Chapter 110

Chapter 110

Norton convened a council meeting in the Council Palace of the Glans Empire.

Unlike the palace where Glans resided, this was at the very heart of the imperial capital, a palace used solely for official business.

The attendees were all Glans' top officials, and most of the empire's decisions were made through their votes. To some extent, they could be said to shape the nation's direction.

Norton scanned them one by one. Most were still young, in their prime. Some were born into nobility, while many came from humble beginnings.

But without exception, they were all the empire's elite.

"I trust you've all received the notice. I am entrusting Glans to you. Elect a Council Speaker among yourselves. Until I finish what I need to do, I will no longer serve as Emperor of Glans."

Those present exchanged glances. No one raised any objections for now. Glans has had plenty of unconventional rulers, and Norton was considered one of the best emperors. During his reign, he never dumped state affairs on the council.

Some even said that, except during foreign wars, Glans emperors rarely bothered with governance.

They never seemed to fear losing power, and indeed, that was the case.

A few people brought alcohol and medical tools to examine and treat Deenlie's wounds. Deenlie cooperated readily.

Even now, songs and literature kept pouring out, praising Glans' glory.

But in truth, even if the one on the throne had no popular support, as long as the Insect Tide remained, Glans' position would never waver.

Someone raised a hand and asked directly, "Your Majesty, when do you plan to come back?"

Norton stood up, looking around the room. "If you need a date, then prepare for me never coming back."

The hall went dead silent. Norton never jokes.

Someone stood up first. "Your Majesty, what do you intend to do? Please tell us. Glans' legions will make it happen."

Another person lost it, muttering, "You're kidding. How could Glans fail at anything?"

"Your Majesty, please don't jest. If you're tired of politics, we'll handle it for you. You may do as you please."

Norton ignored them. He just turned and walked away.

Finally, Old Glendon spoke. "Your Majesty."

"Whatever you plan to do, you're still the Emperor of Glans first."

Norton paused, tilting his head slightly. "No. First, I am a father, and then I am the Emperor of Glans. I've been Emperor for years, but I've never really been a father."

"You know as well as I do that Glans can't lose its Glans."

Norton turned away. Everyone could only see his back. "That day will come."

Old Glendon sighed and stood up. "Go, Your Majesty. Do what you need to do. No matter what, you will always be the Emperor of Glans. Whatever you intend to do, the Glans Empire stands behind you. It will be your sword, cutting down every obstacle."

Norton said nothing. He kept walking toward his goal, his footsteps echoing down the hall.

Behind him, everyone stood and bowed to his back. "Glory to the empire forever! Glans immortal!"

Norton didn't stop. He just gripped his sword tighter and walked out step by step, out of this magnificent palace that symbolized power and glory.

He paused at the exit, glancing back at the Glans banner fluttering high above.

"Immortal, huh?"

...

By Norton's order, all Glans legions except the garrison began gathering at the capital.

At the same time, Glans issued a public announcement on its official website, offering high pay to recruit researchers in mental power, both within and outside Glans.

"What are they doing? The Insect Tide isn't even over yet. Everyone is on high alert, conducting thorough checks, and Glans is already operating normally."

"To be honest, this is anything but normal. I'm wondering if something has happened to Prince Adrian. Please, let nothing be wrong."

"But isn't Glans' medical technology already highly advanced? If they can't figure it out themselves, finding help elsewhere won't work either. And besides, aren't you all concerned about the Insect Tide? It's not over yet! We've been having new issues over here recently."

"Regardless of Glans' intentions, quite a few countries are standing against them. It probably won't go smoothly."

"On the other hand, for those saying it won't go smoothly, you might not have noticed that Glans' legions have already assembled in the capital. With them around, I think it will go smoothly."

By the time Glans' legions had all arrived at the capital,

Norton released Arnold and Adrian.

Arnold had already walked out of the room and stood beside Norton, watching together with his brother as Adrian remained motionless.

The chains had fallen from Adrian's body, scattered around him. Adrian kept his head down, having learned much information from Arnold.

"Where is Ye Mo?"

Adelaide answered Adrian, "The young prince is still asleep, Your Highness. You will see him at the dining table later."

"I don't understand. We all know that releasing us will only hasten his collapse. Big brother, you have always been the calmest and most rational one. You can command me, and I will obey. But I hope you can calm down and think this through carefully."

Arnold also looked at Norton. He trusted his brother, but he too harbored doubts about this.

They had discussed it before. The crystal had lost its effect on Ye Mo. Ye Mo could no longer be confined to the fourth floor. Everyone knew the distance mental power could cover. And they couldn't leave Norton's side when out of control. Only a Glans could kill a Glans. To avoid further casualties, they were left with only two choices.

Sacrifice them, or sacrifice Ye Mo.

Adrian lowered his head, turning his face away, not daring to look at Norton. He knew how cruel his next words would be for Norton. They all knew the weight of this. Arnold had been rambling about it to Adrian constantly.

Every time he missed their parents so much, felt he couldn't hold on, Norton would repeatedly tell him that he would bear Arnold's fate, that at the right time, he would let Arnold fall into a peaceful slumber.

And so Arnold held on, time and time again.

But Arnold only watched them leave. Norton was the one who had to do it himself. Even Adrian himself, on the brink of his own collapse, had begged Norton for release.

They had made Norton bear such a heavy burden.

Now they were asking him to bear it a second time.

Adrian's voice was low. "We all know the best way. I have already died once. Arnold should have reached that time too. And Ye Mo is still so young."

Norton tightened his grip on his sword, staring straight at Adrian, who had turned his face away. "I will. The next time you go berserk, I will act. Ye Mo cannot endure the effects of another berserk episode."

"Until then, I need you to serve as the blades in my hands to push forward the progress."

Norton's tone was the same as always, as if this were the most normal thing in the world.

Only then did Adrian muster the courage to lift his head and look at Norton. He stood up, walked over to Norton, and lowered his head. Norton fastened the collar around Adrian's neck.

Arnold was also wearing the same collar, standing on the other side of Norton.

Adrian lifted his head again, feeling a bit uncomfortable as he adjusted. "My legion is still intact, right?"

He flashed a smile, a canine tooth peeking out from the corner of his mouth. "It's been a long time since I fought alongside you all. I hope I can have some fun."

Adelaide stood to the side, unsure of what to say. He simply watched them, like beasts that had been caged for way too long, their bodies covered in scars from struggling against their prison.

They had already accepted their fate, yet for the sake of the young one who was also bound, they rose again, roaring at the cage that held them captive, trying to break free.

Even though they knew that everything they did might be in vain, that they faced an accelerated death, they were still willing to fight for that faint glimmer of hope.

In the end, Adelaide only lowered his head and said softly, "I'll go get the swords and proper clothes ready for the two princes."