Chapter 25: The Battle for the Royal Capital’s Recovery 3

Chapter 25: The Battle for the Royal Capital’s Recovery 3

TL: Etude

Your Highness, the rebel leader Hals has been captured, and all the insurgents at the north gate have surrendered.

As evening approached, Duke Walker and Princess Catherine converged at the palace, bringing with them the body of Sir Hals.

It seems that this traitor was driven mad by the news of the east gates fall, recklessly charging into our ranks, only to be killed by a barrage of arrows from our archers.

Catherine coldly glanced at Hals, now resembling a porcupine with arrows, and ordered, Take this traitors head and use it to persuade the remaining defiant rebels to surrender.

Immediately, someone came to drag Halss body away for processing.

Your Highness, Lord Rupert and several other ministers have arrived, someone reported.

Catherine was overjoyed: Bring them here at once.

On the day of the rebellion, Hals had personally led troops into the palace. Had it not been for Count Rupert, the Chancellor, holding off Hals with a group of ministers, buying precious time for the king, the king might have fallen into the rebels clutches, complicating the current situation significantly. At least, Catherine would have been hesitant to attack the city without regard for their safety.

Therefore, Catherine was deeply grateful to Rupert and the other ministers who had delayed the rebels that day. Although she had received intelligence that Hals did not go on a killing spree but merely imprisoned them, Catherine was still worried that this rebel leader might suddenly lose his sanity and act irrationally.

Another reason was that if a large part of the kingdoms administrative hierarchy were to be decimated, setting up a new administrative team would not be easy, and she would have concerns about leading her army south to quell the rebellion.

Rupert and the others soon entered, We pay our respects to Her Royal Highness.

Please, rise, she said.

After the upheaval, their reunion was somewhat emotional.

Rupert asked worriedly, Is His Majesty the King well?

Catherine replied with a look of guilt, Father is safe and has regained consciousness. He will return to the capital soon. But what about you? Do you blame me for attacking the city without considering your safety? I am sorry.

Rupert reassured her, Your Highness, do not harbor such thoughts. Unnecessary pity is a grave mistake for a commander.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

The other ministers expressed similar sentiments.

Catherine was greatly relieved by their understanding and led them to the council hall within the palace.

Father has commanded me to temporarily manage state affairs until he recovers. Given the current situation, do you have any advice for me?

Rupert suggested, The priority is to stabilize the morale and order in the Crystal Shine region and to resume production.

Catherine agreed, Yes, Chancellor, please draft an announcement to inform the Crystal Shine Fortress (City) and nearby areas about the execution of the rebels, to stabilize the publics mind.

Your Highness, please enforce martial law for at least a month to pacify the region. After the rebellion, Crystal Shines governance became chaotic, and many who sought to fish in troubled waters must be brought to justice, the Minister of Justice also offered his opinion.

Yes, this is also of utmost importance. I will notify the troops.

The soldier was puzzled why the supervisor would ask this, but replied honestly, Joking, sir? Thats for nobles and rich folks, not for someone like me.

Let me tell you about it then. A plays plot always has its highs and lows.

Uh I dont quite understand what youre saying.

A play isnt complete without its climaxes and troughs. The supervisors expression became strange, a mix of laughing and crying.

The soldier felt uneasy with the supervisors demeanor, Sir, lets focus on finding the ledger.

But the supervisor ignored him, continuing, In tragedies, the protagonists often start off well, then plunge from the peak into the depths, never to climb out.

His eyes grew dull and lifeless, his hands clutched a small bag of grain by the door.

The soldier, sensing something was amiss, became nervous, If you continue like this, Ill have to blow the whistle.

The supervisor ignored the warning.

And in comedies, the protagonists often face a surprising twist after hitting rock bottom. He started to tear open the grain bag.

So, is this a tragedy or a comedy?

As he finished speaking, the bag tore open, revealing not grain but sulfur. The soldier recognized it.

Stop! Realizing what was about to happen, the soldier shouted and rushed at the supervisor with his sword drawn.

The supervisor quickly reached into his pocket, pulled out a handful of powder, and threw it at the soldier.

Ah The soldier dropped his weapon, writhing in agony, covering his eyes from the intense pain and burning.

The supervisor picked up the fallen oil lamp, Who then is the protagonist of this play?

After dinner with the ministers and generals, Catherine returned to her room in the palace to rest. The familiar surroundings of her room provided some comfort.

She removed her armor, took a hot bath, and changed into a dress.

The princess approached the bookshelf and picked up a book of poetry, planning to read for a while before going to sleep. However, for some reason, her mind was restless, unable to focus on the beautiful verses that usually captivated her.

SighHas the recent warfare made me too tense? Ive heard many veterans become very peculiar after leaving the army. Catherine, you must not become like that.

The princess stepped out onto the balcony, seeking some fresh air. Her graceful figure was unmistakable under the caress of the night breeze.

Suddenly, a bright spot appeared in the west, where the granaries were located. Realizing something bad was happening, Catherines heart sank.

As expected, the bright spot rapidly expanded into a massive blaze, illuminating nearly the entire western district.