Man With Super Medical Skill (Matthew)
Chapter 3198 Malice

In the royal palace at Everton, Gadel sat in his study, quietly reading.

Respectfully kneeling before him was Cyrus, who was dutifully reporting the situation. "Your Majesty, all of Prince Garrett's remaining supporters are being swiftly dealt with. You need not worry."

A bright smile spread across Gadel's face as he looked down at the commander. "You've done well, Cyrus. When this is over, I'll be sure to reward you handsomely."

Cyrus' face lit up with joy, and he humbly replied, "I dare not take credit, Your Majesty. It is only through your support that everything has gone so smoothly."

As he lowered his head, a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes. So much for this so-called Iron-Blooded Emperor; he's not any wiser than the last monarch! He hasn't even solidified his position as king yet, and he's already allowing his subordinates to amass unchecked power!

"Is that all? You may leave now. I want to continue reading," Gadel said dismissively.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Cyrus stood, turned, and walked out of the hall.

His eyes gleamed with contempt for Gadel. If his subordinate had such power under their command, he would have found an excuse to eliminate the threat and strengthen his own authority.

As Cyrus left, the faint smile on Gadel's face vanished. The gentle expression drained from his features, replaced by a sharp, predatory look. Gadel, the lion secretly licking its wounds, had revealed its fangs, ready to devour its prey. His eyes burned with a fierce malice that could make anyone shudder.

"Arnold, how goes the investigation?"

Arnold, clad in armor, appeared before him. His usually warm smile was gone, and his blue hair seemed to have lost some of its luster.

"The official death toll in the purge of Prince Garrett's followers is 835," Arnold reported.

Gadel's gaze was piercing, like that of a lion ready to strike. "You know that's not what I'm asking for."

Arnold's face showed a hint of resignation as he continued in a subdued tone. "The official count is 835, but in reality, the number of deaths is likely over 20 thousand."

Arnold recalled the hellish scenes in the dungeons-the rivers of blood, the mountains of corpses, the pit

overflowing with bodies, and then et

haunting song that filled the air a song that stirred envy even in his hardened heart.

Gadel's face twitched with rage, his eyes blazing like fire, his teeth grinding audibly.

On the other hand, Arnold's expression remained unchanged, as if both men knew what the other was truly thinking, yet neither would speak it aloud.

The Eagle Knights would still guard the king closely, and the king would continue to trust the Eagle Knights implicitly.

"Those people deserved to die. Let them revel in their arrogance a little longer-"

"Your Majesty," Arnold interrupted, for the first time cutting Gadel off mid-sentence.

Gadel would never understand the deep sense of national pride, nor had he ever heard a song sung from within the depths of suffering. He could never comprehend that feeling. Gadel turned his gaze to Arnold, waiting for him to speak.

"If we wait any longer, we'll lose our chance to act, Arnold said, seeing the confusion in Gadel's eyes. "A significant number of those who died were Cathians, even if they were abroad. Once Cathay learns of their disappearance-or worse, their deaths-that furious dragon will once again show its fangs and claws to the world. Just as..."

He paused before continuing, "Just as Matthew had led his army against Iris."

"Arnold, are you threatening me?" Gadel's eyes locked onto Arnold with deadly intensity. He couldn't believe that the most politically astute Sword of Eagle Knight would dare say such a thing.

Bang!

Arnold said nothing, simply kneeling

on one knee and drawing his pale

blue sword from his side, laying it on the ground before him-a sign that,

if Gadel wished to take his life, Arnold would not resist.

A resigned sigh echoed through the palace as Gadel, though still sitting tall, seemed to slump slightly. "Leave me."