Chapter 1991 - 539: The Hyenas Followed_3

What kind of skill is this?

"You!"

A mere citizen actually dared to confront him, Alarand was furious, raising his riding whip to teach this fellow a lesson.

However, just as he raised his hand, he was stopped by Heigmer beside him.

The merchant's eyes flickered unpredictably as he looked at this group of knights. Although his heart was pounding, he did not back down.

With his political instincts, he was certain that nothing would happen to him. After all, the Devalu family now needed the support of the nobles most, and Heigmer, the brother of Your Majesty, had no reason to point his sword at Duke Eiffel behind him.

If they really made a move...

Then let them take it. Anyway, it's not just his money they would be losing. His money is merely a fraction of Duke Eiffel's wealth.

Seeing Heigmer seemingly backing down, his lips gradually curled into a smile.

"I'm glad you chose correctly—"

His words were interrupted by a clanging sound.

Only to see Heigmer draw the Knight's Longsword from his waist without saying a word, the cold light gradually illuminating his pale face.

"...In the name of the Lion Heart Knight Order's leader, I declare the supplies piled in this river port requisitioned as wartime supplies!"

The breathtaking sound echoed through the atmospherically grim port.

"Move it all!"

The order was like a heavenly tune.

The soldiers, unable to restrain themselves, gave a cheer, swarming up and carrying sacks of wheat and salted meat off the ship as if transporting treasure.

Even those knights of noble origin could not spare their dignity at this moment, carrying salted meat and laughing as if it was a harvest.

The merchant who previously took out the parchment did not speak this time, just shook his head and, with the "scrap paper" the duke had given him, retreated silently into the crowd.

Meanwhile, those unaffiliated cargo owners were wailing and lamenting, watching helplessly as their accumulated goods were looted.

"You bandits!"

"This is robbery!"

Heigmer glanced at them coldly, his mouth curling in a mocking smile.

These parasites feeding from within, did they really think the Devalu family couldn't wield a blade?

This not only resolved the urgent shortage of army supplies but also cut off the trade route to the south, and extra provisions could be taken back to the Royal Capital.

It was truly a win-win-win.

As for infamy...

Let these parasites scold away.

The fleet was completely looted, and the previously heavily loaded cargo ships now floated lightly on the water, swaying helplessly with the waves.

All the food was stolen, leaving only some wool and leather behind.

And it was evident that not all soldiers followed the rules; they took not only food but also slipped silver coins from the ships into their pockets.

Watching the team laden with loot drift away, the crowd standing by the port fell silent, their despair slowly solidifying into hatred.

"Lion Heart Knight Order? They are nothing but iron-clad mad dogs!"

"The Royal Family has gone crazy; they start eating their own..."

"Let them be smug, I've never seen a debt that doesn't need to be repaid!"

Adjusting the brim of his hat, a dirt-smudged merchant spat hard in the direction of the departing Devalu family banner.

"Go to hell, Devalu!"

No matter how many times they spat, it wouldn't bring back the lost money, and acknowledging reality, the crowd boarded the ravaged cargo ships to start assessing the losses.

Some wept in despair.

Others shook their heads with a sigh.

Meanwhile, the minstrel sitting at the edge of the tavern gently plucked his lute, saluting the Radiant Knight sailing away.

Though the disheartened people had no mind for his music, he felt no regret, for he already saw the story's end.

Epic tales are always like this, likely next time too, due to the small-minded citizens failing to see the bigger picture, causing the sacred crown to fall into the dust.

...

At the edge of the distant forest, several pairs of eyes watched coldly through withered shrubs at the events unfolding on the riverbank.

Brennan unscrewed his leather water pouch, tilting back to drink a large gulp, though it was just water, it felt as gratifying as a swig of strong liquor.

He lowered the water pouch, wiping his mouth casually with the back of his hand, his gaze falling on the departing "lions," a cruel smile forming on his lips.

"Is everything ready?"

As he spoke, he turned his head to look at his brothers behind him.

The soldiers were not wearing the Salvation Army uniforms, they uniformly donned gleaming plate armor or chain armor.

The lion's emblem was printed on their chests and shoulders, appearing especially realistic in the sparse sunlight—those armors were painstakingly gathered and repaired bit by bit from the battlefield.

As for which factory repaired them...

Let's just say it was the dwarves from the Ten Thousand Ridges Mountain Range.

"Ready!"

The soldiers behind him responded excitedly, their faces eager and their eyes fierce like hyenas in the forest.

Everyone had forgotten their origins, but they themselves never did, they grew up eating meat, only forced to eat grass for a while.

Including their leader.

Brennan had long wanted to do this.

Whoever burned their house, they should burn that person's house in return, that's fairness! Set a fire and walk away?

Did they ask the Twilight People's opinion?

"Good."

Brennan hung the water pouch back at his waist, drawing the heavy Champion's Axe from his back, its blade emanating a Netherworld glow.