Book 3: Chapter 129 (2) |
The Empire, on the other hand, might have numbers, but it was a *scattered mess*.
Relying on brainwashing and threats for motivation would eventually backfire.
So, when it came to rallying hearts, the Empire could never defeat Leon.
“Tell everyone to rest early. Tomorrow, we’ll need to set up in advance,” Leon said.
“Yes, Captain.”
“Nacho, you’ve worked hard too. Go rest.”
“Mm.”
Rebecca and Nacho left, and the Lionheart Society members gradually dispersed, returning to their rest rooms.
The spots for releasing the lanterns were mostly set.
Now, Leon was planning evacuation routes.
Only with thorough preparation could they minimize accidents and casualties.
The night grew cool. After some time, a soft, fair hand gently rested on Leon’s shoulder.
“It’s late. Get some sleep.”
A cool voice came from behind.
“Mm, in a sec.”
Roswitha sat beside him, glancing at the map on the table, marked with circles and routes.
As the Silver Dragon leader, Roswitha naturally knew a thing or two about military tactics and strategy.
She could tell Leon was working on evacuation routes.
But he seemed to have hit a snag.
Roswitha didn’t speak, just quietly studied the map.
After a long pause, she reached out, pointing to an unmarked area,
“How about starting the Mid-District evacuation from here? To the left is the river, and further ahead is the east entrance to the Lower District. I recall there’s an abandoned garbage station there—perfect for rendezvous and ambushes.”
Her words sparked clarity.
Leon’s eyes lit up, “Impressive, Your Majesty.”
“You’re just foggy from staying up late, brain’s not clear.”
Roswitha tilted her elegant chin, “How many routes are left to draw?”
“Just that one.”
Leon folded the map, standing up, “Let’s go, time for bed.”
“Alright.”
Roswitha blew out the candle on the table. By the faint moonlight streaming from the clock tower above, she linked arms with Leon, heading to the rest room.
…
Thousand Lantern Festival, the Empire’s major annual holiday.
Tonight, all five districts, from rich to common folk, were immersed in the festive cheer.
The streets were adorned with colorful paper lanterns, and stalls sold rare snacks and delicacies not seen on ordinary days.
Children carried lanterns, chasing and playing with each other.
Fireworks bloomed endlessly in the sky, forming beautiful patterns.
For a moment, the festival’s joy seemed to mask all the Empire’s shady corruption and decay.
Rebecca stood on a low building in the Upper District, wearing short hot pants, a handgun strapped to each of her fair thighs.
A collapsible sniper rifle was slung across her back.
Of course, an *ADC can’t go solo*—Leon had assigned Nacho and Martin as her supports.
“Wow, I didn’t even get this kind of treatment in the Dragon-Slaying Corps, but now I’ve got two spotters!” the crazy girl said excitedly.
Martin and Nacho, each with a telescope, crouched at the edge of the building, scanning below.
“Save the excitement for after the fight,” Nacho said.
Nacho raised his telescope, looking toward the border of the Upper District and Royal District, where Leon would soon give the signal to start the operation.
“You’ve got the best aim in the Lionheart Society, so Leon gave you the critical sniper role.”
Nacho continued, “If it comes to it, you might have to take out that dog emperor with one shot.”
“Don’t worry, the targets I practice with have King Kant’s face plastered on them. I’ve been training for this day for a long time,” Rebecca said confidently.
“Empire’s top female gunner!” Martin cheered enthusiastically.
Rebecca proudly rubbed her nose, “Low-key, low-key.”
“Alright, chat time’s over.”
Leon appeared in Nacho’s telescope view, “Get ready for Leon’s signal.”
“Understood!”
Meanwhile, on the bustling, lively streets below, Leon, cloaked in a black hooded cape, wove against the cheering crowds, slowly heading toward the border of the Upper District and Royal District.
He climbed the steps, each one feeling like a step closer to the goal he’d worked toward for years.
The surrounding noise grew louder, the festive atmosphere thickening.
After climbing all the steps, a few hundred meters ahead was the Royal District’s main gate.
Leon slowly pulled a paper lantern from the pocket under his cloak, covered with the names of the children and teachers from Kasmod Welfare Home.
“Let’s settle all grudges tonight.”
…
As midnight approached, the Royal District’s gates slowly swung outward, and the first to emerge were the royal guard.
Following them was a massive parade vehicle.
However, based on its shape and design, it was more accurate to call it a “land boat.”
The land boat moved on a row of wheels at its base, escorted not only by the royal guard but also by numerous soldiers surrounding its hull.
The reason for such tight security was simple:
Standing on the deck of the land boat was none other than the current king of the Empire—
Kant.
And beside him, his wife, Queen Elizabeth.
The monarch, draped in lavish attire, held the charming queen with one arm while gently waving to his subjects with the other, projecting an image of benevolence and approachability.
According to Thousand Lantern Festival tradition, everyone would release paper lanterns together at midnight.
And at this moment, it was also the time for King Kant and Queen Elizabeth to make their ceremonial tour.
Back when Leon was still in the Dragon-Slaying Corps, the king and his wife had varied their entrances each year.
They’d descended by hot air balloon, used illusion magic to create mystique, and even hidden among the crowd before making a grand reveal.
So, when this “land boat” appeared this year, Leon wasn’t particularly surprised.