The Glory of Noxus.

Accompanied by the cold winter wind.

The capital of Noxus seemed to have completely entered winter, and the bustling and noisy atmosphere was gradually dying down.

Occasionally, a cold wind would blow from the Guardian Sea, sweeping over the mountains and across the hills.

Faced with the cold weather, the Noxians living in the capital city put on thick clothes to resist the cold wind.

Many caravans also began to reduce travel, choosing to wait for the end of winter.

The narrow streets that extend in all directions are sparsely populated, and most of the people coming out are ordinary people who are tired from working hard.

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

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

Things went very smoothly. Under the strong suppression of imperial heroes such as Darius and Kled, the Black Rose fell into a desperate situation.

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

But nowadays they have become almost like rats crossing the street, being hunted down by everyone and filled with desolation.

By noon, the streets of the capital became increasingly noisy as people discussed the demise of the Black Rose.

Those who once stood in awe of the Black Rose, all stood up to accuse the Black Rose of its viciousness, as if this could wash away their previous 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 despite the tragic loss of the Black Rose, the leader LeBlanc never showed up.

It seemed like she had completely given up on the Black Rose and disappeared from the sight of many secret agents.

To this day, no one knows where LeBlanc went, and no one knows why she chose to disappear at this moment.

Following Iris' advice, Huo Jixing searched for the ancient corners forgotten by the empire many times, but still found no trace of Leblanc.

This seemingly simple task never produced any results, which made Huo Jixing and Swain more alert to the missing LeBlanc.

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

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

But no matter what, the demise of the Black Rose's overt power is a foregone conclusion.

After seeing the fate of the Black Rose, many wavering nobles and magic secret societies firmly joined the Trifaree Council camp.

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

They transformed themselves into the empire's scavengers, pulling out the black roses that were thorns in the empire's body one by one to ensure the empire's absolute stability.

In front of the Imperial General's residence.

The bitterly cold weather seemed unable to stop the noisy atmosphere.

The imperial nobles swarmed in in gorgeous and exquisite carriages, crowding in front of the heavy door of the mansion and blocking the street.

These carriages were inlaid with gold edges, exquisitely carved with patterns, and had badges of noble status on both sides.

The guards in charge of driving the car gathered their thick clothes, leaned against the door, and talked in low voices.

Occasionally, they would glance at the nearby mansion and the soldiers of the Trifarii Legion guarding it out of the corner of their eyes, full of envy.

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

During this period, as the Black Rose incident progressed, Katarina's name resounded throughout the Imperial Chapter.

Many chapter leaders admired Katarina and believed that she had restored the former glory of the Du Kecao family.

As the sun sets in the west, crimson glow fills the sky.

The heavy iron door opened from the inside, and nobles dressed in gorgeous gowns and exquisite headdresses came out with smiles on their faces. It seemed that they had met Catalina.

After a while.

The magnificent carriage in front of the door gradually drove away, and the noisy atmosphere disappeared, leaving behind silence and tranquility.

In the distance, Huo Jixing waited until all the carriages had left, then walked to the gate of the mansion.

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

The recent Black Rose incident has caused the two to rarely meet. Now that they are much more relaxed, Huo Jixing came to take a look.

The guarding soldier of the Trifali Legion recognized Huo Jixing, saluted respectfully, and pushed open the door.

Huo Jixing walked along the corridor with brisk and familiar steps.

Because he comes here often, he is very familiar with this place.

The walls on both sides of the corridor are hung with exquisite murals depicting the many wars that marked the rise of the empire.

Perhaps it was because of the coming of winter, the corridor floor was covered with thick carpets with bright colors. They were soft to the touch and gave people a comfortable feeling.

At the end of the corridor is a carved door with swords hanging on the left and right doors. The air is 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. A slightly warm breath instantly hit him in the face.

It was the flames burning in the fireplace.

The dancing orange flames illuminated the spacious conference hall and drove away the cold of winter.

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

There were some opened letters and many important documents piled around, and it looked like a meeting had just ended.

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

"You're here!" Catalina said softly, with fatigue in her eyes that could not be hidden.

Huo Jixing walked over, came to Katarina's side, and held her in his arms.

Sniffing the fragrance, Huo Jixing gently stroked Catalina's hair, his fingers running through her hair, bringing a touch of comfort and tranquility.

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

Neither of them spoke a word, they just hugged each other quietly, feeling each other's heartbeats.

The orange light from the fireplace shone on them, casting a golden halo on their figures.

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

"Lady Catalina, dinner is ready."

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

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

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

Inside the restaurant.

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

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

They chatted, talked about recent events and shared their 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 numerous profit channels were vacated.

These vacancies attracted the attention of many imperial warlords and nobles.

They surrounded it quickly like hyenas smelling blood and flesh, wanting to take it for themselves.

Most of the nobles who have come to visit recently are based on these conflicts of interest.

With hypocritical smiles and expensive gifts, they tried to show their sincerity and strength in front of Catalina and gain relevant interests.

And Catalina was well aware of the intentions of these nobles.

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

The nobles were not angry. Even though they did not gain any benefits in the end, it was still good to leave an impression on Catalina.

Katarina is no longer the same person she used to be. She used to be the empire's top assassin.

But now he has become a general of the empire, with many forces supporting him.

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

"After discussion with the Trifaree Council, Swain plans to promote the mid-level officers of the chapter, as well as new nobles who have been promoted based on their military merits."

This operation to cleanse the Black Rose brought many changes to the empire, and many brave men with outstanding military exploits emerged.

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

These newly promoted officers and nobles are elites forged in the flames of war, and their abilities and loyalty have been rigorously tested.

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

"We must ensure that these new forces are 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 the old aristocracy."

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

"Actually, you don't have to care too much about those nobles. Don't forget that I'm still behind you."

Catalina pursed her lips and nodded slightly to Huo Jixing, as if she was full, and put down the cutlery 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, which coupled with her noble aura, made her look unique.

"I'm going to take a shower first."

Huo Jixing understood what was going on after hearing the music. After clearing up the food in front of him, he went straight to Catalina's bedroom.

Late at night in winter.

In the candlelit bedroom, the swaying bed stopped and the scent 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."

"Well, I specially ordered some scented powder from Piltover. There are many scents." Katarina said lazily.

"Well, you can change it more next time. It tastes really good."

Huo Jixing reached out and brushed away the wet hair on Katarina's forehead and said in a low voice.

Catalina blushed when she heard that, and pressed her tight and tall body against the warm embrace.

"How about we try a different flavor later?"

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

"Let's take a break first."

After a while of tenderness, Catalina couldn't help it and hugged Huo Jixing's body, letting him carry her to the bathroom.

Wait until it comes out.

Catalina leaned weakly on Huo Jixing, her skin glowing with moisture.

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

Huo Jixing raised his eyebrows slightly and looked at Katarina with surprise.

From what he understood, Catalina didn't seem to care much about this matter.

"concert?"

Huo Jixing repeated it, trying to make sure he had heard it correctly.

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

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

It was obvious that Catalina was a little annoyed by the frequent visits of the nobles.

"Well, that's fine."

Huo Jixing chuckled softly, understood what Catalina meant, and agreed immediately.

"Whose concert is it?"

"Seraphini's."

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

Star singer Seraphine!

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

Seraphine was born in Piltover, but her parents are from Zaun.

Unlike ordinary people, Seraphine has shown extraordinary talents since childhood.

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

And she responds to the world with her singing, conveying emotion and strength through music.

After hard work, Seraphine became the most dazzling star in both Piltover and Zaun, with many fanatical fans.

These fans are crazy about Salafinli's music and are fascinated by her charm.

Huo Jixing had seen Seraphine's fan club in Piltover.

"Then let's go and enjoy Seraphine's music."

Huo Jixing lowered his head and kissed Katarina's forehead gently, then hugged her tightly.

"sleep earlier."

"Ok!"

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

The next morning, gentle sunlight shone through the window onto the bed in the bedroom.

Huo Jixing woke up automatically, looked at Katarina in his arms, quietly left the bedroom, and prepared to go to the Reiser Garrison Corps.

When he walked out of the mansion, he happened to meet Tyrone wearing a silver cloak.

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

Tyrone had already seen through the relationship between Katarina and Huo Jixing.

He was not surprised at all by Huo Jixing's appearance.

Tyrone understood that one of the important reasons why Catalina was able to successfully inherit the position of general was Huo Jixing's support.

"Did the mission go smoothly?" Huo Jixing smelled the faint smell of blood lingering on Tailong's body.

"very smooth."

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

He thought that General Du Kecao's disappearance might be related to the Black Rose.

Therefore, during this period, Tai Long frequently went out on missions to eliminate members of the Black Rose.

But the result was not what we wanted.

So far, Tyrone has not received any news about General Du Kecao.

This made his heart full of frustration, and every failure was like a heavy hammer hitting his heart.

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

"Don't worry too much. The Empire is also doing its best to find General Du Kecao."

Catalina also made a similar request during the conversation last night, hoping that Huo Jixing could help keep an eye on the news of General Du Kecao.

Huo Jixing agreed immediately.

After all, he is his future father-in-law, he will definitely take it to heart.

Huo Jixing knew more information, most of which came from Swain.

Ever since General Du Kokael disappeared, Swain has been searching for clues.

But unfortunately, there has been no results so far.

General Du Coquet disappeared without any warning.

Even if Swain used the power of the devil, he could not find any trace.