Chapter 927: Chapter 587, How He Should Die (Additional chapter for Alliance Hierarch ‘Tracks of Angels’)
On the other side.
Santay Castle.
The meeting hall was brightly lit and bustling with activity.
This time, with the Undead’s retreat, people could finally let loose a little.
A banquet was hosted by the ineffectual City Lord, Fulbin.
He invited the upper echelons who fought against the Undead to celebrate this victory.
...
Melodious singing echoed throughout the hall.
The generals, who were leading troops just days ago, were now dressed in formal wear, gathering in groups and engaging in lively conversations.
It was as if the war had passed.
They had returned to their once extravagant lives.
The banquet was nearing its end.
Fulbin, his portly body shifting, made his way onto the stage.
The music stopped.
Fulbin raised his glass and began, “This victory could not have been achieved without the sacrifices and efforts of the armies from various cities, nor without the command and decisions of the ‘Hall of Justice,’ and the support from both the Church and the Mage Alliance. Let us praise the ‘Council’… Humanity endures.”
“Humanity endures.”
All those below raised their glasses and echoed in unison.
In a corner.
Li Rong donned a wine-red gown. After uttering ‘Humanity endures,’ she curled her lips in disdain.
At her side were Mapel, dressed in a deep blue gown, and Dark Elf hero Morse, clad in tight pants and shirt.
Putting down her glass, Li Rong turned to Mapel and remarked, “This fatty can’t do anything right, but he sure can talk.”
Fulbin, the City Lord, had contributed virtually nothing in this battle.
He tried to flee several times, but each time guards arranged by Nidam caught him and brought him back.
Eventually, all the guards at the City Lord’s mansion were replaced with those from the Hall of Justice.
That was the only thing that kept this fatty in check.
But it was merely house arrest, which served no real purpose.
Even Li Rong, who was always looking forward to going home, had little respect for this gluttonous fatty.
“This is just what nobles are like, get used to it,” Mapel scoffed.
It seemed this Mage didn’t feel any real sense of kinship with nobility,
even though she was a noble herself.
“After we get back, the Council will definitely hold this fatty accountable. It’s outrageous for someone so incompetent to still be a City Lord,” Li Rong picked up her glass again and drank, her words filled with dissatisfaction.
Mapel whispered, “What can you do about it? According to the Federation’s policies, each city governs itself. No matter how incompetent or useless he is, he’s a hereditary City Lord. Besides, this war ended in a victory.”
“Why don’t they remove him then? The Hall of Justice can place him under house arrest, but they can’t pull him from his position?” Li Rong argued discontentedly.
Mapel shook her head, “The other City Lords wouldn’t allow it. Warnings and punishments are all fine, but to directly replace a City Lord? The rest would then fear for their own positions. Juggle whatever you want, but if you try to remove them, watch them fight back ferociously.”
Li Rong was somewhat surprised.
No wonder!
No wonder this fatty was still enjoying himself on stage, looking not the slightest bit nervous.
These guys had already figured out the rules of the circle.
They weren’t the least bit scared of the Council’s retribution.
“Such rules are really corrupt. Sooner or later, they will lead to trouble,” Li Rong commented.
“Yeah, but what can you do about it!”
Li Rong pondered, “It lacks someone with the courage to shatter these rules.”
“Maybe, but we might not live to see it,” Mapel speculated.
The two conversed quietly, not far away, a servant approached.
After bowing slightly, he said, “Two mages, the City Lord invites you both over.”
They had just been discussing this fatty.
And now he had sent someone to invite them.
“Alright, lead the way!” Mapel responded.
The servant nodded and led the trio down a long corridor.
Eventually, they stopped in front of a room.
He gestured for them to enter.
Upon entering the room.
The room wasn’t crowded.
Other than City Lord Fulbin,
there were three church bishops and Saint Xu Haide present.
Members from the Hall of Justice were not present; Nidam was still at the front lines, commanding the battle.
“Mage Mapel, Mage Li Rong, please sit. We were just talking about the Alliance,” Fulbin said with a smile, his cheeks quivering.
Mapel too, flashed a smile, greeting everyone present with a nod.
The Mage Alliance held some status, but its influence was nowhere near that of the church’s.
Particularly, with the bishops present, they deserved some respect.
Mapel and Li Rong took seats to the side, while Dark Elf Morse stood aside.
Given his distinct skin color, everyone was already aware of his identity and didn’t pay much attention.
Once everyone was seated,
Fulbin continued, “This time, our fight against the Undead was only successful thanks to all of you. We owe you great thanks.”
The corpulent man stood and bowed slightly to everyone.
Despite their dissatisfaction with the obese man, everyone responded courteously.
Fulbin sat down again and turned towards the church and the Mage Alliance, showering them with praises,
especially the church, whose members he lauded extravagantly.
He also promised financial support after the war to repair temples across the land.
Upon hearing about the funding, the faces of the bishops bloomed like chrysanthemums, radiant with satisfaction.
Li Rong saw this.
She pursed her lips, thinking to herself, ‘Good Lord.’
Seeing the trend, any punishment for this fatty after returning to the council might be even lighter than expected.
These nobles really lived by pragmatic rules,
focusing keenly on their interests.
But it was undeniable that in this war against the Undead, the church had indeed played a significant role.