Morning had just passed in the town.
On the surface, everything seemed normal as the citizens began their day. Yet an oppressive gloom lingered over every face. Though the streets were still busy, a heavy, suffocating atmosphere hung in the air.
Collapsed houses, scorched craters left by shelling, and bloodstains not yet washed away all silently testified to the suffering the Kingdom of Zephir had endured.
The legion commander had died heroically in battle…
The Kingdom's army had suffered devastating casualties…
The King had been murdered…
A series of blows like these was no different from national ruin. Despair filled the hearts of the people. No glimmer of hope could be seen.
In this pirate-infested world, without the protection of a nation… how were they to survive?
"Emergency notice! All citizens, please proceed immediately to the square in front of the royal palace! His Highness the Prince has an important announcement!"
"Repeat! All citizens, gather at the palace square at once! His Highness has important matters to declare!"
"Important notice! All citizens must assemble in front of the palace immediately!"
Suddenly, the Transponder Snails positioned throughout the town broadcast the messenger's firm voice, shattering the uneasy silence.
"Has His Highness recovered from his injuries?"
"Thank goodness! It's a relief that the Prince is safe!"
"But what could he possibly announce at a time like this?"
"No idea… Let's hope it's not more bad news."
The citizens stopped what they were doing, whispering anxiously in small groups before making their way toward the palace square.
At the same time, pirates and various outsiders still lingering within Zephir followed along with interest.
They were curious.
At a moment when the kingdom stood on the brink of collapse, what could Zephir possibly do?
Soon, the square was packed with a dense crowd, voices overlapping in restless discussion.
"His Highness the Prince has arrived!"
A shout rang out.
Instantly, the square fell silent.
All eyes turned toward the raised platform at the front.
White Fang stood to one side. On the other stood Elia, her expression slightly nervous. Between them, Arthur stepped forward steadily.
Behind them marched a squad of the Kingdom's army.
At their head was Stanley, now wearing the uniform of the legion commander.
The three ministers were being escorted in chains.
The Ministers of Internal Affairs and Finance shouted and struggled the entire way, while the Minister of Defense remained strangely composed. There was even a faint sense of relief in his gaze.
The crowd erupted in confusion.
What was happening?
Soon, the three ministers were forced to kneel at the front of the platform, facing the people.
Arthur stood calmly beside them.
He took the Transponder Snail from Elia and began to speak.
His first sentence left the entire square in shock.
"We will now carry out the execution of traitors."
"What?!"
"Traitors? What's going on?"
"The ministers are traitors?!"
The crowd exploded into uproar.
Even the pirates and outsiders watched with amused curiosity.
On the platform, Arthur remained composed.
"Many of you may find this hard to believe. But this morning, members of the Gambino Family broke into the palace.
"You all know who they are.
"Yes—the same mafia organization that brutally murdered our legion commander and our King… the same criminals who nearly brought Zephir to ruin."
Murmurs spread through the crowd.
"And these three so-called ministers," Arthur continued coldly, "attempted to bribe them. They even offered up the women of our kingdom in exchange for submission to the Gambino Family. And beyond that—they coveted the throne for themselves."
His voice rang out across the square.
"What is this?"
"This is betrayal."
"This is utter and absolute treason!"
Rage ignited among the people.
"Despicable!"
"How dare they!"
"Traitors deserve death!"
The Ministers of Internal Affairs and Finance turned pale as fear finally set in.
But the Minister of Defense suddenly closed his eyes.
"Your Highness," he said calmly, "are you confident you can defeat the Gambino Family?"
Arthur glanced at him.
The minister opened his eyes again. There was no fear in them. No anger.
Only calm resolve.
"I know what I did wrong. But if I said everything I did was for the sake of Zephir… would you believe me?"
Arthur's brows knit briefly—then relaxed.
"I believe you."
A flicker of relief crossed the minister's face—
"But what does that have to do with me?" Arthur cut in coldly.
"Your reasons mean nothing to me. I only know this—you dared to lay hands on my kingdom. You were the first.
"Next… it will be the Gambino Family.
"One by one, I will eradicate them all."
The Minister of Defense froze slightly.
Then he slowly closed his eyes again, saying nothing further.
Arthur turned away, looking out at the furious citizens below. A hint of satisfaction flashed through his eyes.
With this, the three ministers' prestige would be completely destroyed.
And Zephir's authority would firmly fall into his hands.
"Execution begins."
Arthur gave the order into the Transponder Snail and looked toward Stanley.
"Carry it out!" Stanley responded immediately.
The Ministers of Internal Affairs and Finance screamed in terror.
But the six soldiers assigned to the task showed no hesitation.
Two by two, they stepped behind the kneeling ministers.
The bayonets thrust forward in unison.
Silence fell over the square.
Three bodies collapsed to the ground with dull, heavy thuds.
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