Ch 428: Speak Of The Devil, Just As We Wanted To Counterattack, Someone Delivers An Assist

Duke Kosidomus, who had been tricked by Williams, returned to his mansion. The anger he had suppressed in the Great Hall upon returning home could no longer be contained.

“Damn Grimes, intellectually deficient imbecile, a good-for-nothing waste. Embezzling military supplies is one thing, but getting caught by that yellow-haired brat, and then falling for that yellow-haired brat’s scheme—truly the worst of the worst.”

Duke Kosidomus furiously berated Grimes in his study. As a Three-Dynasty Veteran, he had been reluctant to take on matters related to politics. However, numerous nobles, for their own advancement, continually sought out Duke Kosidomus, hoping he would be their patron. Some nobles even acted first and asked for forgiveness later, adding Duke Kosidomus’s name to groups without his participation. These matters caused Duke Kosidomus considerable headaches. In his high position, he found himself in a difficult situation. If he didn’t help those nobles, the noble faction would eventually lose power given their incompetence, and he wouldn’t fare well either. If he helped them, he would be tied to those incompetent nobles; if anything happened, he would be implicated. However, Duke Kosidomus judged that since most affairs within the Empire were still controlled by nobles, the Emperor would certainly not dismiss noble officials on a large scale, at least not in the near future.

Just as Kosidomus was contemplating his next move, an unexpected visitor arrived. Kosidomus’s servant reported this to him. In a fit of anger, Kosidomus initially didn’t want to receive the visitor, but considering that the visitor might be the key to breaking the deadlock, Kosidomus still had the servant invite the guest in.

“Greetings, Duke Kosidomus. I am a subordinate of Ems, the leader of the Rebel Army. You may call me Gassilia.”

Facing the man, Kosidomus was somewhat surprised by his candor. However, years of experience navigating the political scene prevented Kosidomus from panicking. He picked up his tea and took a sip, then slowly said,

“A rebel, what business do you have with an old noble who is no longer involved in the Empire’s internal affairs?”

“I am aware of your current predicament. We have informants in the Imperial Capital. Let’s cut the pleasantries. You may need our help.”

“What do you mean?”

“I hear that Duke Kosidomus recently lost ground in the case involving Tyrant Williams’s entanglement with the noble faction. It just so happens that our Rebel Army’s goal is to overthrow the current Emperor. Are you interested?”

“You want me to overthrow the Emperor? Interesting. Why should I join you? Collaborating with rebels is a serious crime; I don’t want to risk my reputation and name.”

“There will be no risk, because we have prepared a gift, a gift for your noble faction.”

“……”

Seeing Kosidomus’s silence, Gassilia took out a list and began to read the items aloud.

“First, we can take care of those nobles who have already been arrested, preventing them from implicating more people.”

“I am capable of doing that as well.”

“Very well. Second, we will share all intelligence within the Imperial Capital with you.”

“Hmph, how can I know if the intelligence you share is true?”

“Then let me reveal a piece of intelligence beforehand, which you can verify yourself. The Emperor plans to purge the noble faction within the High Command. He has already chosen those who will replace the nobles who will be executed: Korant, who will become the new Minister of Military Supplies, and Feitanfei, who will succeed Williams in charge of logistics…”

Gassilia revealed the identities and addresses of all the officials the Emperor intended to appoint. Although Kosidomus’s expression remained unchanged, a hint of wavering appeared in his heart. If he could create some trouble before these officials took office, Williams’s influence would be significantly reduced.

“I will consider this.”

“As expected of Duke Kosidomus, you are cautious. However, we have considered this, so there is one more piece of information that is extremely valuable to you. If you are willing to cooperate with us, after the success of our plan, you will become the true Emperor secretly controlling the Empire.”

Kosidomus was tempted, but such a stroke of luck seemed too suspicious to him.

“What is the price?”

Gassilia smiled at Kosidomus. His expression was flawless; Kosidomus could not detect the slightest wavering beyond confidence.

“Simple. We only need you to unite the nobles to pressure the Emperor. You know, the Endoreya Front is currently only experiencing minor conflicts. If we can escalate the conflict on the Front Lines, then no matter how capable the Emperor is, he will not be able to focus on dealing with the nobles. At that time, we will launch an uprising with our elite forces already ambushed in the Imperial Capital and seize the Emperor in one fell swoop.”

“Why should I believe you will only target the Emperor?”

“It seems that Duke Kosidomus still doesn’t trust us. They say that once you fall into a self-incriminating trap, it’s like sinking into a quagmire, so I am unwilling to prove myself. However, I also have a question: Are you really willing to be suppressed by that Emperor?”

“……”

Seeing Kosidomus’s silence, after finishing his tea, Gassilia placed the list of replacement officials in front of Kosidomus. Then he slowly got up and walked to the study door.

“I hope Duke Kosidomus will carefully consider cooperating with us. If you are willing to cooperate, send someone to the Fiom Anda Inn to find an informant named Dominic. Once you contact him, we will know your intentions.”

Having said that, Gassilia closed the study door and left Kosidomus’s mansion accompanied by Kosidomus’s servant.

————

In the villa, Philia was resting with Xiao Jiu. Hearing the sound of the gate opening and closing, she immediately looked up, and Bal and Phia stood at the doorway.

“Father, Mommy!”

Bal sat on the sofa. He deeply inhaled the scent of Philia and Xiao Jiu, then looked at Philia, suppressing his emotions for a long time.

“Philia, oh, my lovely Philia!”

“Ah, Father’s beard, it’s itchy.”

“Beard? I shaved this morning?”

Bal reached out and touched his chin. He felt a lump like dead skin.

“Oh, so it’s this.”

Bal got up and went to the bathroom to wash his face. Then he sat back down and hugged Philia.

“My lovely, obedient daughter is the best. Looking at those men almost made me throw up.”

“Am I not here too?”

Phia gently kicked Bal’s leg. Bal immediately grabbed Phia’s leg and placed it on his own.

“Soft and fragrant cat legs~”

“Go to hell, pervert!”