Chapter 334: Chapter 285: The Chosen One, Absolute Loyalty_2
He dragged a chair over, sat opposite the "Warden," pulled out paper and a pen, and nodded at him.
"But routine must be followed. Let’s not waste each other’s time. I’ll ask, you answer. First question: name?"
The "Warden," O’Neill Darren, had a vacant look in his eyes, as if he had entirely lost his sense of self, yet he unhesitatingly spoke a name.
"Akman Cyril."
That was the Warden’s real name.
The No. 3 Executioner didn’t notice anything amiss and continued his questioning.
"Where were you when the Governor was assassinated? You must tell me everything you remember from your memories, without concealing anything."
The Warden continued, holding nothing back.
"In the early morning, I was asleep at home and was only awakened by the sound of the alarm bells.
"Since I knew coral disease was rampant in the port, I worried about infection and hesitated for a moment.
"By the time I mustered the courage to rush there, the Sea Hunter had already led his fleet back to provide aid, leading the Guardsmen to suppress the Coral-infected individuals at the military harbor.
"I repent; I am ashamed of my cowardice.
"If you ask about anything unusual, it was hearing someone shout, ’By order of Earl Warwick, the Newman Family shall be executed!’ That’s when I realized the bandits were targeting the Governor and his family.
"Only later did I find out that by the time I heard the shouts, the Governor had already been assassinated."
"Very well. Next question..."
Question after question followed. Aside from a few minor details, the account was consistent with the report submitted by the colony.
The Executioner was also very satisfied with the smooth progress of this mission, hoping that future cases and targets would be as "consistent inside and out" as this Warden.
After ten minutes, No. 3 stared into his eyes and solemnly asked the final question.
"So, Mr. Akman, who do you think is the best candidate for the next Governor?"
The Warden’s reply was as straightforward as ever.
"The best candidate is, of course, Pirate General [Sea Hunter] Byron Tudor.
"Frankly, I desire the Governor’s position too. If His Majesty were to appoint me, I would be immensely honored.
"But if I were to choose the most suitable candidate, the one who best represents the interests of the Kingdom, then it must undoubtedly be him.
"Although, in my view, this man is foolishly loyal to the point of absurdity, and I would never become someone like him.
"Nonetheless, it’s undeniable that having such a naive person—willing to risk his life for the collective good—as a guardian is... incredibly reassuring."
In his subconscious, the image of the Sea Hunter also emerged, fitting the deeply ingrained impression: three parts anger, three parts anxiety, three parts self-blame, and a final part regret. This provided No. 3 with an indirect glimpse into the Sea Hunter’s true character.
The Executioner rose, gathered his inquiry records, pleased with the smooth progress of his task, and smiled as he shook hands with the Warden.
"Mr. Akman, this concludes the verification. Enjoy your afternoon rest."
With that, he pushed open the door and left.
The illusory sense in the room faded. After a short while, the Warden blinked. The emptiness in his eyes vanished. He looked toward the door and suddenly smirked.
"His Highness was right; it was indeed the Star Chamber Court that came. Even after the York Family seized it, it’s still the same old routine—utterly unoriginal and unsurprising."
Clearly, he had retained his self-awareness throughout the encounter and had not been controlled by the other party’s "Dream Execution."
Back when the Lancaster Party was in power, this Warden, O’Neill Darren, had worked at none other than the Star Chamber Court. Employed there since his grandfather’s generation, he was a true third-generation jailer. He was ten times more familiar with the Star Chamber Court’s various methods than these usurpers, who had occupied it for less than a year. During his tenure, he had undergone regular anti-interrogation training.
They had also signed the "Pirate’s Ten Commandments" aboard the Golden Deer, gaining Byron’s protection as an "Outlaw Madman." Even the authority that originally belonged to his former self was transferred to them through the "Faustian Contract," in a manner akin to selling offices and titles.
Dealing with this scrutiny, which Byron had anticipated, was no challenge at all. At best, it was merely a lucid dream.
Even the boldest members of the York Party could only surmise that the Lancaster Party and the Earl’s Party had reached some tacit understanding. Never in their wildest dreams did they imagine that these people were audacious and resourceful enough to reclaim Royal Port by repossessing it, transforming it back into their old stronghold.
「At the same time.」
The sentiment among those interviewed by the three Executioners was clear. Whether colonial officials, Navy officers, unaffiliated Transcendents, or civilians in the port, typical responses included "The Sea Hunter," and "Byron Tudor." One prevailing thought was, "Although it’s somewhat hard to accept, aside from the Sea Hunter, I don’t think there’s anyone else who can unite all the forces in the colony." Indeed, over seventy percent cast their vote for the Sea Hunter.
Even if there were a few disgruntled competitors or troublemakers who had secretly defected to the Earl’s Party, they posed no significant threat. The Sea Hunter’s lead was overwhelming!
The Executioners also pieced together a complete image of the Sea Hunter from the genuine memories in everyone’s minds: Loyal and reliable, exceptionally capable, beloved by all, built an International Port from scratch, created a Privateer Fleet with his outstanding personal charisma, and possessed wide connections with numerous friends. He perfectly matched all the review criteria issued by the Privy Council Speaker. It was as if the criteria were tailor-made for him.
Standing in the Dream Realm’s depths, they looked at their final review subject. They saw ethereal anchor chains extending from all over Royal Port, converging on him. Even his temporary office residence blazed with a dazzling light.
That represented the will of the people and the Mind Wish Power of countless individuals!
The [Silver Code] and [Royal Iron Law] rely on the collective subconscious of humanity, where the will of the people is power; this is the very reason the Church strictly punishes Pagans.
Even though most believers directed their gratitude towards the [Creator], with only a fraction flowing to Byron, once he obtained the Governor’s authority and could legitimately invoke the Power of Law, the force he could wield would far surpass his predecessor.
Although the results hadn’t yet been reported to the Privy Council, the three Executioners, having witnessed the overwhelming popular support, had already made their judgment.
No one else stands a chance. Even if the Privy Council defies public opinion and parachutes in an exceptionally capable Governor, they won’t reach the Sea Hunter’s level of influence in the short term. This would be detrimental, not beneficial, to the struggle for the Right to Protect the Faith. It would also needlessly exacerbate internal strife within the Royalist Party. His Majesty would never agree to such a move. Coincidentally, the Privy Council was already prepared to offer high office and generous rewards to contenders for the Right to Protect the Faith. This time, they might as well go with the flow and use the governorship to win over this Great Pirate who rose from the common folk. For decades to come, using Privateer Ships to continuously bleed Castilia dry will be an unwavering national policy of the Kingdom. This Pirate Governor is the perfect expert for that.
Finally, in the Dream Realm, they activated their Spirit Vision and took a deep look at Byron’s subconscious. It shone with a brilliant radiance, as if he were a Saint.
"Forever loyal!" "Loyalty to His Majesty!" "Loyalty that is not absolute is absolutely disloyal!" "With calloused hands and hardened feet, nothing is insurmountable..."
So dazzling!
That was a heart of loyalty as precious as gold, proven time and again by his superiors. He was the confidant of every superior, repaying their trust with utmost, pure loyalty. Undoubtedly, this was a Loyalist. If only Earl Warwick were like him.
Redbeard Edward, Major General Elsie Newman, Governor Jefferson Newman... Hmm, the others were fine, it’s just a bit unfortunate that all their people ended up gone. But never mind that. How could those individuals compare to His Majesty, with his divinely bestowed authority and brilliant martial prowess? A trivial matter.
They didn’t dwell on such trivial matters.
Each of the three signed their names to the review report. Final grade: A+. Review: Passed!
Meanwhile, Byron, standing behind them, watched as three new doors materialized out of thin air in his Financial Street due to the spiritual interaction. His smile was utterly radiant.
I was just worried about how to deal with that "Awaiting Your Entry into Dreams" Slumbering God. It’s not easy. If Violet accidentally enters its domain again, I might not be able to help much. Star Chamber Court, your arrival couldn’t have been more timely.
While others were still fixated on who would become Governor, he had already taken one step, planned three, and schemed ten. He was already contemplating how to go... lure out his father from the abode of the Old Gods.