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Chapter 760: First Execution

"I don't question your integrity, Nobles Commander," the Light Emperor raised his hand. The old man closed his mouth and nodded, sitting back down. "It came to my attention that some things are too coincidental, suggesting that there is a leak of information."

"What would you suggest to do about that, sir?" asked a woman in the lead. Arthur recognized the voice and turned to find Babo sitting with the others. It seems she has been summoned as well.

"I wouldn't trouble our eldest commander," said the emperor with a smile. "My son was attacked two days ago, which suggests that the assailants knew his whereabouts. We would have lost much more if not for a brave Vice-Commander."

"Is that the only reason, father?" asked the princess.

"A ship that carried resources and artifacts has been hijacked, which is another coincidence. I believe we have a rat among us."

Despite showing a friendly smile, the emperor was far from looking. Instead, his eyes stared at the commanders, scanning their reactions and looking for the slightest change. Arthur and Lyle sat there rooted, not moving by an inch.

"A nest infested with outsiders is bound to have disloyalty. Therefore, I suggested we retain only the pure-blood since the incident with Zonas Mantra," said a voice from the second row. Arthur looked to find his old acquaintance, the knight who tried to kill him. "This can be a good time to initiate such a plan, Your Imperial Majesty."

"We don't need more infighting, Knights Commander," said the emperor with a shake of his head. "Every knight is a valuable asset to the kingdom, another shard protecting it from our enemies. Zonas was a great man before growing senile, and his grandson is carrying own his great legacy."

The emperor raised his hand, and Lyle stood up as he saluted. Then, the emperor motioned for Lyle to step forward, and he marched down the aisle between the rows of seats until he reached the throne, kneeling before it.

"Have you summoned me, Imperial Majesty?" asked Lyle with one knee touching the sparkling marble.

"Vice-Commander, Lyle Mantra," smiled the emperor at him. "Half a year ago, we had a conversation where you promised to honor your family's name after what your grandfather did. So I'm glad to see you doing well in that regard."

"I have been merely serving our glorious empire," said Lyle with his head down. "And serving the Light Emperor is the greatest honor."

"Well-said," praised the emperor. "During this recent year, you brought great honor to our empire. The most recent achievement is arresting the son of Ravin, Forger Gray. The clean and foul would have mixed if the rebels managed to lay hands on him."

Lyle didn't say anything in return, kneeling on the ground. The emperor stared at him for a few seconds before raising his hand again, summoning a servant holding a book. Then, the emperor took it.

"I have here reports from long ago, which have been submitted by Miss Eloisa here," said the emperor. "In them, the report mentions a close relationship between yourself and Gray Ravin."

"That is no secret, sir," said Lyle without hesitation. "Grandmaster Ravin has been a close friend of my grandfather before his death."

"This makes it the second time that you arrest someone close to you," said the emperor as he closed the book. "I find it a bit odd. I can understand a man who protects the nation of his loved one, but not one who protects it at their expense."

"Those who lose their path must be cleansed by light," said Lyle. "These are the words engraved on the Light Palace, and I follow them. The light will give me the people I once knew back."

"…indeed," said the emperor before raising his hand. "You may return to your seat. The ceremony will be conducted later on," said the emperor, and Lyle stood up and walked back.

Arthur was silent as he stared at the man who stopped at nothing to obtain his revenge against the emperor. He was like a machine, waiting beside the emperor for the perfect chance to strike. As he stared at the rest of the knights, he found them carrying disdain toward Lyle.

"A dog with no backbone," whispered Erin as Lyle passed him, but the man gave no reaction. His voice was loud enough for the rest to hear it, but no one would oppose him.

"Before we start discussing the arrangement against the new threat in the capital, I want to announce a certain change to the ceremony. It will be broadcasted throughout the kingdom and include the execution of the forger. My choice of executor is the man who arrested him."

The announcement came suddenly, making the crowd stare with wide eyes. Lyle was the same, as he froze in place while walking back toward his seat.

'Lyle needs to execute the forger?' frowned Arthur at the cruelty of this emperor, to decide that even while knowing, the two used to be friends.

"Is something wrong, Vice-Commander?" asked the emperor as he noticed Lyle stopping in the middle of the aisle. "Perhaps you carry some sentiment to your past?"

Arthur clenched his fist, wanting to punch this man right in the face. However, Lyle suddenly turned and dropped to one knee again, bowing like earlier.

"I am just moved that I have been allowed to prove myself," said Lyle, making the emperor silent. The throned man gave a sound of affirmation before turning around, allowing Lyle to stand.

Then, Lyle walked back toward his seat and sat. However, Arthur can tell the man is nervous despite his incredible act. His face was still calm, but his existence was wavering.

Arthur nudged his foot, and the man blinked before glancing at him. Lyle stared at Arthur's slight smile and knew the message: I'll take care of it.

***

Although he promised Lyle, Arthur had no idea how he would save the forger from being executed. The emperor was a devious man for testing Lyle in such a manner, but Arthur was not ready to see the man kill his friend.

After the meeting ended, the knights were given some time before the ceremony. First, the walls closed again, separating the emperor from the rest. Then, wine and refreshments were brought in by the servants.

"Are you going to do it?" asked the princess as she hopped back as soon as possible, staring at Lyle with surprise. "He is your friend, is he not?"

"If the emperor demands it, then I will do what I must," answered Lyle without a change of expression. The princess stared at him with a sulking expression before turning toward Arthur.

"Earlier, you didn't flinch despite my attack," she said with a smile. "Are you strong, or are you slow?"

"Compared to your highness, I'm slow," Arthur said, bowing his head. "If you would excuse me now, I need to visit the restroom."

Arthur left his seat and walked away, leaving Lyle with the princess. His mission was to find a way out of this predicament before the ceremony began, which should be in an hour. As he walked toward the restroom, Arthur spotted old Babo standing with her assistant, Elnardo.

After hesitation, he walked toward the two and grabbed a glass of wine from the servant. Then, he presented one to the old woman, who seemed confused about his arrival.

"Can I offer Commander Barbora Hoarfrost of Endhere a glass of wine?" said Arthur, and the woman squinted her eyes at him. "I am a friend of your two granddaughters."

"Who are you?" asked Babo with a frown as Elnardo stepped toward Arthur. However, Arthur pushed the wine glass toward him, stopping him from making a scene.

"I'm the man who stole your knight's breath two days ago," said Arthur as he stared at Elnardo, then at old Babo's surprised face. Then, she scrutinized him and recognized his smile. "A pleasure to meet again."

"A pleasure indeed, youngster," said Babo as she gestured for her knight to retreat. "I never imagined that you would make it here."

"Neither did I. There is a matter that I must discuss with you, commander," said Arthur as he handed Babo her glass of wine. "How about we visit the garden outside and talk?"

"I would love to since I heard about you too, Ishmael," said Babo as she sipped her wine. "Then, let's leave."

The three left the grand hall under the confused eyes of Lyle, who had the princess to handle. Then, the countdown began until the first public execution.