"His Majesty has promoted me to Viscount and appointed me as the Eastern Governor of the Imperial Capital, Esnia!"
Upon meeting Phoenix Vane, Aurelian Dragon dropped a bombshell that shocked everyone around him. However, to his surprise, Phoenix Vane didn't show much astonishment, as if this was simply how things were supposed to be.
Obsidia Shade and Lynette Quill were naturally overjoyed and congratulated him repeatedly. Aurelian Dragon's promotion had broken the record of the Fast Empire, its speed comparable only to the legendary hero Eusebieleo from the very beginning of the nation's founding. However, Eusebieleo's meteoric rise was also due to his immense achievement of defeating the four-nation coalition, and it took him more than eight months. Of course, Eusebieleo's later position was far higher than Aurelian Dragon's; he rose all the way to Grand Marshal of the Empire, becoming the highest-ranking officer in the army. But judging from Aurelian Dragon's current speed of promotion, it's hard to say whether he can reach the same level as his predecessor.
"Not bad, you've been promoted to viscount within half a year. But the position of governor of the capital seems difficult to hold." Phoenix Vane smiled slightly and offered the slightly puzzled man a cup of fragrant tea.
Aurelian Dragon took the fragrant tea, took a sip, and, unable to contain her curiosity, asked, "Phoenix, you seem to know about this. Could it be...?"
Phoenix Vane extended a slender, jade-like finger and held it in front of Aurelian Dragon's mouth, speaking softly, "Don't overthink it. This wasn't something I got for you; you were chosen on your own. However, I believe you have the ability, and I think you'll do a great job."
Phoenix Vane's words only fueled Aurelian Dragon's suspicions. He scratched his head and said, "So, you knew about this beforehand, didn't you?"
Phoenix Vane nodded slightly, withdrew her finger, and then walked to the chair and sat down gracefully.
"You're quite clever! To be honest, I was the first person to know that His Majesty would appoint you as the Eastern Governor of the Capital. In fact, the appointment was already decided before you went to welcome the wedding procession from Wu'an. It's just that Prince Elnario's strong opposition delayed it for a while."
Aurelian Dragon walked up to Phoenix Vane, looked down into her bright eyes that sparkled like diamonds, and asked, "Why did His Majesty appoint me as the Eastern Governor? Why were you the first to know about this? You were leading troops in the field at the time. Besides, the Grand Secretary and the Minister of War should be the first to know about these personnel appointments. Why would His Majesty consult with you first?"
Phoenix Vane gazed at Aurelian Dragon with deep affection, smiled charmingly, and said, "Aurelian, you've asked so many questions at once, how am I supposed to answer them?"
Aurelian Dragon suddenly chuckled, reached out and picked Phoenix Vane up in her arms, then sat down in a chair and held her close.
Phoenix Vane struggled to get up, her face flushed, and said shyly, "What is this? There are servants watching, please put me down!"
Aurelian Dragon wrapped one arm around her slender waist, while making threatening gestures with the other, saying fiercely, "If you keep trying to fool me, I won't be so polite!"
Phoenix Vane's delicate body slumped in his arms, and she let out two sweet hums through her pretty nose. Feeling that devilish hand moving towards her breasts, she was so frightened that she quickly pressed down on Aurelian Dragon's hand and whispered, "Let's do it in the room. Someone will see us here."
Aurelian Dragon gave her a provocative kiss on her smooth, pink cheek, then urged, "Then hurry up and confess!"
Phoenix Vane gave him a charming glance that made the man swoon, then said in a sweet voice, "What a domineering man! How could I have met such a gentleman?"
Lynette Quill, watching with envy, leaned forward and said, "Sister Feng, are you only now realizing what Aurelian is like? He's fierce, unreasonable, and utterly absurd!"
Aurelian Dragon frowned, reached out and grabbed Lynette Quill's breasts, saying, "You've got some nerve. Just wait and see how I deal with you later."
Obsidia Shade quickly protested, "Young master, I didn't say anything bad about you. You can't generalize and condemn everyone."
Aurelian Dragon chuckled and said, "I'm going to kill everyone with one blow, including you. What's wrong with that? You don't like it? Anyway, I'm just an unreasonable guy."
The three women understood perfectly well that the man's words had a hidden meaning. Lynette Quill and Obsidia Shade blushed crimson and were speechless. Only Phoenix Vane, with the composure of a seasoned general, nestled comfortably in Aurelien Dragon's arms and sighed to Lynette Quill and Obsidia Shade, "What bad luck to have met such a terrible man! It's truly our misfortune!"
Aurelian Dragon reached out and hissed, "If you still won't talk, I'm going to give you a good beating!"
After the laughter subsided, Phoenix Vane recounted the story in detail. When Aurelian Dragon set off for the capital, she had a messenger deliver her personal letter to Andre III via an urgent dispatch. In the letter, she told the Emperor of Fast that she was leaving the army to marry Aurelian Dragon, the man who would soon be appointed Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry, and would dedicate herself to being his wife.
No emperor would be pleased to receive such news, as no one would be willing to give up a peerless general like Phoenix Vane. However, Phoenix Vane's attitude was resolute; he even offered to relinquish all his privileges and retire from the army. Left with no other option, the emperor could only try to win over the man Phoenix Vane so devoted to, hoping that he might be able to return to service in times of trouble.
After listening to Phoenix Vane's words, Aurelian Dragon fell silent. He was captivated by the beautiful woman's deep affection for him; at the height of her career, Phoenix Vane was willing to give up everything for him. Could there be a more enchanting love in the world? But at the same time, he regretted that his position had come about in such a way. After all, he had only gained Andrei III's favor because of a woman. Even if he had refused the appointment in front of Andrei III earlier, the king would have found another way to make him comply.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but mutter to himself, "That old fox!"
Lynette Quill and Obsidia Shade were also deeply surprised, not expecting Phoenix Vane to be so devoted to Aurelian Dragon, willing to give up his prestigious honor and status for him. This deeply moved them, as women themselves.
Phoenix Vane seemed to sense the man's thoughts behind him. He turned his head and gave him a deep, passionate kiss, then said softly, "Aurelian, don't underestimate yourself. If I thought you weren't up to the position of Governor of the East, I would have refused it on your behalf when His Majesty made the suggestion."
Seeing that Aurelian Dragon's mood hadn't completely recovered, Phoenix Vane cupped his face in her soft hands and said firmly, "Aurelian, I have great confidence in you. You will definitely be a good governor." Then, she pursed her luscious cherry lips and kissed him on the cheek, smiling as she said, "You are the legendary number one person in the world, how could you not have confidence in such a small matter?"
Upon hearing Phoenix Vane mention this, Aurelian Dragon burst into laughter, then wrapped her arms tightly around Phoenix Vane's slender waist, rested her chin on her shoulder, and said thoughtfully, "I really didn't know that Lunaria Dawn would call me the number one person in the world?"
Obsidia Shade nodded vigorously from the side and said, "Miss Lunaria Dawn is not wrong. Young Master will definitely become the number one person in the world."
Aurelian Dragon quickly stopped her, "These are extremely treasonous words; it's best to say them less."
Phoenix Vane said dismissively, "What's wrong with talking about it at home? As long as we don't discuss these things in front of outsiders, it's fine." Then he paused, and continued, "You've had a good time these past few days, haven't you? Does Lunaria Dawn suit you well?"
Aurelian Dragon chuckled, "Why do I smell a hint of sourness? Ha, even our Flying Phoenix General gets jealous?"
Phoenix Vane pinched him and said, "I wouldn't bother with that! I mean, did Lunaria Dawn feed you well?"
"Hehe, I see!" Aurelian Dragon exclaimed, feigning sudden realization. "Lunaria Dawn certainly has a lot of tricks up her sleeve, but how could a newcomer like her possibly be a match for me?" She then planted a heavy kiss on Phoenix Vane's cheek and added, "You know what, I was just thinking about collecting all the debts you've owed me these past few days!"
Before he finished speaking, his hands began to wander, roaming all over Phoenix Vane's fragrant body, while his large mouth unceremoniously sniffed her face.
Phoenix Vane quickly pushed him away with his hand, and said warmly, "Not here, let's go to the inner room!"
Aurelian Dragon raised her head and said confidently to Lynette Quill and Obsidia Shade, "Let's go!"
Lynette Quill and Obsidia Shade quickly responded, laughing and crowding around Aurelian Dragon, who had just stood up from his chair. Phoenix Vane seemed to lack even the strength to stand up, his soft, boneless hands tightly embracing Aurelian Dragon's head and neck, holding him in his arms.
Just as they were getting into a heated argument, Cynthia's voice suddenly rang out from outside the door: "Miss Long, is there something you need?"
"Ah, Sister Cynthia, I'm looking for Sister Yu!" As she spoke, the door was pushed open, and Lyra Draconis's little head peeked in.
The man, whose good time had been interrupted, sighed inwardly. At that moment, Phoenix Vane quickly got off the Aurelian Dragon, looked at the dragon girl with a slightly embarrassed expression, and asked, "Little Dragon Girl, what do you need me for?"
Lyra Draconis first glared at the Aurelian Dragon standing to the side, leaving the still-frightened man completely bewildered. What had he done to offend this dragon girl that made her seem so displeased with him?
Lyra Draconis nodded and greeted Phoenix Vane, her hair styled in a neat ponytail that swayed energetically with her movements. She smiled at Phoenix Vane and said, "Yes, Sister Yu! Look what I found!"
Lyra Draconis's change in attitude left Aurelian Dragon puzzled. Why was she being treated differently from others? She was always warm and polite to everyone else, yet she seemed so hostile towards him. It was strange. Could it be because of his relationship with Princess Selene Qian that she was categorizing him as an enemy?
Phoenix Vane looked at Lyra Draconis and smiled, "What is it?"
"I went out to play today and ended up picking up a stranger!"
"What, what?" Aurelian Dragon exclaimed. "You said you found something?"
Lyra Draconis rolled her eyes at him, looking at him with an expression that said, "How could you be so stupid?" and replied irritably, "I said I found someone!"
Aurelian Dragon sighed inwardly and said to Lyra Draconis, "Can people be picked up just like that?"
Lyra Draconis pouted, looking like she had nothing to say to him, and smiled sweetly at Phoenix Vane, saying, "Shall we go take a look?"
Before Aurelian Dragon could voice his objections, Phoenix Vane looked at him and said, "This person is a bit strange. Aurelian, let's go take a look!"
Aurelian Dragon initially wanted to ask, "How do you know this person is a bit strange?" But after thinking about it, he held back. He decided to go and see if this person was indeed as strange as Phoenix Vane had described before asking.
They followed Lyra Draconis to a room ahead, where Zuo Lanxin, whom Aurelian Dragon hadn't seen in a long time, was sitting in a chair in front of the bed. When she saw them come in, she quickly stood up and greeted them gently one by one.
Lyra Draconis pointed to a woman on the bed and said, "That's her! When I found her, she was seriously injured and had difficulty speaking, so I had to bring her back."
Upon closer inspection, the group saw several wounds on the woman's body, her dark yellow robes stained with blood. Judging from the appearance of the wounds, they were inflicted by a magically enchanted sword. The most gruesome wound was on her face; a charred yellow sword cut had completely disfigured her elegant and delicate features, making her look rather shocking. However, the bleeding from these wounds had now stopped.
Lyra Draconis grasped the woman's hand and channeled her inner energy into her body. After one cycle, a trace of color returned to the woman's previously pale face.
Aurelian Dragon glanced at Zuo Lanxin and suddenly said apologetically, "Miss Zuo, I'm so sorry, I haven't been able to visit you since I came back. I wonder if you're getting used to living here?"
Zuo Lanxin's pretty face flushed slightly, and she said softly, "Thank you for your concern, General. I am perfectly fine!"
Lynette Quill chimed in, "Aurelian, she came to see you several times while you were unconscious!"
Aurelian Dragon was pleased to see that Zuo Lanxin was getting along so well with them. Just as she was about to speak again, the woman on the bed groaned and woke up.
Everyone crowded around her, and after some conversation, they learned that the woman's name was Rou Niang, a freelance dancer who was traveling with a dance troupe to perform in Esnia. However, they were ambushed by a band of thieves who wanted to kidnap them and sell them into slavery. After a battle, only she escaped their clutches, but she collapsed from her injuries on the way. Fortunately, Lyra Draconis found her and rescued her.
Aurelian Dragon found Rou Niang's words quite suspicious and was the first to raise a question.
"How could a dancer like you possibly escape the clutches of thieves? Judging from the injuries, these thieves are no ordinary experts. They can wield swords imbued with magic, so they must be at least level one magic swordsmen."
Rou Niang exclaimed, "I once learned sword dance from the Gongsun family, so..." Aurelian Dragon was then relieved. The Gongsun family's sword dance was hailed as one of the seven great arts of the continent, capable of rivaling even the Demon Swordsman.
Lyra Draconis was about to say something, but seeing Aurelian Dragon's reaction, she gave Rou Niang a mysterious smile and fell silent. Seeing this meaningful smile from the spirited, pretty girl with the ponytail, Rou Niang suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.
She suddenly realized that despite her severe injuries, she had recovered remarkably quickly, which meant that among the people before her were highly skilled medical experts. However, looking around, apart from one man, everyone else was a beautiful woman, and all of them were quite young, which was quite astonishing.
Phoenix Vane glanced at Lyra Draconis, then said to Aurelian Dragon, "There's actually a band of thieves with magic swordsmen near the capital. You, the new governor of the East, will have to work hard."
"The Eastern Governor?" Rou Niang's heart skipped a beat. She first glanced at the imposing man before her, then took a closer look at Phoenix Vane's unparalleled beauty, and immediately connected the legendary figure with the man and woman before her. In that instant, she understood her current situation.
At Lynette Quill's suggestion and Obsidia Shade's seconding, the homeless Rou Niang temporarily settled in Fei Feng Mansion. Lyra Draconis then declared that she would completely remove the scars from Rou Niang's face and restore her original beauty. This made the man who had suffered so much scoff. He might believe anything else this dragon girl said, but as for her medical skills, they could only be described as utterly incompetent.
So Aurelian Dragon and Lyra Draconis made a bet: if Lyra Draconis failed to do what she said within seven days, she would lose; otherwise, Aurelian Dragon would lose. The loser would have to promise the winner three things.
After a high-five and with Phoenix Vane acting as witness, the confident man planned to eliminate the demon girl from his sight after his victory, provided he didn't give her the "Dragon's Heart Sutra." Phoenix Vane, who had made some progress in its practice, told him that mastering the "Dragon's Heart Sutra" significantly increased one's defense against magic and granted the ability to read minds—a priceless treasure for anyone.
At this moment, Aurelian Dragon forgot that he had never gained the upper hand against the dragon girl, and this bet would become a nightmare for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, he was not a god with foresight, so he was filled with anticipation for the outcome seven days later.
※ ※ ※
The following day, Emperor Andre III of Fast issued an edict through the Secretariat and the military, announcing that Baron Aurelion Dragon, Commander of Ten Thousand Cavalry of the Fast Empire, would assume the post of Eastern Governor of the Imperial Capital Esnia, establish his own government and headquarters, and be promoted to Imperial Viscount.
Like a stone thrown into a still pond, the imperial edict caused a great uproar throughout the country as soon as it was announced.
Emperor Andre III of Fast appointed a new governor of the capital, the very man who had risen to prominence in the Battle of Skywind, Aurelian Dragon. He was even granted permission to establish his own government and headquarters—an unprecedented honor in the history of Fast. This news spread like wildfire throughout the capital, Esnia, leaving everyone who heard it astonished.
Who is Aurelian Dragon? Just a few months ago, he was an unknown centurion of the Fast Western Legion. To put it bluntly, people like him were everywhere in Fast; you could grab a handful of them. Although he made great contributions in the Battle of Skywind, that was due to the skillful command of General Phoenix Vane; he simply benefited from luck.
It's truly baffling what made him so special that His Majesty the Emperor valued him so highly, granting him a meteoric rise through the ranks from a centurion to one of the most powerful men in the Fast Empire—all in less than six months.
If the saying "the tallest tree catches the most wind" holds true, then Aurelian Dragon's meteoric rise has certainly made many people envious. Some are jealous, some are envious, but some are secretly sneering, waiting to see how he dies. Still others are privately rubbing their hands together, preparing to make this detestable man suffer a horrible death.
Because the imperial capital, Esnia, was located in the center of the continent and was a crucial hub of the Golden Route, the news quickly spread throughout the land with merchants traveling north and south. At this time, due to the marriage alliance between the Fast Empire and the Wu'an Kingdom, delegations from various continental nations also arrived in Esnia, so the news reached their already sensitive ears with incredible speed.
At this moment, there was not much celebration in Feifeng Mansion, because the man who held military power in the capital was staring blankly at the list in his hand.
This is a list of officers sent by the military headquarters. The people on it are the troops that the military headquarters transferred to his command this time. Apart from Suo Chong, whom he specifically requested, and Garrick Stonewall, who was officially appointed as the city's thousand cavalry, all the others were selected by the Minister of the Army, Prince Elnario.
"A bunch of rabble!"
This was Phoenix Vane's first comment when she saw the list, and her words left the previously smug man stunned.
After listening to Phoenix Vane's explanation, Aurelian Dragon realized that he had been given a hot potato: a group of the most unpopular military officers and the most disobedient subordinates. He couldn't help but curse that despicable prince in his heart for resorting to such a tactic.
It was obvious that Prince Elnario wanted to embarrass himself by bringing these most difficult people in the army under his command, which would make things even more difficult.
After thinking for a long time, Aurelian Dragon still had no solution, so he simply threw away the list, grabbed a wine glass, and took a big gulp of wine.
Lynette Quill, who had been observing quietly, smiled and said, "Aurelian, don't worry too much. Maybe there are geniuses among these people. People say no one is perfect, and often the truly talented are the eccentric ones. The reason these people are unpopular in the military is simply because their behavior is different!"
Aurelian Dragon slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "That's right! Why didn't I think that way? My good Lynette is right. Truly capable people are the least likely to submit to others. Flatterers and those who just parrot what others say are incompetent mediocre people."
Phoenix Vane looked at Aurelian Dragon with approval and said, "Indeed, they are all a rabble under others, more trouble than they're worth. But let me tell you, there are still many experts among them. Take this person, for example." Her slender finger pointed to the top of the list.
Aurelian Dragon looked down and muttered, "Lucian Swiftfire!?"
"It's him!" A hint of recollection appeared on Phoenix Vane's fair face as he slowly said, "His marksmanship is by no means inferior to mine, and he is a very talented man."
The man being taught seemed to glean something from Phoenix Vane's expression and tone, and couldn't help but feel a little strange. "If he's really that capable, why is he just an unemployed commander of ten thousand cavalry?"
Phoenix Vane shook her head and explained, "He was a hereditary baron of the empire, a man with a promising future, but unfortunately he was demoted because of his frivolous lifestyle..." A hint of confusion flashed in her beautiful eyes as she said this.
The man who witnessed all of this knew there must be more to the story, and he was determined to find out the truth later.
Aurelian Dragon chuckled and said, "A matter of attitude towards life?"
Phoenix Vane composed herself and said coquettishly, "Don't you feel like you've met a kindred spirit?"
Aurelian Dragon protested her innocence, arguing, "My attitude towards life is as good as it gets; I could be considered a role model."
Phoenix Vane rolled his eyes at him and said irritably, "Nobody believes you."
Aurelian Dragon chuckled, self-satisfied, and said, "If I weren't an outstanding young man, would you imperial beauties have taken a liking to me?"
Lynette Quill chuckled and said, "You're truly exceptional, with skin so thick it's impervious to blades!" Everyone burst into laughter.
After laughing, Phoenix Vane explained, "Lucian Swiftfire was a man very popular with women, but once he got together with a woman, he found out that she was the wife of Huwushu, the commander of the Southern Legion. As a result, the matter reached His Majesty the Emperor, and his promising future was ruined."
Lynette Quill added, "Actually, he's a very proud person. If he thinks someone isn't worth associating with, he'll ignore them completely, which is why he offended many people in the military."
Aurelian Dragon touched his nose and muttered, "Interesting, this guy is quite an interesting person!"
"So, if you observe carefully, there are a few interesting people among them." Phoenix Vane pointed to another name, "like this person."
Aurelian Dragon murmured, "Shi Yixin, the military advisor of the Eastern Governor's Office! What kind of person is he?"
Under Aurelian Dragon's persistent questioning, Phoenix Vane recounted the details of these individuals, giving Aurelian Dragon a fairly comprehensive understanding of his retinue.
There are all sorts of people in there. It seems I need to plan carefully when I go to the city guard headquarters for the ceremony tomorrow, so I won't be caught off guard.
"My days ahead are sure to be very interesting," Aurelian Dragon smiled as she looked at the list on the table, then slowly fell into deep thought.