Greatest Legacy of the Magus Universe

693  Meritorious Deeds

Council Keep, Downtown Quarter.

A week after the Duskfall Incident, all the councilors gathered again at the round table to discuss the aftermath.

Moreover, Brigham Flynn had called for an urgent meeting, informing everyone that he had something very important to discuss.

But before that happened, the Council of 7 first had to resolve the matters surrounding the Duskfall Incident.

"Please note, the council has convened to conclude the crucial matters relating to the Duksfalls, the local criminal gang known as the Red Fists, and the thieves' guild known as Umbra Thieves," Hammon McLeod declared solemnly.

All the scribes positioned at the edge of the circular room immediately began jotting down notes, making sure to inscribe everything that happened within these walls.

The old man then turned to the Lord Marshall of Ravenfell, Sabrina Benton, and asked, "Lady Benton, what is the status of the criminals apprehended from the Duskfall Estate?"

An armored Magus donning a white cape stood right behind Sabrina Benton. The latter waved at him, upon which, he immediately conjured a scroll from his storage artifact and respectfully handed it to her with both hands.

Sabrina unfurled the scroll and read its contents with an indifferent expression on her face, "The hundred and seventy-six regular guests invited to the masquerade have been questioned thoroughly and been let go. I have deemed them innocent."

She paused for a moment before adding, "The fourteen VIP guests have undergone intense interrogation methods by my men, during which they have confessed to their involvement with the Duskfall couple.

"Therefore, on charges of rape, prostitiution, cannibalism, murder, and participation in sacrifical rituals to en evil entity, they have been executed. Furthermore, all their assets have been seized, their bloodline terminated, and their nobility titles revoked."

Right at that moment, her gaze narrowed and shifted to Taron Norwood. As what she was about to say next implicated this elven councilor indirectly.

"Last but not least, after being subjected to torture and interrogation techniques of the highest order, the Duskfall couple have confessed to their alliance with the Red Fists and the new criminal organization known as the Cult of Bones."

She paused for a moment, coldly scanning everyone's reactions before continuing, "The couple had been involved in illegally trafficking humans for the past several years. Needless to say, all these women have been used as offerings in the sacrificial rituals that I mentioned earlier.

"The Red Fists were responsible for kidnapping these women for the Corvid Quarter as well as the towns and villages surrounding Ravenfell.

"Furthermore, it was also found that the secret trade routes used by these gang members earlier belonged to the Umbra Thieves while they still operated within the city, thus suggesting their possible, and quite likely, involvement as well."

"And what of the Duskfall couple?" Ives Ballard asked in a low voice.

Sabrina deeply looked at him before coldly stating, "Unfortunately, they did not survive the interrogation. As a result, their nobility rank has been revoked and all their assets seized."

She then turned to look at Taron Norwood and asked with an inquisitive gaze, "Councilor Norwood, it has been brought to my attention that you were the one to recommend Altan Duskfall for the seat of nobility."

The elf, Taron Norwood's, face instantly darkened at that remark. "Lady Benton, what are you trying to insinuate?"

"Nothing at all." Sabrina's eyes narrowed down to slits. "Just curious."

Taron deeply looked at Sabrina before harrumphing in absolute displeasure. "Indeed, I was the one to recommend him for the title of Viscount. He had shown remarkable ability in trading.

"Moreover, his involvement in the maritime trade sector had helped boost the local economy in several ways. Considering his contributions to the economy, I deemed him eligible for a shot at the title of nobility."

He paused for a moment before adding, "Also, My Lords and Lady, do not forget that he even had to donate 2 million Acadian gold that directly went to the city's treasury. Thus, taking all of this into account I recommended him for the title of Viscount."

A deep and helpless sigh escaped his lips and he concluded, "Alas, at the time I did not know the heinous and vile activities he was involved in. If I did, he wouldn't have lived to see this day."

In Ravenfell, the titles of nobility were bestowed upon residents who had performed a significant service to the city. Alternatively, they could also donate an exorbitant amount of money and be granted a title.

However, both the methods required the recommendation of at least one member of the Council of Seven.

"I see." Sabrina Benton nodded, her eyes momentarily shining with a keen light. "I shall take your word for it then."

"Hmph!" Taron Norwood snorted. "Think what you want to. But don't forget, although I was the one to recommend Altan Duskfall, it was all of you who approved of my recommendation."

The room descended into silence. It was as Taron Norwood had said. For the title of nobility, at least one of the councilors had to recommend the person, and subsequently, the rest of the councilors had to approve.

To be more precise, only the majority had to approve of the recommendation.

However, cases of noble titles being conferred upon local residents were rarely denied, as those granted such honors had typically contributed to the city, either through their meritorious services or through generous donations.

Sabrina Benton spoke once again, "The next item on the agenda concerns the reward for Adam Constantine's involvement in the Duskfall Incident."

At once, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Sabrina Benton carefully observed everyone present, her gaze pausing momentarily on Ives Ballard who had an extremely dark look on his face.

Sabrina Benton then addressed the council with measured authority, "Based on his meritorious deeds—eliminating fourteen Rank 2 Magi of the vile cult, aiding in the uncovering of the conspiracy involving the Duskfalls, the Red Fists, and the Cult of Bones, and ultimately slaying a Rank 3 Magus.

"I formally recommend that Magus Adam Constantine be granted the noble title of Count, along with all the privileges and honor befitting such a station."