'Sarnai. Why didn't you say a single word to me after something like that happened...!'
Batu clenched his teeth.
Recently, the relationship between him and his partner hadn't been the same as before.
Unlike him, who was a hardliner believing that they now had to trample on the empire just as the empire had trampled on the land of their ancestors.
Sarnai was always more of a pacifist, talking about harmony and reconciliation.
For now, it didn't matter much, as Batu held the power of the tribe firmly in his grasp.
But when it came to being a 'Great Warrior,' Sarnai's skills were certainly no less than his.
She simply didn't show it outwardly.
Still, Batu believed that someday, Sarnai would understand his heart.
She always had before.
But this time... this time seemed a little different.
Sailor Holmes.
A father, who had taken in the two of them when they were on the verge of death, abandoned by the tribe, with no parents or siblings.
He had planted dreams in their hearts and given them strength. But even though he was there, she hadn't told him. What was he supposed to make of that?
Was it because she didn't want to confuse him in the middle of battle? Or was it something else...?
Throb!
At that moment, Batu felt a twinge in his half-remaining left arm.
The spot where the person who had identified himself as the Blue Lion had slashed and cut through.
Thanks to the shamans' swift treatment, it hadn't worsened, but the pain would flare up intensely every time he recalled that day.
'For now... I'll just focus on the task at hand.'
Batu swallowed his anger.
There would be time to ask questions later.
But the job in front of him could only be done now.
Crunch!
He gritted his teeth.
He bit down so hard that his teeth almost ground against each other.
***
On the way to the meeting hall.
The conversation between the twelve Chieftains was nothing short of loud and chaotic.
"Hmph! How much territory should we demand?"
"Where else? We'll keep Wynz Border Province, and we should ask for the entire eastern region of the empire!"
"Then, our Chanaifu tribe will demand the Katalan territory, right? That's the place."
"We'll take Count Charles' territory."
"Hehehe. Then we'll take Viscount Bodran's land. There's an old feud between us and his family, you know. I'll string up not just the lord but all his family and subjects as well."
"I'll demand the path to Baron Huf's territory. You know, we'll need to build a ranch there, and that broad valley is perfect for grazing."
"Huh? Isn't there a free city in Baron Huf's territory? Are you planning to kill everyone there?"
"Well, cities are the most useless things the empire ever invented. Too many people, too many buildings. No room for nature to grow. Foolish idiots. Wasting such precious land like that..."
The Chieftains were already acting as if they had conquered the entire empire.
It made sense. What they had achieved in the past few days was nothing short of miraculous.
They had not only decimated the empire's proud subjugation army but had also swiftly cut across the eastern region, breaking down several castles in their path.
The empire, hiding behind its walls, was weak.
In contrast, they were strong, forging paths and making the mountains their home.
This shared sentiment was in the minds of the twelve Chieftains.
In the past, they hadn't ventured beyond their territory simply because they were blocked by the Red Lion, a special wall.
But now that the wall was down and the Red Lion had become their allies, there was nothing to stop them.
And as their conversations continued, Batu's eyes only grew colder as he watched.
"And what do you plan to take, Chieftain Borfur?"
At that moment, someone posed a question, and all the Chieftains paused their conversations, turning their gazes toward him.
Each of their looks was as sly and calculating as could be.
If there was anyone that the Chieftains were most wary of, it was Batu.
He was young and brave. He was strong and bold.
He was the perfect hero for the young warriors whose blood boiled with excitement.
Because of this, the old Chieftains were on high alert.
They could even sense their own tribes swaying, fearing Batu might seize power.
But what if he demanded a large territory here?
Considering his significant achievements, they couldn't easily refuse.
Still, they would find a way to stop him.
They couldn't let the Borfur tribe grow any larger.
'Fools.'
Batu could easily see through the pathetic schemes of the old men, but he didn't show it at all.
"My Borfur tribe has come here solely to avenge the shame and disgrace that our ancestors suffered. We have no interest in imperial lands. What we have now is sufficient. If we need to move after the war, just give us that land."
Batu didn't miss the change in their eyes.
Some even smirked.
They must have thought he was too young, caught up in heroic delusions, and out of touch with reality.
'Think what you want.'
Batu didn't care how they saw him.
'It won't be long before those smiles disappear.'
By then.
The Chieftains had finally arrived at the meeting hall.
A tent was set up between the Red Lion and tribal alliance camps for safety.
"There's nothing suspicious. You may enter."
Warriors from the tribes had thoroughly checked for any possible ambushes, and with no issues found, the twelve Chieftains strutted arrogantly into the tent.
Inside, the guests had already arrived.
The Red Lion, Andre Wynz.
The 'Ghost,' Nameless of the Wooden Mask.
And the seductive demon twins, Lapis and Lazuli.
For a moment, all the Chieftains except Batu flinched and shrank back.
The air inside the tent was so heavy that it felt suffocating.
Even though they were once renowned warriors of the mountains, they felt utterly overwhelmed by the aura exuded by the four individuals before them.
'Andre...!'
'I knew the Red Lion was strong, but to this extent?'
'The guy wearing the wooden mask must be the one who decapitated the Indigo Lion.'
'The demons... they're beautiful. Even the concubine I had recently doesn't compare.'
'But they're poisonous flowers with sharp thorns.'
The Chieftains quickly calculated in their heads.
They realized they couldn't afford to resist here.
Their forces might be greater in number, but if a fight broke out now, they would all be dead.
"Welcome. You've all come a long way."
Andre Wynz greeted them in a low voice.
His tone was calm, mixed with a certain dignity.
He seemed more like a scholar than a knight.
The Chieftains, who had only ever clashed with Andre before and had never met him face to face, were taken aback by this first impression.
They exchanged glances and soon took their designated seats.
"Hmph! Yes, it was quite the journey."
"Indeed. Crushing the empire isn't easy work, you know."
"Right. We've come a long way, and it hasn't been without its challenges."
As expected, the conversation between Andre and the Chieftains didn't connect at all.
But sometimes, expressions and actions convey more than words themselves.
Nameless silently observed Andre. His expression was emotionless, but the meaning was clear.
'Shall I kill them all?'
Andre shook his head.
Not 'no,' but 'not yet.'
Nameless crossed his arms and watched their behavior closely.
"You all know why we've arranged this meeting: to reaffirm our strategic alliance. I believe we need a long discussion to set aside past grudges and unite to crush the empire's ambitions..."
As Andre continued to speak, the interpreter translated for the Chieftains.
Their eyes gleamed with excitement.
Andre wasn't just praising their bravery and valor but was also giving them most of the credit for their victories. It seemed unbelievable that the Red Lion, who had always tormented the mountain tribes, was now humbling himself and bowing before them.
At first, the Chieftains were suspicious of his intentions.
But as servants brought out drinks and delicious food, the tense atmosphere began to soften.
"If it weren't for your help, I wouldn't be here right now. My head would've been severed and hung on the imperial capital's wall, mocked by the people."
The Chieftains wholeheartedly agreed.
Indeed, they knew Andre had been on the verge of defeat. If they hadn't helped, he would've been destroyed sooner or later.
This made the Chieftains start to believe that they were the Red Lion's saviors and great warriors.
They began to view the Red Lion army as beneath them.
A servant they could command at will. Or a dog that had to follow their every order.
"Hahaha! So, you are the heroes Red Lion spoke of," Lapis and Lazuli, who the Chieftains had initially been wary of due to their demonic nature, now approached, further lightening the mood.
"Pahaha! Yes! We're heroes! And soon, we'll be conquerors of the empire!"
"Oh my. You looked so impressive from the moment I first saw you. Look at those strong chest muscles."
"There's always an empty seat beside me."
"Oh my, is that an invitation?"
"Every great conqueror needs a beautiful woman beside him."
"Oh, my..."
Lapis smiled seductively as she ran her hand across the Chieftain's face, her lips moving slightly.
"Disgusting."
Crunch!
Chieftain Pakai's head twisted backward, his face frozen in a look of confusion, as if he had no idea how he had died.
The other Chieftains didn't even notice.
The poison in the wine and the excitement of the moment had clouded their senses.
Crunch! Crunch!
"Haha, are you drunk? Why are you dropping your head...?"
Thud!
One by one, the Chieftains' heads twisted and fell.
Some seemed too drunk to stand straight, their heads spinning, before they slumped over.
Those who hadn't been affected yet slowly began to realize.
They were in a trap.
"P-please spare me!"
"Move...!"
In their panic, two of the Chieftains shoved their chairs back, trying to run out of the tent. But they didn't get far. Their legs gave out, weakened by the alcohol.
Their closest attendants rushed to their aid, but soon gasped in shock. There was a dull thud. A dagger was buried deep in the left side of the Chieftain's chest.
"W-why you...?"
"This is a decision for the future of the tribe, Chieftain. It's time for you to step down and pass everything to Lord Batu."
"No...!"
All the Chieftains except Batu were killed.
Their attendants were swiftly decapitated by soldiers who had stormed into the tent, their heads crushed by iron maces. The tent was filled with screams and gore, with shattered bodies and blood splattered everywhere.
Throughout it all, Batu showed no intention of getting up.
He simply sat there, quietly tearing into the steak in front of him.
[T/L: You can read ahead chapters and support me here: https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]