In A Fantasy World I Can Absorbs Abilities-Chapter 193 Executing Garfield

Before long, Ronald returned, dragging a badly beaten knight whose face was almost unrecognizable. He flung the man to the ground.

"My lord, this is Sir Garfield, the one assigned to handle the supplies for the Rania troops. I learned that the original supply officer was suddenly replaced not long ago. As for the merchant involved, it seems they've fled, so I've issued a warrant for their capture," Ronald reported.

"Hm. I see he put up quite a fight," Michael remarked.

"Yes, very much so," Ronald replied, exchanging amused glances with Michael.

The beaten knight, Sir Garfield, forced his swollen mouth open to protest. "Count Michael! Even as commander-in-chief, you have no right to treat a fellow noble this way. I am under direct orders from His Highness, the Crown Prince—"

"Silence!" Michael's voice cut through like ice. "If you have eyes, then look at this grain. Does this appear to be fit for consumption? You dare invoke the Crown Prince's name after distributing such provisions to soldiers headed to battle?"

Startled by Michael's intensity, Sir Garfield darted his eyes around, scrambling for excuses. "Th-that's because of the recent rains. It was an unavoidable natural disaster. Please understand!" he stammered.

Michael let out a hollow laugh. "Are you saying you left the provisions outside in the rain? Is that what happened?"

"I-I wasn't the supply officer then. You should question the previous officer about that," Garfield retorted, his neck stiff with defiance.

Unable to tolerate his lies any longer, Michael took the ledger from Lawrence. The records clearly detailed the dates of grain acquisition and distribution. Beads of sweat began to form on Garfield's brow.

"Your lies are quite impressive," Michael said mockingly. "Are you telling me you didn't know the grain sacks were tagged? This grain was purchased yesterday from the merchant you dealt with."

"Then it must have been the merchant's negligence!" Garfield exclaimed.

"Do you think I'm blind? I anticipated this excuse and had all the grain purchased from that merchant brought here. Look for yourself."

At Michael's command, the confiscated grain was emptied out. Every sack contained moldy, poorly processed grain unfit even for livestock.

"You mean to tell me that as a supply officer, you didn't even inspect the grain you purchased? And why did you buy additional provisions when there was already plenty in storage?" Michael demanded.

Unable to conjure another excuse, Garfield collapsed to his knees and wailed. "I-I was wrong! It wasn't intentional. The merchant, a friend, promised me a good price if I bought it in advance. I just... wasn't thorough in checking!"

He glanced up at Michael, searching for any sign of leniency. Both Garfield and Michael knew this had been done under orders from the Crown Prince. Since a superior was implicated, Garfield likely assumed the punishment would be lenient.

New n𝙤vel chapters are published on novelbuddy.cσ๓.

"It's true that I was negligent, but I swear I meant no harm. Please forgive me! I'll ensure it never happens again," Garfield pleaded.

Michael regarded him coldly, his expression unreadable. The cause of this incident was obvious. Crown Prince Randolph had likely orchestrated this to hinder Michael and the soldiers of the Northeastern Province, while simultaneously lining his own coffers.

This behavior puzzled Michael. Randolph had not always been so reckless. What could have driven him to such extremes? Was it merely greed for command, or was there something more sinister at play?

As Michael deliberated, Duke Capone hurried over, having heard of the supply crisis. Perhaps replacing the supply officer at the Crown Prince's request had been a mistake, Capone thought bitterly. He chastised himself for his lack of judgment.

Surveying the ruined grain and the sobbing Sir Garfield, Capone began to grasp the situation. He approached Michael and whispered cautiously, "Count Michael, please show mercy. His Highness must have been momentarily clouded in judgment. This man is one of His Highness's aides—"

Michael interrupted him firmly. "Your Grace, such actions cannot be forgiven."

Capone averted his gaze, unable to refute Michael's stern logic. The crime was undeniable, and even he couldn't continue to defend the Crown Prince.

"I've already issued orders that any collaboration with merchants to divert supplies or introduce substandard military goods would be punishable by death," Michael said coldly.

He leaned closer to Capone and whispered, "Out of respect for His Highness's dignity, I'll settle this by taking this man's life. Let's not speak further on the matter."

Capone stepped back, resigned. He should be grateful Michael wasn't delving further into the issue.

Michael unsheathed his sword. Sir Garfield, still unaware of his fate, craned his neck, perhaps hoping the Crown Prince would arrive to save him. Michael silently recited a prayer for the dead as he swung his sword cleanly through Garfield's neck. Blood gushed out like a fountain, but Garfield's expression remained dazed, as if he didn't comprehend what had just happened.

The surrounding soldiers stood in grim silence, staring at the lifeless body. Holding up Garfield's severed head, Michael declared sternly, "Let this be a warning: anyone caught colluding with merchants to provide substandard military goods or stealing supplies will be executed on the spot, regardless of rank. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir!" The soldiers responded in unison. Seeing a noble knight executed, none would dare tamper with military supplies.

Duke Capone sighed deeply. It had come to this. He began to doubt the Crown Prince's character. Difficult times reveal a person's true nature, and Randolph's had been nothing short of disappointing. Capone had no idea that Elise, under the influence of external forces, was goading Randolph into impulsive decisions. The Crown Prince was no longer the man he used to be.

Michael ordered Garfield's body to be wrapped in a rough mat and buried. A man like him wasn't even worth expending further effort. At the same time, Michael steeled himself for the inevitable conflict with the Crown Prince. Having executed a corrupt officer tied to Randolph's orders, confrontation was unavoidable.

Now that things had come to this, there was no room for hesitation. People reap what they sow. For Michael, leaving Randolph unchecked was no longer an option—not even for his own safety.