Chapter 168: Fario's Final Judgment!

"Catherine, you don't happen to have some powerful backer, do you?"

Gervas looked at Catherine; only this possibility could explain her sudden ennoblement.

When Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi had the scribe draft the report, to show his regard for himself, he had specifically asked Gervas to stand beside him and listen to the scribe recite it.

Although Catherine was mentioned within, her merit was only slightly greater than that of Brick and others: she had guarded the bound tribal leader's heir alongside Gervas and rescued five nobles of the left-wing army, including Mi Er.

Of course, the exaggeration in this merit was obvious at a glance; it was clearly a favor gifted by Gervas.

Regardless, such meager merit could not possibly have earned Catherine a promotion in rank.

At this moment, Gervas also noticed the surprised expression on Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi's face on the high platform.

Clearly, Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi was also unaware of this.

"Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi, do not be surprised; His Highness the Crown Prince specifically instructed me to inform you: this Viscountess Catherine is a member of the Duke Hernand family!"

"A member of the Duke Hernand family? No wonder... But if she is from the Hernand family, why did she not remain in the North, but instead come to this dangerous southern border?"

The Duke Hernand family is one of the kingdom's old-established ducal families, with extremely deep foundations, particularly holding an extremely high status in maritime trade.

If Gervas were standing here, he should immediately recall that the bed crossbow he picked up originated from the Hernand family.

"I am unclear on the reasons behind it, but her identity is certainly correct; His Highness the Crown Prince personally instructed it!"

Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi nodded.

Such secrets of ducal families are very difficult to investigate when they do not wish outsiders to know.

And the Hernand family has always stood with the Crown Prince's faction; thus, Viscountess Catherine's promotion in rank becomes understandable.

Thinking of this, Marshal Mi Xiusi suddenly asked, "How is Your Majesty's health?"

For this campaign, he had arrived at Lei Dun Fortress half a year ago.

Adeli, hearing this inquiry, did not seem to find it abrupt, and said softly, "Your Majesty's health is deteriorating day by day; many matters are now handled by the princes!"

Next, the two stopped short, and Adeli calmed the noise in the hall.

Since there were rewards, punishments naturally existed as well.

"In view of Count Fario, Viscount Dorian, Viscount Dallas, Baron Liam... fleeing the battlefield, causing the enemy to take advantage of the empty camp, resulting in massive casualties among the noble army."

"By the unanimous decision of Your Majesty and the Noble Council, Count Fario, Viscount Dorian, Baron Casit... are to be immediately executed by hanging, half of their property confiscated, and all noble honors, titles, and ranks stripped!"

Boom!

"Long live Your Majesty!"

"Haha, these damn wretches have finally received their punishment!"

"Yes, it is truly too satisfying!"

Hearing the disposition of Fario and others, the manor immediately erupted in cheers.

And this at last covered up the slight objections raised by Catherine's unusual promotion just now.

After all, Catherine's promotion did not touch upon everyone's interests.

At most, it only made everyone envious.

But what kind of people are the nobles?

Each is a shrewd person, fully aware of such matters.

Let it pass, and it passes!

After the banquet ended, the nobles set off on their return journey in the afternoon.

Everyone had left their territories nearly two months ago, and all were eager to return home.

Gervas also prepared to depart in the afternoon, but before leaving, he specifically went to bid farewell to Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi and presented a gift to express gratitude.

After all, the smooth reporting of this merit was also crucially dependent on Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi.

Of course, besides gratitude, Gervas naturally had other plans.

Because the gift he presented was a monocular telescope.

Coincidentally, Commander Adeli was also present.

"Viscount Gervas, what is this?"

Originally, Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi certainly did not intend to accept Gervas's gift.

But seeing that Gervas's gift was not some noble item like gold or silver, it instead aroused Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi's curiosity.

"My lord Hou Jue, this is called a monocular telescope; it can bring scenes hundreds of meters away closer, making them appear as if they are right before one's eyes!"

"Oh? Is there such a magical item? Wait, this does not seem to be a magical item, does it?" Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi exclaimed in surprise first.

However, he quickly realized this was not the magical item he had imagined.

After all, magical items not only bear inscriptions but also possess mana fluctuations.

Even if some magical items are hidden by special methods, before a powerful person like him, they are still easily detectable.

Adeli, standing nearby, also spoke with interest, "Indeed, it is not a magical item; can it truly achieve the ability you described?"

Both turned their gaze toward Gervas.

"Marquis Narcissus, Commander Adeli, this is indeed not a magical item, but it truly possesses the efficacy I described; moreover, one only needs to go to an open area to verify it immediately!"

"Is that so?"

Seeing Gervas's calm expression, Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi was truly intrigued; he immediately took the monocular telescope, rose, and walked toward the balcony.

At this moment, everyone was on a small castle behind the mountain range of Paka City.

Thus, one only needed to walk to the balcony to overlook the entire city.

Commander Adeli, standing nearby, was also full of interest and immediately followed out.

Under Gervas's guidance, Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi quickly placed the monocular telescope before his eyes.

When he raised the telescope to look down at the city below, Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi immediately widened his eyes.

"This... this is actually just like what's right before my eyes?!"

Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi, unable to believe it, quickly lowered the monocular telescope to look for a moment, then picked the telescope up again.

Only then did he confirm he was not having an illusion; immediately, while looking, he reached out with one hand toward the front, as if the distant object had truly been pulled before his eyes.

"Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi, is it really that miraculous? This is not a magical item!" Commander Adeli stood aside, somewhat doubtful and suspicious.

After all, Marshal Mi Xiusi's reaction was a bit exaggerated.

He even suspected that Marshal Mi Xiusi had specially acted with this young noble to trick him.

Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi put down the monocular telescope and said in a bad mood: "Adeli, you fellow, did you think I would deceive you? Look for yourself; this thing is simply as miraculous as a magical item!"

Adeli, half believing and half doubting, took the monocular telescope, then imitated Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi and looked down at the city below.

In the next instant, Commander Adeli's body shook violently. "This... this is no different from being right before one's eyes; even the appearance of people a thousand meters away can be seen clearly!"

"This is a divine artifact!"

Commander Adeli took the monocular telescope down, his eyes full of sharp light.

As a commander, he knew very well the convenience this telescope would bring if used in battle.

Seeing this, Marquis Marshal Mi Xiusi suddenly reached out and snatched the monocular telescope back from his hand.

Commander Adeli immediately grew angry. "Marshal Mi Xiusi, what do you mean by this?"

"What do I mean? This was given to me by Gervas; who knows if you, you fellow, will develop greed and snatch it from me!" Marshal Mi Xiusi spoke with righteous indignation.