## Chapter 2: New Century (Epilogue)
“System, this isn’t right. I’m a law-abiding citizen, why are you releasing usurpation quests?”
Xi Wei sat on his chair, one hand gently stroking his chin, a thoughtful expression on his face, appearing to be in indecision.
In reality, he was arguing with the system in his mind.
Xi Wei felt that this system was an absolute mind-reader, having even predicted his rebellious streak.
Was he that obvious?
【Ding! As a villain, backstabbing allies and ascending to the throne on the corpses of your comrades is the art of villainy.】
Xi Wei chuckled wryly at the system’s rogue declaration.
“Good heavens, then what kind of king would I be? A Backstabbing King? The problem is, I don’t have enough troops right now…”
Xi Wei wasn’t lying about this.
Although he had about fifteen to sixteen Sky Knight level units in total, the Pope was Champion Level, plus there was the First Prince Bai Leferun with unfathomable depth.
Even if he waited for the First Prince and the Pope to fight to the death before suddenly betraying them, it would likely be futile.
【Ding! Host, just focus on completing the death plot quest and shattering Ye Hao’s destiny-child identity. The rest is up to fate.】
Xi Wei: “…”
Xi Wei was speechless, thinking to himself that the system had turned into a fortune-teller in just a few days?
So, the system meant that completing the death plot quest was the key to breaking the deadlock.
In fact, he had initially planned to declare independence in the Eagle Territory and wasn’t preparing for a usurpation so soon.
After all, the Kolon Empire was surrounded by enemies right now…
No.
Xi Wei’s eyes lit up. He realized that this was indeed an opportunity.
The Andor Empire, the greatest threat to the Kolon Empire, was currently being invaded by the Naga sea race.
The Medon Duchy to the west was merely a small country with limited military strength, likely possessing the desire but not the courage to act.
The Northern Territory was the domain of the Frost Orcs, Titans, and Giants.
Setting aside the Lawful Neutral Titans, the remaining Frost Orcs and Giants, while possibly having intentions to attack the Kolon Empire, were unlikely to do so due to their limited numbers.
Calculating this, he only needed to guard against the Orc Royal Court in the southern desert.
As for the players…
Xi Wei pondered, his gaze falling on the anxious Scheming Frog. After a moment’s thought, he spoke.
“I agree to your demands. I will help you kill Ye Hao.”
He had already figured it out.
The system had hinted earlier that killing Ye Hao primarily meant shattering and even stripping away his destiny-child identity.
Furthermore, he was unsure if the mysterious crystal could function without Ye Hao, leaving the players with two possible endings:
Either perish with Ye Hao, or become his subordinates.
Xi Wei leaned towards the latter, as the system had a history of opportunistic acquisitions.
…
The Scheming Frog and Gou Fugui left satisfied.
They not only received the Eagle Lord’s promise but also five copper coins each as compensation for their arduous journey.
The Scheming Frog and Gou Fugui were deeply moved.
Five copper coins was a fortune!
This sum was enough for them to buy ten pieces of Dark Bread hard enough to be used as weapons on their journey.
In short, the trip was a success, with both parties pleased.
Especially the generosity of the Eagle Lord, which earned the admiration of the Scheming Frog and Gou Fugui.
Sitting in the conference hall, Xi Wei, whose mood had already improved significantly, paid no mind to the players’ praise.
As a great lord, being revered and praised by others was a normal occurrence.
He was currently diligently listening to Clemon’s report on the situation in Rhode City.
“Young Master Xi Wei, all resistance within Rhode City has been quelled. We have captured over five thousand soldiers of the Rhode City garrison. How should we handle these captives?”
The old knight’s expression was tinged with worry. Attacking a city was far simpler than governing one, much like dealing with the over five thousand captured soldiers of Rhode City.
If left unattended, they could become bandits and rebels. And what if they suddenly turned on them on the battlefield?
They couldn’t possibly kill them all.
Xi Wei noticed Clemon’s worried expression but didn’t find the matter difficult to handle. After a brief moment of thought, he coolly suggested.
“During this special period, we don’t have time to win these prisoners over completely. I will give you two suggestions.”
“First: Find the corresponding families of these prisoners within Rhode City and keep them under house arrest in the Rhode City dungeons.”
“There’s no need to confine everyone, as that would be too many and difficult to manage.”
“If they have children, capture the children. If not, capture their wives or parents. Any prisoner without any family should be executed.”
“Second: Allow those captured soldiers to meet with their family members, and then disperse them into our current army.”
“Once we leave Rhode City, we will only need to assign a small contingent of elites to guard the dungeons. Believe me, these prisoners will fight with all their might on the battlefield.”
After hearing Xi Wei’s suggestions, Clemon carefully considered them, and a look of realization dawned on his face.
The Lord meant to give these prisoners something to care about, thereby maximizing control over them without requiring extensive security measures.
This method could be considered exceptionally effective when dealing with a small number of prisoners.
“Young Master Xi Wei, your wisdom truly leaves this old servant in the dust.” Clemon said with reverence, performing a knight’s salute to Xi Wei and praising him sincerely.
Xi Wei waved his hand indifferently.
These were merely old tricks from historical books of his previous life, a practice of restating what others had already said, nothing to be proud of.
“Oh, right,” Xi Wei suddenly remembered something and said to Clemon with a serious tone.
“There are approximately ten thousand civilians in Rhode City. You must strictly manage your knights and ensure they do not harass these civilians with soldiers. This is crucial for the stability of Rhode City after our departure, preventing it from descending into chaos the moment we leave.”
“Now, dispatch troops to apprehend and execute all the hooligans who have emerged during this chaos!”
As Xi Wei said this, he leaned forward slightly, exuding an oppressive aura, and looked sternly at Clemon and the other knights in the conference hall. His gaze turned icy, and his voice carried a chilling killing intent as he spoke each word deliberately.
“Make an example of them in front of the townsfolk!”
“Your will be done!”
Clemon, with a solemn expression, once again clasped his fist in salute to Xi Wei, who was seated at the head of the table.
After finishing these instructions, Xi Wei’s expression softened. He leaned back slightly against Loli’s soft, petite body, enjoying the little maid’s meticulous care, and said casually.
“Alright, Clemon, you may go. Also, ask Gudbad when he’ll finish organizing everything in the castle. I’m eager to see how much property Marquis Rhode, that scoundrel, has!”
