Chapter 403 - 135: I’m Screwed! The Two Moms Have Finally Met (Part 2)

Chapter 403: Chapter 135: I’m Screwed! The Two Moms Have Finally Met (Part 2)

At these words, even the corner of Aus’s mouth twitched.

The Personal Guards stifled their laughter and answered in unison, "Yes, sir!"

Then, escorted by Purple Zombies and Black Corpses, Viscount Fernando and his entourage were dragged out of the reception hall, leaving only a trail of desperate, muffled sobs.

Just then, Sea Song rushed over, having heard the commotion.

When she saw the utter mess in the reception hall and the nobles being dragged away, her face instantly filled with worry. "Sir, this... Is this going to cause huge trouble?"

Lynch, however, waved a dismissive hand and sneered, "What’s there to worry about? I even saved twenty thousand Gold Coins. I showed those maggots respect, but they threw it back in my face. So they can’t blame me for being discourteous."

The Frost Mage Edmund, who was standing nearby, sighed and rubbed his temples. "Lynch, you kid, those guys are indeed maggots. They may not be good for much, but they’re more than capable of stirring up trouble. You’ve definitely gotten yourself into a mess this time. The Noble Committee won’t let this rest, and as for His Majesty..."

"His Majesty?" Lynch scoffed. "His Majesty is buried in state affairs. You think he has time for something so trivial? Besides, I’m doing this for the good of the Empire. A bunch of useless, do-nothing parasites... Sooner or later, I’ll have them all lined up and shot. If I were my old self, I wouldn’t be sending them to the mines for re-education; I’d toss them straight into the cannon fodder battalions. At least that way, they could make a real contribution to the Empire."

The corner of Edmund’s mouth twitched. Just as he was about to say more, Lynch abruptly changed the subject, his gaze intense. "Oh, by the way, Chief. You’ll have to take the fall for this."

"What?" Edmund’s eyes widened. "You caused this mess, and you expect me to take the fall for it?"

"You know what I’m like." Lynch was all smiles, but it was a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. "You obviously knew there was going to be a conflict, but you didn’t give them a proper warning beforehand. That’s why we’ve ended up in this situation. In any case, when you get back, just have Legion Commander Jais figure out how to deal with it. After all..."

He paused, his tone growing heavy with implication. "I imagine the North Wind Legion wouldn’t want to lose a general as skilled in battle as myself, would they? After all, I did just annihilate Bloodhand Johnny and help capture Grey Stone Pass..."

’Damn it!’

Edmund cursed silently but could only raise his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. I’ll go back and have a good talk with the Legion Commander. I’ll get him to clean up... to mediate for you. You brat, you’ve really got us pinned down."

Seeing him agree, the smile on Lynch’s face finally seemed a little more genuine. "My thanks, Chief."

Not wanting to dwell on the matter, Edmund cleared his throat and changed the subject. "Never mind that. Let’s talk business. I’m also here to deliver an order from the legion."

He produced a gilt-edged military scroll from within his coat, his expression turning solemn as he looked at Lynch. "Lynch, you are a Baron now, with a vast territory and a population of well over ten thousand. I’m sure that in less than two years, the population of your Lakefront Town will exceed thirty thousand... The legion has decided that you will separate from the Thirteenth Battle Group to form the new Fourteenth Battle Group!"

"These are the official orders. Congratulations, Battle Group Commander Lynch." Edmund handed the scroll over. "You may now give your battle group a name."

Lynch was taken aback, both surprised and pleased.

He had guessed the legion would reward and placate him, but he never expected such a grand gesture—breaking with protocol to establish a new battle group just for him.

Normally, one had to be at least Tier Five to become a battle group commander.

Although his actual combat power was up to par, on paper he was only Tier Three. Moreover, creating a new battle group was bound to step on the toes of certain factions. It was easy to imagine how much controversy this would stir up within the legion.

He paused, then clasped his hands in a salute toward Orlando. "Then I must thank Legion Commander Jais."

He accepted the scroll with both hands and, after a moment of consideration, said, "We’ll call it the Dawn Battle Group."

"’Dawn?’" Edmund fell silent for a moment, a strange look on his face. "A unit led by a Necromancer... with a name like that? Anyone who doesn’t know better would think you’re a Holy Light System battle group!"

"What matters is what a unit does, not its commander’s class," Lynch said, his gaze deep. "In these chaotic times, my troops will bring people hope. They will bring them the dawn. So what’s wrong with the name ’Dawn Battle Group’? In fact, some of the battle groups led by the Holy Light System..."

He sneered. "...aren’t necessarily as pure as mine."

Edmund fell silent once more before finally shaking his head. "Have it your way. You chose the name, so just don’t complain later if it feels awkward."

His playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious expression. "Once the Fourteenth Battle Group is formed, the legion will need you to take action toward Sardinia Province and Lorraine Province. The Blue Scarves have suffered a heavy blow, but their foundations are still intact. You..."

"Chief." Lynch cut him off, extending a hand with a beaming smile. "If the legion wants to send me on missions, that’s fine. However... military pay, weapons, equipment, provisions, armaments—all logistical supplies will have to be provided by the legion. After all, I’m an independent battle group now, not some minor battalion under the Thirteenth Battle Group’s command. You can’t expect me to fight your battles *and* pay for them, can you?"

Edmund looked helpless and spread his hands. "The legion is broke right now. You know this. Years of constant war, and the funds from the Empire are slow to come..."

"If you’re too poor, then don’t tell me what to do." Lynch pulled back his hand, his smile gone, his voice dripping with disdain. "Don’t think you can work me to the bone just by giving me an official title. I, Lynch Blackwood, am not some fool you can beckon and dismiss as you please. If you want the horse to run, you have to let it eat. Surely you understand a simple principle like that, Chief?"