In the Name of Empress

Jes really wanted to argue that he didn't know the Governor's strategic layout, but he couldn't bring himself to say it.

Roland indeed hadn't told him, but he was by the Empress and the Governor every day, surely he could see it somewhat, couldn't he?

Jes bowed his head in guilt, not knowing what to say for a moment.

Seeing his ashamed look, Dailong patted his shoulder and said with a smile:

"Young man, don't be too discouraged. Her Majesty the Empress and the Governor are reasonable people. Under the circumstances, your actions can be considered correct."

"Go, and remember not to argue. The Governor does not like people who make excuses afterward."

Jes looked at Dailong gratefully and saluted him forcefully.

He transferred the command of the cavalry unit to Brigadier General Dailong and returned to Hansa alone.

Watching his departing figure, a smile played at Dailong's lips.

This is the exuberance of youth.

If he were ten years younger, he might have been as enthusiastic as Jes.

Frankly, if one were to focus only on Emre Port, Jes's approach had no issues and could even be considered optimal.

The locally optimal solution became the poison to the overall strategy.

He was more concerned about how Roland would deal with Jes than how Jes would explain himself to Roland.

The best outcome he could envision for Jes was a promotion in rank and a reassignment.

This would be a result of Roland being generous enough.

The reason is simple: Leaders can never be wrong; if a mistake is made, it's the fault of the subordinates.

The Empress would never be wrong, nor would the Governor.

However, a once-perfect hunting plan went awry, and who is to blame?

Lieutenant Colonel Jes can't be blamed, so should Roland be blamed?

Dailong sighed and headed to the Port Authority; he had to release Schmidt first.

If Jes was forced to make a seemingly correct yet actually wrong choice, Schmidt did nothing wrong, yet was detained by Jes.

Even if Jes had his reasons, it was still too offensive to do so.

Although Jes was not his direct subordinate, he was still willing to clean up after the young man.

The atmosphere in the Governor's Territory was the best he had seen in his years of service, and he longed to accomplish great things and protect it all.

Jes, wearing his cavalry lieutenant colonel uniform neatly, with a calm expression, changed horses midway, traveled overnight, and returned to Hansa City in just a day and a night.

Whether intentional or accidental, the outcome ultimately led to even worse consequences.

Regardless of whether Governor Roland forgives him or not, he will admit his mistakes.

At the barracks at the city gate, he handed over his warhorse to the cavalry squad leader and calmly headed toward the Governor's Mansion in Central Square.

He felt at peace within himself; no matter how furious Roland might be, he would accept it calmly.

Adults must take responsibility for their choices; this was his father's teaching.

Standing at the door of the Governor's office, he knocked on the door and reported his name.

"Come in."

Roland's voice was a bit hoarse.

Jes opened the door and saw Roland explaining the situation to Count Sif over a map.

He, of course, knew the Count was the Empress, but she was currently dressed in the Count's uniform.

"Lieutenant Colonel Jes, you've worked hard, please sit."

Roland pointed to the seat opposite Sif and gestured for him to sit down.

With a belly full of words he couldn't voice, Jes saluted Roland and Sif before sitting opposite them.

He didn't dare sit firmly, only perching on the edge of the chair.

Roland understood his inner fear and did not comment on it; instead, he continued explaining to Sif.

"The two guild leaders who slipped away are Belini and Villon. The business of Belini's guild primarily involves ocean trade, with major dealings in spices, luxury goods, arms, and slaves. This is a person who would be getting off lightly even if hanged ten times."

Sif nodded without speaking.

Jes's face turned gloomy, and he lowered his head slightly.

Roland continued, "Villon's reputation spans various industries. Besides his legitimate businesses, he is also the biggest mercenary leader on the South Continent, controlling over a hundred tribes and is essentially the king of the Silver Coast."

"Unfortunately, we've gained two more troublesome enemies."

Villon could go back to being a local dictator on the South Continent, but the living conditions on the wild South Continent are far inferior to those in the Three Overseas Provinces, which is why he risked coming to Hansa.

Even when he arrived, he was extremely cautious, always staying in the port and would flee faster than a rabbit at the slightest warning.

Sif's expression was grave, and Jes was sweating profusely. He finally realized the magnitude of the trouble he had caused.

He didn't even dare to wipe his sweat, obediently listening.

Sif gave him a quick glance and sighed softly, "It's a pity, these two who escaped are more dangerous than the other seven combined."

"That's normal. The other seven major merchants, at least on the surface, are engaged in legitimate business. These two, even publicly, are involved in illegal trades."

Roland smiled and said, "There was only one chance to capture them."

Sif shook her head and sighed, and Jes looked ashen.

After Roland finished his summary, Jes couldn't help but stand and plead guilty to Roland.

"Lord Governor, Lord Count, I am willing to accept any punishment!"

"Punishment?" Roland asked with a smile, "What did you do wrong?"

Jes bit his lip, murmuring despondently, "I acted impulsively, ruining your comprehensive layout and letting the most dangerous targets escape."

Listening to Jes's apology, Roland laughed heartily, calmly asking, "According to military regulations, what should you do when an allied force is in trouble?"

"Aid with all your might!" Jes answered instantly.

"Then what did you do wrong?" Roland asked with a smile.

Jes was stunned, secretly observing Roland's expression without detecting any signs of concealed anger or sarcasm.

The Lord Governor's expression was calm, and his eyes were clear.

Could he really not be angry?

Seeing Jes's puzzled expression, Roland said calmly, "You didn't do everything right. Indeed, you did something wrong that day. Who gave you the authority to detain Director Schmidt?"

"He is of a higher rank than you and is responsible for Emre Port. Who gave you the power to detain him?"

Jes was drenched in sweat from Roland's questioning.

Only in a state of war does the military commander have the authority to temporarily take over city management.

By doing this, Jes effectively defined that day's actions as wartime actions.

Seeing Jes's trembling expression, Roland suppressed his smile and said loudly:

"Lieutenant Colonel Jes, your handling is timely and decisive. Your inspection and surveillance were diligent, and you basically completed the task perfectly. I have decided to promote you to Cavalry Colonel. This appointment still requires the Empress's judgment, but there should be no problem."

"Congratulations, Colonel Jes."

Jes stood there, stunned.

He was in such trouble, yet he could still be promoted?

He even forgot to express his gratitude to Roland.

Seeing Jes's dumbfounded look, Roland smiled and said, "Merits must be rewarded, and mistakes must be punished. You overstepped by detaining Director Schmidt, which is a serious error. First, I will deduct all your Performance Points for this action. Second, you are to apologize to Schmidt publicly. Lastly, I will deduct three months of your salary to buy Schmidt a cart of beer. How does that sound?"

Jes finally woke up from his confusion, immediately saluting Roland.

He bowed his head, hiding tears at the corners of his eyes.

He had never in his wildest dreams imagined Roland would handle it this way.

If it were the Minister of the Army, he would surely be taking the blame.

But he was still a bit worried, asking, "Lord Governor, those two guilds who escaped..."

"Escaped? Did I permit them to escape?"

Roland pointed to the northern port's sea route and said with a smile, "There's only one route to the sea from the northern port. Although the Fourth Fleet has not fully assembled on short notice, as long as they have half a day, they can catch up."

Jes wanted to ask where this half-day would come from, but he dared not.

Seeing his hesitant expression, Roland calmly said:

"To stop those fleeing by sea, we need help from our friends below the sea."

It's time for the Sea Demon Legion to prove their strength.

Mr. Villon, Mr. Belini, can you resist the Sea Demons' song, which even money cannot tempt you away from?

Roland's lips curled slightly, restraining the urge to pop a bottle of champagne.

No hurry, wait for Munina to come back, then we'll pop it together.