Peace had finally been restored in Mondstadt… Of course, it wasn't that simple. Before the Lawrence family could escape, the Knights of Favonius had already surrounded them as soon as they entered the city.
"Don't you think it's a little too late to run?"
"Your Highness, what do you mean?"
"Still pretending? Very well, allow me to be clear. You, the Lawrence family, are all under arrest. Did you really think you could go back to how things were after everything you've done?"
As he spoke, Leon raised his hand.
Dozens of Knights immediately subdued the remaining Lawrence guards.
Leon stood between the Gunnhild sisters.
Until the evil dragon was expelled, he had only been acting — his entire purpose was to reach this moment.
This way, he could bring his troops into Mondstadt openly, without concern for the city's naturally defensive terrain.
And once the Knights' forces were inside the city, everything would be decided by him.
"You can't arrest me. If Your Highness detains us without reason, the other nobles and nearby minor kingdoms—"
"So, you want to be formally accused? Very well. Here are your charges: murder, corruption, treason, smuggling, fraud, rape, torture, kidnapping, slavery... Shall I ask which crimes you didn't commit?"
Leon's violet eyes were sharp and furious — his rage toward the Lawrence family was palpable.
What they had done was, to say the least, revolting.
The Lawrence family members unconsciously dropped to their knees under the pressure of Leon's magical aura. That power was all too familiar — the very same force they had experienced not long ago. It was already a trauma.
"You have no proof!"
"Oh, but I do..."
"I have witnesses. The citizens of this entire city are my witnesses. Each of them is undeniable evidence of the crimes you committed! Now, tell me, good citizens of Mondstadt — what crimes did the Lawrence family commit?"
Leon turned to the civilians gathered around him.
Because of the battle that had just taken place, the people — who already adored Leon — now fully understood the truth: the prince standing before them was on their side.
He was destroying the Lawrence family!
Their minds recalled the countless atrocities this family had committed.
Their eyes burned red with rage.
It was as if they wanted to devour every last one of the Lawrences alive.
"Give me back my wife!"
"You killed my son!!"
"These monsters don't deserve to live!"
"Prince Leon, please help us!"
"Kill the Lawrence family!!"
"Kill the Lawrence family!!"
"Kill the Lawrence family!!"
Years of suppressed anger and resentment suddenly erupted. Teeth clenched, eyes glared — the people faced the corrupt nobles and exposed all their crimes.
This was the public outcry of an entire city.
This was the wrath of a city.
This was the will of a city.
They wanted Leon to destroy these nobles!
(This world is truly unfair…) Leon sighed.
In his previous life, such public outrage would have been enough to overthrow a government. But in this world, the will of common people held little power, even when united.
It was just the anger of tens of thousands.
Nobles with magical powers could suppress them unilaterally. In this world, after all, power is the ultimate law.
(A beautiful, yet cruel world…)
In a place where justice and equality do not exist...
Then he would be the one to bring justice.
He would punish sin,
Bring justice to injustice,
And light to darkness!
"You filthy commoners!"
"Shut up, worm. Who gave you permission to speak? Listen to your crimes in silence."
"Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuah~!"
One member of the Lawrence family discovered his tongue had been cut out before he could even react.
They soon experienced the very same treatment they had given the Gunnhild family just a few days prior. All were thrown into dark, filthy dungeons to await their final judgment.
Yet some still shouted, refusing to give up.
"If you dare punish us, all the small kingdoms on the borders will form a united army to strike! When that happens—"
"Then let them come. I'll personally annihilate those mutts and their kingdoms."
Before the man could finish speaking, Leon smiled — a wicked, elegant smile, like that of a demon.
The Lawrence man wasn't wrong. Once Leon's actions against the nobles became public knowledge, the nearby small kingdoms would indeed send their secret armies to attack the borders quietly.
But...
What awaited them would be the most brutal retaliation!
Not to mention Leon himself.
His beloved Ice Queen, Esdeath, had already expressed many times that she could hardly wait to invade those kingdoms.
"May God have mercy on you… Because I won't. I guarantee that your days in this world will be your worst. I promise you violence," Leon said with a radiant smile.
"You—"
"Silence. I'm not interested in hearing the filthy words of worms like you."
It seemed the man had caught on to something, but it didn't matter. Leon had no intention of letting him speak. Besides, even if he did, no one would believe him.
Now, Leon's power and strength were enough to replace the king. He publicly handed control of all Mondstadt to the Gunnhild family.
In response, the crowd once again erupted in a thunderous wave of applause.
After all, compared to the vile Lawrence family, the Gunnhilds — who had been loyal to Mondstadt and the royal family for generations — were considered model nobles and highly respected throughout the city.
"The future of this land is in your hands."
"Yes! I will live up to Your Highness's expectations!"
Jean closed her right hand into a fist and struck her left chest firmly. She was determined to create a new and beautiful Mondstadt.
Leon smiled and touched the blonde hair of the young knight.
"From now on, I bestow upon you the title of Dandelion Knight, Marchioness Jean Gunnhild. Your rank is hereby elevated to Duchess."
After all, Mondstadt's territory was vast — already beyond the scope of a marquessate. If Jean was to rule it legitimately, she needed the title of Duchess.
Everyone was surprised and looked at the Dandelion Knight with envy, but no one questioned her.
Because this was the Prince's decision.
Speaking of which...
All the gold, silver, and jewels used in the construction of Dvalin's lair were confiscated by Leon. He publicly announced that this wealth would be used to build a new Mondstadt.
But he didn't wait for the merchants to volunteer.
Leon entrusted the grand project to Ningguang. After all, that way, the money wouldn't leave the region.
Then, that night—
There was a knock on Leon's bedroom door.
"Come in."
Said Leon, who was reading a book.
Then the door opened, and Jean — freshly bathed — entered the room wearing her pajamas.
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."