The Glory of Noxus

Accompanied by the invasion of the cold winter wind.

The capital of Noxus seems to have completely entered winter, and the prosperous and noisy atmosphere is gradually extinguished.

Occasionally, there will be cold winds from the Guardian Sea, sweeping over mountains and ridges.

In the face of cold weather, the Noxians living in the capital have put on thick clothes to resist the invasion of the cold wind.

Many caravans have also begun to reduce their travels and choose to wait for the end of winter.

The narrow streets that extend in all directions are sparsely populated, and most of the people who come out are ordinary people who are tired from running around.

They wrapped themselves tightly in thick coats, walked hurriedly, entered the silent and deserted buildings, and suffered the oppression of life.

In this cold season, the Black Rose incident is gradually coming to an end.

Things are going very smoothly. Under the strong suppression of the imperial heroes such as Darius and Kled, the Black Rose fell into despair.

In the past, the members of the Black Rose were all famous people, their power spread throughout the empire, and no one dared to compete with them.

But now they have almost become rats crossing the street, everyone shouts and beats them, and they are full of desolation.

By noon, the streets and alleys of the capital became more and more noisy, and people talked about the demise of the Black Rose.

Those who once stood up to the Black Rose and accused the Black Rose of its viciousness, as if this could wash away their fear and submission.

And those who had been oppressed by the Black Rose in the past took to the streets to celebrate the fall of the Black Rose.

The only bad news is that under such a tragic loss of the Black Rose, Leblanc, the leader, has never appeared.

It seems that she has completely given up the Black Rose and disappeared from the sight of many secret agents.

So far, no one knows where Leblanc has gone, and no one knows why she chose to disappear at this moment.

Huo Jixing followed Iris's advice and searched for the ancient corners forgotten by the empire many times, but still did not find any trace of Leblanc.

This seemingly simple matter, however, has never yielded any results, making Huo Jixing and Swain more alert to the missing Leblanc.

After all, Leblanc is the soul of the Black Rose, and her wisdom and skills have influenced the empire for a thousand years.

Hiding like this, Leblanc and the remaining members of the Black Rose must be secretly plotting an unknown conspiracy.

But in any case, the destruction of the Black Rose's open forces is a foregone conclusion.

Seeing the fate of the Black Rose, many wavering nobles and magic secret societies have firmly joined the Trifarious Council camp.

Under the influence of the general trend, the Trifarious Council and Swain have completely stabilized the situation in the empire and continued the cleansing operation.

They have become the scavengers of the empire, removing the black roses that have thorns in the body of the empire to ensure the absolute stability of the empire.

In front of the residence of the imperial general.

The biting weather seems unable to stop the noisy atmosphere.

The nobles of the empire rode in gorgeous and exquisite carriages, swarming in front of the heavy mansion and blocking the street.

These carriages were inlaid with gold edges, carved with exquisite patterns, and had badges representing the noble status on both sides.

The guards in charge of driving gathered their thick clothes, leaned against the door, and gathered together to talk softly.

Occasionally, they looked at the mansion in front of them and the soldiers of the Trifarii Legion guarding it with envy.

In the field of vision, the soldiers of the Trifarii Legion were covered with red cloaks, ignoring the cold wind, wearing armor and holding sharp weapons, guarding the safety of the general's mansion.

During this period, the name of Katarina resounded throughout the imperial war group as the Black Rose incident progressed.

Many war group leaders admired Katarina and believed that she reproduced the reputation of the former Du Kecao family.

As the sun set in the west, the crimson glow covered the sky.

The heavy iron door opened from the inside, and the nobles dressed in gorgeous dresses and wearing exquisite headdresses came out with smiles on their faces, presumably they had met Katarina.

After a while.

The gorgeous carriage in front of the door gradually drove away, leaving no more noisy atmosphere, leaving behind silence and tranquility.

In the distance, Huo Jixing waited until all the carriages left, and walked to the door of the mansion.

After dealing with the urgent affairs of the Reiser Garrison Corps, he did not choose to return to his residence, but came to find Katarina.

The Black Rose incident in recent times made the two rarely meet, and now it was much easier, so Huo Jixing came to see.

The guarding soldiers of the Trifalli Corps knew Huo Jixing, and after a respectful salute, they pushed open the door.

Huo Jixing walked along the corridor, his steps brisk and familiar.

Because he came here often, he was already very familiar with this place.

On the walls on both sides of the corridor were hung exquisite murals, describing the many wars of the rise of the empire.

Perhaps it was the coming of winter, the corridor floor was covered with thick carpets, bright in color, soft to the touch, giving people a comfortable feeling.

At the end of the corridor was a carved door, with swords hanging on the left and right doors, and the air was filled with the atmosphere of war, showing the merits and glory of the Du Kecao family in the empire.

Huo Jixing pushed the door open and entered the room, and a slightly warm breath instantly hit him.

It was the flames burning in the fireplace.

The orange flames danced, illuminating the wide conference room and driving away the winter chill.

Catalina, dressed in military uniform, stood in front of the rectangular conference table, staring at the map of the empire laid out in front of her.

There were also some opened letters and many important documents piled up around, and it seemed that a meeting had just ended.

Hearing the sound of the door, Catalina looked up and saw Huo Jixing, and a gentle smile appeared on her cold face.

"You are here!" Catalina said softly, with fatigue in her eyes.

Huo Jixing walked over to Catalina's side and took her into his arms.

Smelling the fragrance in his nose, Huo Jixing gently stroked Catalina's hair, his fingers shuttled through her hair, bringing a trace of comfort and tranquility.

Catalina closed her eyes, enjoying the gentle touch, and her body gradually relaxed.

Neither of them spoke, but just hugged each other quietly, feeling each other's heartbeats.

The orange-yellow firelight of the fireplace reflected on them, giving their figures a layer of golden halo.

Time passed slowly, and the dim night permeated the sky.

"Lady Catalina, dinner is ready."

The voice of the guard came from outside the door, breaking the quiet atmosphere in the room.

Catalina reluctantly left Huo Jixing's arms, looking at the face in front of her, her eyes full of love.

Huo Jixing smiled softly, brushed Catalina's face, took her out of the conference room, and went to the restaurant on the left.

In the restaurant.

The glass chandelier cast a soft glow, and the round table was filled with delicious food, and the aroma was fragrant.

Huo Jixing and Catalina sat around the round table and enjoyed dinner.

They chatted, talked about recent events, and shared each other's feelings.

Catalina casually talked about the meeting that had just ended, with a hint of complaint in her tone.

After the empire destroyed the Black Rose's overt power, many key positions and many interest channels were vacated.

And these vacancies attracted the attention of many imperial warlords and nobles.

Like hyenas smelling blood and flesh, they quickly surrounded them and wanted to take them for themselves.

Most of the nobles who came to visit recently were based on these interest disputes.

With false smiles and expensive gifts, they tried to show their sincerity and strength in front of Katarina and strive for relevant benefits.

And Katarina also knew the intentions of these nobles.

After the meeting, she did not easily make any promises or statements, but just had a simple conversation.

The nobles were not annoyed. Even if they did not get any benefits in the end, it was not bad to leave an impression on Katarina.

Katarina is no longer the same as she used to be. She used to be just the top assassin in the empire.

But now she has become an imperial general, with many forces behind her.

"Don't pay too much attention to them, just find some excuses to deal with them." Huo Jixing said softly.

"After the discussion of the Trifarian Council, Swain is ready to promote the middle-level officers of the regiment and the new nobles who have been promoted by their military exploits."

This action to clean up the Black Rose has brought many changes to the empire, and many heroic figures with outstanding military exploits have emerged.

They can perfectly replace the positions left by the Black Rose members.

And these new officers and nobles are elites tempered in the flames of war, and their abilities and loyalty have been strictly tested.

Compared with the original old nobles, they are more suitable for the current Noxus Empire and have a very strong sense of honor.

"We must ensure that these new forces can be smoothly integrated into the core structure of the empire."

"At the same time, we must ensure that they will not be excluded by the old forces and old nobles."

After saying that, Huo Jixing shrugged his shoulders and swallowed the food in his mouth.

"In fact, you don't have to be too much in front of those nobles. Don't forget that I am still behind you."

Katarina pursed her lips and nodded gently to Huo Jixing. As if she was full, she put down the tableware in her hand.

Before getting up and leaving the table, she glanced at Huo Jixing, with a hint of shyness in the corners of her eyes, coupled with a noble breath, unique style.

"I'll go take a shower first."

Huo Jixing heard the music and understood the elegant meaning. After clearing the food in front of him, he went straight to Katarina's bedroom.

Late in the winter night.

In the bedroom illuminated by candlelight, the swaying bed board stopped, and the smell of heather filled the air.

Huo Jixing held Katarina, who was curled up in his arms, and asked curiously.

"Did you use perfume powder? You have a little more fragrance on you."

"Well, I ordered some perfume powder in Piltover specifically, and there are many flavors." Katarina said lazily.

"Well, you can change more next time. The smell is really good."

Huo Jixing stretched out his hand to push away the wet hair on Katarina's forehead and whispered.

Hearing this, Katarina blushed, and her tight and tall body pressed against the warm embrace.

"How about changing the smell later?"

Huo Jixing noticed Katarina's greedy look, but considering her body, he did not agree directly.

"Let's rest first."

After a while of tenderness, Katarina couldn't help it, hugged Huo Jixing's body, and let him hold her to the bathroom.

Wait until she came out.

Katarina leaned weakly on Huo Jixing, her skin exuding a moist luster.

"There's a concert in the capital recently. Do you want to go and see it?" She looked at Huo Jixing and asked with a searching gaze.

Huo Jixing raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Catalina in surprise.

In his understanding, Catalina didn't seem to care much about this.

"Concert?"

Huo Jixing repeated it, trying to confirm that he had heard it correctly.

Catalina nodded, with a hint of expectation in her eyes.

"I want to avoid those nobles and relax at the same time."

Obviously, Catalina was a little annoyed by the frequent visits from nobles.

"Well, that's okay."

Huo Jixing laughed softly, understanding what Catalina meant, and agreed directly.

"Whose concert is it?"

"Seraphine's."

"I heard that she is very popular in Piltover and Zaun. This time I was invited to come to the capital to hold a concert."

Star singer Seraphine!

Huo Jixing's eyes flickered, and information about Seraphine appeared in his mind.

Seraphine was born in Piltover, but her parents were Zaunites.

Unlike ordinary people, Seraphine has shown unique talents since she was a child.

She could hear other people's souls, as if the whole world was singing to her.

And she also uses her singing to respond to the world, using music to convey emotion and power.

Through hard work, Seraphine became the biggest star in both Piltover and Zaun, with many ardent fans.

These fans are crazy about Salle Fenli's music and fall in love with her charm.

Huo Jixing had met Seraphine's fan group in Piltover.

"Then let's go take a look and enjoy Seraphine's music."

Huo Jixing lowered his head and kissed Catalina's forehead gently, hugging her body tightly.

"Go to bed early."

"Um!"

Catalina closed her eyes, lay in the warm embrace, and fell asleep hugging each other.

The next morning, the gentle sunlight shines on the bedroom bed through the window.

Huo Jixing woke up automatically, looked at Catalina in his arms, and quietly left the bedroom, preparing to go to the Leiser Guard Corps.

When he walked out of the mansion, he happened to meet Talon in a silver cloak.

The two met at the door, smiled and hugged each other gently.

Tai Lung has already understood the relationship between Catalina and Huo Jixing.

He was not surprised by Huo Jixing's appearance.

Tai Lung understood that the important reason why Catalina could successfully inherit the position of general was Huo Jixing's support.

"Did the mission go well?" Huo Jixing smelled the faint smell of blood remaining on Tai Long's body.

"It went very well."

Tai Long replied in a low voice, without any joy in his voice, but his eyes were a little gloomy.

He originally thought that the disappearance of General Du Couteau might be related to the Black Rose.

Therefore, during this period of time, Tai Lung frequently went out to perform tasks and eliminate members of the Black Rose.

But the result was unfulfilling.

So far, Tai Lung has not obtained any information about General Du Kecao.

This filled his heart with frustration, and every failure hit his heart like a heavy hammer.

Huo Jixing saw through Tailong's thoughts and patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry too much, the empire is also trying its best to find traces of General Du Couture."

Catalina also made a similar request during the chat last night, hoping that Huo Jixing could help pay attention to the news about General Du Kecao.

Huo Jixing agreed immediately.

After all, he is his future father-in-law, so he will definitely take notice.

Huo Jixing knew more information, mostly from Swain.

Swain has been looking for relevant clues since the disappearance of General Du Couture.

But unfortunately, nothing has been gained so far.

General Du Kecao seemed to disappear out of thin air without any warning.

Even if Swain used the power of demons, he could not find any traces.