In the study room of the Duke's Palace, the Prime Minister, Duke Mrak, was happily and busy handling affairs.
Although so many important things happened in the past two days, His Majesty the Emperor still remembered to grant him the position that had been prepared for the Duke for a long time. But to be honest, the Duke did not care about it very much.
The title of prime minister is not so much that it comes easily, but rather that it comes by itself even if it is not picked up. It takes no more effort than eating a small piece of bread. The eldest daughter is already the minister of finance, and the younger daughter will soon become the imperial concubine and the military minister.
They were all confused by his exquisite skills, and the Erni family was almost completely ruined. Who would take this position if he was not allowed to do so? So the Duke was not happy about this, but about something else.
The door to the study room opened, and the shrewd and capable Minister of Finance, dressed in official uniform, walked in with a stack of documents in his hand.
Xiao Yi put the document in front of the Duke and said: "This is the loss report of the battle to kill the spiritual mage the day before yesterday. The pensions of the fallen soldiers and magicians were used to select so many high-level talents from various places in a short period of time."
The cost for a warrior to replenish himself into the Holy Knights... After all the expenses are calculated, a total of 2,359 gold coins are needed."
The Duke glanced at the document. The various expenditure budget categories on it were clear and detailed. He nodded and sighed with satisfaction. Thinking of the battle two days ago, he really hadn't been so surprised and happy for many years.
More than fifty members of the Holy Knights and four team captains were killed in the battle to eliminate the Necromancer the day before yesterday. This was his surprise, and it was a huge surprise.
This is the largest and most shocking loss since the establishment of the Paladin Order. It was just a necromancer with the help of nearly a thousand priests and magicians.
The Duke had known a long time ago that this weird old man who actually interacted with the Bishop was definitely a master, and after what happened with the prime minister last time, he was already sure that this old man was indeed a necromancer.
Probably because of some other unknown secrets, he lived in seclusion here under the personal protection of the bishop.
It was definitely a huge secret that the Bishop actually interacted with a Necromancer. However, because he was unwilling to expose himself, the Duke never revealed the news. In the end, it finally proved that this was indeed a wise decision.
choose.
What is the relationship between this strange old man and that priest boy, and what is his relationship with the bishop? These dukes don't want to delve into it. But the bishop is already dead, and it is inevitable for someone who knows that the real murderer is not the priest boy.
This is a huge hidden danger, not to mention he is a friend of the Lord Bishop and a feared necromancer.
Although his strength should be unfathomable, the Duke had already had a glimpse of it a long time ago. A magician who can suppress himself, a swordsman, to the point where he dare not take action in terms of murderous intent and momentum, his strength is definitely comparable to that of Bishop Ronis.
The ending of the Prime Minister's son also illustrates the problem very well.
But with the Duke's methods, it is useless even if he is ten times more powerful. He is just an unidentified necromancer, and it is only natural to use the Holy Knights and the Magic Academy to eliminate him.
It's just that the Duke never expected that the battle would be so difficult and huge. It was just killing him, but it was so thrilling, and the sky was dark and the earth was dark. The battle was short, but the flames, explosions, poisonous gas, holy light...
The storm composed of crazy magic elements and sword energy, and the last dozen corpses and the powerful self-destruction of the Necromancer himself were even more unbelievable. Even with the Duke's training, he was completely shocked when he witnessed it.
Fortunately, the big house was located in the most remote place on the edge of the royal capital. It only damaged a few insignificant streets and injured more than a hundred people.
However, the Duke was overjoyed after being shocked, especially when he saw that the two captains of the Holy Knights and a dozen swordsmen were torn apart by the huge explosion force because they got too close to the Necromancer.
I need to applaud that necromancer.
"What is the budget for the redevelopment of that neighborhood?" asked the Duke.
The Minister of Finance immediately took out another inch-thick document, which also wrote down all the expenses in detail. "The total is about 2,300 gold coins. There are too many projects, and the budget can only be accurate to this point.
"
The Duke nodded. Clean up the streets, clean up the corpses, let the priests clean up the effects of the horrible poisonous magic, repair the damaged buildings... Such a complicated work can still budget funds to this point, other officials of the empire
No one has such strong abilities. She truly deserves the position of Finance Minister.
"With these two expenditures at the same time, the national treasury will inevitably be somewhat stretched. We can only reduce expenditures in other aspects... The recruitment and supply work of the Holy Knights will be temporarily slowed down..."
The Chancellor of Finance's crisp and clear voice continued to speak calmly in the tone of reading an official document: "No matter what the circumstances, the integrity and combat effectiveness of the Holy Knights should be guaranteed. That is the foundation of the empire's stability, and it is also the system that has not changed in the empire for hundreds of years.
.And if the reconstruction costs are not allocated immediately, the military ministers will also give me advice."
"The system is dead, but the situation is alive. Now that we have harmonious relations with neighboring countries and cannot afford war, we will naturally be able to relax for a while. As for how long it will last..." Naturally it will
When he felt it was appropriate, a smile appeared on the Duke's lips. "You don't have to worry about the military minister. I will naturally explain it clearly to them. This matter is very important, and I will personally assist Roland."
The group leader will take care of it...hehe."
If there is anything in this empire that he must be concerned about now, it is the Holy Knights. Under normal circumstances, the staffing of this group is extremely strict and demanding, and almost all of them are headed by Roland.
Taking care of everything with one hand, the Duke can only despair even if he has the thoughts and means. But the human losses caused by the respected and lovely necromancer are undoubtedly a huge opportunity. In terms of funds, delay for a while and find opportunities to add more.
It couldn't be easier for your own people to go in.
"Yes." The Finance Minister responded calmly and looked through the documents.
A burst of footsteps approached from far away. It was sonorous and powerful. The soles of the knight's special metal boots and the owner's unwavering movements were tapping on the floor. Just from this sound, you can feel the youth and energy of the person. And every step
The intervals between them are exactly the same, which further illustrates his extraordinary self-control, strictness, precision and meticulousness.
The study door opened, and a young knight walked in. Just like the sound of his footsteps, he was dressed in impeccable knight uniform, and every movement and even every expression showed perfect chivalry. He was not Crow
Weiss, like Clovis, seemed to be born to be a good assistant to the Duke. Although his appearance was equally handsome and upright, he did not have the overflowing hardness and murderousness of Clovis, and looked very soft.
Very approachable. He is the Duke's new assistant, Rodhart.
Two days ago, the news that Bishop Ronis was assassinated by the spy priest of the Necromancer Guild had just spread throughout the royal capital. Shortly after the Duke returned home from slaying the Necromancer, Rodhart came to see him.
"Your Majesty the Duke, I am here to be your assistant." Rodhart said in a straight-to-the-point manner that surprised even the Duke.
The Duke smiled and said in a somewhat hesitant tone: "What are you talking about? Mr. Rodhart is now a newcomer deliberately trained by the military. I don't have such a big face to let you be my deputy."
"Your Excellency, I have come to seek refuge with you." Rodhart once again expressed his intentions in a very sincere and humble tone, but not groveling. "My future in the military is very good now, Paladin.
I also serve as the team leader in the regiment. I am smart and know better about advance and retreat. With my help, you can control the military more easily. I will definitely do better than Clovis."
"What you mean is that you yourself are more valuable." The Duke's smile was a little sarcastic, but more of an appreciation.
"Yes. I can be of greater help to you." Rodhart nodded.
"You are a smart man." The Duke looked at him meaningfully and nodded. "You are really smart and a person who can do great things."
Bishop Ronis is dead, and the big backer he originally counted on to make the Duke take care of him is no longer there, and his friend is about to become the most wanted criminal in the mainland. Although the situation in the court seems to be good, the Duke has already covered the sky with one hand.
They will never let go of this person who once consciously wanted to start his own business, had potential, brains and ambition, and also knew a lot of things.
It is undoubtedly extremely unwise to confront the Duke. No matter the difference in power, means, or status, it cannot be justified. And fighting is always the most mindless last resort. So Rodhart immediately chose a person who seemed almost unreasonable to others.
It's a crazy way to go - to surrender to the Duke again.
Being able to see such a situation requires an extremely brilliant vision and mind. And to make this choice, you must have the magnanimity to do big things without sticking to trivial matters.
People like the Duke will never care about what you have done. He only cares about one thing, and that is whether you are still useful. What you did before, whether it was good or bad for him, is just a statement.
It's just a reference to your xinxing ability. As long as he can analyze your ability and utilization value, be sure that he can control you, and determine that you are useful to him, that's fine.
"I don't know how long it has been since I talked to someone so straightforwardly." The Duke sighed with emotion. He smiled and looked at the young man in front of him who came to surrender on his own initiative. He was indeed a little moved. "I believe you must be very capable.
At least when I was your age, I definitely didn’t have your vision and magnanimity, let alone your level of authority.”
Rodhart remained silent and stood quietly with his head bowed, waiting for the Duke's decision.
The Duke still had that smile on his face and looked at Rodhart and continued: "But I also know that you are very ambitious. Do you think I would leave such a capable and intelligent, ambitious and scheming dangerous person here?"
Are you waiting for him to stab me in the back?"
Rodhart said nothing and still stood there humbly.
"But since you are here, it means that you have judged that I will definitely accept your surrender? Guess now, is your judgment right or wrong?" The Duke's eyes narrowed, he flexed his fingers, and slowly
He tapped on the table slowly. "And...if it's wrong, what will be the result?"
If the judgment is wrong and the Duke does not accept this suggestion, then the result is very likely that he will not be able to get out of the Duke's Palace. He has shown such an understanding of the Duke's character, style and current situation, so the Duke will naturally not let go.
He passed him by and didn't even give him a chance to escape. He had been so close to the spy from the Necromancer Guild, but this reason was enough to kill him.
Rodhart stood silent and still didn't speak. The only sound left in the room was the Duke's dull tapping sound, which fell on the rhythm of every heartbeat.
After a long while, he finally spoke. His voice was smooth and clear, without the slightest emotion mixed in it: "I won't guess, because this is my own judgment. And this matter is not just about whether my choice is correct or not.
"No," he looked at the Duke with unwavering eyes. "It's also whether your choice is correct or not."
The tapping of Duke Tuo's fingers ended with an accent. "Then I will tell you that your judgment is right." His smile was not only satisfied, but also had something else, actually a fighting spirit. "I'll just keep it.
you are by my side."
"Thank you, Your Majesty the Duke." Rodhart bowed to the Duke. From this moment on, he changed from the Duke's abandoned son and enemy to his assistant, subordinate, partner, and ally.
"You're welcome. You also know that I keep you not for you, but for myself. Not only because you are valuable to me, but also because of the threat you pose to me." The Duke stood up and glanced out the window.
, his eyes are full of ambition and ambition. "No one in this country is my opponent. Without opponents, there will be no threats. And living in a world without a sense of crisis, no matter how ferocious and cunning the beast is, it will slow down."
Degenerate slowly. So I keep you here, not only to let you help me with things, but also so that I can never forget to be vigilant at all times."
Entering the study, Rodhart gave a very standard salute first, and then presented a report: "Your Majesty, this is the current personnel arrangement of the Holy Knights. The vacant positions and what kind of people are needed are written in
It’s up there.”
The Duke took the report but put it aside. He looked at Rodhart with a smile and asked, "What is your current position in the regiment? Has Captain Roland been decided?"
Rodhart stood aside with his hands lowered and replied: "Replace the original captain of the fourth team and lead thirty swordsmen and a fire magician."
The Duke smiled and nodded: "By the way. How is Captain Roland's injury?"
"Thanks to the timely return of the two high priests from the Magic Academy from the Holy See, the leader is now fine."
"Oh, that's good." Although he said yes, the Duke's eyebrows, which were as slender as his eyes, were regretfully picked. If there was any small flaw in this surprise, it was this.
Fifty members and four team captains. This vacancy is indeed a great gift to the Duke. But the Duke would rather none of these members die, or even five hundred more members can be created out of thin air, as long as one person can die gloriously in the line of duty.
That’s fine——Captain Roland.
If this is true, the Duke may be a hundred times happier than he is now, and he may even secretly erect a bronze statue of the venerable Necromancer in the basement.
However, since the old man is not capable of obtaining such an honor, the Duke is not too anxious. At worst, he can just take his time in the future. As long as there is a gap now for his people to enter the Holy Knights, then there will be opportunities in the future.
Bishop Ronis' success in this matter has greatly inspired his courage and fighting spirit.
With the death of Bishop Ronis and the damage to the Holy Knights, the entire power structure and situation distribution of the royal capital have changed. This is a big reshuffle. Some cards will disappear, and some cards will change places and positions, resulting in another
The role of the card. And the person who controls the direction of these cards the most is naturally the Duke, the best card player in terms of political power. For example, the card Rodhart.
The Duke asked: "Has the arrest warrant for the murderer been issued?" If this potential risk is completely eliminated, it can almost be said that the entire capital has all the cards in its hand.
"His Majesty the Emperor is heartbroken. In addition to the five thousand gold coins proposed by Bishop Ronis, he has added a reward. Anyone who can capture this person will be made a first-class viscount by the empire." Rodhart's voice was calm, steady and
Concisely. "The wanted order has been distributed to every part of the empire as soon as possible, and envoys have also been sent to various countries to negotiate and distribute the wanted order."
"What about the church?"
"The arrest warrant for the Magic Academy has been handed over to the church. I heard that His Majesty the Pope was extremely angry and sent a warrant directly to all dioceses and subordinate institutions."
The Duke nodded with satisfaction and said with a sigh: "Such an evil and crazy criminal really needs to be dealt with in this way. Your Majesty actually placed such a heavy reward. Five thousand gold coins, although the Holy See has to share a little, but it is indeed a great benefit to the national treasury.
It's not a small burden. I wonder who will get such an amazing reward?" He looked at Rodhart and asked with a smile: "Do you want it?"
Rodhart thought for a moment, shook his head slightly, and replied: "I can't catch him."
"Many things do not matter about strength, but mainly about methods. I believe you understand this very well. Because you are a smart man and a person who does big things." The Duke smiled and looked at his new deputy. "The spy in the magic academy
Have you found anything out of his files? For example, where is his hometown and who is in his family..."
"No. I found out that they were all fake."
"Haha, he is indeed a spy." The Duke nodded and asked Rodhart. "You and the spy were once friends, so do you know the details about him?"
"I don't know." Rodhart shook his head.
The Duke nodded, then turned to look at the Finance Minister. "Then you must know?"
"No, I don't know." Xiaoyi's eyes met the Duke's coldly, then he lowered his head and looked at the document again.
The Duke smiled. "So you don't know either. So let me tell you. It happened that I got some clues from some places a long time ago, and now I suddenly think about it... The hometown of this spy should be in Karen
There probably was a blacksmith father in Duo Basin. The folk customs there are simple and simple, and it must be easy to find out if such an extraordinary person was born."
"I understand. I will go to Kalendo immediately." Rodhart nodded, turned around and exited. The sonorous and rhythmic footsteps were the same as when they came, but they gradually disappeared with his figure.
The Duke suddenly remembered the first time he chased this person. But after going in such a big circle, the situation was completely different now. He no longer had to worry about anything, and he could use whatever method he thought of.
With his sophisticated and subtle methods, the boy's ending was almost visible.
The Duke lamented that it took him so long to deal with this person. So many things happened in the meantime, including the changes in the agreement with Eufor, Bishop Ronis's actions... But in the end, he still managed to deal with this person with all his strength.
He had the last laugh with a victorious attitude. Thinking that he was about to completely solve this opponent that had cost him so much effort, experienced so many twists and turns, and achieved so many victories, the Duke was really reluctant to let go. He was satisfied and sighed a little sadly.
.
"Don't do this again, okay?" Xiaoyi suddenly said.
"What don't you want?" The Duke was a little surprised.
"Let him go. Don't do this again." Xiaoyi raised his head and looked at the Duke with a pleading look in his eyes. "He won't tell anyone what you did. He has no interest in these other things at all.
Why do you have to do this? You haven't killed enough people?"
The Duke frowned at his daughter and shook his head: "I thought you were already sensible. Why are you still so stuck on your children's personal relationship? That's a cultist who murdered the bishop."
"I know he will never assassinate the Bishop."
"I know it's hard for you to believe, but at least a hundred priests saw it with their own eyes..."
"Isn't that all arranged by you, father?" Xiaoyi's voice was already trembling. "Even the bishop was killed by you, isn't that enough for you? Stop it."
"What did you just say?" The Duke raised his head, his voice was not loud, but his look and tone were definitely not what a father could say. "Who are you listening to?"
"I didn't listen to anyone. Who dares to talk about you now? But don't you think I can't see it? Apart from you, who else dares to do it and can do such a thing?" Xiao Yi faced the Duke who seemed to be able to send out ice picks directly.
Shu's eyes did not show fear, and the tremor in her voice was not fear, but the excitement of extreme despair. This expression was even more intense against the backdrop of her majestic and upright official uniform. "Have you ever thought about continuing like this?
What will be the result? Do you want to kill everyone who blocks your way and become the emperor yourself? What happens after you become the emperor? Start a war with the surrounding countries? Stop it..."
"Shut up!" The Duke suddenly stood up and glared at Xiaoyi. The light in his slender eyes seemed to be so cruel that he could stab his daughter to pieces on the spot.
Xiaoyi was still looking at his father. Two pairs of eyes that looked the same faced each other with completely different lights.
After a long time, the Duke finally sat down slowly, looked up at the ceiling and sighed: "Go out first and let yourself think."
Xiaoyi silently exited the study. When she returned to her room, she sat at her desk and was stunned. She really didn't know how to deal with the current situation, or for her, she couldn't handle it at all. The only thing she had now was
All he can do is hope that he can influence his father, hoping that a little bit of father-daughter love can make him worry a little and look back.
But not long after, when there was a burst of footsteps outside the corridor, Xiao Yi knew that he was wrong. Not only did his father not look back, but he took a big step forward.
"Sir, I now suspect that you have contacts with the Necromancer Guild spy who murdered the Bishop. Please come with us." The leader of the Guards walked in, saluted first, and then said to Xiao Yi politely.
Xiaoyi didn't say anything, and just sighed with despair.
In another room, the Duke also sighed. Reshuffling the cards made him feel as if he was ten years older.