"The Second Empire? What's that? " Laing did not understand this. He frowned and looked at Angelang. "Elder brother?"
"The Second Empire?" Angelang rubbed his chin. "It seems that when Horus rebelled, Kirman teamed up with Zhuang Sen and St. Giles, intending to preserve the spark of human civilization. They elected St. Giles as the new emperor, Zhuang Sen as the commander, and Kirman as the regent. They even prepared star beacons. However, many things happened afterward, causing the Second Empire to die before it could be established. St. Giles died in battle, and Zhuang Sen fell into a deep slumber. I'm not too sure what happened in between."
"Yes, brothers. I've thought about it a lot, and I feel that only the Second Empire can save us!" Magnus nodded. "Think about it, brothers. Father created us only to use our strength and make us his helpers. We were all molded to be able to stand on our own, but we are not omnipotent. Horus, Forgen, and Zhuang Sen, who are the best at military affairs, are not reliable. Kirman, who is good at internal affairs, is lacking in bravery. Angelang, Horus, and the others are focused on fighting."
Leon and Anglo both nodded as they listened. It really was as Magnus had said. This was something they had to admit.
"Then why do we still listen to Father? As long as we unite, we can establish the Second Empire! " Magnus spoke in an extremely excited tone about the things he had spent two years thinking about. "Every single one of us has the ability to stand on our own. Why should we be restricted by our father? Laing, your appearance proves that the fallen original can be saved. Then we can establish the Second Empire! "
"Listen to me, Laing, Angelang." Magnus saw that Laing and Angelang both had something to say, so he quickly gestured for them to listen to him. "Outside the dark galaxy, where the light of the star beacons cannot reach, there are large areas of territory that can be expanded. Laing, we only need you to save our brothers one by one, and then we can begin our grand plan."
"We can elect Fulgen as the emperor of the Imperium, Kirman as the regent, Zhuang Sen as the general, Khan as the commander of the fleet, Anglo in charge of suppressing the rebellion, Ryan in charge of the court, Clarkson in charge of the assassins, Luo Jia in charge of the church, Petrabo in charge of the logistics, Ruth in charge of the military police, and so on … I'll be the star beacon!" Magnus was extremely excited. His red face was glowing, and his mind was in a state of excitement. "Let Father drown while hugging his decaying legacy! We will do it ourselves! Everyone will do their jobs, and the Second Empire will be established! "
"An endlessly glorious tomorrow awaits us. Laing, Angelang, what do you think?" Magnus concluded. "What do you think?"
"… …" Laing and Angelang looked at each other. Both of them were silent.
Logically speaking, Laing and Angelang should have subconsciously refuted, but they did not.
Both Angelang and Laing had been scammed by the Imperial Empire. Angelang was needless to say, but Laing himself had been mysteriously placed in this world. He had experienced countless difficulties, and he had been scammed quite a bit as well.
After hearing Magnus' words, both of them were somewhat moved.
Laing did not know much about the Second Empire, so he had no right to speak. Angelang pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Impossible, Magnus. Kirman didn't succeed back then."
"Kirman didn't succeed because he was stupid. Trust me. We will definitely succeed!" Magnus saw that his plan, which he thought was perfect, did not receive the approval of Laing and Angelang. He hurriedly said, "I've already thought of a plan … a very perfect plan. Let's start with Terra …"
"Mm. Keep talking, Magnus. I'm listening." Right at this moment, a cold, dignified voice rang out from behind Magnus. This voice was filled with suppressed anger.
"First, we need to organize a rescue operation … Laing, Angelang?" Magnus saw that Laing and Angelang's foreheads were covered in sweat. He asked curiously, "What's going on?"
"Nothing, Magnus. What I'm saying is … my loyalty to Father is unshakable. Don't say anything else. I won't agree!" Laing suddenly said in a righteous tone. His tone was indescribably resolute.
Angelang nodded in agreement. "That's right!"
“？？？ I didn't say that I was going to betray Father. We're just going to establish a second Empire. Once the second Empire is established, Father might need our help. "Magnus wondered why Laing and Angelang's attitudes had suddenly changed so drastically.
But no matter what he said, Laing and Angelang just silently shook their heads.
The atmosphere instantly became very awkward.
Until a voice that was as cold as ice rang out from behind him. "Magnus, after all these years, after being the Demon Prince for Tzeentch for so many years, you haven't improved at all. You're still so … stupid!"
Golden light shot out everywhere. Magnus's illusion instantly exploded, disappearing into nothingness.
The last thing Laing and Angelang heard was the sound of the Imperial Sovereign's iron fist shattering Magnus's teeth. Red let out a miserable cry, and at the same time, the Imperial Sovereign's angry rebuke. Then, the communication was cut off.
Everything fell silent once more.
Laing and Angelang glanced at each other, and then Laing said softly, "Let's call it a day, big brother."
Angelang nodded, and the two brothers walked a long distance along the Chinon River.
Then, he couldn't help but laugh.
"Hahahahaha! How could Father possibly let Magnus have the chance to talk to you alone? Hahahaha!" Angelang laughed loudly. He slapped his knee hard. "Magnus really … doesn't he know that even though he's sitting on the golden throne, the star beacons are still powered by Father's energy?"
"Sigh …" Laing shook his head while laughing. "Honestly, this isn't the first time that big brother Magnus thinks he's smart."
"To be honest, I actually feel that Magnus's suggestion isn't completely without merit." After laughing, Angelang seemed to have thought of something. He just laughed. "However, Magnus is certain that it won't succeed. It's said that Kirriman spent many days thinking about it, weighing up all the possibilities and risks. After considering everything, he very carefully decided to discuss the matter of establishing a second Empire with Zhuang Sen and St. Giles."
"Magnus has great ambition but little talent. Whether it's in close combat, commanding, or internal affairs, he isn't outstanding in the original body. His psionic power, however, is comparable to yours. However, Laing, you are fundamentally different from him. You don't fear corruption, so you can use your psionic power without worry. But Magnus can't." Angelang shook his head. "If Kirriman can't do it, then none of us in the original body can."
Laing nodded silently.
In truth, after hearing Magnus's plan, both Laing and Angelang were somewhat tempted. What kind of existence was the original body? Since Kirriman had been able to persuade Zhuang Sen and St. Giles, Magnus naturally could persuade Laing and Angelang as well.
However, Laing and Angelang's minds were clear. If the leader was Kirriman, then there would be some room for discussion. If it was Magnus, then it was destined to be impossible.
After bidding farewell to Angelang, Laing returned to his count's castle by himself.
Even though it was still the second month, Laing's territory was very lively. Serfs could be seen everywhere on the roads and streets. It wasn't spring yet, and it was still late winter. Many children were playing in front of their homes, and the adults were sewing clothes, enjoying their leisure time.
A golden trade route had already been formed through the efforts of Laing, Duke Bodrick, and Duke François. Under Laing's efforts, the three parties had signed a fair trade agreement, unifying tariffs and preferential conditions for attracting investment. Winford's wine and wood elven goods were sold well in the old world.
Laing even saw merchants from Kislöw and Nord, as well as merchants from the southern kingdom of Tyrell, on the streets.
The one who benefited the most from Laing's rise was undoubtedly Oliver. This merchant from the Empire had once been close to bankruptcy. If it weren't for Laing's guidance in Marlinburg, Oliver might have become one of the countless bankrupt merchants in Marlinburg every year.
Now, Oliver relied on Laing's special trade license and the wood elven trade monopoly to become one of the top merchants in Marlinburg. Although he was still lacking compared to many of the older merchants, Duke Vanderguber Schultz of Marlinburg took good care of Oliver's business under Laing's guidance.
Of course, Oliver knew who brought all of this to him. Not only did this great merchant turn over most of his trade income, he even moved his entire family here. His only son, Ginter, was now sent to Laing's palace to receive higher education and was also held hostage.
As for Hadrian, this great merchant from the southern kingdom had now taken root in Marlinburg through his relationship with Laing and established a branch here. His relationship with Laing was slightly worse, and they could only be considered business partners.
Laing returned to his castle. Along the way, the attendants all greeted Laing, and Laing responded politely.
After many repairs, additions, and reconstructions, Laing's castle was now very large. The outer castle covered several hectares, and it was usually guarded by soldiers and knights. At the same time, there were also a large number of knights and squires. They were all eager to be recognized by the champion of the Goddess of the Lake and obtain the spur from Laing to become a knight.
Laing did not stop at the outer castle. He went straight to the inner castle. This was his private living area, where the count's family and servants lived.
As he entered the inner castle, Olica and Emilia, dressed in black and white maid outfits, greeted him. "Master, you're back?"
"Yes, I'm back." Laing nodded. He accepted the two maids' service and took off his armor.
A few days ago, the count returned to his dominion with his father-in-law and brother-in-law. The news they brought caused chaos in the kingdom. Kasfane was captured and two thousand knights were held captive. The Empire expressed that they would treat the captives well and wait for a ransom. Kasfane's ransom was 20 thousand crowns, while the knights' ransoms ranged from 300 to 20 crowns. When the money arrived, the Empire would release the captives.
This incident caused a huge uproar in the royal court of Britannia. That bad-tempered Duchess of Casfern completely exploded. She relied on the influence of her maternal family and those who were on good terms with Casfern to rush to the royal court. She directly questioned the Knight King, Richard, and demanded that he provide money and manpower to redeem her husband.
At first, Laing thought the duchess wouldn't be able to cause much of a stir. But when he heard about her actions, he realized how big of a ruckus she caused. Duke Gisoleiox, Hagan, and even a few Grail knights and prophet of the Lake God followed her to Kurona. They rolled up their sleeves and prepared to demand justice from Richard the Knight King.
François's guess was that Kasfane must've talked to Richard before sending his troops. Richard didn't show his support, but he didn't object either. He might've even tacitly approved of it.
With that, Kasfane's wife found an excuse. She flew into a rage, believing that it was Richard's fault that her husband was captured. She brought people to cause trouble for Richard, demanding the king to pay the ransom and compensate for their losses.
Richard naturally wouldn't just sit there and wait for his death. He also gathered Duke Lyonnesse, Duke Montfort, and Duke Connet to hold Kasfane's wife accountable. He claimed that all of this was Kasfane's private action. Not only would the court not pay the ransom, but they would also hold Kasfane accountable for his failure. No matter what, Brittany and the Empire were allies. Civil war was indeed a disgrace.
Since yesterday, the Brittany capital, Kurona, had been filled with questions and meetings one after another. Both sides were embroiled in endless arguments.
No one wanted to bear the responsibility of being defeated.
For this reason, Laing's fiancée, Suria, had specially sent him a message. Laing had accepted the knight's suggestion. He'd shut himself in for a period of time, stating that he wanted to cultivate and pray.
This disappointed both Knight King, Richard, and Kasfane's wife, who wanted to win over the champion of the Goddess of the Lake. The Goddess of the Lake hadn't given an oracle. Morgiana was heavily injured and her whereabouts were unknown. Laing was now the embodiment of the Goddess of the Lake's will in the mortal world. Now that he'd shut himself in and refused to meet with guests, was it also the Goddess of the Lake's will?
Did the Lady of the Lake not approve of this war from the beginning? Or did the Lady of the Lake's silence mean that she was spurring the Knight King on?
Both sides felt that they were in the right. They couldn't force Laing to answer, so they could only continue with their arguments.
Laing changed into a count's attire. He thought that it would be best to discuss this matter with Morgiana. "Where is Her Highness Morgiana?"
"Her Highness Morgiana is at the Lady of the Lake's tower," Olica said softly.
"Hmm … Then I'll go over now." Laing nodded. "Take a look. If I'm not back by evening, don't prepare my dinner."
"Yes."
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