Novel Full Chapter 320 Victory
The surrounding soldiers nodded in understanding.
“Yes, that is a well-thought-out plan, your grace,” one said as he nodded approvingly.
Another joined in, “Yes, your grace, you truly are a genius,” he said flattering.
Julian rolled his eyes in frustration. They’re just flattering me, hoping to gain favor. Even in a life-or-death situation, all they care about is their own greed and well-being.
However, unlike the other officials who were busy flattering Julian, the strategist seemed lost in his thoughts.
“But, your grace, even if we manage to ambush them, we don’t know their exact numbers. Without reinforcements, they will overpower us, and we won’t stand a chance.”
Julian didn’t seem concerned. He simply gave a small, confident smile.
“You don’t have to worry about that. I will ensure that reinforcements arrive.”
The strategist still seemed unsure, but Julian’s calm demeanor was convincing. He must have something up his sleeve.
He then turned to Alden, who was still considering the success of the plan.
“Father, I leave everything here to you,” Julian said. “When you feel the first ten quakes in the earth, start marching. By the fifteenth, make sure that you reach the ambush point. The timing must be exact. We won’t have another opportunity.”
Alden raised an eyebrow in confusion. “What do you mean by quake? Is this some sort of signal?”
Julian’s grin deepened. “Let’s just say it’s something… a little more than a signal.” He paused for a moment. “But let’s not get into the details.”
Without further explanation, Julian raised his hand, and a wave of mana surrounded him. The air vibrated for a moment, and in an instant, his figure vanished, appearing outside the castle of Rose.
**
Back in the present.
Julian stood still as he observed Lian and Arberus, who were shaking in fear. A wicked smile tugged at his lips.
“That was a fun little game of strategy we played,” he said with a slight chuckle. “I have to admit, Ethwer really outdid himself.”
He took a step forward. “I never thought he was that smart. First, he bought off the nobles, isolated us, gathered a large force, and on top of all that, he managed to carry it out without leaking a single piece of information. And he made it even better by faking it as Apollo’s attack.”
Julian’s smile widened as he watched two shaking men. The deepness of the plot had impressed him, but now that it was exposed, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of victory.
“You see, it’s always about who can outsmart the other, and you, my dear Lian, were merely a pawn in his game.”
“But the game’s over now,” he said coldly, his tone devoid of warmth. “And you are the ones who lost.”
Lian stood in silence, unable to speak anything. His gaze was fixed on the ground, unwilling to meet Julian’s eyes.
Arberus, however, was still trying to make sense of it all. “But… how did you gather so many men?” he managed to ask.
Julian let out a laugh. “From those greedy noble houses,” his smile widened, “I destroyed those who did not want to join me.”
Lian and Arberus trembled, their faces pale as fear overtook them.
Suddenly, a spine-chilling scream filled the air. “Ahhhhhhhhhhhh…!” The shout came from deep within the forest, drawing everyone’s attention.
Julian chuckled in silent excitement. “It’s becoming interesting,” he said.
Another scream echoed, “Ahhhhhhhhh…!” Then another. And another.
In mere seconds, the forest was filled with agonizing cries of the escaped soldiers. The sounds of terror were relentless, making the atmosphere thicken with both horror and cruelty.
Alden’s head was lowered as he listened to the screams. He clenched his fists tightly with suppressed emotion.
After several agonizing minutes, the screams stopped entirely, leaving behind an oppressive, painful silence.
The eerie stillness was broken by the footsteps of the soldiers who were emerging from the forest. They were laughing and chattering victoriously with their hands clutching the severed heads as trophies of their conquest.
Lian and Arberus stood frozen, their eyes wide with shock and horror. They fought to keep the vomit rising in their throats from spilling over.
Julian chuckled, his gaze cold and piercing. “Stop acting like you are humans,” he mocked.
“You have done way worse than this to your prisoners, have you not?”
Turning his attention to the gathered army, Julian raised his voice, “The battle here is won. Everyone, retreat!”
The soldiers erupted into cheers and laughter as they began their march back, leaving behind a trail of blood and violence in their path.
Midway through their journey, Julian gave a new order. “Gather those heads and send them to Ethwer as a gift. Let them see what happens when they dare to challenge Easvil.”
The soldiers roared in approval, their bloodlust unquenched. They began preparing the gruesome trophies for transport, eager to carry out Julian’s command.
Lian and Arberus could no longer hold back and turned away, vomiting at the sight of the chilling display.
With that, the army began their march back to the castle. For Julian, it was a significant day. It marked his first battle and his first decisive victory as a leader.
As they walked, Julian’s gaze fell on Alden, who appeared lost in thought. He sighed softly to himself.
Father is too soft. If it weren’t for me, everyone would have died today, he thought, and a chill spread through his body just thinking about the consequences of failure.
He placed a hand on Alden’s shoulder. “Father, it’s time you step down and live a calm life. Leave the burdens of leadership to me.”
Alden turned his weary eyes to Julian, meeting his son’s gaze.
After a pause, he sighed and replied, “I am thinking of that too. Perhaps… it’s time.”
The two shared a rare moment of understanding. The march continued with the soldiers’ high morale, while the father and son silently contemplated the future that awaited their family and their duchy.