Chapter 90: Imperial Will, Army, and the Lyons Family

Communication Array!

This magic array, existing in the world of magic, enables long-distance real-time communication and is expensive to operate.

Not only are the maintenance and usage costs high, but even the construction costs are steep!

Moreover, this kind of magic array hasn’t undergone any special optimization or improvement—there’s no simplified version.

So, Communication Arrays are usually fixed in place and mostly owned by wealthy nobles and the royal family.

Although its portability and mobility are practically nonexistent, it’s still extremely convenient for fixed communication.

As for mobile communication targets, or short-distance messaging, training birds to deliver messages and similar methods are more economical and quicker.

When Emperor Rubas received the intelligence from Ushi City, it was still morning.

Facing Hill Yu’s request, he spoke only a few sentences.

“Such a huge amount of wealth, and since it’s military funds and finances to be handed over to the Empire, there must be no mistakes!”

“Transmit my decree: Order the garrisons surrounding Ushi City to conduct a carpet search and converge on Ushi City.”

“The City Defense Army within Ushi City must fully cooperate with their Lord’s orders to retrieve the lost items!”

“Add a secret decree to the surrounding garrisons — not a single soldier is allowed to enter Ushi City. Search carefully, and time can be taken slowly.”

“Furthermore, aside from the orders of this Emperor, they are forbidden to do anything else.”

“Anyone who disobeys shall be executed!”

The Order Transmission Official recorded the decree and left after receiving the command.

“Yes! Your Majesty!”

Very soon, the Holy Decree of the Empire was issued, and the armies around Ushi City began to act.

The responses from various forces differed, but on the surface, all seemed to be waiting to watch the show.

***

Somewhere in Monsell.

“My Lord, what should we do now?”

A person in black robes seated below asked.

“What to do? Does this affect our plan in any way? Continue with the Phoenix’s Fall Plan!”

The figure behind the veil spoke lazily, as if unconcerned.

At these words, the black-robed person was silent for two seconds, then responded and withdrew.

Suddenly, a person in luxurious attire pushed open the side door and entered.

“You don’t look worried at all?”

“Worried?” The person inside retorted. “Why should I be worried?”

“Do you think this incident was done by Willis or Hill Yu? Or perhaps… by those behind them?”

“For now, there’s no intelligence indicating someone is guiding them.”

The voice remained lazy.

“But regardless of whether Willis suddenly grew clever or Hill Yu hid deeply enough… this time, they won’t leave Ushi City unscathed!”

At these words, the luxurious person nodded.

“That’s true. This time, even Ushi City may exist in name only.”

For a moment, the two exchanged glances and smiled.

Their cold laughter echoed within the room.

***

Before noon.

Ushi City, Castle Lord’s Mansion.

“How is the situation?”

Annie Donald looked at Hill Yu, who had returned to the mansion looking a bit tired.

“The Holy Decree has arrived.”

“But just as Willis said, when I ordered the City Defense Army to surround the Vice City Lord’s Mansion, they all pretended not to hear, making excuses.”

At this, the brown-haired girl laughed.

“At least they sealed the city as ordered, didn’t they?”

Hill Yu sighed.

“These people are all fence-sitters. The fact that they’re not siding with anyone is the best we can hope for now.”

“These parasites… Sooner or later, I’ll have Willis replace them all!”

For these troops disloyal to the Empire, Hill Yu harbored deep hatred.

In many histories, the downfall of kingdoms was aided by such parasites.

“But with this, at least we have no worries behind us and can take the initiative to arrest that Vice City Lord, right?”

Annie asked.

But Hill Yu still shook her head.

“Willis said that if the other party dares to openly empty the treasury and remain after our return, it means they’ve long been prepared for rebellion.”

“At this moment, the other side is just waiting for us to tear off all pretense. That Vice City Lord’s Mansion is likely a trap to lure us in…”

“Now, even though it’s certain the City Defense Army won’t rebel, they also won’t help us.”

“So, all we have available are the five hundred in the Castle Lord’s Mansion. Using such a small force to attack is unwise.”

Hearing Willis’s concern, Annie spoke with admiration.

“Your Highness truly thinks things through. Why didn’t I consider that…?”

Hill Yu continued.

“First, we need to find out how many people Mike has on his side…”

As she spoke, Hill Yu pulled Annie close and whispered a few words in her ear.

After listening, Annie was puzzled.

“Why?”

“Willis ordered it before leaving. Just do it. Who knows what she’s planning?”

At that moment, a soldier rushed in from outside.

“Your Highness the Grand Princess, there is a group outside the city claiming to be from the Laiensi Family and saying they have an appointment with the Lord. Should we let them in?”

“They’ve arrived?”

Hill Yu murmured, then exchanged a glance with Annie.

Annie understood, and Hill Yu followed the soldier out.

Arriving at the city gates, sure enough, members of the Laiensi Family were there.

Leading them was Ofilia’s mother—Rasser Lyons.

Beside her was the head of the Laiensi Family, Alexander Lai’angsi.

“Let them in.”

Hill Yu narrowed her eyes, looking outside the city.

Apart from the Laiensi Family, many people dressed as commoners were also waiting to enter.

Due to the sealed gates, some among them were inciting others to protest.

The clamor outside was loud, and standing on the city walls, Hill Yu clearly observed the agitators.

After Rasser Lyons entered the city, the first thing she saw was the deserted and desolate main street.

Patrols of soldiers passed by.

Soon, Hill Yu rode over on horseback with her men and led them to the Castle Lord’s Mansion.

“So, the Second Princess is not present?”

Rasser Lyons asked cautiously, prompted by her husband’s glance.

Seated in the main hall of the Castle Lord’s Mansion, Hill Yu spoke.

“It’s like this. My Imperial sister was exhausted from travel and was attacked on the way…”

“You’ve heard about this, haven’t you?”

“Yes, yes, it’s been spreading everywhere… The Second Princess’s heroic feat of slaying rebels in Yufeng Valley is a tale we’ve heard repeatedly on the journey!”

Rasser Lyons quickly flattered.

“But may I ask if Her Highness is safe?”

“After that attack, my sister was frightened and caught a cold, so she is resting.”

Hill Yu sighed, as if pitying her sister.

“Therefore, all agreements with the Laiensi Family are entrusted to me…”

At these words, Rasser Lyons and Alexander Lai’angsi exchanged glances.

“Then, may I ask where my daughter is now?”

Alexander Lai’angsi was a large, burly man, favored by nobles, with wild long hair.

His face was clean-shaven.

He looked to be in his forties, about the same age as Rasser Lyons.

His fingers were thick and callused, a sign of wielding a greatsword often.

There were also traces of having practiced blacksmithing.

From his manners, he was undoubtedly a noble.

His voice, however, was deep and hoarse, full of character.

“Ofilia is currently handling business outside. Next time, there will be a chance for your family to reunite.”

Hill Yu smiled.

She understood the other party’s fear that Willis might deny the contract after taking someone, so she stood and waved at a person nearby.

That person, with a fawning smile, approached.

“Your Highness!”

“This is the Mineral Officer of Ushi City, mainly responsible for surveying and recording mineral resources in the surrounding area.”

***

“The mining veins promised by my sister to your family must also be confirmed with him.”

As she spoke, Hill Yu looked at the Mineral Officer.

“How many unexploited veins are there around Ushi City?”

“R-Reporting to Your Highness, there are four left!”

Hill Yu nodded, turning back to the pair.

“Now, let’s discuss the details of our cooperation and then proceed with the handover.”