Arcane Emperor

Butler Ralph, while speaking, took out a radiant white crystal and activated it.

A transparent light sketched in the air, and lifelike images began to emerge amidst the caravan.

The battle scenes of each warrior, the moments the mutated merfolk were slain, vividly appeared before everyone's eyes.

"Wow...!"

"What spell is this?"

"I've never heard of it..."

"The battle images of everyone can be found..."

"My god, I can see myself..."

"..."

Of course, everyone was astounded by the imagery before their eyes, and their awe for my Lord increased by yet another measure.

Butler Ralph proudly said to everyone:

"This is a new spell developed by our Lord Matthew Serl—Image Magic!"

"Look here, when Kalado was under the assault of even the merfolk, Rolf Carlisle came to the support."

"Rolf Carlisle had already gravely wounded it, but this coward, out of fear for his own life, not only chose not to help but actually pushed him from behind!"

The image froze at the moment Rolf Carlisle struggled in panic!

The figure with half of its sleeve torn open matched perfectly with Kalado lying on the ground.

Butler Ralph, with a calm expression, slowly drew his thin sword and murmured:

"May the Magic Lady bless Rolf Carlisle on his journey beyond!"

"As for you, murderer who killed your comrade, in the name of the Serl Family and Lord Matthew Serl, you are to be executed immediately!"

"No...!"

Kalado, overwhelmed by fear, wept bitterly and wailed in regret.

But Butler Ralph, holding back his anger, carried out the will of both himself and Matthew, and pierced his chest without hesitation.

Under the gaze of all, the execution was justly carried out!

As Kalado fell lifelessly, Butler Ralph, following protocol, destroyed his head to prevent mutation.

The silver thin sword dripping with blood did not evoke fear among the surrounding soldiers, for they all felt Kalado got what he deserved.

They were not afraid, but there were others who were!

The other 16 called out by Butler Ralph knelt tremblingly and knocked their heads to the ground.

Little did they know, Ralph simply gave them a cold glance and said with a tone of disappointment:

"You did not participate in battle, and even when the enemy was before your eyes, you lacked the courage to fight!"

"As punishment, your chance to become soldiers is revoked, and your period of servitude is extended by one year before you can become free citizens."

The unexpected punishment made the 16 cowardly cart drivers heave a sigh of relief as they quickly kowtowed to thank Butler Ralph.

Butler Ralph couldn't be bothered to explain what they had truly lost and turned his head towards the total of nine people who had falsely reported their merits.

The frightened people suddenly came to their senses.

If my Lord could discern Kalado's sneaky actions, he could easily uncover their lies.

So, they all knelt down in panic and hastily took out the coins they had just received, hoping to hand them to Butler Ralph.

Butler Ralph furiously flicked his thin sword and sheathed it with a swipe.

He strode over to Cartlan, the first to lie, snatched his coin purse, and said with a malevolent tone,

"According to the laws of the Nesserite Empire, any commoner or slave who deceives, steals, or robs a noble's currency shall have a hand chopped off and be sent to the mines to work until death!"

Cold sweat broke out on Cartlan's forehead, and he knew all too well that Butler Ralph was not lying, for the latter disdained to do so. Kneeling down, he kowtowed and wailed,

"It's all my fault, I was too greedy, I deserve this punishment…"

"Enough with the act. Considering that you fought bravely earlier, did not retreat, and even saved a comrade, my lord will not send you to the mines."

"However, all the extra merits you falsely claimed will be deducted in triple the amount!"

"You were supposed to receive 1 gold, 65 silver, and 96 copper coins. As punishment, 1 gold and 80 silver coins will be deducted."

"Remember, you still owe my lord 14 silver and 4 copper coins!"

"Now stand up straight. Just because my lord forgives you doesn't mean I do. As punishment, you'll be whipped thrice in public. Do you accept?"

Upon hearing that the final punishment wasn't beheading or being sent to the mines, Cartlan finally took a deep breath.

But then, realizing that he had not only lost all the money that was practically in his hands but now even owed my lord, his face showed deep regret. He dejectedly slapped his forehead and responded,

"I accept…"

Smack! Smack! Smack!

The soldiers watching couldn't help but twitch at the sight of Cartlan grimacing in pain as he entered the tent. There, he washed his wounds with diluted Purification Potion to prevent mutation and contamination before changing into fresh clothes and shakily walked out, swallowing hard.

At least it was only a loss of face, not of life!

It was then that Butler Ralph clapped Cartlan on the shoulder with a ferocious tone,

"This is the first and the last time!"

"I hope you all remember that my lord is merciful but also authoritative!"

"Do not challenge his patience with your petty cleverness!"

"Alright, next up are the rest of you…"

Outside, Butler Ralph was beginning another round of whipping as a demonstration, while Matthew, who had given a sweet reward and then couldn't be bothered anymore, was gleefully viewing the information prompts:

"You've achieved a thoroughly satisfying victory, earning 1000 Experience Points (EXP), and an extra reward of 1 skill point."

"You gained 6420 EXP from the battle and 5 skill points (used)."

"In total, you've acquired 7420 EXP and 6 skill points (1 point remaining)."

"You've changed the fate of 120 individuals, earning 642 Destiny Coins."

"That's exhilarating! Only massive warfare can harvest vast amounts of Experience Points and skill points like this, though such luck isn't always within reach..."

"However, now that I've started on the path of a lord, if I develop my domain well and build an army, I can frequently wage large-scale wars and hence harvest Experience massively, can't I?"

"No, such a strategy might indeed rapidly accumulate strength and raise the level of an Arcanist in the early stages..."

"But if the foundation isn't solid and the domain's development isn't comprehensive, it could lead to even worse impacts."

"Just like players from my past life, relying on their ability to revive repeatedly, became too arrogant and did not thoroughly understand their enemies, leading to complete defeat."

"No matter how strong an individual's power is, it can never completely overlook the force of numbers and organization, just like my Kingdom..."

"Build high walls, accumulate provisions widely, advance to kingship slowly; to do great things, one must fortify the foundation."