This Lich Requests More Remuneration
Chapter 364 - 338: The War As Usual

Chapter 364: Chapter 338: The War As Usual

Laine Imperial Capital, the obituary of Rachel Angelo had already been presented to the Emperor.

After reading the description, the young Emperor of Laine angrily crumpled the paper into a ball.

"Damn the Undead! We never should have granted them clemency in the first place, otherwise, this would never have happened!"

Rachel Angelo was the general most supportive of the Ryan Royal Family and held the highest status and power among those who supported them.

With the death of Rachel Angelo, it was as if the royalist faction had lost a great general.

The Emperor had originally thought that with the battle of the Impure Chant, he would step back into the limelight, no longer a Puppet Emperor, but a great sovereign truly wielding power.

Yet before the battle had even officially begun, Rachel Angelo died?!

Would anyone think it was the Emperor’s fault?

No, that absolutely could not be allowed, he urgently needed a scapegoat... No, what scapegoat? It was not his fault at all, it was the Lich, and that traitor Allen Watson.

Yes, Allen Watson had conspired with the Lich to design the demise of Rachel Angelo. That decree of clemency was also issued by James Watson; it must have been that whole family who conspired against Rachel Angelo.

Undoubtedly, there was no need for discussion, just direct conviction.

However, James Watson was the High Judge. According to Laine’s rules, he was the highest interpreter of all laws. To prosecute such a person, the process would be anything but straightforward.

The young Emperor mulled over this, and muttered to himself, "First, let this news spread. Eventually, the entire Laine People would demand this High Judge give an explanation. Then, with just a bit of instigation, public opinion will completely finish him off. Now, all we need is..."

As he pondered how to deal with that obstinate old man, suddenly, he heard the announcement that the High Judge sought an audience.

The Young Emperor was startled.

"This old geezer, could he have guessed that I’m out to get him?"

Even though the advantage was in his hands, the Young Emperor was still somewhat afraid of James Watson.

Since his ascension, he had been thwarted by James Watson on more than one occasion, and it was for this reason that he detested this stubborn old man so much, wishing he could be replaced right away.

The Young Emperor, feeling guilty, was a bit afraid that James Watson had come to question him, and couldn’t help but think about refusing the audience.

He couldn’t meet with him now, not until the public opinion had been fermented, and everyone had turned against the old man. Only then would he have the confidence to face him.

What the Young Emperor had not expected was that James Watson seemed to have already known what he would do. After being refused, he had a servant deliver a letter to the Young Emperor.

Holding the envelope in his hand, the Young Emperor asked, puzzled, "Besides bringing the letter, did the old fellow say anything else?"

The servant knelt before the Young Emperor, cautiously replying, "He said nothing, the High Judge simply turned and left."

The Young Emperor, intrigued, opened the letter, thinking no matter what the old man wrote, the blame had to fall on him.

However, after reading the letter, the Young Emperor was so shocked he thought he’d been charmed. But no matter how many times he read it over, there was nothing amiss.

The letter was only a few sentences long.

James Watson had decided to resign from his position as the Supreme Decree and had chosen to exile himself, leaving Laine.

The reason given was that Allen had committed treason and was suspected of causing Rachel Angelo’s death. Continuing to serve as the Supreme Decree would suggest favoritism, so it was necessary for someone else with no vested interest to conduct the trial.

This reasoning was very much in line with the old man’s consistent behavior.

The law was supreme, enduring no personal bias or compromise.

The resignation was sensible and proper, but the Young Emperor couldn’t believe it.

Could this old man so easily give up the position of Supreme Decree? It was incredible to anyone he told.

But whatever the case, with this letter in hand, the Young Emperor now thoroughly had the old man in his grasp, whether there was any intrigue or not, he could now rightfully replace him with one of his own people.

The Young Emperor disseminated the news throughout the Imperial Capital as quickly as possible and even had someone write an "earnest" retaining letter. While announcing James Watson’s resignation, he also read this letter with vivid emotion.

This was to tell everyone, it wasn’t the Emperor who forced him to resign, oh no, he had "tried" to retain him, but the former High Judge repeatedly refused his pleas, only then choosing to leave on his own.

There was supposed to be a farewell party—after all, he had dedicated so many years of effort to the Empire, deserving of a grand farewell ceremony.

Regrettably, the old man had already left Laine.

And the Young Emperor firmly stated he would not implicate the old man’s family members, like brothers and sisters, in Allen’s treasonous actions.

The Laine People praised the Emperor’s mercy aloud while cursing the Watson family inwardly a thousand times.

Raising a son who was a traitor, there must be something wrong with this Supreme Decree.

That was exactly what the Young Emperor wanted to see, having already dispatched agents to spread such news, ensuring James Watson could never return.

Now, with his purpose fulfilled and the Supreme Decree position open for a replacement, as for the successor, that could be considered slowly. For the time being, he would let the deputy step in, waiting to install his own choice.

Everything was perfect. The death of an Empire general was overshadowed by the resignation of the Supreme Decree. The looming storm of public opinion quickly dissipated, turning into universal disdain for the Watson family.