The Sanctum was suddenly silent, and all the officials held their breath.

Richard’s words were both vicious and venomous, going far beyond merely questioning Trevor’s competence. They were a direct accusation that Xander was engaging in cronyism, striking at the very foundation of the new reforms. Everyone couldn’t help but look at Xander, all with worried expressions.

But Xander remained calm. He stepped forward and said loudly, “Lord Richard is overreacting. Last year, Vice Minister Trevor was sent to the Thirteen Tribes, and he resolved the disputes there single-handedly.

“He also brought back a list of trade demands from various Tribes, which pleased His Majesty and led to his exceptional promotion.

“No one here knows the Thirteen Tribes better than him.”

Xander scanned the ministers and said in a strong and forceful tone, “What the Aeridon border market needs is someone who understands the border situation, knows trade, and can adapt to changes, and Vice Minister Trevor is just the right person. Besides, he comes from a family of generals, and his father, General Kurtis, has fought for the Kingdom for half his life. Just because he is my relative, are you going to deny his talent? What kind of logic is this?”

“You!” Richard was speechless at the question and turned to look at the King. He addressed the King in grief and indignation, “Your Majesty, the Prince Regent is quibbling. Trevor is related to him by marriage. How can you guarantee that he will not engage in favoritism? I beg Your Majesty to withdraw your order and choose someone else!”

“Lord Richard is probably forgetting that Vice Minister Trevor’s appointment was decided by me.” The King’s voice sounded somewhat cold. “The secret memorial that Trevor brought back from the Thirteen Tribes last year detailed the distribution of troops and resources of each tribe, which is of great benefit to our border defense. Shouldn’t such talent be valued?”

He paused and looked sharply at Richard. “Moreover, I have sent an inspection team to Aeridon in advance, and all trade transactions have detailed accounts, which are reported back to the capital regularly. If Trevor truly acts unfairly, I will never condone it. However, it would be too arbitrary to deny his talent based solely on the term ‘relative.’”

Standing in the line of officials, Trevor stepped forward and bowed respectfully, “Your Majesty, I am willing to sign a military pledge!

“If the Aeridon border market fails to profit or stabilize border trade within six months, I am willing to be dismissed and investigated and never be re-employed!”

Trevor’s voice was steady, and his eyes were firm. “Lord Richard is worried that I will act unfairly, but my family members are all in Pidence. I am going to Aeridon only to manage the border market well, and I have absolutely no other intentions!”

These words resonated powerfully, and many officials in the Sanctum nodded secretly. Although Trevor was a relative of the imperial family, he was promoted based on his actual achievements. His contributions during his mission to the Thirteen Tribes last year were obvious to all, and Richard’s accusations were indeed untenable.

Xander added at the right time, “Your Majesty, I propose that Trevor set off immediately, and the inspection team will be led by the Deputy Censor-in-Chief, who will travel with Trevor.

“All passes along the way must check the documents to ensure fairness and transparency.”

The King nodded in agreement. “Granted. Trevor, I bestow upon you an imperial sword. In Aeridon, you have the authority to act first and report later. If you encounter smuggling or rebellion, you don’t need to ask for instructions; deal with it directly!”

All the officials gasped, and their gazes toward Trevor changed. An imperial sword! This was practically giving Trevor the authority to do as he saw fit without any restraints.

“Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness!” Trevor made a deep obeisance to receive the decree. Watching this, Richard’s face first turned from livid to pale, and then ashen with dismay. He had never expected that his attempt to discredit Trevor would not only fail to topple him but instead hand him the imperial sword of authority. He was about to die of anger. He was helped out of the Sanctum by his confidant. He watched Trevor leave, his back receding into the distance, and gritted his teeth, saying, “Investigate! Investigate Trevor’s background for me! I refuse to believe he has no weaknesses!

“Aeridon isn’t such a good place to stay!”

“What does it matter if he holds the imperial sword?” he sneered. “Aeridon has long been under my control.

“Even with an inspection team, they would have to lie low when they arrive in Aeridon.

“Trevor is even less of a threat.

“Besides, whether he can even reach Aeridon remains to be seen.”

The departure date was quickly set for three days later. However, half a month later, Trevor suddenly disappeared. It wasn’t until the seventh day that a messenger brought back news that Trevor had been attacked in Nexalasia and his whereabouts were unknown. The inspection team was also completely wiped out.

The messenger stumbled into the Grand Sanctum and reported in a panic, “Your Majesty, urgent report.

“Vice Minister Trevor was attacked in Nexalasia, the team was scattered, and Vice Minister’s whereabouts are unknown!”

“What?” The King slammed the table and stood up, his face livid. “How about the inspection team? Where is the Censor-in-Chief?”

The messenger fell to his knees, crying, “The inspection team… everyone on the inspection team is dead. Only I managed to fight my way out.”

“Useless! A bunch of useless people!” The King’s face flushed red with anger. “I sent three hundred imperial guards as escorts, along with the inspection team. How could they have been ambushed?

“What is the governor of Nexalasia doing?”

The civil and military officials in the Sanctum were so frightened that they didn’t dare to breathe loudly. Richard stood in the crowd, a look of triumph in his eyes. But he pretended to be grief-stricken as he stepped forward. “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. It is truly heartbreaking that Trevor has met with misfortune.

“However, this matter is strange. Nexalasia has always been peaceful. How could there suddenly be bandits attacking officials?”

Xander’s face darkened, a thunderous scowl so intense it seemed as if storm clouds could weep from his brow. He stepped forward and said in a deep voice, “Your Majesty, now is not the time to assign blame.

“The immediate priority is to send someone to search for Trevor and find out the truth about the attack.

“Nexalasia is a strategic location. Anyone who dares to attack court officials here must have a mastermind behind them!”

He looked meaningfully at Richard. “Lord Richard, what do you say?”

Richard paused, not expecting Xander to suspect him. He immediately replied, “Prince Regent, you are right.”

The King took a deep breath and suppressed his anger. “Issue my decree to order the garrison troops around Nexalasia to immediately block all major roads and search every household for Trevor!

“Order the Minister of War to personally lead a team to Nexalasia to oversee the investigation of this case. You must find some clues for me within three days!”

However, Richard said, “Your Majesty, the Minister of War has already asked for sick leave. He broke his leg a few days ago and probably can’t go.”

The King frowned. He was so anxious that he had forgotten about this. But looking around the court, who else could go? After searching around, his eyes fell on Michael.

Before the King could speak, Michael stepped forward, “Your Majesty, I am willing to go.”

However, as soon as he stepped out, Grand Secretariat was unhappy. “Marquis Osborne, it is better for you to stay in the capital. Your wife is about to give birth; it is not appropriate for you to travel at this time.”

His words dispelled the King’s thoughts.

Xander looked left and right and had to step forward. “Your Majesty, I am willing to go.”

“You?” The King looked at him, his heart aching with profound and weary sorrow. Xander had just won a battle and had not had time to rest before he had to go to Aeridon again. It seemed that there was really no one available in this court.

“If you leave, what about the Great Examinations?” the King asked.

“Grand Secretariat can take on this important task.” Xander thought for a while and said, “With Marquis Osborne assisting, we can rest assured.”