Empress Vilena raised her eyebrows in wonder upon hearing Sylphia. Did she find something just by observing Grand Duke Freindor?

He clearly had traces of torture on his body, but how did he get them? Who could have done such a thing to someone at the middle pseudo-immortal stage like Grand Duke Freindor?

"Is it your majesty? What really happened to him?" Empress Vilena asked.

"Well, this is Aldrian's doing, so Your Majesty does not have to be confused or think too much about it," Sylphia replied, which left Empress Vilena astonished.

"Is His Majesty Aldrian the Great in the continent at this moment?"

Sylphia smiled as she shook her head. "No, but what I can say is that he could do something like this even without leaving the Barisan Continent."

Empress Vilena's heart trembled at those words. Aldrian the Great could do that from the Barisan Continent? How could that be?

She wanted to know, but she felt it was not appropriate, which left her only able to look speechlessly at Sylphia before turning back to Grand Duke Freindor. She could not help but suddenly think that Aldrian might be able to see what was happening here from the Barisan Continent, which made her feel as if she had gone crazy.

What kind of technique could do that?

Then she remembered that Aldrian the Great could protect the entire world by himself. The surprise attack of the devils was proof of how absurd his ability was, and he might really be able to see what happened here from the Barisan Continent.

Empress Vilena sighed and decided not to think too much about him. They did not stay long in that place before returning to the main palace. There were still many things Empress Vilena needed to do today.

After many noble families were apprehended by the imperial family during the purge operation, they needed to rebuild order in the nobles' territories.

With the power vacuum, anything could happen, as the Verdyn Empire was in turmoil and greatly weakened by these events. She did not want the Verdyn Empire to fall into disorder and chaos because some unknown and irresponsible figures might take advantage of the situation.

On the next day, the execution platform was erected in the city's plaza, and the place was crowded with many people who wanted to see the execution themselves. Around fifty people were chained and lined up as they approached the platform. These were elves of high status in the past, and wherever they went, they would always garner attention and respect.

However, at this moment, the only thing they drew was the fury of the people after their crimes were revealed. No matter how respectable they once were, once they worked with the devils, this was the end.

Curses and boos rained down upon them, and some of the nobles still refused to give up as they shouted for mercy. They hoped to gain the Empress's compassion, claiming that they would never make the same mistake again.

However, Empress Vilena and Sylphia, who were watching the scene from the balcony of a building beside the plaza, did not say anything. They continued observing the execution procession, and after the nobles reached the base of the platform, the first ten to be executed stepped onto the raised stage.

Among these people were Grand Duke Freindor and his son. The grand duke himself seemed to have already given up on everything and lost all of his spirit. He just wanted all of this to end quickly so he could die in peace. Aldrian's torture still left deep trauma in him, and he no longer wanted to live with it.

His son, Brein, also appeared to have given up, but he was more expressive as he cried while being dragged onto the platform. He had thought he still had a long life ahead, yet in the end, it all had to end here.

He knew about his father's connection with the devils and had supported him, which in the eyes of the Empress was the same as being in cahoots with the devils.

His mother was the only person from their main family spared from the death sentence because she had no knowledge of her husband's connection with the devils. Still, she also had to receive punishment for her involvement in helping Grand Duke Freindor with certain matters related to his rebellion.

She lost all of her status and was forced to live as a commoner, with all her belongings confiscated. She was also sentenced to live as a slave of the imperial family for more than ten thousand years.

This kind of punishment was not much different from the one that befell the leader of the dark elf tribe. He, along with some of his tribe's elders, had to work as forced labor in one of the energy crystal mines for more than ten thousand years. Their tribe, which held special status and great autonomy in their own territory, also had its privileges taken away by the imperial family.

Their involvement in the past, helping the opposition faction with its dirty work was what led to their punishment. The reason they did not receive the instant death penalty was because they had no knowledge of the devils' connection with the opposition faction.

Initially, they were also going to be included in the execution list for another matter. They had already killed their fellow elves in cold blood during the attack on Baron Stargis's manor. However, Empress Vilena changed her mind after realizing they would be more useful as forced labor, given the empire's shortage of manpower in its energy stone mines.

As the prisoners on death row stood atop the execution platform, a few of them tried to resist, but with their cultivation sealed, they could do nothing. The imperial troops continued dragging and forcing them to kneel and place their heads on the beheading blocks.

Their heads were locked in place so they could not move. Ten executioners were already in position, each with a special sword designed specifically for executions.

Once everything was ready, one of the imperial family's staff stepped forward onto the platform and began reading from the scroll in his hand.

"At this moment, we will begin the execution of the prisoners on death row, those who have betrayed our kind for their own selfish greed, going so far as to work with the devils. All of these prisoners have been convincingly proven to be in cahoots with the devils in their attempt to destabilize our empire."

"Because of their grave sins, let justice befall them, and let all people witness as they receive their deserved punishment. Let this be engraved in everyone's mind that we will not tolerate anyone who betrays our kind or creates disharmony among us. Let this serve as a warning to anyone who dares to think they can do the same in the future."

He then stopped, rolled up the scroll, and turned his head to nod, giving the signal to the executioners.

The ten executioners lifted their swords at the same time as the prisoners continued begging for mercy. A second later—

Slash!

A swift motion severed the heads of ten prisoners at once. Their heads fell into the special baskets below the platform, and blood flowed from their necks. The crowd shouted in excitement, their spirits lifted as if satisfied by the sight before them. A few prominent figures, once respected by many, perished in an instant.

After the first ten prisoners were executed, the imperial staff carried the headless bodies to a special wagon behind the platform.

Without waiting long, the next ten prisoners were brought up. This time, Luren was among them, his face already wet with tears.

He tried to resist, but a punch to his gut silenced him. The staff dragged him to the bloodstained beheading block. Forced to his knees and made to lower his head, he tried to look into the distance where the imperial family was watching.

"Please, have mercy on me! I did not do anything wrong! I only did what I was ordered to do! How was I supposed to act against my own family?" he shouted, hoping his voice would reach them, not only their ears but also their hearts. He prayed for mercy.

But alas, his fate was already sealed. The executioners swung their swords, severing his and the other prisoners' heads at the same time. His face still carried a pleading expression, tears frozen in place as his head rolled into the special basket.

Princess Vaeril watched it with a cold expression. She finally saw this bastard's death. She had disliked him for a long time, never feeling comfortable whenever he was near, as she could sense his desire for her. She had wanted to kill him herself, but the complicated situation in the past had made it impossible.

The execution proceeded without issue. The people cheered for the imperial family for bringing justice and maintaining order in the empire. They chanted the great name of Empress Vilena across the plaza to show their support for the imperial family.

Empress Vilena, who watched all of this, smiled. She felt as if she were dreaming at that moment. The matter that had troubled her for years had been resolved in just two days, thanks to the help of Aldrian's avatar.

She was truly glad that fate had brought fortune after all the misfortune of the past.

This execution also marked the resolution of the troubles within the Verdyn Empire, signifying that the empire could now develop more effectively in the future without further disturbance.