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Chapter 351: Escape from Stravburg
"Don't kill me!"
"Phew… phew…"
Viscount Luton jolted awake from his nightmare, sitting upright with a sudden gasp, panting heavily. His trembling hand flew to his throat, feeling for the edge of the blade—only when he confirmed his head was still attached did he finally exhale in relief.
But the memory of blood-soaked terror surged back. The lifeless, wide-eyed face. The fanatical faces, screaming in unison.
A fresh wave of nausea hit him. He retched violently.
"Public Trial…"
"They're all mad. Everyone's gone mad."
Viscount Luton shook his head repeatedly, muttering under his breath.
He forced himself to look around. Hard stone floor beneath him. Cold iron bars to his left. Walls stained with grime and dried blood.
He recognized this place.
This was the dungeon of Stravburg—where lawbreakers and street vagrants were locked away.
No noble of the Northern lands had ever been here.
But compared to his ancestors, Luton was lucky. At least he’d kept his head.
The thought brought fresh dread.
What if… they’re taking me too? For that so-called “Public Trial”…?
The nightmare returned in full force. His heart hammered against his ribs. He gasped for air, shaking his head wildly.
"No!"
"I have to get out of this hellhole!"
"The Northern Regions… they’re already a nest of the Evil Dragon! Everyone’s lost their minds!"
Viscount Luton gritted his teeth, voice sharp with desperation.
Then—footsteps.
His body froze. He clamped a hand over his mouth, feigning unconsciousness, peering through half-closed eyes.
Down the corridor, flickering candlelight cast long shadows. A line of Tiefling Guards marched past, long spears held high.
Only when the sound faded into silence did Luton dare to open his eyes. He glared at the retreating figures, muttering curses under his breath.
"Damn it…"
"With so many patrols… how the hell am I supposed to escape?"
Suddenly, the shadow in the corner twitched. A low, unfamiliar voice emerged from the darkness.
"You want to get out, don’t you?"
"Who’s there?"
Luton seized the chance like a drowning man grabbing a rope. Fear vanished. This might be his last hope. He had to survive.
"Quick! Take me out of here!"
He urged desperately.
The shadow writhed, shifting and coalescing until it formed a man in a long black robe. The figure bowed politely.
"Viscount Luton Sieg. I am an agent of the Holy Faedran Empire. King Wilhelm insists that the Northern Nobles are the rightful leadership of Anzeta."
"Of course," Luton said, eyes widening.
"Unfortunately, all of Duke Leo Bosk’s heirs were lost. But you—your lineage places you as his nephew."
"Ah…" Luton’s gaze lit up.
The black-robed man seized his wrist, pulling him silently into the Shadow Plane. His voice dropped to a whisper, warm against Luton’s ear:
"King Wilhelm will make you the nominal Duke of the Northlands. You’ll spread Anzeta’s history in the South, turning public opinion against the Evil Dragon—fueled by the very mythos we’ve cultivated."
"Of course! I accept!"
"Perhaps you don’t know, but this Duke Luton has embellished his past. His true status? A male prostitute."
"How could a mere Viscount suddenly become a Duke of the Northern Regions?"
"The truth? He once bought favors in Thrace. His so-called 'flight south' was merely a long-term assignment for King Wilhelm—serving as his personal male companion."
—Secret Chronicles of Feanso, Anonymous Historian, Northwind Keep, Iron Dragon Wing Palace
Kai Xiusu lounged lazily upon his throne, indifferent, staring at a distant magical image, exhaling a breath thick with sulfur.
"See that?"
"This is what power looks like."
"We are not of the same species as humans. They’re easily swayed—by the Northern Nobles, by the lie of a ‘Common Good for the Scandians.’ They’ll rise in rebellion."
"Our job? Break them from within. Divide the Northern Nobles from the common folk. Stage a seemingly just trial. Let the kingdom play the role of impartial judge—so the people lose all reverence for the nobility."
"And in time… our leadership becomes unshakable."
Lanpu immediately dropped to one knee, eyes shining with awe.
"Master, your wisdom surpasses me. Only under your guidance can this grand vision be realized."
"Tin?"
Tinia tilted her head, puzzled.
But she quickly forgot it, darting forward with childlike excitement, nuzzling the Red Dragon’s tail affectionately with her neck.
Snap!
Yowww—!
A sharp cry of pain echoed as the thick tail whipped backward, sending the White Dragon flying over ten meters, tumbling across the floor before skidding to a stop.
Yet almost instantly, Tinia was back on her feet, shaking her tail with glee.
Kai Xiusu glanced at her.
This one’s never going to understand proper lordship. Too much heart, not enough sense.
But Lanpu? He understood perfectly. No need for further instruction.
Now, the Kingdom Daily was filled not just with praises of the Red Dragon’s mighty strength—but also with endless accolades for Lord Lanpu’s visionary leadership and unwavering service.
Even his appearance had changed. The necklace of skulls around his thick neck had been cleverly disguised as a golden chain.
Kai Xiusu shifted slightly, shaking loose dust from his scales, then casually asked:
"Your report. Where is it?"
"Right away, Master."
Lanpu’s voice trembled with excitement. He pulled out a magic crystal and adjusted his oversized golden-rimmed glasses.
Instantly, a massive magical image unfolded across the main hall—spanning over ten meters wide. At the top, bold letters glowed:
[Northern Five-Year Development Plan]
Below it, an intricately detailed map revealed every city, mineral vein, manor—spanning the entire Northern Kingdoms and even the lands of the Ashen Now.
Near each marked location, future goals were listed in precise detail:
- Build 15 Food Processing Plants
- Mine at least 300,000 silver coins annually
- Construct a complete railway network
"You’ve achieved something extraordinary," Lanpu said, voice thick with emotion. "While you slept, we began preparations—across all of Anzeta’s territory. We hope you’ll offer your critique."
His neck necklace trembled with each excited word.
"Very satisfactory," Kai Xiusu murmured, nodding with a faint smile.
Ten years had passed. And this so-called "perfect worker" ogre—this walking, breathing masterpiece of loyalty—had not disappointed.
At last, Kai Xiusu no longer had to waste time on trivial matters.
(End of Chapter)
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