Dean

"Open the gates! Receive the Saint's Carriage!"

As she spoke, the gates slowly opened.

Luo Li took a deep breath. She still did not know exactly what was happening inside.

However, an incident like a riot was something that absolutely could not be allowed in an army camp.

An army was a blade, and no matter the time or place, that blade could not be allowed to go rogue on its own.

She reached into the void, and a flagpole appeared in her slender hand.

With a sharp metallic click, it was slotted into the Saint's Carriage.

After the previous battles, the Saint's Carriage had undergone a minor modification.

A groove had been carved into the front floorboard of the carriage specifically to hold the Moon Banner.

"On alert! Proceed slowly into the camp!"

With the Holy Cross Sword in one hand and the flagpole of the Moon Banner in the other, she stood tall.

The knights shouted in unison.

"By your decree!"

A thunderous boom echoed.

The fifty knights simultaneously raised their lances, their gazes fixed firmly ahead.

The captain guarding the camp felt a flicker of fear as he watched this scene.

If anyone dared to act out of line at this moment, they would likely be skewered on those lances like pieces of meat in the next instant.

As someone who had personally led armies to defeat the demon army multiple times, Luo Li's prestige within the military had already reached a level that inspired awe.

Even Kevin likely did not possess the same level of influence among the knights as she did now.

It could be said that after several wars, military power had almost entirely shifted into her hands.

Furthermore, since Sir Kevin himself had no intention of seizing power, her authority had naturally established itself.

The Saint's Carriage moved forward at a slow pace, and the knights surrounding it remained fully vigilant.

As they drew closer, the noise became even louder.

It sounded like someone was shouting something.

Looking at the crowd gathered in the distance, there were at least nearly a thousand people.

Seeing this, Luo Li's brow furrowed even tighter.

This was only the army camp in the East Gate section. Had the same situation occurred in the other camps?

After a moment of silence, to prevent anyone from losing their heads, Luo Li gave an order.

"Dominica, announce it."

Dominica raised her longsword and let out a great shout.

"Her Highness has arrived! Kneel and receive her!"

The fifty knights then roared in unison.

"Her Highness has arrived! Kneel and receive her!"

The repeated shouts gradually drowned out the noise in the camp.

Countless soldiers instinctively turned their heads toward the sound. When they saw the elegant figure standing on the Saint's Carriage, everyone fell to their knees.

In an instant, the entire scene looked like a row of falling dominoes as the soldiers knelt one after another.

Luo Li looked at the few people standing in the center.

Clearly, this incident was likely initiated by those individuals.

But exactly what it was for remained unknown.

Dominica's reaction was swift. Facing the few people who were still dazed, she shouted angrily.

"The Saintess is here! Why do you not kneel!"

The men looked at each other. Finally, the leader slowly knelt on the ground.

The others followed suit.

The entire camp fell into a dead silence.

Right at that moment, a clatter of hooves came from the distance, followed by a familiar, angry roar.

"Who exactly dares to gather a crowd to cause trouble!"

The voice grew closer as the speaker approached.

Luo Li glanced back.

Following from behind was a troop of over two hundred knights.

Sitting on the leading white horse was none other than the incredibly ugly Guardian Knight, Cain Winchester.

"Cain, why are you here?"

Luo Li's brow furrowed slightly.

Seeing the Saint's Carriage and then his own lady, Cain quickly lowered his head.

"Guardian Knight Cain greets Your Highness."

"Rise."

Luo Li gestured for him to stand.

"What happened? Why are you here? Do you know what is going on?"

Cain responded crisply.

"Reporting to Your Highness, I was on duty when I received word that a crowd was causing trouble at the East Camp. I rushed here immediately and do not yet know the details."

Luo Li nodded slightly. This response time was acceptable.

However... what exactly was going on for a riot to break out?

After thinking for a moment, she did not rush to interfere.

"Cain, go and ask what happened."

"By your decree."

Rather than involving herself directly, it was better to see Cain's ability to handle the situation.

If he proved capable enough, she might consider giving him more opportunities for advancement in the future.

If his adaptability was lacking, he could simply remain in the knighthood as a Guardian Knight.

Cain rode forward. After scanning the area, his gaze fixed on the center of the crowd.

The few people in the middle.

Based on the circle formed by the crowd, one could roughly deduce where the focal point was.

Sitting atop his horse, Cain's expression was cold, his gaze scanning the individuals like the edge of a blade.

"You few, step forward."

The men looked at each other, their faces showing a hint of fear.

Without knights present, they could afford to cause a scene in the camp, but once a knight arrived, these people with no rank or strength were simply no match.

In such a situation, it would be a lie to say they weren't afraid.

But there was no turning back now. They could only steel themselves and take a step forward.

"Greetings, Sir Guardian Knight."

The group knelt together.

Cain studied them and spoke slowly.

"Among you, who is the leader? Why did you gather a crowd to cause trouble? If you cannot provide a reasonable explanation..."

As he finished speaking, Cain suddenly flicked his longsword.

"Do not blame my blade for being merciless!"

The men exchanged glances. Finally, their eyes settled on a young man.

Cain followed their gaze and noticed him as well.

Judging by his age, this person was likely the youngest among them.

Yet, it seemed these men were all tacitly led by this youth.

To command such prestige at such a young age within an army camp was indeed no easy feat.

"Reporting to the Sir Knight, I am."

The young man seemed to realize he could not hide, so he stepped out and looked up at Cain on his horse.

Cain also studied the boy with some interest.

"What is your name?"

"Dean."

Cain nodded slightly and spoke again.

"Dean, I ask you, why did you gather a crowd to cause trouble?"

Dean gritted his teeth as if he had made up his mind, and suddenly knelt down.

"Reporting to the Sir Knight, it is because someone has embezzled this year's winter bonuses. We are indignant but had no way to appeal, so we could only resort to this."

"Please, Sir Knight, uphold justice for us!"

Standing on the carriage, Luo Li had not been very concerned with the events at first.

But the moment this person appeared, the girl became interested.

This young man had some courage. He hadn't shown any fear even when facing Cain.

This matter was suddenly becoming interesting.

Cain's brow was locked tight.

"Do you know the punishment for causing trouble in the military?"

Dean nodded.

"I know. For gathering a crowd to cause trouble, the military law dictates execution."

At this, Cain became somewhat curious and asked.

"Since you know, why do you still dare to do this?"

Dean seemed to know what his fate would be. At this point, he acted with a sense of reckless abandon and answered loudly.

"Sir! The winter bonuses of our brothers in the army have been pocketed. If no one dares to speak up, who will be willing to serve in the future!"

Cain rubbed his rough chin and pondered for a moment.

"Is there evidence?"

"There is! These thousands of comrades are all evidence!"

Dean spoke loudly and then continued.

"For these winter bonuses, the Saintess was merciful and issued double the amount. But what we received was only seventy percent of a normal winter bonus."

"This man is a veteran in my squad. He says he hasn't received a full winter bonus in all these years."

"Those officials who distributed the rewards must have taken the money."

"All of us thousands can bear witness!"

"That is not true! That is not true!"

Just as Dean was about to continue, a shout suddenly came from afar.

Looking up, several people dressed as officials ran over, their faces filled with anxiety and panic.

"Sir, please see clearly! It is not like that! They are lying!"

As they spoke, the leader of the group collapsed to his knees.

"Sir, we distributed the money exactly according to what was given to us. We would never dare to have any selfish thoughts!"

As he spoke, the leader crawled forward a few steps while still kneeling.

He seemed to whisper something into Cain's ear.

Luo Li watched this scene quietly. She was in no hurry and continued to observe.

However, after hearing what the man said, Cain's brow furrowed.

After a moment of hesitation, he actually turned his horse around and came to the Saint's Carriage.

"Your Highness."

Luo Li's brow furrowed as she glanced at Cain.

This guy actually wanted to ask for her opinion in this situation?

Did he not have even a shred of initiative?

Her mood instantly soured.

"Speak."

Cain seemed hesitant.

"Your Highness, this man appears to be the son of the Great Elder of the Cromwell family."

Cromwell?

No wonder Cain was hesitant.

After all, the direct superior of the Guardian Knights was Kevin.

And Kevin was the current head of the Cromwell family.

But so what?

Luo Li looked up at the young man named Dean.

She raised a finger and pointed.

"You, come here."

Dean was stunned, and the other soldiers looked at each other in confusion.

Nevertheless, Dean stepped forward. Though his steps were slightly hesitant and his face showed some doubt, he eventually stood before the Saint's Carriage.

"I, Dean, a humble subject, greet the Saintess. I humbly wish Your Highness peace."

Luo Li looked down at Dean. While he wasn't exactly striking, he was a decent-looking ordinary person.

His looks were not outstanding.

But his courage was quite good.

"I am well. Dean, are you literate?"

"I know a few words."

"Did you study?"

"When I was a child... I learned a bit from a scholar who lived in my village."

Poised, brave enough to speak up, capable of mobilizing so many people, and literate.

He spoke without being servile or overbearing. From all perspectives, he seemed like a promising individual.

Luo Li nodded slightly. However, she still wanted to test this person's character.

Ability was one thing, but a person's character was another.

Luo Li thought for a moment and suddenly asked.

"Cain, which family did you say that person belonged to again?"

"Cromwell."

Cain knew his lady was asking him on purpose, so he answered directly.

"The family of the Heavenly Punishment Knight, Kevin Cromwell."

Luo Li nodded and then turned back to Dean. A flash of solemnity and fear crossed his face.

But those emotions vanished in an instant.

Clearly, he had experienced some inner turmoil.

"Dean, I will give you two options to resolve this matter today."

Dean was slightly taken aback, seemingly not understanding why the decision-making power had suddenly fallen to him.

However, Luo Li did not wait for him to hesitate and spoke slowly.

"The first option: I will order a re-audit and issue the full winter bonuses. I will also give you a chance to apologize to Sir Kevin. Afterward, I will send you out of Brilliant City to prevent any retaliation from the Cromwell family."

Dean stood dazed for a moment and did not respond, seemingly waiting for the second option.

Luo Li glanced at him.

Though he hesitated, he didn't immediately jump at the first choice but waited for the second.

This character was quite good.

After all, the first option completely guaranteed his safety.

"The second option: seriously punish everyone involved in this embezzlement."

At this, a look of anticipation appeared on Dean's face.

But Luo Li chuckled inwardly and continued.

"However, since it is a legal punishment, you cannot escape your responsibility either. You and your comrades will all have to face the corresponding military punishment."

Dean stood there in a daze, seemingly thinking about the difference between the two options.

Luo Li was in no rush and simply waited for his choice.

After a long while, Dean suddenly looked up at the silver-haired girl on the carriage.

"Your Highness, I would like to ask... if I choose the first one, what will happen to my comrades?"

Luo Li remained expressionless, staring down at Dean.

Very good. He had only thought for a little over a minute, which showed he was quick-witted.

This question was the answer she wanted to hear most.

However, while she was pleased internally, she could not let any emotion show on her face. On the contrary, she had to look even more serious.

"They will naturally be dealt with according to the law."

Dean's expression changed several times. He seemed to have made up his mind and immediately proposed a different suggestion.

"Your Highness, I request a third option."

Interesting.

"A third option? Let's hear it."

"Please punish this corruption case according to the law, Your Highness. I also implore you to punish me according to the law. However..."

"However what?"

Dean clenched his fists, seemingly having made his final decision.

"They only did these things because I egged them on. Please let the punishment fall on me alone. I do not dare to ask Your Highness to waive their punishment, but I only beg you to spare their lives. I, Dean... am willing to die."

'This was a man of character, one who would truly step up when it mattered.'

She then sought out some of the wounded soldiers and gave them warm condolences and rewards.

For those who had already suffered frostbite, she provided extra subsidies and personally treated them.

In doing so, the military morale, which had been somewhat unstable, was instantly solidified.

After all, as long as the banner of the Saintess was there, it was difficult for chaos to erupt.