Free Web NovelChapter 2670: Chapter 1803: Secret Investigation (Ben’s Belly Is Stuffed Full)
Like almost all Imperial buildings, the Governor’s House is filled with flashy gold and splendid decorations, with various crystal or gem inlays embedded within, and war tapestries depicting magnificent epic battles hanging down from balconies tens of meters high. Duanmu Huai paused for a moment, carefully admiring the tapestry before him, which depicted a war he wasn’t very familiar with, though it was clearly not from the great expedition era.
Perhaps it was the war waged by these colonizers when they first arrived on this planet?
Duanmu Huai’s eyes lingered for a moment on one of the dark figures, then he withdrew his gaze, once again moving along the bright red carpet toward the front.
The banquet hall filled with burning incense was certainly lively, with nobles dressed in luxurious attire standing respectfully on either side, welcoming the arrival of the highest representatives of the Imperial class. The women were dressed up flamboyantly like peacocks, and the men weren’t much different. As Duanmu Huai walked, he observed their expressions. At least from the outside, for these ignorant fools, life seemed to be quite good.
Well, if you don’t consider the countless demons flying around outside, it was indeed relatively livable here.
Next came the routine speeches. The Governor hefted his big belly, loudly praising the glory of the Empire, stating that he would continue to serve the great Emperor as an Imperial subject. Of course, these nauseating flattering words were mostly to please the Judge from the Tribunal in front of him, to avoid being executed on the spot by Duanmu Huai for insufficient loyalty.
And Duanmu Huai also followed with some platitudes, expressing the Empire’s appreciation for their loyalty and hoped everyone could faithfully carry out their duties. He ended by mentioning the increase in tithing—a statement Duanmu Huai deliberately included. After all, the appearance of a Judge never brings good news, and as a Judge, he obviously wasn’t here to merely enjoy the sights.
Then Duanmu Huai was quite satisfied to see the nobles’ faces suddenly become as colorful as if they had just drunk goblin urine on the spot.
However, Duanmu Huai knew these nobles wouldn’t dare resist. Refusing to contribute to the Emperor, just like worshipping an evil god, was a crime of rebellion. This is also why such news is often delivered by a Judge—if the other party shows even a hint of reluctance, Duanmu Huai could pick up his Chainsaw Sword to execute this heretic.
After this appetite-suppressing speech, the banquet officially began. Duanmu Huai declined the request of the Fat Governor to accompany him, instead wandering the banquet hall alone. He subdued his aura, disguised as a shadow in the darkness, strolling among the powdered and painted nobles, listening to their exchanges and conversations.
Most of the nobles’ speeches held as little value as they themselves did, discussing women, wealth, power—things Duanmu Huai didn’t care about, but he was patient. A hunter requires some time and patience to find his prey.
Of course, Duanmu Huai indicated this wouldn’t take too long, perhaps only until this banquet ended.
Time ticked away, and as Duanmu Huai began considering whether to directly capture a few nobles for interrogation, his ears sharply caught faint arguing from a corner of the banquet hall. Duanmu Huai followed the sound and saw several ladies gathered, seemingly debating something.
"We can soon go to the Star Sky! You’ve seen it, the Judge is here, oh my, she represents the Empire! Do you think we could have the chance to serve this great person? To leave this damned place?"
"Are you crazy? That’s the Tribunal, haven’t you heard stories about them?"
"Isn’t that wonderful? Traveling between stars, fighting for the Empire and the Emperor, ruthlessly eliminating all threats to the Empire’s evil existence... I dream of being such a warrior, rather than being a mere vase who stays in a room and can only bear children later!"
"Carrying on the bloodline is a very important task."
An older woman spoke to dissuade.
"Say that in front of your father, and he’ll certainly break your legs."
"I wouldn’t say it in front of him."
The young woman sniffed disdainfully, filled with the unique rebellion of adolescence. Then her eyes suddenly gleamed, revealing an excited expression.
"Do you think the great Judge will investigate that Dark Fortress? I just knew something was wrong with that place!"
"You need to learn to be cautious in your words! Mina!"
The older woman interrupted her again.
"This is a serious banquet hall, not a place for you to spread your wild thoughts! If you continue, I’ll have to ask you to leave!"
"Leave if I must!"
The young woman snorted coldly, then swiftly left with her dress held high, while the others watched her leave, shaking their heads.
"Honestly, her father spoiled her."
"But that prophecy..."
"The prophecy doesn’t say that, she’s just a child who loves dreaming."
"But why do you think the Judge is here? We have indeed lost contact with the Empire, so are they here to restore it and confirm our loyalty to the Empire?"
"That should be the case, but the increased tithing might somewhat burden us..."
"Don’t debate, this is the Emperor’s will..."
Duanmu Huai couldn’t hear anything interesting anymore, so he left that group of gossiping women and pondered for a moment before walking toward another corridor on the banquet hall’s other side.
Passing through the corridor, Duanmu Huai saw a woman standing at the end of the hallway bridge, gazing at the garden before her. If she were just standing there, she might look like a pitiful noble lady. But clearly, her recent display had already rendered this facade useless.
"Hello, miss."
Duanmu Huai stepped out of the shadows and spoke. Hearing his voice, the woman trembled slightly, quickly turned her head, saw Duanmu Huai standing before her, and immediately stood up straight, lifting her skirt to curtsy.
"Hello, Great Judge, it’s a great honor to meet you..."
Oh, what a little sprite.
Looking at the woman in front of him, Duanmu Huai’s eyes revealed a hint of amusement. He had seen this type of character many times in games—a pampered noble daughter who, after hearing stories about Judges, imagined them as knights guarding the Imperial Empire across the Star Ocean—strictly speaking, this wasn’t incorrect.
As long as you don’t delve into the details.
"I heard you were discussing some interesting topics just now."
Duanmu Huai slowly walked toward the woman while speaking.
"For example, prophecies... could you explain them to me?"
"This... it seems it’s not really my..."
"You are an Imperial citizen, miss."
Duanmu Huai’s tone became stern, making sure the woman before him understood that he was not a lovestruck fool, but an Imperial Judge.
"As an Imperial citizen, it is your duty to assist the Judge in the investigation."
"Yes, yes, of course, I know!"
Hearing Duanmu Huai’s words, the woman instantly grew nervous.
"The prophecy... actually, everybody knows it. It says that one day our brethren will come for us, and we just have to patiently await their rescue, which is the reward for our loyalty to the Divine Emperor. We will join a greater collective, and by doing so, the evil surrounding us will be utterly erased..."
"Hmm... when did this happen? Who made the prophecy?"
"This... I’m sorry, Great Judge, I don’t really know. I heard the servants talk about it when I was young. It seemed that shortly after this world lost contact with the Empire, a respected Archbishop announced it at a gathering, claiming to have received the Divine Emperor’s revelation..."
"What about the Archbishop?"
"He must have passed away many years ago..."
It’s a pity, can’t hang that heretic from a streetlamp.
This thought flashed through Duanmu Huai’s mind, then he changed the subject.
"I also heard about the Dark Fortress... can you explain that to me in detail?"
"Of course!"
Unlike before, this time the woman was very excited.
"To the northeast of the city, there’s a fortress. We don’t know its name, but everyone calls it the Dark Fortress. We are strictly forbidden to go there. Previously, some servants escaped to that location, and the Emperor dispatched an exploration team to investigate, but only one soldier returned. When he appeared at the city gates, he was covered in blood, gruesome to behold. He only left a message, ’Do not go near it,’ and then died... After that, everyone believed that the Dark Fortress was some sort of evil presence, so nobody is allowed to go near."
Dark Fortress?
Duanmu Huai asked some more questions, and upon confirming the woman had nothing else to add, he nodded to her.
"Thank you for your cooperation, miss. What’s your name?"
"Really? My name is Mina Jon Ray... My father is Secretary Maradok Jon Ray..."
"Alright, Miss Mina, the Tribunal will remember your contribution."
Such a naive and foolish woman, but very useful, which is quite nice.
Duanmu Huai nodded to the woman, then turned and left.
Next, he would go to the Governor’s House to inquire about the situation, especially regarding the Dark Fortress. Duanmu Huai had an uneasy feeling about it.
As for the specifics, he would have to wait and see.
