Chapter 378: A bad situation
Across the vast expanse of the Empire, the territory of Nightfall Domain was roughly the size of a modern city district. Of course, much of it consisted of forests, along with a number of mountains and rivers, leaving only a limited amount of arable land.
Within the Sacred Griffin Empire, a baron with genuine authority typically commanded between twenty and two hundred knights. Knight was a noble title rather than a cavalry rank, and each knight controlled land roughly equivalent to a village.
Phield spread his hands as though painting an ambitious vision in the air.
"Of course, once we’ve finished dealing with the current situation, we’ll still need to make another trip to the fortress. There are quite a few loose ends left to tie up."
Meanwhile, inside the Gassina family’s manor in Griffin Province.
"Rick Province has also been devastated by the rebels."
Sherry read the battle report over and over before pressing a hand against her aching forehead.
"Don’t be so upset. The rebels have already been defeated. The Imperial Army did a great job." Claudia, Sherry’s Divine Chosen, set down a tray of tea and pastries, trying to lift her spirits. "By the way, Lady MaryRuth is here. To be precise, she’s been waiting for fifteen minutes."
"I’ve kept her waiting again. That’s terribly rude. Please bring her in at once." Sherry slapped her forehead.
"Our great lady general is busy worrying about the Empire. What’s rude about that?" MaryRuth smiled gently as she walked in carrying a painting under her arm. "What happened this time? Hopefully it isn’t another war."
"It’s the Shadow World Sect. They practically reduced Rick Province to ruins."
MaryRuth fell silent.
"I hope this world never sees war or slaughter again."
"Wait, if I remember correctly, Baron Phield’s territory is over there, isn’t it? Is he alright?" she asked while hugging her painting.
"Why are you so concerned about him? The two of you haven’t even met." Sherry looked puzzled. "What could possibly happen to him? Nobody would willingly go to Nightfall Domain. Besides, the battle report that came back says he performed fairly well in this campaign. Apparently he personally cut down more than ten enemies."
"Don’t get the wrong idea, Sherry. Your friends are my friends too. That’s all." MaryRuth hurriedly waved her hands and smiled. "Baron Phield is so brave. Then surely Her Majesty will reward him for his achievements this time."
"I certainly hope so..."
If military merit alone were enough to earn proper rewards...
Whose family had contributed more military achievements than hers?
Yet among all the count families, theirs had fallen to the very bottom.
Sherry simply could not understand why.
If Phield had been present, he would have immediately seen the truth.
A noble lord was a landowner with a private army. Fighting rebels was not a choice but an obligation. Once their army was wiped out, they became worthless. No matter how glorious their title, power alone determined their status.
Officials and military commanders, on the other hand, owned no land. They served the nobles and the imperial family, so achievements mattered far more. As long as they accumulated enough merit, they could continue climbing the ranks, and status eventually translated into power.
Anyone who governed a noble domain with the mindset of a bureaucrat would most likely become nothing more than a tool of the throne, squeezed dry of every ounce of value before being discarded.
A feudal lord and an imperial official were fundamentally different by nature.
"Within the next couple of days, I’ll pay Baron Phield a visit and learn more about the movements of the undead tide."
Unable to figure it out, Sherry decided not to dwell on it any longer. She stood up and casually swung the longsword in her hand.
"My injuries have fully healed. I’ve rested long enough. The Empire still needs the strength of the Gassina family!"
"Take me with you! I want to go too!" MaryRuth exclaimed excitedly.
Sherry stared at her speechlessly.
"What are you going for? Besides, I’m not going sightseeing. It’s extremely dangerous there."
"A brutal purgatory, steadfast knights, and beautiful tragedy. Oh my, I absolutely have to paint everything there." MaryRuth spun around excitedly. "And I’ll compose a legendary ballad as well."
"Oh, my dear young lady, honestly." Sherry rubbed her temples. "You’ll be lucky if the undead don’t catch you and drag you away. We’ll talk about it later. Now, tell me what’s on today’s schedule."
"Let’s visit Lady Yaly. I heard she recently acquired many Holy Feather Sparrows. I’d love to paint them."
"The merchant’s daughter?" Sherry recalled the young woman with short golden hair. "I remember her. She’s very gentle. Let’s pay her a visit."
The two of them linked arms like sisters and left together in the same carriage.
Claudia took the lead, swaggering confidently down the road.
After passing through the bustling streets, they entered the capital’s villa district.
The people living there were all wealthy, ranging from imperial officials and minor nobles to rich merchants. While it wasn’t the most luxurious part of the capital, it was still a place ordinary commoners could only dream of.
"Huh? Is there some important festival today? There are so many people. It’s so lively."
MaryRuth leaned excitedly out the carriage window.
What greeted her, however, were neither smiling faces nor admiring gazes.
People along the streets whispered anxiously among themselves. Many wore tense expressions, and some even looked sick enough to vomit.
A patrol of cavalry dressed in blue battle cloaks, led by a Divine Chosen, galloped swiftly toward the villa district.
"What’s going on... It doesn’t look like a celebration after all," MaryRuth said disappointedly.
"Pull your head back inside. It’s not safe out there. Something must have happened." Sherry gently patted MaryRuth’s shoulder as an uneasy feeling suddenly rose within her. "Please don’t let it be something terrible. The atmosphere has been growing heavier lately."
She had an ominous feeling that something major was happening, though she couldn’t explain why.
By the time they reached Yaly’s estate, Sherry’s unease had become reality.
A large crowd had gathered outside the mansion.
Soldiers had sealed off the entire area.
Numerous members of the Imperial Security Force searched the surrounding bushes with hunting dogs.
The thick scent of blood hung heavily in the air.
Sherry’s heart clenched.
She immediately jumped out of the carriage, with MaryRuth following close behind, her face filled with worry.
Claudia had also put away her usual playful attitude and was quietly sniffing the air.
"Please stop right there, ladies."
The finely dressed captain of the security force raised a hand to stop Sherry from approaching.
"A brutal murder has taken place here. The area has been sealed off. Please do not enter."
"A... murder!" MaryRuth’s pupils trembled violently. Her legs began shaking uncontrollably, and all the color drained from her face.
"Is the owner of the estate alright? What happened?" Even Sherry was shocked.
"I’m afraid not."
The captain slowly shook his head.
"I think it’s better if you don’t know the details, my ladies."
"I’m Sherry, a member of the Imperial Investigation Corps and the youngest daughter of the Gassina family." Sherry presented her identification badge. "I need to know everything that happened inside."
"Oh, my apologies, my lady."
The captain respectfully bowed before reporting.
"The estate of the merchant Bert was attacked by Night Owl. Bert, his entire family, along with twenty-three hired guards and bodyguards, were all murdered. Their deaths were... extremely gruesome."
"Night Owl?"
Sherry’s eyes widened in shock.
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