Heroes of Might and Magic: Grand Consul

Chapter 82 The Crimson Dragon Sword and the Sleep Master
Su Mu escorted the rebels from the arena to prison, and Maggie replaced them with a sheriff who imprisoned the group of halberdiers.

After everyone returned to the inner fortress, Maggie immediately convened a meeting of the nobles, informing them that the Griffinson family's rebellion had been suppressed by her.

The army in Kuraki Town was reinforcements invited by Maggie, temporarily guarding one gate and assisting in its management.

When Pep presented Ak's head, apart from Eugen and Maggie who were prepared, the rest of the nobles trembled.

A count was killed without hesitation. In peacetime, this would definitely be subject to trial in the kingdom. Otherwise, who would respect the title of a nobleman?

But looking at the dark mass of troops at the edge of the city, no one dared to raise any objections; some even echoed the sentiment that the traitors deserved to die.

Even some disgruntled nobles did not immediately launch an attack. After all, it was Pep who personally killed his uncle, refusing to collude with the rebels. Griffinson had already put aside his own family for the greater good, so what could the others say?

Su Mu stepped forward and said, "There is a curfew in Langlitburg for the next two days. No one is allowed to go out without a reason, so as to prevent any escapees from causing trouble. Everyone, please wait at home for a few days."

The ringleaders of the rebellion have all been beheaded; who would dare to cause trouble now?

This was the shared will of Maggie and Su Mu, so naturally no one dared to defy it.

Su Mu looked around and found that all the nobles had lowered their heads, at least there was no open objection, which he had expected.

If they truly had backbone and ambition, they would have rebelled with Griffinson long ago. Those who were cowardly and wanted to endure it have no choice but to compromise again now that a knife is at their throats.

Maggie wanted to take advantage of the chaos to purge some people and reclaim some of Longlet Castle's property and power.

In the past, whenever this group of people saw her showing any inclination to reclaim power, they would immediately jump out to oppose or delay, discuss the shortcomings, and then look for a better opportunity, but in the end, nothing would come of it.

Today, through this wave of killing, she truly experienced the power of a marquis.

"The commander of the Halberdier Battalion is Viscount Bert Mick, and the commander of the Sharpshooter Tower is Baron Rune Baker. Griffin Cliff is temporarily closed."

"The Sheriff Eugen will temporarily assume the post, and the Trade Officer will temporarily assume the post of Viscount Jeff Payne."

"All of the Griffinson family's properties and residences have been confiscated. Those who have cooperated with them should immediately sever ties, or everything will be seized."

One order after another was read out by Maggie. In the past, these appointments would have required a long discussion in Parliament to balance the interests of all parties before a decision could be made, and Maggie usually had no choice but to compromise.

Now it's completely different. She's sending newly surrendered nobles who are characterized by their low rank but some ability and ambition. Without her support, no one respects them, making them perfect to control.

Several nobles who had close ties with the military camp wanted to offer their opinions, but seeing Su Mu standing to the side with his sword, they ultimately dared not speak.

This killer has already slain Earl Griffinson, why would he care about these insignificant characters?
Regardless of whether someone relies on strong subordinates, as long as they can win, that's all that matters. Who doesn't yearn for an invincible army?

After the emergency meeting ended, Maggie deliberately left Su Mu in the study.

She tidied her slightly disheveled hair, rested her head on one hand, and leaned casually against the desk. The expensive, smooth silk was stretched taut, her ample bosom pressed tightly against the wooden table, bouncing merrily a few times, releasing the day's fatigue.

Maggie's movements were completely unintentional; for a young lady who hadn't even inherited the title to have such a figure was truly a gift from the gods.

Those wealthy ladies who barely manage to create a hint of cleavage through their tight-fitting clothes aren't even worthy of carrying Maggie's shoes.

“Baron Sumu, if you wish, I can leave a powerful position in Langlitburg for you to retain.”

Upon hearing Maggie's question, Su Mu shook his head, snapping out of his reverie: "I still prefer to go back to Cangmu and rebuild that town. With Miss Maggie in charge, Langlit Castle will surely return to prosperity."

“I am not interested in these empty titles; I just hope you will not forget your promise.”

To put it bluntly, Langlitburg's defenses are currently weak. If Su Mu were even slightly cunning, he could easily control Maggie and seize power in Langlitburg.

If we think about it more deeply, learning from the actions of Griffinson and Rex is not out of the question.

Despite Maggie's calm demeanor, she was actually quite flustered inside, unable to fathom Su Mu's thoughts, which is why she asked that question.

Su Mu refused decisively, and Maggie didn't delay any longer. She knocked on the table, and a maid came in.

"Send the guards to the treasury and bring over the treasures I promised Baron Sumu."

"Yes!"

About twenty minutes later, four guards carried a large box into the study. Maggie stepped forward and used her magic to create a key, opening the sealed box.

The moment the box was unsealed, a fiery aura ignited inside, raising the temperature of the entire study.

A burning fire sword sits diagonally on a weapon rack, resembling a crouching fire dragon.

【Crimson Dragon Sword (Level 2 Treasure): When equipped by a hero, attack and defense increase by 2, and the hero becomes more sensitive to dragons. One of the nine components of a combination treasure.】

Evaluation: You are walking along a quiet path when suddenly a dazzling light shines from the bushes beside the road. A captivating woman appears before you, offering you a sharp sword.

“This is a treasure that my grandfather collected. When he was alive, he didn’t allow anyone to touch it. He said that if someone could completely control this sword, they could command dragons.”

"Your sword is too bloody; it's not suitable for public display. Try this one instead!"

During the previous gladiatorial battle, Maggie saw Su Mu using the Black Demon Sword, so she specifically chose the Crimson Dragon Sword.

Even with Garfield's wealth, the Crimson Dragon Sword was a rare treasure, but Su Mu wasn't greedy for power and even sent troops to deal with Griffinson, greatly helping Maggie. Therefore, she was generous with her treasures, giving Su Mu the best reward.

Su Mu stepped forward, picked up the sword from the shelf, and instantly a surge of intense magical power swept over his body, with the faint roar of a crimson dragon echoing in his ears. "Clang!"

Su Mu drew his sword, the crimson flames returned to their sheath, and he temporarily subdued the treasure.

"Thank you, Miss Maggie!"

Maggie continued, "The boundary stone has been reported to the kingdom, but the journey is long and it will take some time."

As for Griffin Cliff to the east, the Baron may take my orders and occupy it. Anyone who resists shall be killed!

"The properties along the main street of Longlet Castle are basically monopolized by Griffinson. After I take them back, I will give you some of the properties near Valentine as the Baron's private property here."

Griffinson owns a manor in the noble district, which he usually uses only for entertaining guests. I've also placed the manor under the Baron's name, so it will have a place to rest within the castle.

Su Mu accepted the military tally and nodded in satisfaction.

After this betrayal, Maggie became noticeably more decisive, and the promised rewards were generous. She wasn't the kind of lord who, after eliminating one obstacle, immediately considered turning against the meritorious official.

For a noblewoman who has not yet formally inherited the title, this level of skill is already quite impressive.

The nobles of Longlet Castle always suspected that the out-of-town military commanders had ulterior motives, but Su Mu genuinely didn't want to stay there. After all, it was still a territory ruled by the kingdom, and Garfield's succession was legitimate. If he were to usurp the throne, what would the kingdom think? What would the vassals think?
Griffinson and his men are thinking of a roundabout way to save the country. Do they really think the kingdom is stupid? If things get out of hand, the kingdom's army will likely suppress the conflict itself and send a powerful noble to rule the region.

After all, the Hilling Plain has become the front line, and even if Congress is incompetent, it will not sit idly by.

Having an understanding boss is already the best outcome.

Besides, isn't it better to have an architect build Kuraki from scratch? Why bother getting involved in this mess?

While the various troop buildings are indeed tempting, they shouldn't be acquired all at once. The prudent approach is to take the buildings closest to Kuraki, gradually expand around the town, and slowly accumulate troops.

Seeing that Maggie rubbed her eyes, seemingly a little sleepy, Su Mu simply took his leave.

After he left the room, two more people emerged from behind the screen; they were Eugen and Jeff Payne.

Eugen glanced at the empty box, then stroked his beard and said, "I told you Baron Sumu didn't have any ambitions for Longletburg, did I? He's a man who understands the big picture and knows the rules."

Seeing Eugen's smug expression, Jeff could only advise Maggie, "Kuraki Town's strength was fully demonstrated in this duel. If he wanted to, he could occupy Longlit Castle at any time."

Even if Su Mu has no other ideas now, what about later? What will his soldiers think?
Everyone says Su Mu relies on his elite troops, but a baron can't appoint too many knights. What will happen then?

Eugen was so angry that he tried to tear Jeff's mouth apart: "Old man, is something that hasn't happened yet considered a threat? Our biggest enemy right now is Isildur, not our own capable vassals."

Jeff just smiled dismissively: "I'm just worried about Miss Maggie. If we don't prepare in advance, trouble will eventually follow."

Eugen pointed at Jeff's nose: "I think you're the problem!"

Seeing that the two were about to fight, Maggie slammed her hand on the table, scolded them both, and chased them away.

He was left alone in the study to ponder.

She took a deep breath and forced herself to straighten up as soon as she sat down.

Longleat Castle is in dire straits, and as a direct descendant of Garfield, she must shoulder her responsibility to restore the family's glory.

Who are the wolves, and who are the allies? It's all shrouded in mystery and hard to tell.

Will Su Mu become the next Griffinson? Nobody knows.

But for now, Su Mu seems to be a trustworthy person. At least when it comes to fighting and quelling rebellions, no one dares to question him.

Maggie isn't particularly good at fighting, but she's good at learning from her mistakes, willing to listen to all sides, and chooses the best solution.

Having experienced a purge and war, you have gained insights into management, +1 knowledge, and acquired Intermediate Financial Management Skills.

【玛姬（梦想家）：攻击1（3），防御2（4），咒力4（7），知识4（8）。

Charm 93.

Characteristics: A master of sleep, loves wearing fancy and loose clothing, and listens to advice.

Intermediate Financial Management Skill: The daily income of the city you govern increases by 250 gold coins through spell power conversion.

Basic Dream Domain Academics: Enables heroes to teach and learn magic, influenced by the Wisdom spell. Allows mutual learning of level 1-2 magic. If one meditates and enters a dream in a place with abundant magic, there is a chance to learn unknown magic.

Basic Intelligence: Increases the hero's maximum mana by 25%.

Despite her promotion, Maggie paid no attention and hurriedly opened the hidden door to the attic, entering a bedroom with a starry dome.

She had just lain down, not even having had time to change out of her bathrobe, when she was overcome by sleepiness and drifted off to sleep.

All the intrigue and deceit, and the mission to revitalize the family, were thrown to the back of their minds.

Even the most important things should wait until after you've woken up.

(End of this chapter)