morale.

Having been guided by the Silvermoon Knight and achieved extraordinary things, Allen was the most suitable candidate. If Allen became a deserter, the general feared that morale would scatter and the city could not be held.

Allen knew the general meant well, but he had thought of leaving Laine long before.

The night the Moon Silver Knight passed away, Allen truly sensed the change in Laine—decadence hidden beneath fervent faith.

But before, he didn’t know where to go, which is why he had continued to stay in the city, fending off the Orcs’ repeated counterattacks on behalf of Laine.

It was only just now that Allen realized he could no longer stay here. Even if he had not found a direction yet, he had to leave, or else he would be controlled by that decay, just as the Silvermoon Knight was against his will.

In the midst of accusations and questioning, Allen packed up his belongings, just a few changes of clothes. His armor and sword had to be left behind, as they were military-issued equipment.

Lastly, dressed in simple clothes, Allen left the barracks, looking like a vagabond.

This news would soon spread throughout Laine, and Allen would become a criminal in the eyes of all of Laine, hated by everyone. But he did not mind; the only thing that worried him slightly was the pressure his father would have to bear.

But there was probably no need to worry about him. Just as the Supreme Decree, when he knew his son had been kidnapped by the Lich, chose to stand his ground, Allen should do the same, moving forward in the direction of his own faith when it came to the crunch.

By the time James Watson returned to Laine Imperial Capital, the news of Allen’s desertion had already spread throughout the Imperial Capital. Seeing the young emperor with a sneer, James Watson casually said, "Your Majesty, Allen has served for more than five years and desires discharge; what’s wrong with that?"

The young emperor mockingly said, "Don’t talk to me about laws, it makes me want to laugh. Is this a matter of law? Allen is a traitor; how dare you continue to be the Supreme Decree?"

James Watson chuckled and replied, "Your Majesty, you might be mistaken. The Supreme Decree is duty-bound to uphold Laine’s law. Every action of mine must strictly comply with the law. Conversely, a legal act of discharge has provoked so much criticism and insult, I am considering whether to hold those people accountable."

"What an agile tongue you have, Your Excellency the Supreme Decree. But do you think your argument will satisfy the Laine populace? Allen is now regarded as a traitor, and everyone will spontaneously hunt for your son. I really want to see how you, as the Supreme Decree, will work."

The young emperor was convinced that this time James Watson was in big trouble. He had been irked more than once by the Supreme Decree’s critiquing, and now he finally had a chance for retribution.

James Watson was unconcerned, and instead asked the emperor, "Your Majesty, my troubles are not important, but in a few days, it will be Arthur His Majesty’s birthday, the most important day for Laine. what have you arranged for the celebration?"

The Young Emperor didn’t understand what James Watson meant and cautiously replied, "You don’t need to worry about this. We will do everything as before, wasn’t it the same last year?"

But James Watson shook his head and said, "This year is different, Your Majesty. The Silvermoon Knight has just passed away, the plans to assault the Orc Mountains have to be put on hold, and the people of Laine are feeling unstable. On this critical day, they need some consolation. My suggestion is that you should bring out the Magic Dragon Armament and let the people see the power of this National Guardian Artifact. Doing so should be able to calm their spirits."

"Bring out the Magic Dragon Armament?"

The Young Emperor showed a troubled expression. How much he wished to showcase the power of this great Divine Artifact to everyone, but he couldn’t do it.

The only reason the Young Emperor had ascended to his position was that he made the Magic Dragon Armament glow from a distance of over ten meters.

But the glow was as faint as a firefly’s light. How could he show off such an effect? Others would only mock and be disappointed; where would the consolation be?

The Magic Dragon Armament was usually locked deep within the Royal Palace, and not even the Emperor could touch it. He could only sense it through several layers of barriers.

The Young Emperor himself had never even touched it, let alone bring it out to show off.

"We don’t need to consider this; the Magic Dragon Armament is not suitable. Let’s find another way," the Young Emperor rejected.

James Watson, however, said, "How is it not suitable? Your Majesty, I am aware of the Imperial Family’s customs. Although the connection between you and the Magic Dragon Armament is not very apparent, isn’t it because of the distance? If the Magic Dragon Armament could be worn on your body, perhaps the connection would strengthen. Your Majesty, don’t you want to wear this Artifact?"

The Young Emperor was tempted by James Watson’s words. Who wouldn’t want to try the power of a Divine Artifact? He had been the emperor for years and had never even touched it... This would be an excellent opportunity to try on the Magic Dragon Armament. If it really couldn’t be used, then he could just take it off later; trying it wouldn’t cause any problems.

"Alright, I’ll consider this matter. You may leave," said the Young Emperor.

The Young Emperor sent James Watson away and then excitedly rushed to the deeper parts of the Royal Palace.

After navigating through several secret passages, the Young Emperor arrived at a spacious hall.

Thirteen elderly men dressed in platinum-colored robes were resting there, each with snow-white hair and a face full of wrinkles, and they all looked somewhat alike.

They were members of the Imperial Family, and most had once been emperor, but due to their old age, they could only preserve their time by slumbering.

Laine people could not use Magic Potion to extend their lives. This rule has been carried on to this day.

These thirteen men were the true controllers of the Laine Imperial Family; the emperor’s succession ceremony was also handled by them.

When the Young Emperor arrived, the thirteen elderly men did not wake up. Instead, a servant left a letter for the Young Emperor, and through a special magic ritual, the content of the letter was conveyed into the elders’ minds.

If it was a matter of importance, the thirteen elderly men would wake up and discuss the great affairs together.

If not, they would just give a mental reply.

This had been the way for many years.

Sometimes the Young Emperor thought that these thirteen old men were the real emperors, and he was just a puppet.

However, this time he was determined to try the power of the Magic Dragon Armament; otherwise, his reign as emperor would be in vain.

On the other side of the Imperial Capital, James Watson returned to the Bureau of Judicial Review.

As soon as he appeared, everyone in the Bureau looked at him with strange glances. James Watson didn’t mind at all and strode into his office.

His long-time deputy saw James Watson appear and quickly said, "Sir, about Allen, is it true? Has he really committed treason?"

James Watson didn’t answer the question, but instead told him, "Call all the department heads here. I don’t want to explain it over and over."

Before long, all the important department heads of the Bureau of Judicial Review gathered in James Watson’s office, each awaiting his answer.

"Now that everyone is here, I’ll just say it once. Allen has been in service for over five years, according to Empire law, he is entitled to retire without reason. Therefore, I don’t find his actions to be related to treason in any way. You can call him a coward or a spoilt brat, I wouldn’t mind, but don’t insult the Empire’s law. We administer the law for the great Deity, do not let your personal emotions affect fairness. This is my full response. Those dissatisfied with the result can resign themselves. The Bureau of Judicial Review does not need such fools who ignore legal principles."

James Watson handled the rumors about Allen in this blunt manner, but ultimately one-third of the people in the Bureau chose to resign, including several department heads whom James Watson particularly valued.

Looking at the resignations on the table, James Watson murmured softly, "Laine, you have indeed fallen into decay without us even realizing."