Sounds began to ring out from all directions—they were the sound of war drums.

Hearing the sounds from all around, Mader's face became ashen.

​​

As one of Olivia's subordinates, he knew what would happen if they let in Chen Heng's army.

The Kutu Royal City would fall under Chen Heng's control, and he might even control the palace…

Once Chen Heng controlled the Kutu Royal City, it was difficult to say what he would do.

But if they did not open the gates…

Mader looked downwards.

Outside the city walls, Chen Heng's army had formed a special formation. Standing there, it seemed like an unshakeable mountain.

Within them, Chen Heng's figure could be seen at the center.

This was an army of 10,000 people, and not only was it made up of elite soldiers, but it had the Kutu Principality's number one Knight, who was also the Guardian Knight.

Facing such a force, anyone would feel apprehensive—this was the case for Mader.

He looked at the formation below and made preparations for the worst.

Despite having gone through many large battles, as the royal city, the Kutu Royal City still had many soldiers.

In total, the Kutu Royal City had 3,000 elite soldiers, and if they fought to the death, they would be able to stall for some time.

If they could buy enough time, they could bring soldiers from other territories to support them.

Mader felt very grave as he thought to himself.

At that moment, cheers could be heard, and Mader began to watch Chen Heng's army move.

They began to slowly flow into the Kutu Royal City without any obstruction.

Seeing this scene, Mader was stunned.

What was going on?

In the next second, his expression greatly fell and he yelled furiously, "Who opened the gates and let them in?"

However, he did not receive a reply.

Chen Heng's army continued to enter the Kutu Royal City.

Currently, Chen Heng was meeting with an old friend.

"Long time no see, Kelly."

Riding on his horse, Chen Heng looked at the person beside him and smiled.

"Indeed, it has been quite a long time." Next to him, a middle-aged man rode on a horse, keeping pace with Chen Heng.

He had resplendent golden hair and looked somewhat handsome. He gave of a mature aura, like a gentlemanly scholar, and had the airs of a noble.

It was Kelly.

After ten or so years he had become a middle-aged man and had succeeded his father, becoming one of the top-tier figures in the Kutu Royal City.

He was one of Chen Heng's greatest helpers in the Kutu Royal City.

Much of the reason why Chen Heng was able to enter the Kutu Royal City so smoothly was because of him.

"It has been so many years since I've come here, but nothing much has changed," Chen Heng said as he lightly sighed.

From when Chen Heng had first come to the Kutu Royal City, it had been ten or so years.

However, the streets were just the same as before, and they had not changed much.

"Indeed, there have not been many changes."

Hearing Chen Heng's words, Kelly nodded.

"It was all thanks to you that I was able to get in so easily," Chen Heng said as he smiled.

In response, Kelly chuckled and said, "It's not a big deal. That old fellow Mader thinks that he can control this city, but he's too full of himself."

Speaking to there, a cold smile appeared on his face, "Right now, we are the true sovereigns of this city."

Chen Heng silently nodded in agreement.

Things were different from the past.

If it was in the past, when Olivia's power was still quite strong, she would have control of this city tightly in her grasp.

However, after a few large battles, the royal family's power had been greatly drained, and her power over the city was greatly weakened.

Mader seemed like he had a few thousand people under his command, but many of those soldiers belonged to other noble families, and they were just under his command for now.

Moreover, those nobles had significant power too.

For example, Kelly not only had some of Mader's people change sides, but he also brought a few hundred of his own people to directly open the city gates to let Chen Heng in.

Mader could not do anything about this at all.

"What's the situation like now?" Chen Heng asked as he looked at Kelly.

Through the messengers, he had a rough understanding of the situation in the Kutu Royal City.

However, the information he received from them definitely would not be as detailed as what he could hear from Kelly.

"The situation is quite terrible for Her Majesty."

Kelly naturally knew what Chen Heng wanted to know, and he nodded, "There are only 3,000 people in the city, and many of them are our people… if you want, I can go and immediately have them change sides."

"Very good."

Chen Heng smiled and asked, "What about Her Majesty herself?"

Kelly shook his head, "Things aren't looking good. Just yesterday, Her Majesty fell unconscious and still hasn't woken up. Based on the royal physician's diagnosis, she does not have long to live. If it wasn't for this, the situation would not have become like this."

He shook his head and sighed, "However, this makes things easier for us."

"That's right," Chen Heng smiled, "it will be much easier for us now."

"Kailin, based on our friendship, can you give me an honest answer?"

Looking at Chen Heng, Kelly asked earnestly, "What do you plan to do now?"

"What do I plan to do?"

Looking at Kelly and his serious expression, Chen Heng understood.

It seemed that not everyone could remain calm under the present circumstances, and this was the case even for Chen Heng's old friend.

Then again, it made sense—a single misstep in a situation like this could cause an entire family to perish together.

It was only natural to be anxious.

"It's not a big deal for me to tell you," Chen Heng smiled as he said, "First, control the Kutu Royal City, followed by the palace, and those 3,000 people.

"And then there's the rest of you.

"I won't casually kill people, nor will I allow my soldiers to do as they please. However, all nobles in the city must temporarily hand over all of their weapons and equipment."