Chapter 28: Political Influence

  At dusk that day, the military and civilians in Banjiao City were working hard to repair the city wall. At this moment, a large amount of dust suddenly rose from the distant highway outside the city!

  In the midst of swirling dust, a cavalry unit galloped towards Half Moon City.

  These cavalrymen were all wearing the standard armor of the Imperial Territorial Guard and immediately entered the city after arriving at the city gate.

  "I want to see your highest official!" The cavalry captain, an Imperial Fifth-Rank Knight, sat on his horse with a stern face and ordered.

  Soon, the Spartan warrior with half his body bandaged was carried out.

  The cavalry captain on horseback glanced at Spahn, slightly bowed his head: "Respected knight, I am Colonel Golan, deputy commander of the Second Cavalry Regiment directly under the Governor of Lille. By order of the Governor, from now on, a radius of 300 miles centered on Half Angle City is temporarily designated as a military management zone! I take over the highest command here."

  Saying this, the knight named Goron threw over a scroll: "This is a document signed by His Excellency the Governor himself!"

  Spahn was somewhat surprised: "Governor... is Governor-sama also nearby?"

  "No, the Governor is in the capital." Goron's face was unpleasant as he looked at Spanner, who was covered in injuries. He sighed: "Sir Knight, I must remind you that you have made a big mistake! The eldest son of Count Raymond, Vice President of the Imperial Command, went missing after being attacked in your jurisdiction. The Governor was shocked when he found out and I think you need to prepare yourself for severe consequences for your dereliction of duty. This emergency appointment document was sent directly by the Governor through the magic guild's transmission magic array to each branch of the army participating in the Spring Exercise. According to this appointment, all 30,000 local defense troops in Lir Province will stop this Spring Exercise and immediately conduct a full-scale search for the young master of the Rollin family with Half Angle City as the center! And this time, your report of magic users openly attacking local military camps... I think you should also prepare yourself. It's likely that the Governor wants you to personally go to the capital to testify at the trial. You need to know that your report may cause tension in the relationship between the Imperial Military and the Magic Guild!"

  Sparrow's face was ashen, he knew that his future in the army was probably over. The military camp he was responsible for guarding had been attacked by a magician and they had lost the young master of the Rowling family.

  Although this kind of thing is hard to say it's one's own responsibility, after all, when facing such a powerful magician, being just a small fourth-level knight makes oneself powerless.

  But when something big happens, someone has to take the blame and be held responsible, right?

  Spartan Knight bowed, straightened his waist, still carrying injuries on his body. Standing upright like this made him sweat coldly, but he still proudly said: "Thank you for your reminder, sir. I will follow every order of the Governor-General. Now I'll hand over the command here to you, and... The Governor-General ordered me to go to the capital, when should I set off?"

  "Now." Goron Knight looked at Span, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes, and shouted loudly: "By the second decree of the Governor-General! Vice-Captain Span of the Half-Moon City Garrison Cavalry, due to serious dereliction of duty, is temporarily stripped of his position as vice-captain. All officers of the Half-Moon City Garrison will be demoted by half a rank! It is expected that you will all make amends for your mistakes and use your merits to wash away your dereliction of duty! Span Knight, you must set out immediately. The Governor-General hopes that you will arrive at the capital before sunset tomorrow!"

  Looking at the injuries on Spartan Knight, this Colonnade Knight suddenly moved in his heart and said in a low voice: "Spartan Knight, I know that you are not responsible for this matter. Seeing your injuries, I personally think that you have done your best. I will report everything I saw to my superiors, and I also believe that you are not derelict of duty, but rather the situation was far beyond your control."

  “…thank you.” Sir Spahn sighed, shaking his head and said: “I indeed have a dereliction of duty...Alright, sir, Sir Robert of the Rorin family is just outside the city in the garrison camp. I think it's necessary for you to meet him. Besides...there's nothing else.”

  As he watched the wounded Spartan Knight being stripped of his helmet and Imperial Officer's insignia by the soldiers, the Golon Knight couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart.

  Sipan, Sipan... Do you know or don't you know, your report caused huge consequences!!!

  At first glance, it seems like the young master of the Luo Lin family was kidnapped by a female magician... but in reality, even if he is the young master of the Luo Lin family with a noble status, how can he make the 30,000 local defense troops stop their spring training exercises to search for him?

  The root of this matter lies in the conflict between the military and the Magic Guild!!

  Even though mages are a recognized group that can transcend the law, this time, a mage dared to openly attack the Imperial Regional Defense Army! The nature of this behavior is extremely heinous in the eyes of the Imperial military!

  This is an open provocation by the Imperial Military! It's also a challenge to the imperial rule!! Furthermore, it can even be considered as an act of rebellion, an act of treason!!!

  For this matter, the staff under the governor of Lille Province are now at odds with each other! It can be foreseen that after this report is submitted to the military commander's office, what kind of reaction will it cause?

  The imperial leaders have always been dissatisfied with the Magic Guild's behavior of being above the law, and have always believed that the empire has given too many privileges to magicians. This incident will lead to a tense relationship between the imperial military and the Magic Guild... Even, it is said that His Majesty the Emperor has also had some reservations about the Magic Guild in recent years, precisely because last time the Southern Navy's expedition did not send enough magicians to support the troops.

  His Imperial Majesty has been considering reducing the annual imperial subsidies to the Mages' Guild, and this news was leaked out just as reports of this raid were arriving in Riel Province's capital, causing extreme indignation among military officers!!!

  Even before the Golon Knights departed, over a thousand officers of the Imperial Regional Defense Forces had jointly signed a petition requesting that the Governor order the Magic Guild to severely punish the attackers!

  But...to put on trial a magician, and what's more, a high-ranking magician?

  This is unprecedented in the history of the empire!!

  They saw off the Spahn Knights who were heading to Lille, the provincial capital by horse-drawn carriage - although he was injured all over and wasn't suitable for such a hasty journey by horse-drawn carriage, but the governor's strict order came down, and he could only barely hold on.

  Gorlon knights immediately took over the city defense with his men, then dispatched people to quickly repair the collapsed city wall in last night's earthquake. After that, he came to the military camp outside the city and met Robert knight who was returning to change horses.

  Robert was also wounded all over, but this knight was still struggling to support himself. He had been running around for a day and his body was exhausted, but his spirit remained strong. However, the horse could no longer withstand it and could only return to the military camp to change horses.

  Gorlon Knights immediately met with Robert Knights, and after a brief conversation, they learned that the local defense army had gathered to come here for a large-scale search. Robert let out a slight sigh of relief.

  "Moreover... I think the private army of the Rolland family should also start gathering, at the latest tomorrow afternoon, the light cavalry of the Rolland family should be able to enter Lille Province. The impact of this matter is very great... I'm afraid..."

  Robert, as a loyal servant of the Rowling family, naturally knew some things about this aristocratic family and immediately responded: "Is...the impact of the magician's attack on the military camp?"

  "Yes." Goron Knight said slowly: "I brought a thousand cavalry, and the main force behind is still gathering. The command of the surrounding three hundred miles belongs to me now. But to be honest, I don't have much confidence in my heart. However, Governor-sama has given a strict order that Du Wei must be found. Because..."

  "Because, in the confidential letter that Governor-sama personally gave me, it's written: although the impact is quick, I suppose the big shots above won't dare to turn against the Magic Guild just yet. At most, they'll take advantage of the situation to suppress them a bit, but there won't be any major actions. Even His Imperial Majesty probably wouldn't dare to offend the Magic Guild rashly. However, appearances still need to be maintained, and some public documents will be issued to condemn them. Then, it's likely that things will be settled quietly. The military was attacked, but no one died. At least there's room for compromise on this point. But... that young noble is the key! If... if I may say something unpleasant, if Duke Duwei has an accident... then this matter will probably not end well! Knight Robert, do you understand what I'm saying?"

  Robert thought for a moment and nodded slightly.

  If... if something unexpected happens to Master Duwei, even if it's...

  As the eldest son of the Earl died, naturally it can't be let go! Even if it's said that the Earl didn't like this son, but since the young master of the Roline family has died, even if the Earl didn't like this son, for the sake of the Roline family's face, he will definitely investigate to the end! Otherwise, the glorious martial family that has shone for hundreds of years! The great Roline family, how can it be so casually invaded and humiliated?! If even the matter of one's own son being harmed can be tolerated, then in the eyes of outsiders, the dignity of the Roline family is probably already on shaky ground!

  As the head of the family, Count-sama will definitely get to the bottom of this!

  And if Earl-sama doesn't back down... With the Rolin family's position and connections in the Imperial Army, the head of the Rolin family can mobilize a considerable amount of power from the Imperial Army!!!

  If things come to a head and result in a direct confrontation between the Imperial Military and the Mages' Guild, it'll be a huge mess!

  So whether Du Wei's young master can be found is the key to resolving this matter!

  "What's the response from the Guild of Mages?" Robert asked.

  "Mages' Guild? Ha!" The Golon Knight's tone was also somewhat disdainful, and it could be seen that after this incident, the Golon Knights were also quite dissatisfied with the Mages' Guild: "What can they say now? The response from the Lir Province capital's Mages' Guild is: They will handle this matter internally. Did you hear that?! Internally handled! Openly attacking the Imperial Army! This is openly rebellious and treasonous behavior! And they just end it with a simple 'internal handling'?! The Mages' Guild has always been lenient towards mages, their so-called internal handling usually ends up being swept under the rug. These guys are all arrogant, thinking that the Empire cannot do without the help of mages! Ha!"

  Robert thought for a moment, then suddenly said: "Gorong Knights, I think that searching only within a radius of 300 miles is not enough. Because the female magician who attacked the military camp was much stronger than we imagined, I think she may have already escaped beyond the 300-mile range, so I suggest..."

  "I know." Goron Knight nodded: "Although the Governor's order says three hundred miles, but Sir Knight also told me through a secret letter that the scope can be appropriately expanded. Even if it goes out of Lir Province, it doesn't matter. He has already contacted local officials in surrounding areas. And you know, going beyond three hundred miles is the sea. The Governor has even requested support from the Imperial Navy. I think, since the Rolen family has a strong foundation in the navy, this time we will definitely get the navy's support."

  Robert smiled wryly: "I just don't know how Mr. Du Wei is doing now..."

  How is Du Wei now?

  He's bad! Very bad!

  Du Wei's shoes were already broken. The small sheepskin boots of the nobility on his feet were not suitable for walking in the woods, and the pant legs were also damaged by some thorns.

  He was leaning heavily on a wooden stick, one end of which had been sharpened into a point, so that it could serve as both a walking stick and a weapon.

  Now that the powerful magician beside him had no magic, and he himself was just a half-grown boy, they both had to be careful in case there were any ferocious beasts in this forest.

  Although staying by Long's side is the safest, the two of them still need to take a look around... at least find something to eat! And fresh water!!

  After circling around the island, Du Wei basically confirmed that most of the terrain on this island... were all forests!

  Their mouths were parched and dry, but what made Du Wei anxious was that they hadn't found a single drop of fresh water! It seemed there wasn't any spring or freshwater lake around here either.

  There was no way, the island wasn't big, and the overall terrain seemed to be a slightly flattened circle. From east to west, it only took about half a day to get there. According to Du Wei's estimate, the diameter of this island was approximately five miles around.

  A small island. On an island like this, if there is no fresh water...

  Du Wei shook his head and could only sigh.

  The current problem is that the dragon is now hopeless, don't think about riding a dragon to leave here. And this little fool has also lost her magic, her flying technique can only last for tens of seconds before she crashes... and all around are vast oceans!

  The two of them can't leave this small island anymore!

  If they can't find anything to eat or drink, in two days at most, both of them will probably die here.

  Vivian followed behind Du Wei with a pitiful look on her face, this female magician was extremely frightened in her heart, she had fallen onto this strange deserted island, and the magic that she had always relied on had also been lost, now her inner self was in extreme confusion and unease.

  At this moment, it seems that following this little aristocrat who always bullies her can give Vivian a sense of strange security.

  So when Du Wei suggested going around to survey the terrain, Vivian insisted on following Du Wei together... although staying by the giant dragon's side was the safest.

  Even if there were any terrifying beasts on the island... but I doubt that there's any beast in this world that would dare to approach a giant dragon!

  After losing the magic, walking for half a day, Vivian's feet were sore. She suspected that her soles might have even blistered, but looking at the gloomy face of the young nobleman, Vivian didn't dare to say anything and just frowned and followed behind him.

  Although Du Wei was also somewhat annoyed in his heart, he still saw the frowning expression of the little fool behind him. Having walked such a long way, it must be quite exhausting for a frail girl like her.

  "Let's take a break." Du Wei sighed, using his wooden staff to poke around the surrounding area, making sure there were no snakes or anything else in the bushes. Then he helped Vivian sit down.

  Vivian's legs hurt so much that she almost cried, and for her whole life, she never thought that sitting down could feel so good!

  Du Wei thought for a moment, took off his own outer garment, quickly tore it into several strips and handed them to Vivian: "Here! Your boot soles are very hard, walking far of course hurts your feet. Wrap these cloths around your feet, they will feel softer."

  "Thank... thank you." After a moment, Vivian's face turned slightly red: "I, we can, can find a way to leave this place?"

  "Let's go..." Du Wei smiled wryly, unable to bear striking this little girl again: "We need to find food and water first, other things can be considered later."

  Du Wei pondered for a moment, then said seriously: "After walking for a day, I can confirm the following situation: First, based on the wind direction, I can confirm that this is the spring monsoon of the sea. Based on this, I can confirm that we are on an island in the East Sea of the Empire. Then, based on the vegetation here, we should still be in the southern part of the empire, and may even be in the eastern waters of Lile Province."

  At this point, Du Wei's face was a bit strange: "I'm worried about one thing."

  "What...what?"

  "You've noticed, haven't you? We've been walking for so long, and we've covered half of this island... But we haven't found a single animal! Not to mention any large beasts, not even a snake or a mouse!! It's as if this is an island devoid of life! There isn't even one animal here, and listen..."

  Du Wei raised his hand to his ear and made a listening gesture, his tone was eerie: "Have you discovered... such a big island, such a dense forest... but there is not even the sound of birds chirping! This place doesn't just lack animals on the ground... it doesn't even have flying creatures! This is too strange!"