Chapter 50: The Night of Annihilation

"If the lord's seat is vacant, the chaos will only worsen."

In response to the prime minister's cautious objection, Marib offered a solution.

"We can send an advisor on a temporary basis. They can manage the situation and win the people's trust, and then we can appoint a new lord later."

"Wesley, Erica, the head of the investigation team, is already there. She is likely still handling the situation."

At Wesley's suggestion, Marib burst into laughter, as if to say, "Don't talk nonsense." Wesley's expression hardened at the blatant disregard.

"The head of the investigation team is seen by the people as the one who killed their families. Moreover, out of the three suspects, she has only managed to capture one."

Thud.

He threw the document, not bothering to hide his dissatisfaction with the head of the investigation team. There was no denying the truth of his words. The ministers nodded in agreement.

"Since this incident occurred by imperial decree, the empire must act quickly to resolve it. This will also uphold the honor of my father, the emperor, and of Bariel."

"…I have no objections."

"That is a reasonable statement."

Every word was true.

Moreover, the Bratz fiefdom's production was far lower compared to other regions. Was it too far from the capital? For the ministers who didn't think too deeply, it didn't matter who governed such a place.

"Then, we will send an advisor and monitor the situation. The appointment of a new lord will be discussed later."

"Since Bratz is far away, it would be best to send a letter immediately after the meeting ends. We should send a messenger bird to ensure it arrives as quickly as possible."

"I agree."

Marib decided not to give Gale any chance to interfere. Since all his suggestions were reasonable, the prime minister raised the gavel to finalize the matter.

But he paused in mid-air at Wesley's words.

"If you're talking about an advisor for reconstruction—"

She quickly interjected.

"Who do you have in mind?"

"Well, Romand would be the best choice. He has shown his capabilities in the recent earthquake near the White Temple."

"Then I will send Sir Molin with him."

"Sir Molin?"

It was a stubborn intention not to give up. Marib stroked his chin and muttered.

"Sir Molin just arrived not long ago."

"But he knows the fiefdom best of anyone in the palace. We should ask him, and if he agrees, it would be appropriate to send him."

The ministers exchanged glances at Wesley's gaze. Was this really going to drag on? There were mountains of state affairs to handle. Sensing the mood, the prime minister brought down the gavel.

"I have no objections."

Thud!

"Alright, the next item on the agenda is—"

"The shipping route to Blaster—"

'Damn. What is it?'

She pretended to look at the documents, but her mind was a mess. Attending the morning meeting with such determination, Marib must have had something else in mind.

'At least I managed to prevent the advisor from going alone…'

When Wesley glanced at her, Marib only raised an eyebrow and smiled. The problem was, his smile always meant something bad was about to happen.

"…Then, we will conclude today's council meeting here."

"Thank you for your hard work."

"I will meet His Majesty in the afternoon."

As the meeting ended, Marib left the council chamber without hesitation.

The ministers bowed as he left, wondering if they should do something. Marib quietly instructed his subordinate waiting outside.

"Summon Romand."

"Romand?"

The subordinate seemed a bit hesitant. Romand had just returned from the White Temple and had been separated from his wife for months. He might resign if called again, genuinely.

"Why are you standing there?"

"No, no. I understand."

But what could he do? If ordered, he had to comply.

Convincing Romand to come was also part of the subordinate's job. Marib, seemingly aware of his subordinate's dark thoughts, glanced at Wesley and turned away.

* * *

"Will you be alright? Even without us?"

"Don't worry about me, just hurry and leave."

Erica waved her hand to reassure the commander of the central army. She was one of the minimum forces left behind in the mansion.

"It feels like leaving you in a den of beasts."

"If the investigation team is disbanded, it would be seen as a rebellion against the center. Ian, though unlucky, is quick in his calculations. He won't act rashly."

Erica and four other elite members were left behind in the mansion. One Erica was more effective than a hundred nameless soldiers.

In actual combat, she wasn't a central figure, but this was the best strategy. All other troops were preparing to leave Bratz to chase after Mary and Chel.

"Then, we will hurry back."

"Please, bring back their bodies if possible."

"Yes, I understand."

"Let's go!"

"Let's go!"

The soldiers marched out of the mansion, forming ranks. Children ran around the streets, and the fiefdom's people gathered in groups, discussing the central army's departure.

"Erica and Chel are going to look for them? The rumor that they left the city gates alive a while ago must be true."

"Be careful what you say. They are traitors, after all."

"Oh! I feel so relieved! Go and never come back! All the way to the center, to your home!"

"Go away! Never come back!"

"Get lost!"

The fiefdom's people, who had lost their families and homes in the battle, threw stones and caused a commotion, but the central army soldiers only glared, unable to act due to the presence of the Tianli people among them.

"Goodbye. Don't go too far."

"Once they leave, let's pour molten metal on the city gates!"

"Then how will we get out, you fool?"

"Just eat and curse these bastards."

"Shh, be quiet."

They couldn't cause trouble right after leaving, especially before leaving the fiefdom. It was true that they had taken the fiefdom's food during their stay.

Some were purely happy and running around, especially the children.

"Wow! The central army is leaving!"

"Mom, mom! The soldiers are all leaving!"

They looked like defeated foreign soldiers. The fiefdom's people perceived them as such, and that was the reality. Geographically, the Tianli people and the Havan Kingdom were much closer than the center.

"Everyone is so excited."

Erica watched from the mansion, tutting. She turned to go back to her room through the main gate, but was blocked by Tianli warriors.

"What, what is this?"

"The main building will be used by us from now on. Since your numbers are small, you will use tents from now on."

"Are you crazy! Who are you talking to!"

"If you have any complaints, take them to Kakantir."

Erica gaped in disbelief. The central army hadn't even left the fiefdom yet. To be treated like this so soon?

Just an hour ago, they could freely enter and exit the main building. She didn't know what to make of this situation.

"Alright, let's see. Your leader. I need to talk to you."

"…Follow me."

Erica followed the warrior to the reception room. Kakantir and Ian were there.

Bang!

"Are you kidding? Huh?"

"What's the matter? The central army has left, right?"

"Shut up. It's none of your business. You want to use the main building? Don't make me laugh. Aren't you the ones who live in tents outside?"

Her outburst was quite a sight. Ian sighed and stared at Erica.

Kakantir also tutted, as if he was used to it, and scanned her up and down. They had been living together for a while, but he still didn't get used to it.

"Listen. If you want to use the main building, reduce your numbers. If you want, I can give you a room. There's a storage room at the end of the corridor."

"…What, you…?"

"By the way, if reducing your numbers is difficult, I can help. My sword is getting rusty, and it's time to cut some meat."

Erica's face turned pale at the blatant threat. The barbarians were indeed barbarians. Their attitude changed as soon as the central army left, making her realize they were not to be trusted.

Ian stepped in to change the subject.

"Anyway, it's good you came. The investigation team has prepared a report and materials to send to the palace. You can take them. We are about to execute Derga."

The sudden mention of Derga's execution. Erica drew an X with her hand, indicating she would never allow it.

"There are procedures. Derga's execution will only proceed after Mary and Chel are captured."

"What if Mary and Chel are not captured? Are you going to stay here indefinitely?"

It was a way to pressure her. If she didn't show results within a week or a month, she would have to leave the fiefdom.

Erica bit her lip.

"…That's a bit harsh."

"I apologize. I thought it would be less offensive than calling you a parasite."

Just as Erica was about to yell, Kakantir naturally interjected, playing with a dagger.

"A week. If the execution doesn't happen within that time, we will take Derga's life."

This had two intentions.

One was to declare the Tianli people's stance to the palace. They had driven out the investigation team and the central army, but