CH 140

Chapter 140: Let’s Think Together!

The next day, I boarded the Illymo and headed to the Imperial Palace in the capital city. I had an audience with His Imperial Majesty.

I was led to the usual meeting room near His Majesty’s private quarters. Naturally, Prime Minister Gremont and Prince Vairus were also summoned. I began recounting the events of yesterday’s battle against the Lamaron Army.

“Hmm. So the enemy has retreated. Then we must order the troops near the border to withdraw,” His Majesty muttered to himself while staring into space.

“In any case, your tactics are as impressive as ever,” said Prime Minister Gremont, shaking his head in a mixture of amazement and disbelief.

“Oh no, not at all. It’s all thanks to the soldiers trained by General Layfence. I haven’t done anything,” I replied.

“But I am concerned about the 2,000 prisoners. What will you do with them in the future, my brother-in-law?” Prince Vairus asked, looking worried. Since I became king, he started referring to me as “my brother-in-law.” Well, it’s not incorrect, but it feels a bit awkward. I heard that he was ordered to address me that way by His Majesty.

“Well, I haven’t thought about it yet, but I believe we will release them as a basic plan. If we negotiate with Lamaron and obtain compensation, that would be ideal, wouldn’t it?” I explained.

“Ah, that’s what I meant,” His Majesty interjected after listening to me.

“Speaking of the prisoners captured by us during their invasion, I have sent an envoy to negotiate a prisoner exchange, but there has been no response whatsoever. I have set a deadline for a reply and sent another envoy, but there is no sign of any action. I suspect that Lamaron doesn’t have the luxury to engage in dialogue about the prisoners. Most likely, the same will happen with the prisoners captured by Lord Linos,” His Majesty explained.

“…So, what will happen then?” I asked.

“We can do as we please, be it boiling them or roasting them. Lamaron won’t have any complaints,” he replied.

“That sounds rather extreme,” I commented.

“Hahaha! What are you saying? After annihilating the 3,000 Lamaron troops who invaded Juka’s capital, is it too extreme to say such things now?” His Majesty looked at me with a mischievous gaze.

“Well, that was a joke, but I have nothing to say about the treatment of the prisoners. It’s up to Lord Linos to decide. After all, they were captured by you in the first place. If there is anything the Empire can do to assist, please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate your requests,” he offered.

“Yes…” I replied.

“Well, since you came all the way here, you should go and see the face of the heir, Aroze,” His Majesty said, leading me to the private chamber.

“How is he? He must be quite handsome,” I asked.

Prince Aroze, the Crown Prince, was peacefully sleeping in his cradle, with a plump face. It seems that he resembles Queen Townsend… maybe?

“This… who does he resemble?” I inquired.

“It seems that he takes after Townsend,” His Majesty answered.

“Ah, that’s good to hear,” I responded.

“Linos, that’s disrespectful of me, isn’t it?” His Majesty got a little angry. Uh-oh, I almost stepped on a landmine. I managed to defuse the situation for now and appease His Majesty’s mood, then I left the palace.

After transferring to Agarta, I handled administrative tasks in my room while ordering preparations for the incoming prisoners that Layfence would bring. Then, I called Rico and the others to discuss the handling of the prisoners.

“So, what is the usual treatment for prisoners?” I asked.

Rico quickly responded to my question.

“There are two possibilities. When soldiers are captured during an invasion of a country, they are usually sold as slaves. And when they are captured during battle, it is customary for countries to negotiate and exchange prisoners. I’ve heard that negotiations often involve monetary compensation.”

“I see, I understand. However, according to His Imperial Majesty, when Hideita sent an envoy to Lamaron for a prisoner exchange, there was no response. So, the treatment of Lamaron’s prisoners has been entrusted to me. What do you all think?” I inquired.

“…The people in the capital won’t forgive those Lamaron scum,” said Theodar, who leads an organization that listens to the voices of the people and resolves their issues. He was in his early thirties but had the ability to rally people and was highly trusted by the capital’s inhabitants. He had lost his mother during Lamaron’s invasion, so he probably understood the people’s sentiments the most.

“That may be so, but we can’t just behead them all,” I replied.

“Well, what if we made them slaves?” Gon suggested.

“If they are slaves, we can restrict their actions, and depending on their aptitude, we can assign them to assist in the reconstruction of the capital, such as construction work. It’s also possible to employ them as soldiers,” Rico proposed.

I closed my eyes for a moment and contemplated, then made my decision.

“All right, I understand. We will make the prisoners slaves. However, for those who express a desire to return to Lamaron, we will send them to the border. We will manage those who become slaves and have them assist in the reconstruction of the capital. Those who work well will be freed from slavery. How does that sound?”

“Lord Linos, isn’t that… too lenient?” Theodar seemed dissatisfied.

“No, I believe this is the right course of action,” Rico interjected, sensing the atmosphere.

“Among the soldiers who invaded this time, there are likely to be many who were brought here against their will. I believe that many of them would want to return to their homeland. Also, I think the prisoners have families as well. We shouldn’t make them experience the sorrow of losing their families. As for the returned prisoners, Linos and Gon can assess them,” Rico explained.

“I understand. If Ricolette-sama says so…” Theodar reluctantly acquiesced.

“Theodar, I understand your feelings very well. However, if we respond to hatred with more hatred, it will only breed more hatred. Somewhere, we must break that cycle,” I explained.

“Yes, this Theodar will keep that in mind,” Theodar replied, displaying a resolute attitude. Rico maintained her dignified posture and looked into my eyes.

“By the way, what will be the fate of Matokal and the others?”

“Hmm…”

For the Barrier Specialist who followed Matokal and the Magician capable of healing magic, they can be treated like ordinary prisoners. However, Matokal and that useless bastard, their treatment will be different. After all, they are the commanding officer and the deputy of the invading army in this city. They hold positions that require some form of responsibility.

“Somehow, I have a feeling that if we talk to Matokal, she’ll end up taking her own life, and that useless bastard will beg for mercy,” I speculated.

Everyone fell silent. It seemed like we were all thinking the same thing.

“The most advantageous situation for a prisoner would be Matokal,” Gon chimed in, looking around at all of us.

“After all, she is the Emperor’s daughter. At worst, we can use Matokal as a hostage, which could work to our advantage in negotiations,” Gon suggested.

“But Gon, didn’t the Emperor of Lamaron raise her with that useless bastard’s father, instead of nurturing her in the palace? Doesn’t he lack even a shred of affection for her?” I questioned.

“Ugh… Master’s words are quite valid,” Gon admitted.

“I understand. I have an idea about Matokal. I would like to speak with her. Is that all right?” Rico’s eyes sparkled. She seemed to have come up with a good plan. I immediately granted permission.

“Now, let’s think about the treatment of that useless bastard, and oh, by the way, we also captured Karg’s son. Let’s consider his treatment as well,” I continued.

Our meeting continued until evening.

In the end, Layfence and his group couldn’t return to the capital that day. Although they had come close to the city, they set up camp and planned to enter the capital the next morning. They requested that I join them and enter the capital together. I agreed to their request, instructed them to bring sufficient provisions, and returned to the imperial residence.

The following day, I joined the group led by the seasoned general. To my surprise, they were all in polished armor, neatly dressed. They marched confidently at the head of a perfectly aligned formation, and Layfence, walking with great dignity, looked quite impressive. Following his instructions, I led the procession on an Illymo and triumphantly entered the capital.

Naturally, the people of the capital welcomed us with great applause. The units that merged with Kunogen’s troops formed neat formations and, under the command of the seasoned general, saluted me with impeccable precision. Overwhelmed by their remarkable display and filled with surprise, I returned their salute, though my right hand was trembling—a secret I kept to myself.

Afterward, Gon and I met with the prisoners, eliminating those with criminal records, and then informed them about their future.

“Among those present here, if anyone wants to return to Lamaron, raise your hand. We will send you to the border. The rest of you will become slaves and assist in the capital’s reconstruction. If you prefer, you can continue serving as soldiers. Those who work well will be promised freedom from slavery. And… every day, three meals, everyone will be fed until they are full!” I declared.

In the end, about 60 individuals expressed their desire to return to Lamaron, so I ensured they had enough provisions and sent them to the border. As for the majority of prisoners who chose to stay in Agarta, they were mercenaries employed by Lamaron. These slave soldiers would later become the strongest force in the Agarta army… but that’s another story.