Under the shroud of midnight, a sleek black SUV screeched to a sudden stop at the Vern residence. The car door swung open, tossing out a weighty burlap sack saturated in blood, potentially containing a person."Hey! What the heck are you doing?" The guards stationed at the Vern residence entrance swiftly detected the anomaly and shouted at the vehicle.The black SUV roared to life, swiftly departing from the scene.The guards cautiously approached, nudging the sack with their feet. The burlap sack quivered, revealing a face stained with blood. It was Russo who was severely injured and hovering on the brink of death."H-Help ... S-Save me ... P-Please save me ..." Russo groaned, his life hanging by a thread.Upon closer scrutiny, the guards' expressions underwent a dramatic shift. "It's Mr. Russo! Quick, get him to the hospital!" Without hesitation, the guards rushed the critically injured Russo to the hospital for immediate attention.Soon, the entire Vern family was plunged
Russo's countenance reflected weakness as he explained, "I don't know ... I'm not familiar with that person."But he's connected to the Ashen family. He came after me to rescue a woman named Lisa Ashen.""Ashen family? Lisa Ashen?" Reuben's face darkened, prompting him to issue a swift command. "You've got an hour. Fetch Lisa and her family immediately. We need to extract the truth from them!""Yes, sir!" Acknowledging the order, the Vern family members dispersed promptly. In the heart of Celestria in West Lucozia, the Vern family commanded substantial influence. Beyond their wealth and prosperity, Reuben, as the family patriarch, held the dual roles of city general and commander of a formidable army numbering over ten thousand. His authority, which entailed control over the lives and deaths of ordinary citizens, was unquestionable.Seeing Russo battered and bruised, Reuben was resolute. He was determined to capture the assailant and ensure severe consequences for anyone as
"Sir, it's Mr. Aster!" The butler conveyed the report through the closed door."Aster?" Ambrose's brow furrowed. "What trouble has that boy stirred up now?"Among his sons, Aster posed the greatest challenge when it came to keeping him in line."It's not another trouble. Mr. Aster has been assaulted!" the butler hastily clarified."Assaulted?" Ambrose leaped out of bed upon hearing the alarming revelation. He swung open the door and demanded, "What happened? Who dared to assault my son?"Ambrose could wrap his head around his son getting into trouble. But if his son was physically harmed, that was a line he couldn't bear."The details are unclear, sir. We found Mr. Aster at the doorstep, injured. The assailant had already fled," the butler explained."Take me to him!" Concern etched Ambrose's face as he rushed out without even donning his coat.Upon entering the estate's infirmary with the butler, he was confronted with a grim scene. Aster lay on the sickbed, pale and blood
At the crack of dawn, within the grandeur of West Lucozia Castle's central hall, Rufus draped himself in a robe adorned with the sinuous coils of a serpent. The stoic captain of the royal guard was seated at the epicenter with his left guarded by Jaxon. And on his right stood Albert, a figure more known as the Executioner than by his given name. The harsh brilliance of overhead lights illuminated Rufus as he meticulously sifted through the abundance of letters strewn across the table.Each missive held revelations from the covert efforts of the castle's undercover agents.These written accounts unfolded tales of bloodshed, and the table groaned under the weight of hundreds of letters.The damning dossier was evidence exposing both the Vern and Linden families, even their shared history of criminal exploits.As Rufus delved deeper into these missives, concern etched lines on his forehead. The unveiled misdeeds within his jurisdiction pointed to corrupt officials who had ruthle
Rufus's resolute warning cleaved through the air. "I'm well aware of your ties with Ambrose, but today's events won't find an effortless path to absolution."Standing unwaveringly beside Rufus, Eloise spoke with resolute conviction, "When both the powerful and the humble defy the law, consequences must be confronted. "The Vern and Linden families have perpetrated numerous wrongs and should face severe punishment."Visibly angered, Rufus hinted that pleading wouldn't sway him at this moment. Eloise, astute to the gravity of the situation, chose her words judiciously."You know precisely what actions are necessary," she stated firmly.Rufus nodded and chose to remain in contemplative silence.At that very moment, a guard entered, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, Mr. Vern has arrived.""Hmph! Bring him in!" Rufus ordered with an icy demeanor.The guard promptly responded with a curt "yes" and left.Shortly after that, the guard silently escorted the compliant Reuben into the
As Rufus unleashed his sudden burst of anger, Reuben felt a surge of fear, his face drained of color. In his experience, the prince seldom displayed joy, making his furious outburst all the more unexpected. After all, Russo had only been involved with an ordinary woman. Surely, it didn't warrant such fury?"Your Highness, it's my fault for not disciplining him properly. If my son has erred, I'm prepared to shoulder all the blame!" Reuben knelt on the floor, presenting an image of righteousness."Can you handle that responsibility?" Rufus, abruptly seizing a handful of letters, delivered them with a swift slap to Reuben's face. The force sent Reuben sprawling. His face was aflame. "What's all this about?" Perplexed, Reuben gathered the scattered letters and began to examine them.The deeper he delved, the more his panic intensified. His entire body shook like a sieve, with cold sweat forming."No way! This can't be ... It's impossible!" Reuben shook his head repeatedly, utterl
As Ambrose entered the grand hall, the unfolding scene left him utterly stunned. Rufus, the Prince of West Lucozia, stood imposingly with hands behind his back, an air of displeasure evident on his face. The princess consort, who stood by his side, wore a stern expression.Albert, the Executioner, maintained a facade of respect, yet his eyes hinted at a concealed threat. Jaxon, the captain of the royal guards, positioned his hand on the hilt of his blade, subtly indicating preparedness to draw his weapon.The most surprising sight was Reuben, kneeling on the ground, wearing a panicked expression and bowing repeatedly—a clear portrayal of impending doom."Your Highness!" Ambrose promptly kneeled, saluting respectfully without fully grasping the situation.Typically, Rufus would allow him to rise immediately, but this time was an exception."Mr. Linden, do you understand why I summoned you in the middle of the night?" Rufus began, echoing his earlier opening statement."I do no
The phrase "public execution" struck Ambrose like a lightning bolt, leaving him frozen in his tracks. At that moment, the severity of the situation fully sank in. For ordinary offenses, it was either a pay cut or the worst would be a demotion. But, it had escalated to the point of facing execution. What on earth was happening? How could a governor, in his right mind, order a beheading?"Your Highness! This is a grave injustice!" Realizing he was about to be apprehended, Ambrose pleaded desperately and bowed repeatedly. "Even if I failed in my duty as a governor, does that warrant losing my life?""Failing in your duty? Hmph! You're trivializing it," Rufus said with a stern expression."Your Highness! What crime have I committed that deserves such drastic punishment?" Ambrose questioned with a mournful face."Over the years, what unsavory deeds have you done? Haven't you kept count?" Rufus interrogated."I truly don't know. Please, Your Highness, enlighten me." Ambrose mainta