The Empror's Trap-Chapter 102: Ch - Inspection

The identity of these assassins wasn’t difficult to guess. While most people found them mysterious with their lightning-fast movements and unpredictable appearances, Kenji clearly recognized their distinctive characteristics.

Executioners. Or as some called them, Battle Priests. They were a combat unit specifically serving the Holy Church. Unlike the elite Paladins, Executioners ranked higher and possessed more formidable skills.

These individuals were extremely devout believers, carefully selected by the church. They emerged as humanoid monsters only after enduring rigorous training and tests of faith. Every part of their bodies had undergone certain baptisms, making their physical strength comparable to flesh armor. The church considered them the Lord’s blade.

Strictly speaking, the Executioners were originally created with good intentions. Their purpose was to eliminate all non-human threats to humanity—such as malicious vampires, elves, and others—while ensuring the purity of faith within the church. However, their absolute loyalty to the church and the Holy Lord often turned them into killing machines that secured external interests for the church.

Those who attacked this time were likely such beings. Kenji had dealt with these types before. They desired nothing beyond their faith, and their perfectly conditioned bodies allowed them to overpower even naturally advantaged non-human species. They were truly formidable opponents.

Fortunately, those responsible for protecting Pluvia from the Camelot Empire weren’t ordinary soldiers. The Royal Guards represented the pinnacle of Camelot’s conventional forces. Otherwise, if replaced with average troops, even three squads wouldn’t be enough to stop these killers.

The reward for this assassination attempt must have been extremely generous. But this assassination shouldn’t have happened in the first place. The inspection eventually concluded despite the unexpected situation. With the original plans completely disrupted, both sides hastily delivered speeches about bilateral relations. The Vishi Empire general responsible for security apologized to the entire Camelot delegation.

Upon returning to Thelia Palace, Pluvia didn’t rest at all. She immediately summoned Grand Marshal Kenji and Ambassador Song to her side.

"Your Majesty, I believe since they’ve decided to provide us with some things we need, we should both clearly state our requirements. The upcoming discussion will be a private conversation between you and Emperor Feit. This occasion is perfect for us to seize the initiative," Kenji offered his advice. Since it would be a private conversation, there was no need for diplomatic pleasantries. They could directly state their needs and those of the other party.

"We can’t rush, We shouldn’t appear too eager. At this point, we should deliberately keep our demands somewhat vague. Let’s see what terms they offer before deciding whether to negotiate further."

"As for security," Pluvia turned to Ambassador Song, "after one attack, they probably won’t strike again soon. They’re more likely to monitor our movements and wait for any vulnerability before attempting another strike. You must strengthen the perimeter defenses. If not for your arrangements today, those assassins might have succeeded. When we return, I’ll reward you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." After receiving his orders, Ambassador Song immediately withdrew to handle duties.

"Now, Kenji, go change and prepare for the meeting."

"As you command."

As Kenji turned to leave Pluvia’s room, her voice came from behind: "Kenji, you’ve saved me twice now. What reward would you like?"

"I..."

Kenji started to refuse but suddenly felt that wasn’t right.

A reward? Honestly, Kenji knew his promotion had essentially reached its limit. At court, he served as Grand Marshal, one of the highest positions in the empire aside from the emperor. As for his noble rank, he was already a Duke.

Though just a duke title, seemingly less impressive than those princes, it was important to note that in Camelot, only imperial family members could be called prince. This meant that as a non-royal, becoming Duke Anos was already the highest possible reward.

As for money? Would he lack funds? When ensuring food supplies for disaster-stricken areas, the Camelot Iron Army purchased grain with money he had advanced. He had plenty of wealth, and his old man had also left him a considerable inheritance.

What reward could he possibly ask for? But refusing outright might not be good for the emperor. For Pluvia, asking for nothing would be the greatest cost—she understood this well. But the problem was she had already granted him the highest possible position. What more could he ask for?

Surely he couldn’t ask Pluvia to let him sit on the imperial throne? That would be absurd.

"If Your Majesty truly wishes to reward me, I hope you will allow my name to be passed down through history."

After much thought, this was the only reward Kenji could think of. He couldn’t openly ask Pluvia for troops. She might give them, but afterward, their relationship, which had just started to improve, would likely deteriorate again.

Better to accept a symbolic reward. Ensuring his name would be remembered in history was something Pluvia could accomplish. This would be a great honor for him as a subject without threatening Pluvia’s ruling position.

What a perfect decision—he was impressed with himself.

"I’ll consider it," Pluvia agreed.

This wasn’t difficult to fulfill. It only required her word. Making him historically renowned was simple enough—she could give him a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, reserving a spot for him in the side hall of achievements.

Although it was somewhat outrageous for a subject to personally request sharing honors in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, this was a condition Pluvia found acceptable. Otherwise, if he truly invoked national righteousness to request troops from her, she would be in a difficult position.

…

…..

Meanwhile, in Luminara City of the Camelot Empire, Lina arrived with soldiers and knocked on the gate of a large compound.

A servant opened the door and, seeing a girl standing there, smiled inappropriately. "Who are you? What business do you have here?"

Lina bowed respectfully. "Excuse me, I am Lina, personal guard of Duke Anos. Today I come by my lord’s orders to search your residence. Here is the document issued by the Chancellor."

"What? A guard from Duke Anos’s household? These days even guards dare to cause trouble here? Girl, open your eyes and look—what are these two words?"

"Murong Manor. So what?"

"Since you know, you should leave. Don’t try to intimidate anyone with that knife of yours. Many have come brandishing weapons at our master’s door, but none have dared to act. Young lady, even your master must show respect to our lord..."

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Before the servant finished speaking, a flash of cold light passed, and his head fell to the ground.

"I’ve acted. What are you going to do about it?" Lina coldly gazed at the head whose eyes hadn’t yet closed, then wiped the blood from her blade. "Search thoroughly. Don’t miss any area."

"Yes Ma’am!"