As we made our way towards the mines I packed kyle's wound and healed him intermittently.
I also happened to notice more imperial soldiers from our side being sent towards the city.
I prayed in my heart for those poor souls because the counter attack was only a few hours away.
I activated the demonic crystal and had my bloodline activated ready for anything.
All the soldiers and citizens under my care were in formation and were ready for anything.
Luckily we made it pretty close to the mines before any trouble but now infront us was Machiavelli appearing displeased.
He spoke loudly.
"Your healing squad or army or whatever fell back a while ago and are in the mines, what are you doing retreating so early into the battle, even returning with enemy peoples"
I expected as much Machiavelli was a selfish ignorant basterd and I saw first hand how bad his strategy is.
I took a breathe and spoke.
"I have saved many imperial soldiers today thanks to the efforts of my army and Serothor has a policy around protecting civilians in my view Serothor has participated in full capacity.
Also don't forget Serothor might be a protectorate nation but I am fully capable of making your life much more difficult whether it be my death under your care or a letter.
Move aside"
Machiavelli looked conflicted his plan was probably to force my hand to execute all the civilians and go back to the city to hold off the forces.
He might be an idiot but even he must have seen just how hopeless the situation is, the imperial army hasn't even breeched the inner city and the iron empire is attacking as well.
He seemed to take a breath then he stepped aside and spoke.
"I won't forget this little prince"
I signalled for everyone to continue walking and as I passed Machiavelli I spoke.
"Neither will I"
Finally we made it inside the mines I had kyle sent to medics and the girl put in a sectioned off part of Serothor's designed area.
I had Edward taken to his division of the army and then finally took a breath to relax.
It had been a very quick retreat but a very stressful retreat nonetheless its isn't over but the fact we were pretty much unharmed except for 1 casualty and kyle is amazing.
I then walked to where the girl was, I had faith in kyle he is a strong guy so I know he can make it through especially with my healers working on him.
However that girl was pretty good she went for the weak spot in his armour then twisted the knife as she pulled it out.
Luckily all Serothor's soldiers were taught the basics of the basics such as to apply pressure.
However I have a feeling about that girl, and in this situation a very specific story point comes to mind.
One wherein near the climax of the great war arc the iron empire attacks the twilight citadel.
I made sure to close the tent flap behind me as I entered the place she was being held her sweet little voice tickling my ears.
"I'm s-so sorry I didn't mean to I'm so so s-s-sorry-"
I spoke interrupting 'her'
"Quiet spirit!"
'She' went quiet and spoke this time in a man's voice.
"How did you know? I thought I was a pretty good actor"
I shook my head as I replied.
"To be honest it was a hunch but first of all the way you stabbed my guy wasn't something a normal girl would have learned.
That body your in looks like a weak as fuck so I doubted you were an assassin or trained at all.
Also your acting is shit, I have a sister about that age so that whole sweet little accident is a lie that body is at least 10 if not 11 definitely old enough for stabbing a man to not be an accident"
I took a breathe and added a few more words.
"Also you literally shouted 'for the iron empire'"
She started laughing and spoke.
"So what? I've seen how you lead and I doubt killing a little girl would help your soldiers follow your orders"
I nodded my head.
"You're right but I could always exorcise you by taking the girl to a temple thus sending you back to the abyss...but I have a better idea for you"
The iron empire was famed for its slave magic however people forget that slave magic is literally just seals and magic circles.
Sealing spirits and demons into the bodies of children is literally child's play for their mages, luckily the book actually went into quite a bit of detail on this.
I grabbed my knife, activated my aura and spoke as I carved Into my staff.
"Let's see... a circle to symbolise ouroboros and a cross to break the cycle, then a triangle for the power of three..."
As soon as I said that the spirit started screaming.
"NOOOOO NO NO NO NO NOT THAT PLEASE NOT THAT ANYTHING BUT THAT SEND ME TO THE ABYSS I'VE BEEN A BAD BOY PLEASE...NO
...
..."
It continued but I didn't care I put four dots at the end of the cross I ingraved then tapped the girl's head lightly.
The staff instantly became heavier and the carving I made got burned into the palm of my right hand before disappearing from the staff.
There was only the sound of her breathing left in the room and I looked at my right hand as the mark completely faded away.
I looked at my staff that was now pitch black with only the enchantments Serothor's enchanter and rune craftsmen made retaining a metallic silver colour.
I infused the spirit with my staff creating a spirit weapon, in most ways its worse than exorcism as instead of just sending them to the realm they came from instead it permanently contains them to a single item.
Now I just had to wait for Machiavelli to hit rock bottom and then and only then can we start going home to Serothor.