The bald, muscular man had spoken out after a long moment of contemplation. Cornelius retorted impatiently, "Don't be foolish! There are formidable barriers and numerous expert fighters out there. We won't stand a chance of escaping!" When he was still powerful, he knew there wasn't any possibility of them succeeding. Now that he was weakened, he knew it was just a far-fetched dream."Mr. Adler, we'll die anyway. Why not try our best to escape?" The bald, muscular man gritted his teeth and said, "I've thought about it. If we manage to take the correctional officer hostage, there might be hope for us to survive.""That's right! We might stand a chance of escaping if we have a hostage." Everyone else nodded in agreement.Of course, it was impossible if it were just a regular prison officer. But the correctional officer was the warden's brother-in-law. He would be their most powerful bargaining chip since he was important. "No one has ever managed to escape from Azkaban, and the
The moment Caius bowed, everyone was stunned and stood frozen in place. They were all dumbfounded as their expressions filled with shock. Unbelievable! The man before them was none other than Azkaban's warden, a formidable martial arts grandmaster! He was a terrifying figure who held absolute authority over the fate of the prisoners. It wasn't an exaggeration to say the warden was revered like a God within the prison walls. His very presence commanded respect. The idea of such an authoritative and godlike figure kneeling before a prisoner seemed utterly impossible. "C-Caius? Why are you bowing? Get up …" The well-dressed, portly man was the first to react. He quickly rushed to Caius' side, attempting to help him up. "Fuck off!" Caius slapped him and lashed out, "Don't drag me down into the grave you dug!" "Huh?" The portly man slumped to the ground, his face ashen. Had he offended an incredibly influential figure? His brother-in-law disassociated himself from him witho
"Of course! Since they are your friends, they must be righteous people!" Caius flattered Dustin. Then, he waved his hand and ordered, "Release them!" One after the other, the chains made of darksteel were unshackled. It seemed like a dream. Everyone was in disbelief. They had thought they would spend their entire lives trapped in Azkaban. They never imagined that they would see the light of day again. The prisoners felt extremely fortunate. "Thank you very much, Mr. Roswell!" Cornelius and the rest of the group thanked him. "You should be thanking Sir Rhys." Caius played smart. "Thank you very much, Sir Rhys!" They bowed down profoundly. Tears of happiness welled up in their eyes. At that moment, Dustin was their savior. "I'm a part of the Shadow Gang, after all. I can't just leave all of you here to suffer. Let's go out together." With a gentle smile, Dustin confidently strode out of Azkaban. They had only spent a short time together, but Dustin could tell they wer
Their intimate behavior shocked everyone present. It wasn't just the recently released prisoners who were taken aback. Even two of Scarlet's deputy generals, Georgia and Bridget, were left dumbfounded. The Goddess of War they knew was decisive and ruthless. No matter who she was faced with, she always wore a cold and aloof expression. She was terrifying when angry. No one was able to stand in her way. Usually, any man who dared to touch her would risk losing a few limbs. But, even though she was being patted on the head in public right now, she wasn't furious. Instead, she was smiling in genuine joy. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they would have never believed their general had a tender and gentle side to her. Was she still the fearsome and unapproachable Goddess of war they knew? "Logan, have you been well these years?" Scarlet felt a multitude of emotions as she took in the familiar face before her. They hadn't seen each other in ten years. The once magnific
"There's no need to be nervous. I know it has nothing to do with you, but your men have a hand in it." Dustin emphasized. "I understand. I'll investigate it immediately. Please hold on!" Caius took action right away. Soon after, he dragged the well-dressed, portly man before Dustin. The man was covered in bruises. "Sir Rhys, he's behind this incident. You can kill him or torture him in any way you wish. If you don't wish to get your hands dirty, I'll do it for you." "Sir Rhys, don't kill me. It has nothing to do with me. Someone offered me money to detain you. Please spare my life!" The portly man panicked. He knelt on the floor, bowing down repeatedly. He bowed so hard that his head began to bleed from the impact. "Who gave you the order?" Dustin questioned."The Killians … It was Gavin Killian!" the portly man confessed hastily. "It really was him." Dustin narrowed his eyes. His suspicions had been confirmed. "Mr. Roswell, please arrange a ride for me," Dustin requeste
Dahlia was seen walking into the banquet hall slowly, dressed in a black evening gown. She stood out among the crowd, looking beautiful with her tall stature and poise. The moment she entered, she captured the attention of most people. There were looks of astonishment, delight, envy, and admiration. Some looks were even filled with desire. "Dahlia, I shouldn't have come with you. I put so much time and effort into my look, but everyone's attention is on you. It's like I don't exist." Julie looked upset. She expressed her frustration in a hushed tone. Hoping to catch the attention of prominent officials at the party, she meticulously planned her makeover. She also spent a fortune on her outfit. Her gown cost a hundred thousand dollars, while her jewelry was worth millions. Yet, she had become Dahlia's accessory as she stood beside her, going unnoticed. Julie wasn't ugly, but Dahlia was just too pretty. Dahlia overshadowed all women. It seemed like only Natasha could rival her
Dahlia frowned deeply, her face full of worry. "That won't do. I need to save him!" She turned around as if ready to leave the party immediately."Dahlia!" Julie grabbed her arm and tried to reason with her, "Just how are you going to help? Azkaban has the tightest security there is. No one is able to leave after getting in. If you try anything recklessly, you might get into trouble yourself!""What should I do then? I can't just let him face those charges." Dahlia was anxious. She was aware that Azkaban was a dangerous place. The longer someone stayed there, the more they would suffer. "Don't worry just yet. Isn't Mr. Killian here?" Julie turned her attention toward Gavin and said, "Mr. Killian has wide connections and is a prominent figure. It should be easy for him to get someone released from Azkaban.""Mr. Killian?" Dahlia's gaze landed on Gavin, full of hope."Azkaban is considered a no man's land. Even the military doesn't have a say in that area." Gavin rubbed his chi
Julian was surprised when he saw Dustin walking through the doors. "No way, they released him that early?" Julian had thought Gavin was just joking. He didn't expect him to actually send someone to get Dustin out. The problem was Gavin had used his connections to send Dustin to prison. And now Dustin was somehow released. It seemed like some kind of joke. Even if he wanted to impress the ladies, he didn't have to make it that complicated. "That's weird. How did he get out?" Gavin frowned slightly, equally astonished. He knew very well that he never instructed his men to contact Azkaban's warden. The timing didn't add up, either. Dustin must have been released much earlier. The most puzzling aspect was that Azkaban was notorious for being a one-way journey. How could someone so insignificant manage to escape? Did a powerful figure help him out? "Mr. Killian, you're incredible! You got Dustin released with just a simple call." Julie gave him a thumbs up, her expression fill
"Ledger?"Langdon's pupils contracted as he stared at the familiar red ledgers at his feet. His expression finally faltered. He had never expected the enforcement team to uncover the ledgers he had hidden in a secret compartment. Every transaction written on those pages was damning—evidence of years of collusion with officials and wealthy merchants, of bribes and embezzlement. He had kept them as leverage to ensure those officials wouldn't abandon him when things went south. But what was meant to shield him had now sealed his fate.His assets could be confiscated, and he could refuse to acknowledge his own children. But how could he possibly talk his way out of a ledger filled with his handwritten records?Langdon's frown deepened as sweat poured down his face. Before he realized it, his back was already drenched."Mr. Langdon, why are you sweating so much? Is it too hot in here? Should I have someone fan you?" Axel taunted with a sneer.The evidence they had gathered was more
"Oh? Really? Then, show them the evidence. Let everyone see for themselves." Austin said with a faint smile.Langdon swallowed hard, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead.Had his entire past really been dug up in just half a day?"First, I investigated Mr. Langdon's assets and income sources," Axel said, pulling out a stack of documents and placing them on the table. He explained firmly, "His spending far exceeds his salary. He owns 18 luxury homes, dozens of high-end cars, and a private collection of gold, antiques, and famous paintings. "Altogether, his assets are worth tens of billions. Given his salary, it would take him several thousand years of saving every penny to afford that. So I have to ask—where did all this money come from?"The moment those words left his mouth, all eyes turned to Langdon.Everyone knew he was corrupt, but no one expected it to be on this scale. If his fixed assets alone were worth billions, his liquid assets must be even more staggering.
"And as for the rest of you, I'll be investigating each of you one by one." Austin's gaze moved past Langdon and landed on the royal advisors. He sneered and added, "You'd better keep your records clean. If I find anything on any of you, I'll handle it by the book, and there won't be any mercy."At these words, panic swept through the room. Everyone exchanged nervous glances, and their hearts pounded like war drums.As soon as they realized Austin was angry, they quickly fell silent. Langdon had always been making all the noise, but now they found themselves caught in the fire.Anyone who'd held a position like theirs usually had some skeletons in the closet. In the past, Rufus had been willing to turn a blind eye and let things slide. But now, Austin clearly wasn't following the usual rules. If he decided to investigate thoroughly, most of them would likely find their careers and reputations destroyed."Mr. Rhys, what do we do now? Lord Austin seems dead serious about this."
"Langdon, I can't tell if you're playing dumb or if you really are that stupid." Though Austin was smiling, his eyes were cold. He continued, "You asked for physical evidence, and I provided it. You asked for witnesses, and I gave you those too. Now, with both evidence and testimony laid bare, and even the criminal confessing, what else do you want?""Hmph! The government is rife with corruption. I'm simply seeking justice and preventing you from wrongfully killing the innocent." Langdon still held his righteous stance.Some of the royal advisors who had initially supported him now stayed silent. They could sense Austin's rising anger and didn't dare provoke him further. At that instant, they had lost their confidence. As Austin had pointed out, the solid evidence was right before them, and it was impossible to deny.Langdon was a member of the Rhys family and Austin's elder. He could afford to speak without a filter, but the others couldn't. If they truly angered Austin, the
"Sir Thatcher? Mr. Wentworth?" When Langdon saw their faces, his eyes went wide in disbelief. "You… How did you two end up like this?" He was genuinely stunned.Huxley and Percival were two of the most powerful figures in West Lucozia. They commanded respect wherever they went, and even Langdon himself had to show them deference.He never expected that they had fallen from their positions of prestige to become disheveled prisoners overnight."Austin! You've gone too far!" Recovering from his initial shock, Langdon's fury erupted. He didn't even bother with titles anymore. "Do you even realize what you're doing? These two men are pillars of West Lucozia and the prince's most trusted advisors. They're your elders and mentors. Yet, you tortured them like this. Are you even human?""He's right," someone chimed in. "They dedicated their lives to this country. What crime did they commit to deserve such cruelty by Your Highness?"The gathered officials erupted in outrage and condemned
"Your Highness, you mustn't speak such nonsense." Langdon put on a righteous front.He continued, "I've always prided myself on my integrity and never done anything dishonorable. I've never betrayed the prince's trust or let the people down, and I have nothing to hide.""Such lofty words," Austin scoffed. "If you have nothing to hide, why not let the enforcement team investigate?"Langdon's face tightened, and a flicker of unease crossed his eyes. After all, what official didn't have some skeletons in the closet? A full investigation would likely turn up something, no matter how small. Even if the offenses weren't serious, the damage to his reputation would be permanent.With so many officials watching, Langdon couldn't afford to back down. If he did, he would lose his standing in the political world—and his claim to integrity along with it."Go ahead and investigate." He raised his chin and said confidently, "I've lived an honest life and never engaged in anything illegal. No m
Austin sat in his chair and silently watched the royal advisors put on their pretentious act. He slowly sipped his tea as if he couldn't be bothered by their so-called accusations.His nonchalant demeanor made Langdon and the others frown. Their once-outrageous voices began to falter.They had stormed in full of righteous fury earlier, only to be met with complete apathy. What was the point of arguing when he wasn't even listening?"Are you done?" Austin finally spoke once the room had quieted down. "If not, go ahead and keep talking. Say as much as you need to until you're satisfied.""Your Highness, we're here to discuss serious matters. Your dismissive attitude is truly disappointing," Langdon said sharply."Serious matters?" Austin let out a short laugh.He went on, "You barge in here without even understanding the full picture and spewing accusations like they're facts. As far as I'm concerned, you're no different from clowns putting on a show.""You… How dare you!" Langdon
"Are you even qualified to sit while speaking to me?"Austin's words struck like the blow of a hammer. They were sharp and unrelenting, and they left no room for retort.Langdon sat frozen and was momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected a brat like Austin to have such a sharp tongue.If he admitted he had come for personal matters, he would keep his pride intact, but he would lose control of the conversation. Everything he had prepared—and all the accusations he meant to throw—would be meaningless.But if he insisted it was official business, he would have to show proper respect and offer a formal greeting. No matter how he answered, he would be conceding ground."I'll ask one more time. Are you here on official or personal matters?" Austin asked coldly."O-Official matters." Cornered, Langdon barely managed to get the words out."Well? Is this how an official conducts himself?" Austin pressed.Langdon had no choice but to rise and offer a deep bow. "Your Highness, it's an h
After a night of chaos, some of the Red Legion's members were killed, others were captured, and the entire force had been wiped out.But the fallout didn't stop there. The Prescott estate was also raided. All embezzled wealth was confiscated, and those found guilty were thrown into prison.Anyone connected to the Prescotts was placed under house arrest and subjected to rigorous investigation.And the man behind it—Warrick—had become the kingdom's most wanted fugitive.Until he was captured, Celestria remained under lockdown. Major roads were sealed off, and patrol teams scoured every corner to ensure Warrick had no way out.Austin's crackdown sparked outrage among senior officials who didn't know the full story. They voiced their dissatisfaction, with some even gathering outside the castle gates in protest. They stomped their feet in outrage, just short of openly cursing him.To them, Warrick had made great contributions to the nation. Even if he had committed crimes, he didn't d