Chapter 51. The Broken Banner

The inspector hesitated awkwardly, glancing around. The faces of her colleagues, including Erica, had hardened. It seemed as if the boiling heat had suddenly cooled down.

Erica swallowed hard and asked in return.

"Did it come by carrier pigeon? Is it true?"

"Ah, yes. Here it is."

Snap!

Erica snatched the letter in one swift motion. Since it came by pigeon, there was no imperial seal, only the clear stamp of the assembly. She felt a headache coming on.

"I don't understand why the reaction is like this."

Kakantir muttered slowly. Ian, with a smile, cast a glance. Whatever it was, the situation was clearly turning in their favor.

"An imperial decree cannot be sent by carrier pigeon. So, even if it came from the center, it's more likely to be a different message, not a letter of appointment."

No matter how many times she calculated, it seemed the appointment had been delayed or canceled. The more difficult it was for Erica, the more it was an opportunity for Ian. Indeed, Erica's expression as she read the letter was quite a sight.

"No, damn it, this is crazy..."

Ian quickly snatched the letter from Erica's hand. The investigation team, including her, reacted instinctively, but the Thousand Li warriors were a step faster.

"Stay still."

"...I, I can't let it go?"

"I warned you to stay still."

Unlike the armed investigation team, the Thousand Li warriors were unarmed, but their momentum was unbroken. They exuded a murderous aura, as if they would crush anyone's skull if they took one more step. For Erica, who had confirmed the central letter, it was a line she couldn't cross.

Kakantir raised his glass leisurely and requested.

"Read it for us, Sir Ian."

"Yes, Kakantir."

Ian cleared his throat and slowly read the words.

-It is estimated that the rebellion in Derga Brats has caused significant damage to the territory. This will affect next year's production and taxes, so the palace will send a temporary advisor to oversee reconstruction.

The advisors are Romandor, Mollin, Mac, and Dego. Authority will be given to Romandor, and the authority to deal with Derga Brats will also be entrusted to Romandor.

The appointment of the lord will be carried out after stabilization. Announce this throughout the Brats territory and request cooperation. Additionally, the head of the investigation team, Bertie Erica, is to complete the extermination of the Brats as soon as possible. End.

"An advisor is coming."

"An advisor. What will his role be?"

"As the letter states, he will oversee the overall reconstruction of the territory. The evaluation of my return to the palace and the Thousand Li clan will also depend on him."

"Hmm. You mean he's more important than the one in front of us."

Kakantir pointed at Erica with his chin and laughed. The warriors chuckled lowly, and Erica felt as if she couldn't breathe. She was not only angry but also utterly confused.

'This can't be happening...'

She stared blankly at the letter on the table, repeating it to herself. Of course, the words already written wouldn't change.

"Head of the investigation team, Erica."

Ian called her with an elegant voice.

"Do you understand what it means for the authority to deal with Derga to be entrusted to the advisor Romandor?"

While they said they would delay the appointment, it was the same as being eliminated from the candidate list.

To put it bluntly... 'You can't even execute Derga and are just chasing after the rebel's trail like a dog.'

"Execution ceremonies are known for making the executioner the real star, not the criminal. It's a shame."

The execution ceremony was a show to display the beheaded criminal to the world, enhancing the emperor's glory and the inspector's competence. Erica stood frozen for a moment.

"Well, how about we have a talk? At the very least, I can help you conduct the execution ceremony."

"...What?"

"Can't we just agree among those who have read the letter? It's not an imperial decree but an assembly instruction, so we can handle things flexibly in the border region."

"How?"

"Romandor the advisor will arrive in about two weeks."

It's simple. Hang Derga's head as soon as possible, and when Romandor arrives, tell him you dealt with it before receiving the letter. There won't be any significant issues.

"In return, let the Thousand Li clan handle the final moments of the execution. We're short on manpower, so we need their help anyway. I think it's a good opportunity for both sides."

"Right, Erica. I can help you. I'll hang Derga and pierce his heart with a spear. It will be a memorable execution."

This wasn't a suggestion. How could a choice that couldn't be refused be called a suggestion? Erica hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond.

Knock knock.

A Thousand Li warrior's voice came from outside.

"Kakantir, Sir Ian. There's a problem."

"Wait a moment."

"Yes, understood."

What could it be? There are no elements that could cause problems right now. If anything, it might be an issue with Mary and Chel, but the central army left not long ago, so it's unlikely to be that.

Ian urged Erica and wrapped up the situation.

"Anyway, Head of the investigation team, Erica. Please prepare for Derga's execution ceremony as soon as possible. While we write the announcement, we'll take care of the rest."

Has this guy ever seen an execution? How did he know about the announcement? Erica glared at Ian suspiciously but had to back down due to the overtly dismissive atmosphere.

"...I'll think about it."

"It will be tiring if it takes too long."

"...Let's go."

Bang!

Even if she says that, as soon as she returns to her room, she'll take out a pen and paper. She'll probably write a scolding letter to Mollin first.

Kakantir, who was drinking wine, called the warrior waiting outside.

"Come in."

"...Kakantir, what should we do?"

"What's the matter?"

The warrior hesitated and pulled a dead bird from his back pocket. The white cloth around its neck was stained with the bird's blood.

"Is this, by any chance, a carrier pigeon from the center?"

"It seems so."

"Ah, I didn't know and killed it. What should we do? I threw a stone, and it hit right away."

"Let me see."

The shape of the cloth indicated it was a carrier pigeon, but it wasn't from the palace. Kakantir lightly scolded the warrior.

"Why did you throw a stone at an innocent bird?"

"I'm sorry. It kept pecking at the window, and it was noisy."

"Window?"

"The head of the investigation team's room. The fourth floor, where Mrs. Mary used to stay. I didn't know it would hit. Wow, I didn't know I had such good aim."

"Enough of that."

"I'm sorry."

So, it was definitely a letter for Erica. Ian quickly found a paper in the pigeon's inner pocket, which was well sewn.

Rustle.

"Can I read it first?"

"Go ahead. Today is a day. The central army has left, and now an eagle and a pigeon have arrived."

Kakantir muttered in disbelief and took another sip of wine. Ian quickly read the letter and let out an incomprehensible sigh.

-Head of the investigation team, Bertie Erica, listen. There's a problem. It seems Derga wrote a letter to the First Prince of Marib. I can guess the content, but I'm not sure.

In any case, thanks to this, the First Prince of Marib suddenly attended the assembly and canceled the lord's appointment. I'm looking for an opportunity to clean up the mess, so don't be too disheartened. I'll be heading to Brats with the advisor soon.

"What does it say?"

"Now I understand. Why the appointment of Head of the investigation team Erica was canceled. Indeed, it's not something that can be changed so easily..."

They came to the border after a month-long journey, risking their lives in battle. They did this to lay the foundation for rebellion. If the promised reward to Erica is not given, it could lead to serious consequences.

Kakantir, who received the letter, also clicked his tongue.

"It turns out it was a power struggle. Still, Derga writing a letter? When did he have the chance?"

"I'm not sure, but it's a ridiculous situation. The quick-witted First Prince has given everyone a blow. Thanks to this, we benefit, and Derga has practically sealed his own fate."

Ian burned the letter on the candle. In any case, the more the relationship between Mollin and Erica deteriorates, the easier things will be.

"When the advisor Romandor arrives, we must treat him well. The First Prince of Marib might suspect that Mollin and I are colluding, so he might see us as part of the Second Prince's faction."

"But Mollin will be against us, won't he?"

Especially Ian. Even if Derga's accusation is one thing, Ian bringing in the Thousand Li clan was not part of Mollin's plan. It has indeed made the occupation of the territory more difficult.

"That's why we need to clarify our position more accurately. We don't want to be hit from both sides."

"You seem to be leaning towards the First Prince."

"...He is the legitimate heir and