57 Episode 25 Before Peace Talks (1/2)

After the battle, the Lemurian army marched three days further south and captured the capital of Arsinia.

The city opened its gates to Hercule without resistance, as word had already spread of the defeat of the Kingdom of Farus.

As a result, Hercule was able to enter the city unharmed.

After entering the city, Hercule again strongly forbade his soldiers from looting and raping, and paid them an allowance.

The soldiers who received the extra bonus went out to the city with joy to get some money for the city's brothels, souvenirs for their families back home, and the first good meal they had eaten in a long time.

Note that this money did not come from Hercule's wallet.

It was taken from the vault of the governor's office in the capital of Arsinia.

Well, since it belongs to Hercule now, we can say that it came from Hercule's purse.

And while the soldiers were playing, Hercule ordered the city's leaders and merchants to gather as much fresh food, fodder, and firewood as possible.

The purpose of this was to provide the soldiers with fresh and warm food whenever possible.

In order to make up for the lack of food that could be procured locally during the march, we had already consumed not a little of the food we had brought with us - about five days' worth, to be specific - so we gathered up four days' worth of new food and put it on the Transportation Corps wagons.

And after that, ......

But what to do after this ......?　Karolina, are you listening?

Ugh ......, now is not the time .......

Hercule and Karolina were both on the bedding, half naked.

In contrast to the clear face of Hercule, Karolina's face is red, her white skin is sweaty, and she is breathless.

I'm sure you'll be fine. ...... You're going to die. ......

I'm sorry, I'm sorry. ...... It's been so long, I forgot to take it a little easy.

After more than a week of abstinence, Hercule's was, well, amazing.

What is it?

I'll leave that to your imagination.

”By the way, would you rather have ...... or me?

”Which one, ......?

The whore.

Oh, the lunary. You, of course. There's no comparison.

When someone asks you a question like this, don't hesitate to say, ”You're the best! is the correct answer.

If you hesitate even a little, you will be hated.

Even if you are lying, it is correct to say that you are the best.

Incidentally, Hercule is a rather omnivorous person, and his tastes in women change according to his mood.

In that sense, it is never a lie to say that you are the best (at this moment, today).

...... Well, that's good.

I'm sure you'll be happy to hear that.

It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for and what you need to do to get it.

However, without cracking open Hercule's brain, we will never know the truth.

Then it is wise to take the words that come out of Hercule's mouth as the truth.

”So, what do we do now?　What do you mean?

”Well, I've sent a peace envoy to the Yazdegerd in the capital of the Kingdom of False. I was wondering if they would actually come to the negotiating table.

We lost so badly, you know.　I don't think we have the option of not making peace. ......

If he admitted defeat, his succession to the throne would be impossible. Not only that, but you never know what kind of reprimand your father might give you.

Worst case scenario, his head might physically fly into the air.

At the very least, it would be obvious that he would not be able to get away with a butt pen.

”Well, whether we make peace or continue the war, ...... we can't stay here forever. It's only a matter of time before we eat up all the food around here.

An army is like a migratory fish; if it stops, it dies.

You have to keep walking and keep eating.

Besides, ...... you have to attack the enemy before they can counterattack.

Well, ...... if the Yazdegerd won't accept peace. Well, if the Yazdeh Guild won't accept peace, then we'll just have to make them want to.

The next day, Hercule was visited by a man.

He was the man whom Hercule had shot in the back with an arrow: ...... Coward.

”How are you?　How are you doing, Lord Coward?

”This is ...... the Emperor of Lemuria. Thank you, .......

Coward greeted Hercule with a complicated look on his face.

He hated the man who had defeated him and shot him in the back with an arrow.

But he was also a benefactor who had healed him, and above all, a general like Hercule should be respected.

He seemed to be caught between these conflicting feelings.

”Actually, Sir Coward, I have a suggestion for you.

”A ...... proposal?

”Would you like to be my man?

Hercule said, reaching out his hand to Coward.

Coward was taken aback.

”...... I'm a Torchbearer, remember?

”That doesn't mean you're not a good general. I hold you in high esteem. I want you to be my man and fight with me. ...... There will be no place for you in the Kingdom of Foulds if you don't.

Coward's face broke into a smile at Hercule's suggestion.

It is a great honor to be held in such high esteem by a monarch like you.

”Then ......

”But there is only one lord, Sasan VIII.

Coward looked straight at Hercule and said.

What if they kill you?

'I would rather be killed by my lord's hand than betray my country, my lord.

I'd rather be killed by my lord than betray my country.

It's a shame, because ...... well, that's fine. Either way, your release or non-release depends on the ransom and peace negotiations. If ...... you change your mind, you can always offer.