As the Muxi and Froststone allied forces achieved victory after victory, the crowd erupted in waves of cheers.

"You Muxi!"

"Long live the Emperor!"

"Glory to the Son!"

While everyone was captivated by the massive fleet, the mountains of wealth, the mighty warriors, and the ferocious war beasts, Todd sat in the seat at the head of the table, his ashen face reflecting the projected light, without a trace of pride or smugness on his lips.

Cumberland, who was keeping a close eye on the king, nudged Emerson beside him with his elbow, signaling him to look at the king.

Seeing Todd's expression, Emerson sighed helplessly and said softly to him, "Your Majesty, as the ruler of a nation, sometimes you must prioritize the greater good, and necessary sacrifices are unavoidable..."

Todd didn't say anything, he just nodded slightly.

After all the images had finished playing, Emerson clapped his hands, waking everyone from their elation: "Your Majesty's victory in the North is of great strategic significance to the Kingdom of Muxi. On the one hand, this victory allows us to settle refugees in the North and reduce the pressure on Muxi City; on the other hand, the stability of our base in the North also means that the Kingdom has a safe retreat route."

Todd waved his hand: "In about five days, the fleet will dock at the barbarian camp. After all the personnel are settled, the fleet will set sail back to Muxi City. In the meantime, the kingdom should do its best to accept the refugees from Holy Guard City and gradually transfer them to the port area, ready to be boarded and transported to the north at any time."

After discussing kingdom affairs with the officials for a while, a depressed Todd returned to his cabin, went to the deck, and gazed at the sea, lost in thought.

For every Todd couple at sea, it is an ordeal.

He would occasionally try to summon Mary and Dion in the soul space, but to his disappointment time and time again, the two of them did not respond.

When the fleet finally docked, Todd saw Rachel and Deirdre in the crowd on the deck.

Amidst the cheers of tens of thousands, a worried Todd led the two women back to the barbarian tower.

"You are His Highness Sinclair of Saint Guard City, and you have a secret slave trade with the Church?" Rachel frowned, gently shaking her head as she removed Todd's armor. "This is beyond my expectations. In fact, His Highness Sinclair has a very good reputation both among the common people and in high society. In people's minds, he is one of the few nobles who cares about the hardships of the common people, and his idea of ​​military independence has a large following among generals."

Todd threw his heavy armor to the ground, slumped back in his deck chair, and let out a long sigh: "I've read his biography. It was precisely because of these qualities that the Kingdom of Muxi decided to support him in ascending to the throne. However, his involvement in the slave trade always makes me feel that he has ulterior motives."

Rachel walked to Todd's side and gently pressed her soft hands on the top of his head: "My lord, surely you have more worries than just these?"

Todd, who had been enjoying a head massage with his eyes closed, glanced at Rachel, paused for a moment, and said, "I'm in the soul space, so I can't contact Dion and Mary."

Rachel stopped. "Can't get in touch? Have you tried again?"

“I’ve been trying for the past few days, but all my attempts have ended in failure.” Todd asked Rachel, “When you were in the Elders’ Council, did you learn about Clarence’s ‘Soul Link’ ability? Under what circumstances would the connection be interrupted?”

After thinking for a moment, Rachel shook her head and said, "The special abilities possessed by the elders are top secrets within the organization, and I'm afraid I can't give you an answer."

Seeing Todd's anxious expression, Rachel asked softly, "Are you worried that the two of them have already...?"

The former frowned, looking troubled, and said, "Sending Dion and Mary as envoys to Saint Guard City was entirely my decision. Now, with their fates unknown, I'm afraid I'll have to bear the greatest responsibility."

Rachel gently tapped Todd's forehead with her hand: "There is a way to find out if they are alive or dead."

Rachel and Todd exchanged a glance and simultaneously turned their gaze to Lyudli. The latter, who was busy storing the armor, noticed Rachel's gaze and a puzzled expression appeared on her face.

Ten minutes later, Deirdre slowly opened her eyes and said to Todd and Rachel, "They should still be alive. I can't find their souls."

Hearing this, Todd breathed a sigh of relief.

Rachel analyzed, "Just like blocking the sun with a board, perhaps someone has used some method to prevent the connection of souls."

Todd followed her train of thought and added, "Anyone capable of imposing a power blockade should be very familiar with Clarence's 'Soul Link' ability."

At this point, both of them simultaneously remembered a certain force.

The Council of Elders.