Sein’s followers, Sborthan and Gergen, gasped in shock. They truly did not wish to endanger their clan for the sake of one person from Zaun, especially when matters had reached such a critical point.
Sein waved them off, stopping their protests. "My decision is made. I implore you, General, reconsider!"
As Sein spoke, his natural charisma and bravery made it impossible for anyone to doubt his resolve.
Under Sein's powerful battle intent, the Barbarian warrior, Man Fangyong, once again raised his weapon, which he had lowered, and aimed it at the Saint Roman army.
Drawn by the shared energy, the soldiers of the Saint Roman army also raised their weapons in response.
Aaron's brow furrowed deeply. Was it truly worth sparking a conflict with Sein's clan for one person from Zaun?
Moreover, Lord Swain's stance on the Barbarian territories was well-known. Swords and spears knew no mercy. If anything were to happen to Sein, wouldn't all their previous efforts be in vain? But Zaun was the source of this conflict. As long as he remained, peace in the Barbarian territories would remain out of reach.
While Aaron hesitated, the screams of agony from the valley began to subside. At the valley entrance, the Barbarian and Saint Roman soldiers stood with weapons drawn, their killing intent growing, the atmosphere taut with tension.
At this very moment, the crisp sound of hooves could be heard approaching from the valley path. "Stop!"
Everyone turned their heads towards the sound. It was Hecarim, galloping down from the valley. As he rode at speed, he exchanged a glance with Jessica, as if conveying some information.
Upon reaching them, Hecarim dismounted, approached Aaron, and saluted. "General, Lord Swain has given an order: all matters concerning the Barbarian territories are to be resolved peacefully."
Aaron nodded, exhaling a long breath. He made a gesture, and the Saint Roman army slowly lowered their weapons. The Barbarian warriors, after a moment's hesitation, also sheathed their weapons. Aaron then said, "Then we request that Zaun leave immediately!"
With that, he gestured again, and the Saint Roman soldiers blocking Zaun's path parted, creating a passage.
Zaun, finding this difficult to believe, turned to Sein and clasped his hands in thanks. "Thank you, Barbarian King, for your righteous intervention!"
Sein looked at Zaun deeply, nodded, and said, "Take care!"
Zaun nodded and turned to leave. Suddenly, Sein called out, "Zaun!"
"Hmm?"
Zaun turned back to face Sein. Seeing Sein's hesitant expression, he pressed further, "What is it?"
Sein let out a breath of relief, shook his head, and said, "Take care!"
Zaun turned back, cast a glance at Aaron, and said, "Thank you, General! I shall have to experience your skills again another day!"
Aaron smiled proudly. "I will be ready anytime!"
Zaun mounted his horse and cautiously proceeded through the Saint Roman army's ranks. Only after leaving did he exhale, flicked his whip, and headed west. As expected, he encountered no ambushes.
Inside the Saint Roman army's main tent, the sounds of chewing mingled with the crackling of burning wood, yet the tent, housing over a hundred people, was eerily silent.
The continuous defeats had thoroughly broken the spirit of these unruly barbarians, who sat in sullen silence.
The sound of footsteps broke the somber atmosphere of the tent. The barbarians looked up towards the tent entrance as a group of Saint Roman soldiers entered, led by Aaron.
Sein stood up, and the other Barbarian chieftains followed suit, looking at Aaron with confusion.
Aaron bowed deeply to Sein. "Barbarian King, Lord Swain does not wish to meet again. He has ordered me to release you and to gather forces for a decisive battle."
He paused before continuing, "If you have eaten your fill, you are free to depart."
Upon hearing this, all the chieftains looked towards Sein. Sein's face overflowed with emotion, and with a slight tremor in his voice, he said, "Lord Swain has captured me seven times and released me seven times. Though I do not understand the customs of your Saint Roman people, I am a man of honor. Sein surrenders. I am completely surrendered!"
With that, Sein ripped off his clothes, baring his chest and arms, and led the way out of the tent. The other Barbarian chieftains, seeing this, also tore off their shirts and followed behind Sein.
Only Madam Milady, holding Jessica's hand, watched the retreating figures of these men. They seemed to see something gradually fading from them—their spirited gallops, their untamed pride, their...
A deep sorrow welled up in their hearts, and tears slowly traced paths down their cheeks.
Barbarian King Sein, along with his chieftains, came before Xiao Xun's tent. Looking at the brightly lit tent, they prostrated themselves on the ground and cried out to the tent, "Lord Swain's might is supreme! Sein dares not rebel again!"
A moment later, the tent flap was rolled open, and Xiao Xun emerged, accompanied by his adjutant and Kent.
Xiao Xun looked down at the prostrating chieftains before him, his heart swelling with pride, and asked with a hint of arrogance, "Has the Barbarian King truly surrendered?"
Sein crawled forward two steps and said, "Lord Swain! Sein and his descendants for generations to come shall never dare to defy you! Sein's heart is fully convinced!"
Only then did Xiao Xun step forward. Kent quickly moved to block Xiao Xun, his intent clear: "My Lord..."
Xiao Xun laughed heartily, dismissed Kent, and walked directly to Sein. He placed his hands on Sein and raised Sein's hand, declaring, "From this day forward, Barbarian King Sein shall forever guard the Barbarian territories!"
Xiao Xun subdued the Barbarian King and pacified the Barbarian territories. He then lingered there for a few more days, arranging the marriage between Hecarim and Jessica to cement the alliance between their families.
With the northwest secured, Faloui no longer stayed. He bid farewell to Xiao Xun.
Xiao Xun wished to keep him as his advisor, but Faloui declined, citing his attachment to his homeland, and departed without further ado.
With all arrangements made, Xiao Xun then led his army back to Saint Roman.
The Kingdom of Frostfall was much more stable after this conflict. Many renowned generals had fallen in the war, and for a considerable time, they would be incapable of waging war against the beast tribes.
Xiao Xun and his troops returned to the capital, where the common people lined the streets to welcome them. Silephos hosted a victory banquet at the Fire Shield God King's Palace, celebrating with all his ministers.
Upon returning to the capital, Xiao Xun felt as if he had traveled from ancient times to modern times. Everywhere was bustling with traffic and lively activity.
In the evening, Xiao Xun waited in the castle's master bedroom for his return to the original world.
Mu Jiahe cradled Xiao Xun's face, gazing at him with immense affection. "Mmm! Still so thin, and you've gotten darker, and more robust."
Seeing Mu Jiahe's expression, Xiao Xun blushed profusely. It had been a long time since he had felt this way. Just a few months ago, he had been the decisive and ruthless Swain, but now he seemed to have reverted to being that innocent young boy.
Mu Jiahe blinked her large eyes. "Oh! Why is my big boy blushing? We've already 'seen each other's true selves' so many times. It's just like they say."
Xiao Xun asked curiously, "Like what they say?"
"Absence makes the heart grow fonder!"
Mu Jiahe's words made Xiao Xun blush even more. "But we haven't even gotten married yet!"
Mu Jiahe pouted. "Are you reminding me? Fine, then tell me, when shall we have our wedding?"
Looking at Mu Jiahe's bright eyes and hopeful gaze, Xiao Xun scratched his head. "Your Majesty, I've won a great victory. Have you not yet told me how you will reward me?"
Mu Jiahe's expression immediately turned cold. She kicked him and turned away. "Hmph! Such a spoilsport."
Suddenly, the sky outside lit up with blazing fire, and shouts of countless people could be heard, along with the faint sound of thunder and lightning.
Mu Jiahe sat up instantly and began to dress. "Has Frostfall attacked?"
Before Xiao Xun could react, Mu Jiahe had already finished dressing and leaped directly out the window.
He quickly put on his clothes and went downstairs from the master bedroom. He saw no guards along the way. The entire castle was silent, as if all the people had vanished.
He took a magic carriage to the location of the fire. It was the underground palace where he and Silephos kept their two dragons.
As soon as he got out of the carriage, he saw Silephos's guards. "Have you seen Her Majesty?"
A soldier pointed inside. "Her Majesty is in there."
Upon hearing this, he hurried inside. The interior was ablaze with fire, and waves of heat and flame struck him.
Just as Xiao Xun thought he was about to be engulfed by the flames, an old man in white robes appeared before him. He turned his staff, and a six-pointed star pattern emitting an orange light blocked all the flames.
Xiao Xun then saw clearly that the old man before him was the High Priest of Saint Roman.
His earlier panic had made him lose his ability to think. Calming down, he noticed that blood was seeping through the High Priest's white robe.
"Old man, are you alright?"
Xiao Xun patted the High Priest. The High Priest gritted his teeth and remained silent.
Only when the waves of flame receded like a whale drawing in water did the High Priest slowly turn around. His expression was calm, and his eyes were like a still pool of water.
The long corridor was incredibly deep, with only residual heat proving what had just transpired there.
The High Priest held the staff, which was as tall as himself, horizontally in his hands and offered it to Xiao Xun.
Xiao Xun did not take it. "What do you mean by this?"
"Empress, the glory of the Saint Roman Empire, the hope of Atlantis, and the future of humanity, I entrust them to you."