Card Apprentice Daily Log

Chapter 3062: Interim Head

Date: Unspecified

Time: Unspecified

Location: Myriad Realms, Card World, Five Regions, Southern Region, Blossom District, Sky Blossom City, TSR Tower, Guild Meeting Hall

The leaders gathered in the assembly were beginning to wonder if Demigod Windsor’s daughter wasn’t, for lack of a kinder description, nearly as naïve or ignorant as she made herself out to be. Perhaps she was a scheming genius in her own right.

First, she had casually claimed the title of Admiral. Now, she was trying to use Corey as a stepping stone.

What made Aba truly dangerous, however, wasn’t her ambition. It was the way she carried herself and that unalarming presence of hers.

She came across as the carefree girl next door, someone who dreamed outrageously big without the slightest embarrassment. The kind of person who made you instinctively root for her even though she couldn’t care less whether you did.

You knew she was every bit as troublesome as anyone else. Yet somehow, you still found yourself hoping things worked out for her. It was a peculiar kind of charisma. The sort that naturally drew people to her while encouraging her enemies to lower their guard.

The leaders realized they themselves had already fallen for it. By all rights, they should have been furious. This wet-behind-the-ears girl had appeared out of nowhere, invented a rank for herself, dragged a chair onto the stage, and was now openly challenging the Head of the Disciplinary Department.

They should have been tearing their throats, shouting, ‘Get in line, you shameless brat!’

Instead, they found themselves quietly hoping Aba would knock Corey down a peg. Well, Corey was making it far too easy for Aba to win the crowd over.

“Your Highness, I don’t believe such an outdated system has any place in the New Empire,” Agatha said. Before I could answer, Corey blurted out, “I’m the Head of the Disciplinary Department, and I say it’s allowed. The New Empire only has room for the strong. Everyone else can either shut up or beat it.”

The words had barely left her mouth before a collective gasp swept through the assembly. Aurelia and Jaya exchanged amused glances before looking at Corey with barely concealed, mocking grins. She had dug her own grave.

With a weary sigh, Field Marshal Lorn finally rose from her seat.

“Alright. That’s enough,” she said calmly. “The three of you will quietly report to the Sinners Tower. Don’t make me repeat myself.”

Corey blinked. “Wait… me too?”

Lorn ignored the protest. Turning to face the assembly, she addressed everyone in a clear, authoritative voice, “The New Empire is a land of innovation and opportunity. Every citizen has the right to voice their ideas and opinions, provided they do so while respecting the Empire’s laws, customs, and regulations.”

She briefly glanced at Corey before continuing with a faint smile tugging the corner of her lips, “Anyone who believes otherwise may treat Corey as today’s example.”

Corey, who had been ready to argue her case, quietly swallowed the retort the moment she heard the Field Marshal’s explanation realizing where she had axed her own foot. But when she heard her say, ‘Let Corey be today’s example.’ Her entire body stiffened.

She subtly stole a glance at her dear friend, hoping for a little support. Instead, she found His Highness trying very hard not to laugh.

Instantly, she felt utterly betrayed. Puffing out her cheeks in silent indignation, Corey gave up without another word. After offering a proper bow to His Highness, she quietly made her way toward the exit. Leading by example as her best friend / His Highness signaled her to.

Aurelia and Aba followed close behind. Unlike Corey, Aurelia looked strangely pleased. At least now Corey would be standing beside her when they received their punishment. Somehow, that made the whole situation feel far less painful.

Aba, on the other hand, was still looking for trouble. Even while walking toward the door, she occasionally glanced around the hall as though searching for one last opportunity to establish her dominance, just as she had tried to do with Corey.

Unfortunately for her, the moment her eyes met the Field Marshal’s calm, starry eyes, Every ounce of courage instantly evaporated. Without another word, she obediently lowered her head. ‘Yeah…Today wasn’t the day.’

After the trio left the assembly hall to report to the Sinners Tower and await judgment, Field Marshal Lorn swept her gaze across the room before making a calm announcement.

“During the absence of Corey Bright, Head of the Disciplinary Department, I will assume the position of Acting Head.”

She paused briefly before continuing.

“Likewise, during the absence of Aurelia Malvin, I will serve as the Acting Leader of the Bright Lions Security Agency.”

Her gaze slowly swept across the assembly, making one thing unmistakably clear. Corey would return as the Head of the Disciplinary Department. This was merely a temporary suspension, not a replacement. So they should erase any other thoughts that went against it. As such, no one dared question the decision.

As for Aurelia, few believed there was anyone better suited to lead the Bright Lions Security Agency. If anything, some felt the position was beneath her abilities. Those thoughts were especially common among the Border City leadership and officers. Others, like Cevros, saw something entirely different, an opportunity.

The Field Marshal wasn’t finished.

“Lastly,” she announced, “as Aba has pointed out, the New Empire will eventually require a naval force. Anyone interested may submit proposals to Hive Spirit. Your contributions, along with any recommendations you make, will be given serious consideration during the establishment of the New Empire’s Navy.”

The moment those words left her mouth, the atmosphere in the hall changed. Dozens of pairs of eyes lit up. Some burned with ambition. Others gleamed with naked greed. Lorn quietly observed every expression. Only after taking them all in did she steal a subtle glance toward her young ruler. He responded with nothing more than a playful wink.

Lorn couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. Who needs enemies when your ruler causes more commotion than they ever could? Even so, she understood exactly what he was doing. He wasn’t merely creating new opportunities. He was stirring the waters on purpose.

Only by doing so could he distinguish those driven by genuine conviction from those who had grown complacent, intoxicated by the authority and privileges the New Empire had already bestowed upon them.

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