The court's upheaval was so swift it left people bewildered. In just one night, the once-crowded and bustling State Duke Manor became deserted—so empty that not even a bird passed by.
The high and mighty State Duke, and the swaggering uncles of Prince Rowan who once ran rampant in the Capital, all became prisoners overnight. The Bloodcloak Guard dungeon was packed with people from the State Duke Manor, and the entire prison echoed with curses and shouts.
"Lu, you'd better let us go! I'm Prince Rowan's eldest cousin. If you dare neglect me, watch out—Prince Rowan will have your head!"
"Master Lu, I'm the Empress's eldest uncle. You'd better think carefully about this."
"Master Lu, we're the Empress's natal family. Once the Empress pleads for us and the Emperor's anger cools, we'll be out of here soon enough. Then you'll get what's coming to you."
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These people had no idea their time was up. They kept cursing and shouting, demanding that Lucan Lu show some sense, serve them good food and wine, and give them a comfortable cell. After all, they were the Empress's natal relatives and Prince Rowan's maternal family—offending them would bring nothing but trouble.
At first, Lucan Lu tolerated them out of respect for the Empress and Prince Rowan. But when news arrived that the Empress was gravely ill and sent to Heavenly Nurture Garden to recuperate, Lucan dropped all courtesy. If he didn't show them some real discipline, they'd think the Bloodcloak Guard was just for show.
Lucan Lu ordered the most arrogant and foul-mouthed prisoners dragged out and subjected to every Bloodcloak torture. Then he tossed their bloody, barely-breathing bodies back into the cells. The place went quiet for a moment, but soon another round of shouting erupted.
"Lu, you're nothing but a dog! How dare you lay hands on the Empress's great-uncle? You're asking for trouble—I’ll tell Her Majesty and have you punished for disrespect!"
"Go. Bring in the wolfhounds from the training camp. Let these gentlemen see just how fierce the Bloodcloak Guard's dogs really are." Commander Lucan Lu had truly been provoked by the Empress's family—otherwise, he wouldn't have resorted to such a cold-blooded move.
"Yes, sir." The two guards' bloodshot eyes gleamed with excitement. They looked eager, hungry for what was about to happen.
Most Bloodcloak jailers thrived on torture, relishing the sound of prisoners' agonized screams. Otherwise, they wouldn't last a day in this place.
"Lucan Lu! You dare—you dare—"
"Lucan Lu, if you let those wolfhounds in, I'll kill you!"
Awooo...
At first, the prisoners kept up their threats, but when they saw the Bloodcloak guards actually leading in the wolfhounds, panic set in. When the starving beasts lunged into the cells, they finally realized Commander Lucan Lu wasn't joking—he really would feed them to the dogs. The arrogant imperial in-laws instantly crumbled.
"Master Lu, mercy! Please, have mercy! We were wrong, we were wrong!"
"Master Lu, you're a generous man—don't stoop to our level, please spare us! If you let us out, we'll speak well of you to Prince Rowan!"
"Master Lu..."
Lucan Lu didn't flinch. Hands behind his back, he ordered, "Open the door. Release the dogs."
Awooo... Awooo...
The wolfhounds charged into the cell, biting and tearing madly. The pampered nobles, used to a life of luxury, had never seen such horror. All they could do was scream and run—some even shoved their own family members toward the dogs, caring nothing for kin, desperate only to save themselves.
Ahhh...
Help! Help!
You heartless bastard, that's your own daughter!
No, no, don't! Mother, save me...
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The dungeon rang with screams, curses, and the howls of wolfhounds. But for the regulars in the Bloodcloak Guard prison, it was just background noise. Old inmates only dug at their ears and rolled over to sleep.
In the Bloodcloak Guard dungeon, there's no worst—only worse. Everyone here is suffering.
Lucan Lu didn't spare them a glance. With his usual calm, he walked out. When Prince Rowan Dongling arrived at the Bloodcloak Guard, the screams echoing through the halls made his face darken. He quickened his pace again and again.
"Sir, Prince Rowan is here!" a Bloodcloak guard reported breathlessly. Lucan Lu only nodded, not speeding up one bit to greet him.
They met at the dungeon gate. Only then did Lucan Lu pick up his pace, bowing respectfully. "I am on official duty and could not greet Your Highness personally. Please forgive me."
Prince Rowan, though displeased by Lucan Lu's lack of respect, knew times had changed. Instead of showing his anger, he forced a polite smile. "You're too courteous, Commander Lucan. I dropped by unannounced—it's only natural you didn't know."
He acted as if he hadn't heard the rising screams and cries all around him.
"Your Highness, this isn't the place to talk. Please, come with me." If Prince Rowan didn't mention the dungeon noise, Lucan Lu certainly wouldn't bring it up. Everyone who came here wanted something from him—even princes.
Seeing Lucan Lu ignore the noise, Prince Rowan grew irritated and had to ask, "Commander Lucan, what's happening in the dungeon?"
"Your Highness, a few prisoners said they wanted to see the Bloodcloak Guard's dogs. So I brought in the wolfhounds from the training camp and let them have a good look." Lucan Lu was utterly unfazed, not bothering to hide a thing.
Once you enter the Bloodcloak Guard dungeon, don't expect to walk out whole. In this world, only Serena Feng has ever left unharmed. Don't think just because she did, anyone else can treat this place like a guesthouse.
The Bloodcloak Guard's reputation is no empty boast!
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