The occupation of Leon took a new turn. The fall of Eldenia's capital marked the complete annexation of this war-torn nation by Leon. A messenger was dispatched to report the victory to Yaltos, while Leon personally visited the severely injured General Oscar.
In the room, despite his weakness, Oscar remained resolute in his duty, insisting on staying at the frontlines to serve Leon. However, Leon placed his hand firmly on Oscar's arm and said solemnly:
"General Oscar, your bravery and loyalty are the foundation of our victory. The war is not yet over, but I cannot let you continue like this. When the day of victory comes, I will grant you the title of supreme commander of the army to honor your contributions. For now, you must return to the rear to recuperate."
Oscar repeatedly refused, unable to bear the thought of leaving the battlefield. However, Leon insisted and ordered a convoy to escort him back.His gaze was calm and resolute: "The victory in the Eastern campaign depends on you continuing to serve me in the future. Obey my command, this is the only option." Oscar finally accepted the arrangement.
After a brief regrouping, Leon led the entire army, riding at the front, his armor stained with the blood he hadn't yet cleaned. Under the cold light, the dark red stains shimmered. He looked up at the palace standing on the mountainside—a magnificent yet weathered structure. At that moment, it appeared like a fallen giant, evoking complex emotions within him.
The soldiers filed in, protecting Leon's military officials and staff. Some young officers, unable to contain their excitement, spoke in hushed tones about the once-glorious city.
"Eldernia… a country that broke away from Strongson, they say countless lives were lost during its founding."
"Every stone here is soaked in blood. I heard that they fought for years just to stand on their own."
"It's a pity. In the end, everything has fallen into the hands of His Majesty Leon."
Their voices mixed with excitement and nostalgia, but there was also an underlying sense of restraint. Elderwhite's history was a chapter written in blood. Strongson's rule had once extended here, but division and civil war had nearly torn the land apart, until they built their own kingdom, only to be swept into another war and plunged back into the flames of conflict.
Leon listened to their chatter, his expression unreadable. He led the procession down the main street of the imperial city. Once-bustling shops now lay in charred ruins, and occasionally, one could see civilians huddling in the shadows, trembling in fear. His gaze passed over the scenes without pity or anger, only deep thought.
When they finally entered the palace, the weary soldiers remained cautious. Some administrative officers quickly began cataloging the palace's supplies and books, while others checked the rooms for safety. The main hall of the palace was grand and magnificent, its unique solemnity still intact despite centuries of wear.
Leon walked to the long table in the center of the hall, his fingers lightly brushing the surface. Leftover remnants from a hastily abandoned feast were still visible, a clear sign of a quick retreat. He sneered, turning to his adjutant: "Once-glorious, now a spent force."
The adjutant lowered his head in agreement: "Your Majesty, though this campaign has come at great cost, breaking Whitehold is a tremendous victory."
Leon nodded slightly but said nothing more. His thoughts drifted back to the long road of conquest. Whitehold was indeed a key step in his strategy, but the price paid had been heavy—many of his trusted generals had fallen in battle, and the losses among his soldiers were incalculable. The glory of victory and the sorrow of these losses intertwined, filling him with both pride and concern.
At this moment, a senior advisor, Kael Romney, known for his strategic acumen and political insight, made a crucial suggestion:
"Your Majesty, the resources and strategic position of Eldenia are vital to us, but the land is ravaged by war. To solidify our rule and prevent rebellion and unrest, we must pacify the people quickly. I suggest halting large-scale plundering immediately and restoring order by appointing new administrators to alleviate the post-war panic among the populace."
Leon nodded and surveyed the busy officials and soldiers in the hall: "From now on, indiscriminate killing of civilians is forbidden. Send officials to restore order within the city. I want the supply lines and infrastructure restored within three days. This place is no longer a battlefield—it is our territory."
The officers departed to carry out their orders, and the palace fell silent once again. Leon walked alone to a massive floor-to-ceiling window. Through the soot-stained glass, he gazed out at the scarred city. His expression was complex and deep. As he looked at the glass, he suddenly recalled the great fire in the rear of the allied forces early in the war. He looked down at the silver talisman given to him by Altu. His intuition told him that a force was lurking in the shadows, watching the course of this war from afar.