Chapter 93

Chapter 93

Counterintelligence, Counterintelligence Command?! I definitely saw them leaving from Frechenkaya, but how?!

The darkness is not silent. The tension-filled whispers of the nobles filling the salon, along with the pounding of hearts racing like mad, overwhelm the senses.

Even just from the heartbeat, its possible to distinguish between friends and foes. Ivan thus prefers nocturnal raids. Trained operatives can discern enemies without indicators.

In the deep night, with all sources of light removed, the interior is so dark that even outlines are barely visible. While it may not be enough to disorient a superhumans senses, without prior training in night vision adaptation, combat efficiency is inevitably reduced.

And, all operatives present here were aided by Ivan in night vision adaptation training.

We shall see the results of the training.

At Ivans words, the operatives flinched for a moment.

Do not limit yourselves to the strike zone. In the name of the sacred Krasilov royal family, I shall execute those guilty of treason and conspiracy within the state. At this moment, the guns and knives of the nobles have no eyes.

-Snrk.

He slowly raised the axe blade upwards.

Ivan spoke emotionlessly in the darkness.

No eyes for guns and knives. Meaning, do not consider the gap in status.

As Ivan finished speaking, the operatives drew their weapons. Startled nobles stumbled toward the center of the hall.

Stop! This cant be happening! I am the noble of this country!! Without a trial, such barbaric actions!

A trial?

Yes! Hasnt it been just a few days since even the royal family declared equality under the constitution! If there is guilt, it should be brought to light in broad daylight, under the law! I demand a trial!

Permission granted.

Ivan moved towards the shouting duke.

Under the auspices of the sacred Krasilov royal family, the headquarters shall pronounce judgment on the convicts punishment from now on, exercising its emergency judicial authority. Do you wish to present a defense?

What is this! Are you kidding me!

The convicts defense is concluded. Prosecutor, do you have any remarks?

In response to Ivans words, Dmitri, who was standing by, chuckled softly and replied.

The prosecutor enters! The headquarters verdict is death by execution!

Stop! What nonsense is this! What in the world!

Under the auspices of a commanding officer of the headquarters possessing judicial authority, this trial will officially be submitted to the royal court. The headquarters verdict is the convicts execution.

Ivan raised the axe toward the duke. Just as it was about to strike down, a sword suddenly jutted out from the side.

The sound of the sword tearing through the air alone was enough to gauge the direction of the attack. Ivan quickly jerked his head back and retreated.

The nobles still have their turn.

Ivan Petrovich, the third son of Yermov Household.

Count Yelychynopf bit his lip without removing the sword.

No way. Your voice, I remember it now. Ivan Petrovich Executioner Ivan. Were you alive?

Executioner?! So it was alive!

The duke screamed in fear. Count Yelychynopf stepped back with a hiss.

Im sure we confirmed the corpse. You must have been dead.

Somethings amiss. Yes, thats it, theres no need to converse with a corpse. You must be impostors.

Count Yelychynopf chuckled and dodged the axe.

I cant survive facing you. Yes, now that I see the axe, I understand. Lets negotiate.

Negotiate?

Let me live. I dont want to die.

Thats called begging.

At Ivans words, the Counts face turned pale. He bit his lip and spoke.

If we were all to be killed, what do you think would become of this country? Hm? There isnt a single noble here who isnt a landowning noble. Do you think the nobles would stay silent if news of our execution were to spread? Have the kings who have ruled this country until now been foolish enough to spare the nobles?

His words were true. It is not an easy task to execute nobles without any consideration.

Its not because of the law, but rather because of the power they hold, which originates from their estates. Even when the crown prince attempted a rebellion, there were other reasons why the nobles of the crown prince faction were not killed.

Assassinating a single noble in the capital is easy. However, their deaths cannot be hidden.

Each noble residing in the capital is a high-ranking bureaucrat of the administration. Killing such individuals and having that fact leaked would immediately incite rebellion among the landowning nobles.

This country can no longer bear any further turmoil. In a situation where even the military is divided among the factions of each noble, a country without a true central army cannot withstand civil war.

Therefore, the nobles present here dared not even anticipate that the princess would commit such an act.

However, this was a double-edged strategy from the beginning.

Count Yelychynopf narrowed his eyes. How? How could someone so broken in strength, magical power, and condition that they could collapse right now, possibly?

Was there such a big difference? It couldnt be. He had been a knight trained with a sword all his life, a high noble with a body reinforced with elixirs and magical artifacts.

Nobles are not weak. Their lineage, built up over generations, could never be weak.

But he was pushed back by this man in a state of emptiness. The sword was pushed back. Barely managing to keep up with the swinging axe.

Why.

-Clang!!

Once again, sparks flew. In the moment when the blade twisted, the flames flashed in the darkness. Count Yelychynopf faced Ivan, realizing it straight on.

It wasnt the difference in magical power or strength. There was only one thing driving that man now.

Duty.

Forcing a handful of magic back, relentlessly accelerating the overloaded nerves as if they might snap at any moment, pulling torn muscles and crushed joints.

Even though it was clear that excruciating pain would engulf his entire body, still.

He swung the axe faster than before, struck down with even more force, relentlessly advancing his assault.

In skill, in willpower. He was defeated by this man.

-Clang!!

Finally, the blade deflected. Count Yelychynopf chuckled in disappointment.

The axe blade pierced towards his neck and then withdrew.

Ivan pushed the crumbling Count aside with his shoulder and looked around, axe in hand.

The resigned sobs of the nobles and the tense gazes of the operatives were clearly felt even in the darkness.

Ivan cleared his throat and spoke.

Are you waiting for the commander to finish? Or perhaps, was the night vision training insufficient?

The operatives were startled by his words and rushed towards the nobles, gripping their weapons tightly.

There was no unexpected resistance. They had anticipated any such resistance.

Ivan occasionally targeted those who tried to use suspicious artifacts, legacies, or magic.

The training status wasnt as bad as he had thought.

Just about that level of assessment.

Thinking about the past while in this situation wont do.

Dmitri.

The Commander requests the presence of the two senior officers as soon as the task is completed.

To the royal palace?

No, to the capital. He has authorized an early return. Shall we go now?

Lets go.

Ivan turned around, and Dmitri draped his coat over Ivans shoulders as they walked away.

***

Its a clear day, senior.

Its summer.

Thats right. Please relax your expression, its nice weather.

Outside the mansion, the sky was clear, without a single cloud. The moon loomed large in the sky.

The faint smell of grilling meat wafted from across the street.

As the clashing of weapons and the screams of nobles gradually faded, and silence settled in.

Ivan nodded as he walked the familiar streets of the city at night.

The Prince faction in Frechenkaya could no longer rally.

The nobles who doubted the authority of the princess had all disappeared, and their lands would now be efficiently managed under the royal control.

The peace that this country had longed for had finally arrived. The threat of civil war was no more. It would have been nice to find the missing prince, but even if he were to return, he had already lost his support base.

So, now. This city is finally at peace. Frechenkaya, the Krasilov royal family, has successfully resolved its internal issues.

Well, its a beautiful day.

Ivan finally nodded. Dmitri chuckled and whistled.

Soon, a carriage came trotting down the street and stopped in front of them.

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