Asa returned to Brakada and heard that the new commander had arrived, so he immediately went to the city hall. He must report the general and the 5,000 soldiers' matter to the duke.

  He arrived at the commander's room, only to see a handsome and majestic knight in full armor, with golden curly hair neatly combed, sitting elegantly in the commander's position, staring at him. The knight's refined appearance was completely out of place in this humble and rough military camp, as neat as he had seen not long ago at his wedding.

  Asha frowned and looked at him with undisguised disgust, asking: "Where is Duke Mlarak?" Although he had previously only felt a little uncomfortable around this guy, now that they were face to face again, he suddenly realized that he had become extremely disgusted with him.

  Klauvius's complexion wasn't very good either, and he replied: "The Duke will temporarily postpone his steps due to something, so I'll take charge of commanding here for the time being."

  "Ugh, I should've come a few days later," Ah Sa said coldly. "I'm already in a bad mood, and seeing someone as annoying as you makes it even worse."

  Asa thought for the first time that having a status was still beneficial. I'm the Dean of the Magic Academy, what can you do about it?

  Klauss's face immediately turned iron-green, and he used a great deal of effort to maintain his composure, speaking in a somewhat unnatural official tone: "I heard that the High Priest has gone after the general who incited the soldiers to depart on their own. I wonder if he caught up with him?"

  Caught up.

  "So you've been with their troops all along?"

  "Right."

  "What about their people now? Have they fought with Ou Fu?"

  "They're all dead." Asa didn't want to waste any more words on this guy.

  Klauss's eyes twitched slightly, and he asked coldly: "Did they all die in battle? Not a single one left?"

  "Right." Asa replied coldly as well.

  Klauss's eyes swept up and down Asa, saying: "How did you, Your Excellency the God Official, manage to return safely? You don't seem to have suffered any injuries, not even a scratch on your clothes. Did those beastmen spare you out of kindness?"

  "Uh..." Asa hesitated again and couldn't really say what was going on. "I'll hide somewhere else and watch."

  Klauvis didn't speak, his indigo eyes still staring straight at this obvious liar. Asa also stared back at him without flinching. The two men glared at each other for a while before Klauvis suddenly shouted loudly: "Bring me the guards! Take down this traitor!" A group of soldiers rushed in from outside, but they were all confused and recognized that it was the Lord High Priest.

  "What the hell are you talking about?"

  "Your position as a divine officer, yet you failed to command the pastors to stabilize the military's morale. This led to Sanders' confusion and private departure with his troops. And if it weren't for your collusion with those beastmen, how could five thousand soldiers be wiped out without a single escapee, while you emerged unscathed? According to the scouts' reports, the general's troops have already marched hundreds of miles away. How did you return so quickly within this short period? Just now, sentries reported that two-legged flying dragons appeared ten miles away, but they vanished after a brief appearance. And then you returned at this exact moment. Isn't it too coincidental? Don't these pieces of evidence prove your collusion with the beastmen?"

  "This is... uh..." Asa couldn't really explain at this time. He indeed used the Double-Soled Flying Dragon to come back, and he indeed didn't consider these issues.

  "It seems like I heard them say that the shrine maiden really did walk back earlier, didn't ride a horse..." A small team leader added fuel to the fire with a sentence of doubt.

  The soldiers were somewhat hesitant. Clavius completely took the upper hand, waved his hand and shouted: "Isn't this evidence? Take them away, dare to resist and kill them without mercy."

  "This is certainly no evidence." A man walked in from outside in a timely manner, and a few sentences with an air of confidence had the effect of turning things upside down. "Your Majesty has ordered the withdrawal of troops and plans to sign a peace treaty with Europe. General Sanders and those 5,000 soldiers disregarded military discipline and launched a surprise attack on a friendly country for personal grievances, which should have been dealt with according to military law from the beginning. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of the divine officer in mediating, those reckless people did not destroy the relationship between the two countries and did not lead to greater war disasters." The man concluded emotionally. "Indeed, it is a blessing for the country and the people to have a compassionate and devout servant of God as the pillar of the state and the people's happiness."

  "Duke-sama, you've come so quickly." Klauses' expression was somewhat flustered.

  "Of course, we must hurry. How else can we stop this misunderstanding? Fortunately, I heard that the High Priest had returned as soon as I arrived, so I rushed over immediately." Duke Mlak waved his hand benevolently, dismissing the soldiers. He smiled warmly at Asa, just enough to convey friendliness and apology. "We're all young people, too easily impulsive, so sometimes we can't avoid offending each other with our words. He doesn't know that we're actually on the same side, and harboring resentment towards each other won't do anyone any good. Please forgive us, High Priest." Turning to Klaavis, he waved his hand again. "Aren't you going to apologize to the High Priest?"

  "Whatever. There's no one else here, no need for pointless formalities. Everyone knows what's going on in their hearts anyway." Asa spread his hands out. "Alright, I also know this isn't good for anyone. Luckily, Duke-sama you're here, so once I've finished explaining things here, I'll head back to the capital to report to His Eminence. Before everyone gets too worked up and impulsive since we're all young."

  "That won't do, Your Excellency." The Duke's smile today seemed especially warm and friendly. "The reason I was delayed is because of this matter. His Majesty and the Archbishop have an important task to entrust to you. This is a very important task, the Archbishop strongly recommends you, saying that if anyone can complete it, it must be you. I've already prepared a retinue for you, to accompany you on your mission to Oufu."

  "What? What team?" Asamo was perplexed.

  "Retinue. Accompany you to Oufu to negotiate and sign a peace treaty. You now bear the glorious mission of bringing peace to both countries."

  Although it seems a bit troublesome, it's just an additional task and won't take up much time. Asa frowned and reluctantly nodded.

  When Asa left and only the Duke and his deputy were left in the room, the Duke's face began to darken. After a moment of silence, he opened his mouth coldly and said: "From now on, we absolutely cannot lay hands on him."

  "But... this evidence is enough. He can be executed on the spot for treason, and with an army of 40,000, he won't be able to escape." Klavius struggled to justify his impulse. "This person's existence is too dangerous..."

  "Killing him might not help us get out of this situation either." The duke's face grew increasingly gloomy, and his voice took on a hint of impatience. Gone was the sharpness and vigor he usually possessed; instead, his normally plump and amiable face now wore an expression of despair and irritation, making him look like a merchant who had just suffered a huge loss.

  Clauvis was taken aback. He had followed the Duke for a long time, but he had never seen him with such an expression.

  It's not like it's the end of the world for one person to be disheartened. But a duke, so cunning and wise, with a mind as deep as the ocean, who can navigate the treacherous waters of politics with ease, actually showing such a face of defeat. Klauvius almost suspected that the sky was falling.

  The sky won't fall, of course. And the current situation seems to be extremely good, it's hard to see anything wrong with it. The Duke has now successfully taken over the military power, and as long as everything goes according to plan, the next wonderful show can start immediately. So Klaus really doesn't know why the Duke would have such a reaction.

  But curiosity aside, Klause didn't ask any questions. He had already seen the unusual glint in the duke's eyes and he knew that a good assistant should always speak less and do more. So he immediately went to inform the generals in the troops to come and meet with their new commander.

  The duke was left alone in the room. Facing the empty space, the duke let out another sigh.

  Then he concentrated his mind, looked carefully and listened attentively. After making sure there was no one around, he suddenly kicked a stool with one foot, hitting it against the wall and shattering it into pieces. At this moment, the kindness and elegance that seemed to have become part of his appearance completely disappeared, and the slender eyes that were once full of smile no longer had any warmth, but instead emitted a cold light that could make people tremble with fear, and the chubby face revealed a majesty that was not inferior to any general who had fought on the battlefield, slaughtered countless people.

  But the next moment, after venting, the Duke's face returned to its original state. After a while, when other generals and Clavius came back, they could see a very kind, gentle, elegant and affable Duke again, of course with a hint of fatigue that couldn't be concealed.

  According to the duke's upbringing, even if there were great setbacks and great disappointments, he would never show it on his face. Moreover, with his cultivation and means, even if he really encountered some difficulties, he could absolutely handle them lightly without leaving any traces. So what made him lose his composure this time was that this setback was not just "very big", but was so big that it was a bit out of proportion.

  This setback was the agreement between him and Ou Fu that failed because of this kid's interference.

  The Duke's plan dates back to several years ago. At that time, he immediately expressed extreme support after learning from Cedros that he intended to establish a beastman city-state. The Duke not only provided Cedros with substantial material assistance but also secretly tried to block any news of the construction from reaching the Imperial Army.

  The news of establishing a city-state was completely concealed from the public, and such high-difficulty work was extremely dangerous even for a duke. Although the two were considered friends, for those who do big things, no friendship is greater than interest. Since the duke was willing to do so, it could only be because there were greater benefits and prospects.

  At that time, the duke had just been awarded this extremely noble title, but he also knew that his official career had basically come to an end.

  Although he is indeed very capable and has many means, all the bureaucrats in the empire together would not be his match in terms of intrigue, but his career has already reached a dead end. As a low-ranking noble with no background, it was already a miracle that he could reach such heights, but there were only so many miracles to go around - without a background, he was still just one man, and no matter how brilliant his political tactics, he would never be able to compete with the powerful and numerous aristocratic families. Even if he married into the Erni family, the deeply conservative hereditary nobles would only think of using his abilities, but would not truly consider him as one of their own.

  As for the military, although it is possible for him to slowly climb to the top of power according to his ability. But in peaceful times, that speed was really too slow, completely unable to satisfy his urgent and great ambition.

  To rise to great heights in a short time, there is only one opportunity, and that is war and crisis.

  Only in the critical moment of the empire's survival can he fully display his superior ability, and only with turmoil and chaos does he have enough opportunities to use those ingenious means and plots to eliminate obstacles and reap sufficient benefits.

  And a beastman's city-state suddenly appeared out of thin air on the highlands that had always been considered imperial territory. This will absolutely attract the attention of the military, who have always wanted to use their military achievements as political capital, and war is absolutely unavoidable. However, as long as Sedros is fully prepared, as long as the beastman troops have a certain scale, and under the leadership of General Gru, the Duke does not believe that the imperial troops will have any chance of winning, just like he doesn't believe that eggs can eat people.

  One defeat in battle against the beastmen would immediately plunge the imperial court into chaos, and taking advantage of this opportunity, he could use his daughter's marriage to the Erni family and his good relations with the military to assume a position that both sides considered "one of their own", adding some skillful maneuvering and his well-known abilities, to naturally receive an important mission at a time when the country was in danger.

  After taking over the army, the battle was purely a performance. As a condition of helping Sedros, the duke asked for this cooperation on the battlefield.

  Of course, we must win, but it will not be a smooth ride. Injuries and bloodshed are inevitable. The ferocity of the beastman troops is well-known, and only those who remain calm in crisis and turn defeat into victory can be considered true generals. But the dead, wounded, and defeated are just those unmanageable, unbribable leaders and troops. Such losses are also a pleasure to behold.

  Winning can't be too thorough, and it's enough to retrieve a defeat. Sedros will never agree to lose the precious beastman he has worked hard to preserve. Those not-so-easy-to-manage big-ear monsters are just perfect cannon fodder.

  After the armies of both sides had been at a stalemate on the high ground for some time, Sedros' pre-arranged diplomatic strategy began to take effect. The diplomatic pressure from various countries would naturally force those politicians to stop fighting. At this point, he could use the subtle foreshadowing that had been laid out in advance to transform himself from a combat hero to a peace envoy, promoting the negotiation of a peace agreement. Of course, such a transformation required exquisite performance and means, and with the cooperation of his allies, the duke would handle it without revealing any clues.

  The final outcome is of course a happy ending. The establishment of the Ou Fu was a foregone conclusion, with military power in hand, achievements unmatched for the time being, and political capital greatly increased. Opponents were also largely eliminated. Being second only to one person and above all others are trivial matters; the key is that a foundation has been laid for even greater actions and broader prospects in the future...

  This is indeed a grand and subtle plan, with a unique perspective that is truly worthy of the title of art. Even the Duke himself takes pride in this plan. The number of aspects to consider when implementing this plan, the meticulous details to take care of, and the requirements for large and small layouts are all extremely demanding. Looking around the world, probably only a wise and capable Duke like him can complete it.

  But this is also an extremely dangerous move, and if there's any leak anywhere, it will be a fatal mistake. Neither the Imperial Army nor the Ernie family would allow someone with such a deep and sinister mind to exist, just like no one would dare to live with a poisonous snake, even if his means are ten times more brilliant, he can only die without any room for maneuver.

  So he carefully implemented it, cautiously preventing any possible leaks, and would not hesitate to kill anyone who might reveal the secret. He watched as Ou Fu's power grew day by day, eagerly awaiting the perfect ending that was approaching day by day.

  But he never expected that just when he had made countless efforts and was about to reap the fruits of success, a silly and rustic little boy from nowhere would suddenly appear, causing a huge change in the entire plan that even he couldn't understand now.

  When this kid first appeared, the Duke didn't care, just a deserter, killing him would be enough to silence him. This kind of trash that has nothing to do with the bigger picture had been cleaned up by him long ago.

  But it's hard to say whether it was an incredible coincidence or what, the bishop actually intervened. The duke was slightly surprised, but not flustered, as the bishop had always been uninterested in politics and probably just wanted to help him out for a moment. With his own means, he handled this little guy perfectly with just a few words, still a waste of resources, and would have no impact on the overall situation.

  It turned out, however, that the bishop and this young man had an unusual relationship. This piqued the duke's interest, and he wondered if this wasn't a useless piece after all, but rather a valuable pawn to win over the bishop. But when he tried every trick in the book, the duke was shocked to discover that this guy was completely impervious to influence. He couldn't be used, yet he couldn't be eliminated either; clearly not playing by the rules, he stood out starkly, and the entire situation began to take on an uncontrollable tilt.

  The subsequent development was even more unexpected, leaving the Duke dizzy and at a loss. The Archbishop, who had never asked about political affairs, suddenly spoke up to the Emperor, requesting withdrawal of troops and negotiations, which greatly accelerated the arrival of peace, leaving him no time to take over military power, show his bravery, make achievements, and eliminate dissent. But that's not all, under the Archbishop's strong recommendation, the negotiator turned out to be that young man.

  Risking the danger of ruining one's reputation and putting in so much effort to implement a plan, only to have it end up being a futile endeavor. Even someone with ten times more cultivation than a duke might not be able to get angry about this. And that's still not all, there are even more infuriating things waiting in the back.

  That kid didn't seem to want to get involved in the power struggle before, so the Duke wasn't too worried. But now that the Archbishop suddenly wants to focus on cultivating that kid, and this unkillable and unbuyable kid has a huge secret of his own, it's like having the sword of Damocles hanging over his head. From now on, every move he makes will have to be carefully considered, restrained, and calculated, with his heart in his throat and his hands tied... This situation is absolutely unbearable for the Duke, who has so many clever tricks up his sleeve, a good reputation, so many hidden plots, and boundless ambition...

  So now the duke is extremely depressed, angry and annoyed. He even wished he could tear that little boy into small pieces of flesh with his own hands.

  But the duke was, after all, a duke. Whatever irritability or ill temper he might feel would never affect his noble reason, so as soon as he arrived here, he used his utmost composure and refinement to suppress all emotions, skillfully and elegantly dissolving the tense atmosphere.

  Emotions will never solve any problem. No matter how difficult the problem is, only carefulness, rationality and practice can finally solve it. It's just that such a huge problem, the duke knew he would be busy for a while.