episode_0272

* * *

After capturing Vanessa Trinity, the Lunarian forces were able to quickly take control of the entire Madlan Castle.

The number of prisoners secured this time is twenty-three, including Vanessa.

In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the Karelian army was completely destroyed by this.

There, Violet succeeded in securing Makana Karelia, from where she was trying to escape.

There were still two territories left in the Karelian Army… … but they were not important places, but rather territories close to the border, and since the monarch, Karelia, had been captured, it was only a matter of time before they were taken over, so there was no need to worry too much about it.

What was concerning was that Cecil Lohengrin was nowhere to be seen –

She could have been in the rest of the territory, and from Luna’s perspective, she was less of a threat than Vanessa or Karelia.

This is the future that was decided from the moment we lost the Siege of Tepel Castle, which had staked everything on the country.

okay.

It is safe to say that the Karelian Army was finally destroyed.

Luna slowly looked at the audience room of the Madlan Castle.

Long ago – the very place where Kyle, who was using the alias of Kane, and his close friend Tifa came together and knelt after receiving advice from Swen to ‘take refuge in Makana Karelia’.

Despite the opposition of countless subjects, Karelia, the woman who had believed in him with a cheerful smile, was now tied up in chains and awaiting treatment.

‘… … .’

Although a deep pain arose in her chest, Luna quickly shook off the guilt that was about to rise.

In order to keep my promise to Swen… …I couldn’t show weakness.

Luna slowly approached and took her seat on the throne where Karelia had been sitting.

On either side of her stood the people who had been with her until she reached this position.

Francis, Charlotte, Kyle, Violet, Metz and the Karelian army’s armed forces.

On the right are Gustav and Aaron, Jonah and Kalle, and the new subordinates, the generals from the Karelian army… … .

Compared to the old days when they only had one castle, Zeeland Castle, it was literally a world-changing experience.

When he turned his head, the national strategist, Jinor, was standing right next to him.

I don’t feel sorry for Genor, but… … I just can’t shake the feeling that I wish he was here.

What would Mr. Swen say? Would he praise you? Since you’ve finally achieved this?

Or maybe you’re just going to lie and say something like, ‘Didn’t I tell you that you’ll win if you go all the way?’

‘……no.’

okay.

I didn’t have time to spend my time fantasizing about such things.

In order to protect the place where he would surely return safely one day… … Luna still had a lot to do.

“My lord, please decide how to treat the prisoners.”

“Please tell them to come in.”

Starting with Zinor’s words, the treatment of the prisoners held captive in the castle began in earnest.

First prisoner.

It’s a face I’ve seen before.

Surely, he must have been one of those who opposed my appointment.

Luna’s response was extremely simple.

First, ask the question, ‘Would you work for me?’ A recruitment invitation.

If you say ‘I will do that’ here, you will be promoted as is.

“I will work for Luna from now on.”

“I was waiting to hear that.”

Since he had acquired the large city of Madlan Castle as his fief and had waged a large-scale siege, the more companions he had, the better it was for him to strengthen his internal affairs.

Even if you don’t have any outstanding abilities or talents, if you say you want to work for yourself, we don’t necessarily screen you out.

But this place is Madlan Castle.

This is also the place where those who did not follow Luna until the end gathered.

Naturally, there were far more people who claimed, “I can’t work under you,” than those who applied for the job.

Luna released all of those people, unconditionally.

It was a decision that seemed kind at first glance – but it was a very political decision. Even if they were released now, they would only be those who would not pose any threat in the future.

No matter what decision was made, the fact that the prisoners’ lives were saved remains unchanged.

“Thank you for your kindness… … .”

“… … Thank you.”

Since there were still two territories left, it was necessary to grant them some favors in order to win them over in the long term.

Jinor also did not express his opposing opinion.

In this way, the treatment of prisoners was decided very quickly.

So twenty-one prisoners passed by.

“The next prisoner is:”

“… … .”

The mastermind behind all this – Vanessa Trinity – was taken away bound and knelt down, looking at him.

“Hello, Vanessa.”

“Kill him.”

“… … .”

Before Luna could say anything, Vanessa spoke in a very strong tone.

“Lunarien, I would rather die than work under you. If you release me, I will make you regret that choice for the rest of your life.”

“Vanessa… … .”

“You can’t say you like me even in empty words, can you? Let me give you some advice. If you have betrayed my trust and rebelled, if you have decided to kill me… …you should do it.”

If she had joined our army, she could have been just as active as Jinor, but if she comes off so tough, it would be nearly impossible to utilize her.

So, after shooting Luna a bunch of shots.

“… … Karelia… … will have many uses.”

“… … Yes?”

“Makana Karelia is… …a woman who, unlike me, can work for you selflessly, he says.”

Vanessa’s voice was trembling as she said that.

She too seemed to have realized that Karelia was now in her possession.

“You know, right? It was my sole intention to kill you. I was the one who incited your betrayal.”

Soon, tears began to flow from Vanessa’s eyes.

Those tears――were not tears of sadness, but tears of anger. The kind that just flow out because you can’t control your emotions.

“… … I will admit it. What Karelia could not do, Lunalian… … you did. The will of heaven did not come to us. It went to you. ”

“It all happened because I acted so poorly. I will accept it all… …and I will die without blaming anyone. So.”

“By killing me… …you will release all your grudges. I say this because I know you are not a stupid woman who vents her anger on a stranger.”

“… … .”

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t listen. It would be your loss to not be able to accept a talent like Karelia anyway. The decision is yours. Still… …I guess I can ask you a favor.”

This woman – until the very end, wanted to save Karelia somehow.

So, I tried to make him run away, but I failed, and I’m in a situation where I’m just asking him to keep his life.

The moment he witnessed death. Luna knew very well that even the most skilled iron man would feel that his life was in danger.

That’s why it was surprising. Even at that last moment, he was begging for someone else’s life, not his own.

I thought to myself that it must have been quite difficult for Luna, who was so compassionate, to say something like that to me, someone she hated to death.

“Ruling the Southern Continent will not be easy for you either. Karelia, a powerful woman, can certainly be your right hand and foot. Do you remember? My lord showed you a favor once. If you were truly even a little grateful, you would know better what decision to make. Well, the decision is entirely yours. The ruler’s vessel is the measure of what is right… … That’s all I have to say.”

“… … I will take note.”

After Luna said that.

“Rest in peace, Vanessa.”

After saying his final goodbyes, he looked at the soldier next to him without saying a word.

The soldier realized what it meant and-

“Come this way!”

Vanessa was taken to ‘that place’.

There is only one option left, neither release nor promotion – execution.

He couldn’t keep Vanessa alive because she hated him. Aside from personal grudges, she was clearly an obstacle to his path.

Soon, she will be no more.

Her severed head will roll across the floor, and her unfulfilled ambitions will disappear like blood seeping into the floor.

What was the biggest turning point before she finally met her fate of death?

From the time you first planned to instigate Lunalian’s betrayal?

Or… … from the point when Lunalian finally came under the Karelia Army?

That was something neither Luna nor Vanessa could know.

In any case… … the conclusion is all that matters. Vanessa was defeated and killed as a prisoner. That was the simple truth.

Luna― did not regret her decision.

Vanessa was the person who most actively wanted to kill him. If he left her alive, she would definitely stab him in the back someday, and he himself acknowledged it.

Even though she must have hated herself so much… …she begged him to somehow utilize Karelia.

From her perspective, she could tell without much thought that asking her for something like this was the result of throwing away all her pride.

Perhaps she also knows how to treat Karelia in the most effective way for our military… … .

‘……ha.’

I felt like my energy was being sucked out… …

There was nowhere for her to run.

“… … Please call the next prisoner.”

“Old.”

Not long afterwards… …the woman who had been his master knelt before his eyes.

He had a somewhat haggard look, but the gentle light in his dark green eyes was not at all to be desired.

“Luna Princess. It’s been a while. I think it’s the first time we’ve met since the martial arts competition. How have you been?”

The last captive brought in… … was the woman who had once been his monarch, Makana Karelia.

“… … Karelia, sir.”

“You seem to have a rather sad expression. Aren’t the good days ahead for you? Which subject can trust and rely on a monarch with a gloomy expression?”

“… … .”

“I am mentally prepared, Princess Luna. I look forward to seeing you in a monarch-like manner.”

A monarch-like appearance… … .

Luna turned her head to where Jinor was, mulling over what Karelia had said.

As soon as Jinor noticed Luna’s gaze, he approached her and whispered.

In a very firm tone, without any hesitation――

“Execute him. Don’t leave any regrets.”

――He said.