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Chapter 124 – Having the best parts taken away
T/N: So people have been asking when I will be posting the chapters. I will always post around 5-10 chapters every Saturday and Sunday from now on to make it convenient.
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Citizens began to show themselves little by little, overhearing the soldiers’ banter. Upon seeing this, Kunogen casually responded, “Everyone, it’s alright now. It’s been taken care of.”
Everyone’s faces lit up with relief. Kunogen asked them to spread the word to others and they scattered like spiderlings.
“Who were the enemies that attacked? And those knights
” a middle-aged man named Dorky, who had become a representative figure among the citizens of the capital, approached and inquired.
“We will investigate the enemies. These knights are from the Hideita Empire. Without their assistance, we wouldn’t have achieved this complete victory,” Kunogen replied.
“
Thank you for protecting our capital,” Dorky expressed his gratitude.
“If you want to show your gratitude, go and tell General Layfence over there. It’s thanks to his leadership that we were able to win,” Kunogen suggested. Dorky went to meet Layfence and expressed his gratitude, while the elderly general waved his hand, somewhat bashful. He might be somewhat shy as well.
With the healing of the wounded completed, I ordered Ferris and Luala to prepare food distribution, and we headed towards the interrogation of the prisoners. The location was the building that served as the headquarters of the Kingdom’s army. By the way, the Matokal group is also being held captive here.
Upon entering the building, I saw five men kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. One of them noticed me and raised his voice.
“Hey, you! What are you doing? Aren’t you standing! Kneel! Can’t you kneel?!”
Taken aback by his unexpected words, I couldn’t help but stare blankly.
“Don’t you understand my words? You disrespectful fool! Kneel obediently!”
“
Who is this guy? Is he introducing himself?”
“
It’s me, Brian. You couldn’t have forgotten me, right?! No matter how rude you are to me!”
“
Sorry. Who?”
“It’s me! Don’t you dare forget! It’s Shigea Brian! I am Brian!”
“Brian?”
I pondered for a moment.
“You said Shigea? Are you perhaps from the Kargi clan or something?”
“I am Shigea Kargi Marshall’s son! I was the captain of the Royal Palace Security Unit!”
“
Come to think of it, there was such a fierce old man. Was that you? Sorry, I don’t remember much.”
“Nonsense! I am grinding my teeth in frustration,” Brian grumbled.
“So, you Brian person. Why did you attack the capital?” I asked.
“You dare to speak with such insolence as a mere slave! Know your place!” Brian replied.
“
This won’t do,” Layfence intervened with his smooth baritone voice.
“This gentleman here is Lord Basam Daake Linos. He is the Emperor’s brother-in-law and a Marquis of the Hideita Empire. Regardless of his previous status, he is now connected to the Emperor’s royal family. You, on the other hand, are currently a prisoner. Your father, Marshal Kargi, is known to us as a great general. Such an attitude could tarnish his reputation. The words you’re spewing can easily apply to yourself,” Layfence explained, his every word carrying weight and authority, overwhelming the atmosphere. Brian gritted his teeth to the point where they seemed on the verge of breaking.
“
Who are you?” Brian asked.
“I am Layfence Oug, Commander of the Hideita Empire’s Northern Legion,” Layfence introduced himself.
“I can’t believe it
 the renowned Layfence,” the elderly general chuckled. This old man is cool in every way.
“Now, I will ask all of you. What was the reason for attacking the capital? Depending on your answers, we may consider our future course of action.”
A brief silence ensued.
“We came to reclaim our kidnapped daughter
” one of them finally spoke.
“What?” I was taken aback.
“Lamaron’s forces raided our territory, plundering our food and taking our women. We can recover the food; we can grow more. But our families
” he trailed off.
“I see,” I nodded.
As I listened to their detailed account, I learned that, apart from Brian, the other four were former servants of Juka Kingdom nobles and leaders of mercenary groups they employed. After the kingdom’s collapse, amidst the ensuing internal turmoil, they were the first to unite their territory and had been defending it. Their noble employers either fled, became troublesome obstacles within the territory, or were currently under house arrest.
Just as they were starting to emerge from the state of internal strife, Lamaron’s army invaded. They ruthlessly looted food, killed the locals, and abducted women. Helpless against their overwhelming military might, they were devastated. However, upon hearing that Lamaron’s army had been annihilated, they immediately decided to take action. That’s when Brian took advantage of the situation.
He incited the lords and attempted to seize control of the capital with a makeshift coalition army. However, their forces lacked any coordination, and their strategy was nonexistent. As a result, they stormed the capital like wild animals, only to be easily defeated by us.
“Well, the biggest reason for this defeat was your lack of leadership, Brian,” I remarked.
“I thought something was off. No scouts, no siege of the capital, no political maneuvering. It’s no wonder it turned into a foolish frontal assault with an unorganized mob,” Layfence added.
“Well, let’s leave it at that. Release the others, except for Brian. Let them bring back their kidnapped daughters and the food. Also, the food distribution will begin soon, so have a meal before you leave. Kunogen, can I entrust this to you?” I asked.
“Yes, leave it to me.”
Four prisoners who had been untied bowed to us and left the scene.
“Now, Brian, you’ve been doing things that are no different from those of thieves, haven’t you?”
I had already completed Brian’s appraisal.
“
”.
“The kingdom may have fallen, and you may have consolidated the territory, but you shouldn’t invade the surrounding lands. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that you caused the internal strife in Juka. Like that damn fool Lamaron, you need to cool your head for a while.”
Brian left with an intense gaze of hatred still fixed upon us.
“Speaking of Lamaron, I heard that the captain of the elite force is being held captive?”
Suddenly, Layfence spoke up.
“Yes, she’s confined in the room above.”
“I’d like to have a conversation with her sometime.”
“And what would you talk about?”
“Well, for a mere 3,000 soldiers, she managed to capture the capital of Juka in such a short period. I think she’s a highly skilled commander. Conversations with such exceptional individuals, even if they are enemies, can help one grow. Lord Linos, I won’t cause any trouble, so could you arrange a meeting for me?”
“Well
”
I couldn’t refuse when he looked at me with such sparkling eyes. I guided Layfence up the stairs, accompanying him to the room where Lamaron’s men were held.
“What happened in the battle?”
As soon as she saw me, Matokal started talking. She was wearing a masculine adventurer-like outfit and looked like a young lass you’d find anywhere.
“Ah, we managed to eliminate them without any casualties.”
“Again, without any casualties
 What’s going on with your army?”
“No, this time it was not us, but thanks to the reinforcements of General Layfence here.”
“Layfence of the Hideita Empire?”
“This is Matokal, the commander of the Lamaron army.”
“Oh, I see. Quite young, isn’t she? To lead an army of 3,000 at such a young age and capture Juka’s capital, that’s quite an accomplishment.”
Matokal lowered her head.
“Lord Linos, what will be done with Lady Matokal?”
“I haven’t decided yet.”
“In that case, let’s spare her life and keep her alive as she is. It would be a shame to take such a talented military officer’s life.”
“And what do you suggest?”
“This young individual is a skilled soldier, and moreover, a youth. It would be regrettable to end her life.”
“I can’t decide on my own
”
“Well, that’s true. I will discuss Lady Matokal’s fate with His Majesty as well.”
“I don’t need your mercy!”
Matokal declared firmly.
“Well, I understand. I cannot guarantee your status either. Let’s discuss that matter later. By the way, are you hungry? I’ve heard the food here is delicious. I came here to enjoy it myself. If you’d like, we can have a casual chat over a meal.”
Subtly, Layfence handed me his sword and gave me a meaningful look. I took the sword and stepped outside the room, using the teleportation point located in the royal army barracks near the north gate to fetch the meals.
With the meals in hand, I teleported back in front of the room. I could hear the laughter of women coming from behind the door.
“Hehehe, I decline, General-sama.”
“Oh no, I wasn’t something to be thrown away in my younger days, you know?”
“Still
 I decline. Ahahahaha.”
I gently opened the door. The conversation was so lively that I hesitated to interrupt. I placed the meals on a small table nearby. Sensing that, Layfence turned around slowly, looked at me, and winked. The women at the table, even Matokal, couldn’t help but smile. I quietly bowed and left the room.
“But, General-sama
”
“Oh no, from now on, don’t call me General-sama, call me Ojisan.”
“Understood, Ojisan.”
Laughter spilled out of the room.
With an indescribable feeling in my heart, I stepped outside the building and was amazed by the scene unfolding before my eyes. The soldiers of the Layfence unit were surrounded by women from the capital. Upon closer inspection, all the soldiers were handsome.
Indeed, good-looking men rule the world. Somehow, it felt like Layfence and his men had taken them all away.
Suddenly, I longed for Rico and Mei.