Volume 4 Chapter 15 Post-war Processing Isn’t Something Pleasant ⭐
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Hmm. Well, that seems reasonable,” Weed said.
The conditions for surrender were clear: everyone had to disarm and become prisoner slaves. No harm threatening life would be allowed—except to the commander and deputy commander. In other words, anything could be done to them.
”Then surrender is acknowledged. Only those who have disarmed may descend from the hill,” Weed announced.
”Yes, we are grateful for your generosity,” a messenger replied.
The messenger knelt in thanks—probably the princess’s guard. A woman resembling a knight stepped forward. Introducing herself as Amira, she was addressed by Weed-san.
”Immediately demonstrate compliance with the terms of surrender,” Weed ordered.
Without hesitation, Amira-san began unfastening her armor. As if deeming her undergarment unnecessary, she quickly stripped it off, revealing a muscular body that somehow only added to her appeal. Once fully naked, Amira-san knelt again, her beautiful blonde hair swaying.
”Will… the dishonor happen here as well?” the princess’s guard asked quietly.
”No, that won’t be necessary,” Weed said. “Return to camp immediately and proceed with surrender preparations.”
As Amira-san returned to the hill, movement stirred across the slope. The hill had few obstructions, so even from a distance, the soldiers stripping off their clothes and becoming naked were clearly visible.
”The Lesta Kingdom’s army originally numbered seventy thousand—more than half the country’s young adults,” Weed explained. “At Bakdu Fortress, about thirty thousand died. They literally made a hill of corpses to get over the wall. After destroying Seron Duchy, the women took the plundered food and returned home. Look—around ninety percent are men.”
”So, the forces we faced were roughly…” the messenger trailed off.
”As for the military, about ten thousand,” Weed said. “Around a thousand survived in the central unit. About two thousand are over there.”
Three thousand prisoners. That was an astonishing number. Or rather—was my army too strong, defeating ten thousand with just twelve hundred and overwhelming force?
Soldiers who had disarmed descended the hill. They lined up separately by gender. Female slaves were fitted with collars, though there weren’t enough to go around. Male prisoners were branded in an assembly line with fire magic-heated brands, grouped in fifties.
”What will happen to those prisoner slaves?” the guard asked.
”Well,” Weed said, “men will primarily serve as agricultural slaves. They’ll work about a year—otherwise, we might face famine too. They’ve plundered quite a bit. Those capable of soldiering will be absorbed into our army as slave soldiers. The handling of the women is left to Ranka.”
* * *
The captive slaves descended the hill. At the rear stood Amira-san. If so, the two women beside her must be the commander and the deputy. All three were female, their busts visible even from a distance. Separated from the line, they approached, led by the tense Shion-chan and Sayo-chan.
”I apologize for the unpleasant sight,” said a woman with green hair. “I am Naja Lesta, first princess of the Lesta Kingdom, and served as deputy commander of the national army.”
Princess Naja looked slightly older than me, about the same age as Princess Nyx. She had a kind face and a beautifully proportioned, muscular body—like Amira-san and the others. Skirmishes had long erupted between the Lesta Kingdom and Seron Duchy. She seemed raised as both princess and soldier.
”I am Tymis, also a deputy,” said a slender woman beside her.
”I am Amira, captain of the guard,” said the blonde.
Though the terms of surrender covered only the commander and deputy, Amira-san appeared ready to die alongside them.
The first prince, who led the frontline, had already fallen in battle. Defensive troops were ambushed by Scaya-san’s flame dragon. Upon hearing this, Princess Naja closed her eyes and mourned her brother’s death quietly.
I sympathized with the Lesta Kingdom’s reasons for war. Still, many soldiers died, the Seron Duchy was destroyed, the royal family wiped out, and looting centered on the capital. Their lives were the only responsibility left to claim.
”I sincerely thank you for accepting our surrender,” Naja said.
”Ah. I think you understand, but allow me to introduce myself. I’m Takumi Nash, councilor of the McGaref Autonomous Government, commanding this Liberation Army. Unfortunately, your actions led to this country’s downfall. Princess Nyx was severely injured in a bandit ambush while fleeing and entrusted her fate to us. I will form a provisional government and decide your treatment.”
”Understood. I am prepared to accept everything,” Naja replied.
I held the collars and fastened them on the three women. As I linked the chains, Naja asked with a puzzled expression:
”Will I… not be violated here?”
”If I assaulted you here, madness would spread across the battlefield,” I said.
* * *
This was a decisive victory, so the soldiers were not intoxicated by bloodlust. Given the lack of forces to control the former Seron Duchy, Scaya-san and Neige-san judged maintaining discipline a priority. Female captives would not be gang-raped. When explained, relief washed over the three women’s faces.
”Thank you so much… really, thank you,” Naja whispered.
”Well, we might have to make them work in a brōtḥel [brothel] to earn reparations,” Tymis muttered.
”Even so, if we survive, we can return home someday,” Amira said softly. “We can meet the children who escaped starvation.”
Princess Naja nodded deeply. Yes, merging the Seron Duchy intact would have been perfect—but their war had met its initial goals. I requested Neige-san escort the three to the tent.
Notes:
• Weed – He is a retired knight and martial arts master, appeared as a sword seller, known for his bloodthirsty grin and elite ‘Sword Master’ skill.
• Amira – Captain of the guard who complies with surrender terms.
• Bakdu Fortress – A key fortress of the Seron Dukedom; its unexpected fall prompts concern in McGaref.
• Lesta Kingdom – A kingdom neighboring the Quvarian Empire; currently at war with the Seron Dukedom and potentially the Empire.
• Ranka – She’s a guild shop assistant with a friendly demeanor and a practical mindset. Ranka’s recommendations are based on logical, merchant-minded suggestions, catering to the buyer’s needs.
• Shion-chan – Ginga’s GF. Archery, healing.
• Shion – Ginga’s GF. Archery, healing.
• Sayo – A Cup. Non-virgin. The younger sibling in the fake-sibling couple.
• Naja – First princess of the Lesta Kingdom and deputy commander.
• Nyx – The First Princess of Celon Dukedom, who escapes to McGaref; next in line to the throne after the Queen’s expected death.
• Tymis – Deputy commander of the Lesta Kingdom.
• Scaya – The ‘Flame Witch,’ employed by the Dark Elves; captured after the battle where the Celon Dukedom army was defeated.
• Takumi Nash – Councilor of the McGaref Autonomous Government commanding the Liberation Army.
• McGaref – Fortress city, adventurer hub.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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