Chapter 66: End of the Civil War (2)

Siegfried thought that Duke Palans forces would join the Southern Army to fight against the Second Princes army. Since this was a civil war, and the Second Prince was in the very center of it, he had thought they would concentrate their power there. But as if he had been waiting, Duke Palan greeted the Republican Army led by Siegfried. After a couple probing skirmishes, Siegfried had to give up.

Although the army he had gathered to attack the capital were all elite soldiers, he still only had 5,000 men. Duke Palan wasnt an easy opponent who could be defeated with a small number of troops. And so, Siegfried decided to step back and observe the situation first. If the Second Princes army defeated the Southern Army, or put up a good fight, then Duke Palans army might waver. However, the news came back with the Southern Armys victory.

Not only were there few casualties, but they had also captured the Second Prince and his allies were dealt with. Now, the longer the confrontation got, the more they would be at a disadvantage.

It cant be helped. I guess this is as far as we can go?

With a small sigh, Siegfried decided to withdraw while quietly muttering two names.

MiltonForrestof the Southern Army and Princess Leila

Siegfried smiled as he muttered the names of the two people who had burnt his plans to ashes.

Ill remember them.

* * *

The civil war was over. But even though it was over, it wasnt a situation where they could be happy or joyous. The civil war had left behind a lot of gaping wounds on the Lester Kingdom.

It had devastated the country, and when the First Princes subjugation army was defeated, countless men, fathers and sons, had died.

And because the Second Prince had broughtin HildesRepublic, the Northern region had naturally been taken over by them. They only had half the nation's power from before the civil war began. In just one year, the damages to the country were numerous.

The peoples resentment soared into the sky and the current king August von Lesters prestige and authority fell to the ground. But could it be considered the irony of time? The darker it became, the more dazzling some would become.

Count Milton Forrest. He led the Southern Army and saved the people of the capital just before it fell and had overwhelmingly defeated the Second Princes army, saving the country. In bars, the bards sang songs praising Milton, and on the streets, children swung wooden sticks shouting, I am Count Forrest. As though saved by divinity, all the people praised that one name. Milton Forrest, the hero, was born.

* * *

While returning with the army, Princess Leila spoke to Milton inside her carriage.

How do you feel?

About what, Your Highness?

Seeing Milton pretending not to understand, she smiled as if she thought it cute.

Didnt you become the hero of the country like I said you would? So, how do you feel about that?

Milton scratched the back of his head.

My subordinates liked it more than me. And well, I dont find it all that bad either.

While they had been returning to the capital, countless nobles had approached Milton, desperate to be noti