Chapter 272

* * *

After capturing Vanessa Trinity, the Lunarien Army swiftly took control of the entirety of Madlen Castle.

This time, the number of prisoners secured was twenty-three, including Vanessa.

For all intents and purposes, it wasn’t an exaggeration to say the Karelia Army had been utterly annihilated.

To top it off, Violet successfully apprehended Makana Karelia who had been attempting to escape.

Though two territories under the Karelia Army still remained, they were insignificant backwater lands. With their monarch, Karelia, captured, occupation was only a matter of time—hardly worth worrying about.

What was concerning, however, was the absence of Cecile Loengrin—but then again, she could very well be in one of those remaining territories. From Lady Luna’s perspective, Cecile wasn’t nearly as threatening as Vanessa or Karelia.

This situation had been decided from the moment they lost the decisive battle at Tevelo Castle—a turning point where everything was wagered on the fate of the nation.

Yeah…

It was safe to say that the Karelia Army had effectively been wiped out.

Lady Luna slowly gazed upon the Audience Chamber of Madlen Royal Palace.

Back in the day—when Sir Swoen advised her to “seek refuge with Makana Karelia,” and under the alias Cain, Kyle along with her dear friend Tifa knelt before her in this very place…

Despite countless objections from vassals, Karelia had laughed heartily and trusted her without hesitation. Now, that same Karelia sat bound, awaiting her fate.

…

A faint ache welled up deep within Luna’s chest, but she quickly shook off the burgeoning guilt. She couldn’t afford to show weakness—not if she wanted to honor her promise to Sir Swoen.

Luna slowly approached and seated herself on the throne where Karelia once sat. At her sides stood those who had helped her reach this position: Francis, Charlotte, Kyle, Violet, Mets, and former members of the Karelia Army. To her right were Gustaf, Aaron, Yona, Kale, and newly acquired commanders from the fallen Karelia forces.

Compared to the days when they only held Jeilrant Castle, it felt like heaven and earth had shifted.

Turning her head, she noticed Nation’s Strategist Jinoru standing close by.

Though she bore Jinoru no ill will, she couldn’t shake the thought that someone else should have been here in his place.

What would Sir Swoen say? Would he praise her for finally achieving this much?

Or perhaps he’d quip something like, “Didn’t I tell you that perseverance until the end leads to victory?” while flashing his usual cheeky grin.

…No.

This wasn’t the time for such fanciful musings.

There was still so much left to do. For the sake of safeguarding the spot where he would surely return one day, unscathed and triumphant, Luna couldn’t afford to dwell.

“Lord, please decide the disposition of the prisoners.”

“Bring them forth.”

With Jinoru’s words, the proceedings began to determine the fates of the captives within the castle.

The first prisoner…

She recognized him. Definitely one of the people who opposed her appointment.

Luna’s approach was straightforward:

First, she asked, “Will you serve me?”

If they agreed, they were immediately recruited.

“I will serve Lady Luna henceforth.”

“That is what I hoped to hear.”

Given the acquisition of Madlen Castle, a major city, and having just fought a large-scale siege, bolstering internal administration required as many allies as possible—even if their talents weren’t exceptional. As long as they pledged loyalty, she didn’t turn them away.

Of course, this was Madlen Castle. The holdouts who refused to follow her until the bitter end far outnumbered those willing to join.

Luna released all dissenters without conditions. It was a politically astute move; these individuals posed no real threat moving forward.

From the prisoners’ perspective, though, being spared their lives remained unchanged.

“Thank you for your kindness…”

“…Much obliged.”

Since two territories remained under enemy control, extending some goodwill now might help secure their allegiance in the long run.

Jinoru raised no objections. Thus, decisions regarding the prisoners proceeded rapidly.

Twenty-one prisoners passed through…

“Next prisoner.”

“…”

And there she was—the mastermind behind it all—Vanessa Trinity, brought in shackles, kneeling before her.

“Greetings, Miss Vanessa.”

“Kill me.”

“…”

Before Luna could speak, Vanessa cut in sharply.

“Lunarien, I’d rather die than work under you. If you release me, I’ll make you regret that choice for the rest of your life.”

“Miss Vanessa…”

“You can’t even pretend to like me, can you? Here’s some advice: if you’ve betrayed my trust and started this rebellion, if you’ve decided to kill me, then you should go ahead and do it.”

She could have been a tremendous asset to our army, rivaling Jinoru—but given her obstinate stance, using her seemed impossible. After venting her frustrations,

“…Karelia… will be more useful.”

“…What?”

“Makana Karelia… unlike me, she’s a woman who can selflessly serve you. That’s what I’m saying.”

Vanessa’s voice trembled as she spoke.

It seemed she had learned that Karelia had also been captured.

“You know, don’t you? That it was entirely my decision to try and kill you. All the acts of betrayal were mine.”

Soon, tears streamed down Vanessa’s face—not tears of sadness, but of rage. Overflowing emotions she couldn’t suppress.

“…I admit it. What Karelia failed to achieve, Lunarien… you accomplished. Heaven’s will did not come to us—it came to you.”

“All of this happened because I acted foolishly. I accept full responsibility and will die without blaming anyone. So…”

“Let my death absolve all grudges. Since I know you’re not a foolish woman who vents anger on innocent people.”

“…”

“If you ignore my plea, it doesn’t matter. Your loss for not accepting someone of Karelia’s caliber. The decision is yours. Still… might I ask this favor?”

Even in her final moments, this woman sought only to save Karelia. Despite failing to aid her escape, she now begged for her life.

Luna understood well how, even in the face of imminent death, any ordinary person would cling to life. Yet, this woman prioritized another’s survival over her own—a fact that left Luna in awe.

Compassionate as she was, Luna couldn’t help but think how difficult it must have been for someone who hated her so deeply to make such a request.

“To govern the Southern Continent won’t be easy for you. A capable person like Karelia could surely become a valuable ally. You remember, don’t you? Your Lord once extended kindness to you. If you feel even a little gratitude, you must know what the right decision is. Though, ultimately, the choice is yours. Judgment is the measure of a ruler’s capacity…”

“…I shall consider your words.”

“…”

“Farewell, Miss Vanessa.”

With those parting words, Luna silently glanced at the nearby soldier.

Understanding her intent, the soldier barked—

“This way!”

Vanessa was led away to ‘that place.’ Not release, not recruitment, but the third option—execution.

A Vanessa who hated her could not be allowed to live. Setting aside personal animosity, she would undoubtedly pose a future threat to Luna’s path.

Soon, Vanessa would cease to exist in this world. Her severed head would roll across the floor, her unfulfilled ambitions fading into the blood staining it.

What pivotal moment led to Vanessa’s ultimate demise?

Was it when she alone plotted to incite rebellion against Lunarien?

Or perhaps when Lunarien ultimately joined the Karelia Army?

Neither Luna nor Vanessa could ever truly know.

Regardless, the conclusion was simple: Vanessa had lost, and as a prisoner, she was executed. That was the plain truth.

Luna did not regret her decision. Vanessa had been the most aggressive force seeking her death. Left alive, she would surely stab her in the back someday—a fact both parties acknowledged. Even amidst such hatred, Vanessa pleaded for Karelia’s utilization.

It was clear enough, even without deep thought, that asking such a favor cost Vanessa immense pride. Likely, she knew what handling Karelia best suited their army.

“…Haa…”

Though drained of energy, there was nowhere for Vanessa to escape.

“…Please bring forth the next prisoner.”

“Aye.”

Not long after, the last prisoner—her former liege—knelt before her. Though slightly disheveled, the gentle light in her emerald eyes remained unchanged.

“Lady Luna. Long time no see. This feels like our first meeting since the martial arts tournament. Have you been well?”

The final prisoner… the woman who was once her sovereign, Makana Karelia.

“…Miss Karelia.”

“You seem rather glum. Isn’t this supposed to be the dawn of your era? A ruler with a gloomy expression cannot inspire trust among her vassals, can she?”

“…”

“I am prepared, Lady Luna. Show me the dignity of a true ruler.”

Dignity befitting a ruler…

As Luna mulled over Karelia’s words, she turned her head toward Jinoru. Sensing her gaze, Jinoru stepped closer and whispered firmly, without a hint of hesitation—

“Execute her. We cannot leave room for future trouble.”

…

Thus concluded the story.