Deposed Crown Prince: After three years of service on the frontier, the entire court knelt and begge

"We also interrogated every prisoner who was still breathing... Their answers were chaotic, utterly chaotic!" Some say he vanished into thin air when he broke through the blockade, using sorcery! Others say he left alone long ago!

I...I even doubt if he's really still in Britain! This man...Master, he's not human! He's like a ghost, impossible to grasp, impossible to touch...I hate it! I hate that I couldn't bring his head back to you,Master!"

Viktor King kowtowed again, his voice choked with emotion: "President! We won this battle, but it was a fierce victory! It washed away some of the shame, but we failed to complete the ultimate mission you entrusted to me: to capture and kill Xiao Ce, and we didn't even manage to capture Morgana..."

This is still my failure! Victor King... I implore you, Master, give me another chance! Let me atone for my sins! Let me stand guard over the British Empire and wipe out Morgana's remaining forces! Let me use all my power to track down Xiao Ce! Even if it's to the ends of the earth, I will find him and tear him to pieces! The Illuminati needs to stabilize the British Empire, and the Western Alliance needs to be strengthened. I am willing to sacrifice myself for you, Master!

He prostrated himself on the ground, his posture so humble that he was practically in the dust, revealing his deep-seated hatred and loyalty to Nie Bing without reservation.

A long silence fell over the council chamber once again.

Ed White was deeply moved by Victor King's description of the bloody battles and tragic sacrifices. His eyes were filled with sympathy and a hint of admiration as he looked at him. He was actually somewhat fortunate to have stayed; he didn't believe he could have done any better...

Nie Bing's sharp gaze swept over the blood-stained Frank sword on the ground.

Then the focus shifted to Victor King's face, which was filled with regret.

She had no doubts about his description of the battle; in fact, the tactics and methods he used were quite similar to those Xiao Ce often employed...

But the pain, humiliation, ruthlessness, and the ultimate defeat and deep hatred in the face of "Xiao Ce" all seemed incredibly real, perfectly confirming the messenger's battle report.

Therefore, her doubts were somewhat alleviated...

Viktor King not only did not hide the fact that "Xiao Ce is not dead," which was her biggest concern, but also made it even more mysterious and unpredictable, even revealing a sense of powerlessness, which greatly increased its credibility!

As Nie Bing pondered, her gaze finally settled on Sean (Xiao Ce)'s face, with a hint of inquiry.

She needs the advice of this strategist.

Sean (Xiao Ce) took a slight step forward at the opportune moment, his gaze calmly sweeping over Viktor King kneeling on the ground, then bowed to Nie Bing, his voice clear and objective:

"President, Vice President Victor's description of the devastation is somewhat vague, but given the treacherous terrain of Blackrock Rift, it's understandable that it's difficult to cover everything during a fierce battle."

The Frank sword he carried was indeed genuine, and the battle marks on it were not forged. Most importantly, his frustration and confusion over failing to capture Xiao Ce, and his description of Morgana's escape after being severely wounded, closely matched the intelligence secretly sent back from Britain by Governor Sion Capo regarding a fierce conflict near Morgana's hiding place and the discovery of traces of a severely wounded person…

He specifically mentioned the intelligence about "Zion Cabo," one of Nie Bing's most trusted sources.

This "evidence" is like the final piece of the puzzle, instantly and greatly enhancing the credibility of Viktor King's entire story.

Sean (Xiao Ce) continued, "Although Vice President Victor did not achieve complete victory in this battle, he severely damaged the main force of the rebels and killed their core members, which was a great achievement that turned the tide of the war. His loyalty and courage in accepting the mission in a time of crisis, leading from the front, and fighting a bloody battle to defeat the enemy are beyond question."

His heartfelt confession at this moment was a testament to his sincerity. While the British Empire had just achieved peace, their army still needed restraint! Having weathered this storm, they desperately needed a seasoned general familiar with the situation, still holding considerable prestige, and... determined to wash away past humiliations, to stabilize the rear and support the alliance's grand plan. Therefore, I believe Vice President Victor King can continue patrolling the British Empire…”

"Firstly, it allows for checks and balances with His Majesty Zion Capo's armies; secondly, it allows us to continue searching for those remaining rebels..."

Xiao Ce's goal was simple: to allow Sion Capo to control the British Empire alone. Nie Bing might not say it aloud, but she certainly had many doubts in her heart...

However, if another Victor King were to be assigned, the British Empire would be completely at ease, no matter what.

It will be easier for Xiao Ce to have them form an army then...

It's like building a team right under Nie Bing's nose...

...

Nie Bing's gaze swept back and forth between Sean (Xiao Ce)'s calm analysis and Viktor King's humble yet resolute figure. The Iron Guard's cold mask reflected the flickering candlelight, and the council hall was silent.

Finally, Nie Bing slowly stood up from her high seat.

She walked down the steps and stopped in front of Viktor King.

Viktor King could feel those cold, sharp gazes upon him, as if they wanted to pierce through his flesh and look straight into his soul.

His heart was pounding in his chest, but his body remained absolutely still and humble.

A moment later, Nie Bing's voice rang out, carrying a hint of undisguised weariness, but more so a resolute tone after confirmation:

"Get up, Viktor King!"

Viktor King's body trembled slightly, but he did not get up immediately.

"You've never betrayed my trust; I've always trusted you... even in this matter, I know perfectly well who you're dealing with..."

Nie Bing's voice wasn't loud, but every word was like a hammer blow: "Facing such a formidable opponent, losing isn't terrible... Even if you lose, I won't blame you!"

But you won it back with your blood and your life.

She leaned down slightly, reached out, and gently patted Victor King's shoulder armor, which was stained with dust and "bloodstains."

This is a highly symbolic gesture.

"This victory was written in the blood of the Illuminati warriors. The Illuminati... and your name, Victor King, will both gain weight because of this battle. I remember your mistakes. The Illuminati will not forget your merits either."

She straightened up, her voice regaining its former authority as president:

"You will continue to serve as the vice president of the Western branch. You will continue to shoulder the responsibilities of eliminating Morgana's remaining forces, tracking down Xiao Ce, stabilizing the situation in the British Empire, and cooperating with the alliance. Make amends for your past mistakes by performing meritorious service!"

Viktor King slowly raised his head, his face a mixture of immense relief, the joy of surviving a disaster, and an even stronger determination.

His eyes even welled up with genuine tears, and his voice trembled slightly:

"Thank you... Chairman! Victor King... I could never repay this kindness even if I died! I will do everything in my power, even my life, to repay your trust!"

He struggled to stand up, appearing somewhat unsteady from exhaustion and the long period of kneeling.

“Ed!” Nie Bing looked at the vice president beside her. “Take Vice President Viktor to rest and recuperate. He needs time to recover. As for the assessment of war merits and compensation matters, come up with the regulations as soon as possible.”

"Yes, President!"

Ed White immediately responded and stepped forward to help Victor King up.

With Ed White's help, Victor King struggled to his feet and bowed deeply to Nie Bing once again.

In the instant he turned to leave the council chamber, his gaze briefly and subtly met that of Sean (Xiao Ce), who was standing behind Nie Bing.

In those eyes, there was awe at Xiao Ce's precise calculations, lingering fear of having survived, and a hint of resolute determination to be completely bound to this ship from now on.

But at that moment, Xiao Ce suddenly stopped him.

"Wait a minute, Vice President Viktor King..."

Xiao Ce's sudden call to stop him surprised everyone present.

Whether it was Nie Bing, Victor King, or even Ed White, they all looked at Sean (Xiao Ce) with a hint of doubt in their eyes.

Xiao Ce said to Viktor King, "Vice President Viktor, there's another matter I think you need to investigate..."

Viktor King looked at Xiao Ce with a hint of doubt in his eyes.

Nie Bing's eyes showed even more doubt, but she did not interrupt.

Just then, Xiao Ce said to Victor King, "Actually, only a few people knew about the inescapable trap I set up before... They were able to avoid it precisely... Did you have a traitor within your ranks?"

After Xiao Ce said that, Nie Bing's mind immediately cleared. He had considered this issue before, and at the same time, he had doubted it...

However, the emotions Victor King had just expressed made her temporarily put this suspicion aside.

Viktor, King was a little nervous at first...

But after hearing Xiao Ce's words, he breathed a sigh of relief. Xiao Ce had mentioned this to him before.

At that moment, I followed Viktor King's advice and said I would ask at a suitable time, and I followed his instructions on how to answer...

Since Xiao Ce didn't ask, he didn't bring it up himself...

Since Xiao Ce asked him this question, he naturally answered as Xiao Ce had instructed.

Victor King bowed: "Reporting to Mr. Sean, reporting to the Chairman..."

"I secretly investigated this matter when they made their full-scale breakthrough... but I haven't found any leads..."

"Although we maintain strict confidentiality, we need to mobilize personnel, and if they are interested, it won't be difficult for them to find out... I have preliminarily ruled out internal problems... I can guarantee that!"

After hearing this, Victor King nodded with great certainty.

Xiao Ce nodded after listening, pondered for a moment, gave a wry smile, and said to Nie Bing, "President, you see... I made a mistake despite my best efforts... This is my fault. I considered the issue of secrecy, but I didn't expect that once the plan was implemented, it would definitely leave traces... This responsibility lies with me..."

Hearing Xiao Ce say this, Nie Bing smiled and said, "This has nothing to do with you... Mr. Sean..."

Seeing this, Victor King quickly said, "It's my fault...it's my fault..."

Seeing everyone arguing about responsibility, Nie Bing finally said, "Alright...it's all in the past...we should look forward. Everyone here is my right-hand man, and we trust you completely..."

Then, Nie Bing looked at Xiao Ce and asked, "Mr. Sean, do you have any other questions?"

Xiao Ce shook his head.

Nie Bing then looked at Ed White and said, "Vice President Ed, please let Mr. Victor King rest..."

The two bowed and left.

The heavy doors of the council chamber slowly closed, blocking out the departing figures of Victor King and Ed White.

Nie Bing stood still, gazing intently towards the gate, seemingly processing everything that had just happened.

After a long while, she let out a soft sigh, as if a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. She turned to look at the unfathomable Sean (Xiao Ce) beside her, her voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of dependence:

"Mr. Sean, do you think...Victor is really trustworthy?"

Sean (Xiao Ce) wore his signature, enigmatic, gentle smile and bowed slightly: "President, loyalty often needs time and action to prove itself, especially after such a setback. Vice President Victor's current thoughts are probably only about washing away the shame and proving himself. As long as we give him clear enough responsibilities and... the necessary guidance,"

He paused, then added meaningfully, "He will naturally become a sharp blade pointing in the right direction in the hands of the Illuminati... and our Western alliance. At least for now, he is more suitable for that position than anyone else, and more... controllable."

"My last question was to see how he would answer. It seems he answered very sincerely, without holding anything back... From my perspective, he should be fine..."

After hearing Xiao Ce's words, Nie Bing nodded: "From my observation, there really isn't a problem... Mr. Sean, may we proceed to the next step...?"

Xiao Ce nodded after hearing Nie Bing's words.

Nie Bing said to Xiao Ce, "Mr. Sean, how should we proceed with our negotiations with them..."

Xiao Ce said to Nie Bing, "President, I'm all prepared... I'll send someone to bring over the detailed rules later..."

Before Xiao Ce could speak, Nie Bing waved her hand and said, "Mr. Sean, no need, you can be the main speaker... Even if you show me these things, I might not remember them, and I'll stumble over them, making a fool of myself... It's better if you take charge of the presentation..."

Xiao Ce nodded; he was no longer the same person he had been when he first arrived...