Chapter 910

With such intense public opinion, it was clear someone had been manipulating the narrative. Salvador suspected it was someone from Hell Monarch Estate, but a thorough investigation revealed, to his surprise, that the trail led directly to Prime Minister Jeremiah. The articles and the storytellers in coffeehouses and taverns spreading the rumors were all Jeremiah's agents. The investigation showed that the prime minister hadn't attempted to conceal his involvement; he hadn't intended to deceive Salvador.

Salvador sat quietly in the royal study for a long time before turning to Ian.

"Let's pretend we never investigated this. Keep your mouth shut."

Jeremiah had planned to retire before King Sigmund's death, but the king's sudden demise caught everyone off guard. Thinking that Salvador, as the new king, might struggle to stabilize the court, Jeremiah remained and continued to vigorously assist in state affairs.

Of all the ministers, Jeremiah was the one Salvador trusted most. Along with Trevor, they were the only two he felt comfortable relying on.

Salvador recalled recent discussions with Jeremiah about Victory Pass, where Jeremiah had always seemed hesitant to speak freely. The signs had been there all along.

Jeremiah and Dominic had been key figures since the reign of Augustus, serving as both civil officials and military officers. Salvador remembered something Jeremiah had once said: "Without the generals guarding the borders, there would be no peace or prosperity within the country."

Though their relationship appeared distant, and they hadn't seen each other for a long time, both men respected each other.

On the evening of February 13th, Felix and the others brought Dominic back into the city. For the past few days, the citizens had gathered at the city gates, anticipating Dominic's return. They had waited, and the day had finally arrived.

The setting sun cast a blood-red hue across the sky. The tall, battle-worn general sat atop his sleek, black steed, flanked by officers of the Crown Guard. His back remained straight; his dark bronze skin appeared varnished. Despite the snow, rain, and wind, his face showed no signs of weathering, as though his skin were made of iron, impervious to the elements.

When he saw the throngs of people waiting at the city gates, shouting his name, his usually stern face showed momentary shock. Dominic had expected only anger and curses upon his return. After all, his lax military discipline had caused tensions between the two kingdoms, and the village massacre was a brutal act. He thought the people could never forgive him.

After the initial shock, his eyes burned with fierce heat. It was still cold in early February, but the people stood in the biting wind, raising their arms in encouragement and support.

Edwin, dressed in simple green attire with his black cloak pulled up to obscure his face, was also in the crowd. When the press of people halted the horses, he squeezed through the crowd to reach Kevin's horse.

"Mr. Ziegler, the old madam is ill. Please come back with me to see her."

Kevin recognized him. He hesitated only a moment, then turned to Galen.

"Galen, my family's steward has come for me. He said my grandmother is very sick. It seems it will take a while for the crowd to disperse, so I'll head back to my family's estate first."

Galen glanced at the person beside Kevin's horse. He was wearing plain green attire and a black cloak, the collar concealing his face. Judging by his posture, Galen assumed he was likely the steward of the Marquis of Elderglen's household.

"Then go quickly," Galen said.

Kevin dismounted and took Edwin's hand. "Let's go!"

They hunched their shoulders as they made their way through the throngs of people; the roar of the crowd was deafening. The shouts, initially chaotic, coalesced into a unified chant: "General Sullivan, we support you!"

Kevin covered his ears; the sound was so loud he feared his eardrums would burst. The crowd only thickened.

Edwin pulled him toward a narrow alleyway. They moved deeper, gradually leaving the chaos behind. At the alley's end stood a young elm tree, just beginning to bud. They stopped beneath its branches.

"Uncle Edwin," Kevin said, bowing respectfully.

Edwin's expression was serious. "Let's cut to the chase, Kevin. You know why I've come. If you're willing to come with me, it means there's room for negotiation, doesn't it?"

Kevin fell silent, then slowly nodded. A weight lifted from Edwin's chest.

"Tell me what you want. I'll make it happen."

Kevin's gaze was steady, his voice firm. "I want to be a direct apprentice of Sage Violet, just like Commander Prince, Deputy Commander Brown, and Commander Lewis."

"What?" Edwin blinked, caught off guard.

Kevin's cloak fluttered in the wind. "I must become the highest-ranking martial artist in the Crown Guard. Only by earning it through my strength will I be able to keep it without fear of losing it easily."