The Herb King

Lord Harold went to Emperor Ragnar's residence in Dominion District. It was just near the clinic so his carriage arrived in less than thirty minutes.

Upon his arrival, the guards immediately identified him and brought him inside the residence.

Lord Harold noticed that Emperor Ragnar and Prince Calvin were talking, so he waited for them to finish before he greeted the two. "Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Highness!"

"Oh? It's Sir Harold. How are you?" Prince Calvin smiled at him.

"To be honest, I don't feel quite good, Your Highness. The Reynolds Household has encountered a problem that needs the Imperial Family's help..." Lord Harold said in a grave tone.

Seeing that he had become serious, Prince Calvin remained silent as he turned his gaze to his father, Emperor Ragnar.

The emperor furrowed his eyebrows upon hearing this. "Speak. What is this all about, Harold?"

Lord Harold recounted the same story he told to Aethelwolf and when the emperor and the second prince heard that it was a matter related to the Northern Viper Group, their faces became solemn.

"So it's actually them. You said that you managed to apprehend a few of those bandit scouts. Bring them here for interrogation!" Emperor Ragnar could sense that there was something deeper about the actions of the bandit group. It was as if they were working on a clear goal, but he just couldn't put a finger on it.

The emperor then stared at the second prince and said. "You will be in charge of this matter. Give me a detailed report in less than a week."

Prince Calvin drew a gasp of surprise at the one-week deadline given by his father. It was a very short time and he might not get a lot of information. However, he knew that this matter shouldn't be delayed since the safety of Lion City was at risk. He nodded his head firmly. "Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Harold, take your leave first and secure the imprisoned bandits. You have to make sure that they won't be able to escape. We might get some leads from them." Emperor Ragnar dismissed Lord Harold with a wave of his sleeves.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Lord Harold left the mansion and immediately headed to the Reynolds Household to secure the prisoners. With the Imperial Family's help, their chances of apprehending the high-level members of the Northern Viper Group would increase.

As soon as he left, the father and son duo glanced at each other.

"Father, you told me that the Northern Viper Group isn't a local of our Leone Empire. Do you have any information about them that can help me in this matter?" Prince Calvin asked.

Emperor Ragnar leaned on his chair and signaled with his hand.

Swoosh!

Dimitri appeared out of thin air, shocking the second prince.

"Tell him what we know about the Northern Viper Group." Emperor Ragnar said.

Dimitri nodded his head and then turned his gaze to the second prince. "I managed to capture one of their middle-ranking members and he told me the location of one of their temporary hideouts. When I went to that place, I was able to overhear their high-ranking members talking about their plans. I wasn't able to hear everything, but I learned about a piece of crucial information..."

"Those people are from the Ford Empire!" Dimitri's eyes turned cold as he told this to the second prince.

Prince Calvin's eyes widened as he looked at Dimitri and his father. The high-ranking members of the Northern Viper Group are actually from the Ford Empire? However, when he thought deeply about it, the whole thing started making sense. The bandit group was so collective and systematic with their plans that it was making everyone question if they were truly a group of criminals.

"I thought that the Ford Empire wouldn't attack us anytime soon, but it seems like they have already started. If I'm not wrong, they must have sent the Northern Viper Group to create a commotion in our Leone Empire, making our citizens panic. Their presence would also make some noble families feel unsafe which would cause a domino effect that could lead to the disruption in the foundation of our empire. I must say that there is a wise strategist in the Ford Empire. This is just the first part of their plan and they haven't even attacked yet, but the internal structure of our empire is already showing signs of breaking." Prince Calvin muttered with a grave look on his face.

When the emperor and Dimitri heard his words, they could not help but look at him in surprise. He could actually come up with such a detailed conclusion after only hearing a small information about the Northern Viper Group.

"Your Highness is right. When I overheard their high-ranking members' conversation, I immediately went to Ford Empire to verify this matter and I came to know that they have been planning this for a long time. Dustin Empire also has a hand in this matter. I believe that the rumors about these two empires having an alliance aren't unfounded." Dimitri added.

"Father, the time you gave me wouldn't be enough if I investigate alone, but if you allow me to have the help of Sir Dimitri, I'm confident that I can pull this off." Prince Calvin said as he looked at the emperor.

Emperor Ragnar gave him a smile before he turned his head to Dimitri. "He wants to borrow your services. Are you willing?"

Dimitri lowered his head upon meeting the emperor's gaze. "I'm willing." He answered.

"Good! Then that's settled. You will help Calvin in getting more information about the Northern Viper Group. The two of you should work together with the Reynolds Household. They would be a great help to you guys." Emperor Ragnar suggested.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Prince Calvin and Dimitri answered in unison.

"Alright. Since Harold isn't here yet, let's talk about Aethelwolf's products first. Come on! Show me what you bought from him and tell me more about them." Emperor Ragnar changed the topic. He was very curious about Leric's products.