The Grand Duke's Soulmate
Chapter 445: [Special Release] The Aftermath Of War

Chapter 445: [Special Release] The Aftermath Of War

The last standing Bargesian defence crumbled as the sun broke through the gloomy winter sky. The cold ground, strewn with motionless bodies and casualties, bore witness to a battle so fierce that it lasted for days.

The Bargesian armies, unprepared for a massive ambush, fought hard but found no chance to withdraw. Their numbers were slightly smaller than those of the enemies, but they had high-performance weapons—capable of toppling a kingdom. However, the allied Cassian battalions outmanoeuvred them with exceptional skill and meticulous planning.

"Please! Please don’t kill me!" a Bargesian soldier cried, lying on his back with hands raised in desperation, trying to block the impending attack.

A Knight of Neblim from the Cassian army held a spear poised to end the young soldier’s life. The sound of the plea reached Kyren’s ears, resonating within him. It sounded so youthful that he was sure it couldn’t be a man beneath the armour.

"Wait!" the grand duke ordered, halting the knight just before the spear pierced the soldier’s body.

The Knight of Neblim stepped aside as Kyren approached, the grand duke’s heavy boots thudding against the frozen ground. He stopped just before the Bargesian soldier.

"Take off your helm," Kyren demanded.

Despite the foggy surroundings, he could see the tremor in the soldier’s hands. The soldier seemed paralysed by fear, not daring to move a finger at the sight of him.

"Take it off, you f*ol! Or I’ll stab your neck with the spear!" warned the knight beside the grand duke.

Kyren raised his hand, signalling for the knight to be silent.

"Forgive me, my lord! He isn’t cooperating," said the knight, his voice low.

"I’ll handle this. You are dismissed."

The knight bowed in deference and retreated at the order. Kyren turned his attention back to the trembling Bargesian soldier.

"Take off your helm. I won’t hurt you," he repeated, this time with a softer tone.

The Bargesian soldier began to move, his hands trembling as they reached for the helm resting on his shoulders. With a shaky breath, he pulled it off.

Kyren’s eyes widened. His suspicion had been confirmed. Beneath the armour was a young boy who had fear etching across his face.

"Stand up and remove your armour," Kyren instructed.

The Bargesian soldier scrambled to his feet and complied with the grand duke’s command.

One by one, he unfastened the protective plates of his armour, tossing them to the ground. When he was finally stripped of his gear, what was left was a skinny, young boy—clearly unfit for battle or even for being there at all.

Kyren studied the Bargesian soldier’s figure, his deep blue eyes full of questions. How had such a young lad become embroiled in this war?

"How old are you?" he asked.

"T-twelve years old, my-my lord!" the young soldier stuttered.

Having heard the Knight of Neblim address Kyren with respect, he assumed this man, with his commanding presence, was one of the leaders of the Cassian armies.

For a moment, Kyren closed his eyes, feeling devastated by this finding.

"Please... please don’t kill me, my lord!" The young soldier knelt on the ground, clasping his hands together in a desperate plea for mercy.

"I won’t. Stand up," Kyren ordered.

The boy quickly rose to his feet, relief flooding his features.

"Why are you here?" Kyren questioned further.

"His Majesty, the King... he-he ordered the males from every family to participate! If-if we don’t, our families will be killed!" the soldier replied, shaking with fear.

Tears streamed down his cheeks, reflecting the horror of his situation.

"All of them? Including children?" Kyren asked, astonished.

"All—all families are required to send at least one male..." the boy said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"But you are still young. What about your father?" Kyren probed, seeking to understand more.

"Father... he-he went for the previous battle. They said it was for the fertile land that Ardel took from us... my brother went for the next... both didn’t come back. So, I’m the only one left," the soldier stammered, his eyes downcast.

A sombre expression spread across Kyren’s face. Athillia’s stories had painted a grim picture, and now it was confirmed.

The King of Barges was indeed a ruthless tyrant, driven by greed and devoid of compassion for his people. It was no wonder he contemplated such horrific plans, even considering marrying his own daughter for his superstitious beliefs.

"Are there more around your age in the armies?" Kyren asked, his heart heavy.

The soldier nodded, his gaze still lowered.

"Several... they too have no other males in their families. Even if they do, most couldn’t serve the king anymore," he said, his spirit visibly crushed.

"Why couldn’t?" Kyren pressed gently.

"Some are old, sick... and mostly disabled... from previous war injuries," the young soldier replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

The grand duke sighed deeply.

His heart was gripped heavily by the fact that the King of Barges lacked any semblance of humanity. The king was willing to sacrifice his people for his ambition, treating their lives as if they held no value.

Kyren turned his head to scan the area and spotted an idle Cassian Royal knight. Swiftly, he beckoned him to come over.

"Give him appropriate clothing, food, and water. Treat him well. If you find other young soldiers like him, do the same, and if any of them are injured, treat them immediately. Afterwards, all of them can go home," Kyren ordered.

A look of terror flashed in the young soldier’s eyes.

"No, please! Please don’t do this to us!" he cried in panic.

Kyren and the knight turned to him, bewildered.

"Why are you saying this? Don’t you want to return to your family?" Kyren asked in confusion.

"His Majesty, the King... He-he said the same thing!" the soldier exclaimed in a trembling voice.

"What do you mean?" Kyren raised a brow, feeling a sense of dread.

The young soldier’s shaking intensified, and tears ran down his hollow cheeks.

"When the king came to observe the training... those who couldn’t raise their weapons were told to go home. But as they left, the king and his guards lifted their bows and struck them all! Then he said... if any of us slack again... the next target would be our families," he sobbed.

Kyren clenched his fist, holding the surge of anger that rose within him. The more he learned about the King of Barges, the more hatred he felt.

Athillia had been right—such a monster didn’t deserve to live.

"I’m not your king, and I will not treat you with such cruelty. Any surviving soldiers from your armies who do not wish to fight and have fully surrendered will be released and not harmed," Kyren declared firmly.

"Is it true? Do you mean it?" the young soldier asked, his eyes wide with hope.

The grand duke nodded, his voice resolute.

"You have my word."

The soldier’s eyes brightened, and a grateful smile broke through his tears.

"Thank you! Thank you, my lord! Thank you so much!"

The grand duke left the scene after the knight took charge of the young soldier. A few other Bargesians of similar age were discovered among the defeated armies and were gathered together, receiving the treatment Kyren had ordered.

Once all orders were given for the knights on duty to clear the battleground, the grand duke, along with the admiral and the rest of his troops, returned to their base camp.

Hearing the news of the special handling, Sir Ashburne, the Ardelian commander, approached Kyren for an explanation at the main barracks.

"Have you gone soft, my lord?" he said, lashing out with dissatisfaction.

"I haven’t," the grand duke replied curtly.

Crossing his arms beside Kyren, Adam turned to the Ardelian commander. He shared similar concerns but waited to hear the reasoning behind it.

"Then why are you treating our enemies kindly? They should’ve been punished for attempting to conquer Ardel!" Sir Ashburne raised his voice.

"Sir Ashburne, the Cassians pride ourselves on our conscience. We may be strong, but we don’t trample on the weak. Those Bargesian soldiers are children forced into the army. By the law of war, they should be dead. But do you think men with the right mind would do that? Killing children?" Kyren retorted, effectively silencing Sir Ashburne.

"I... I’m sorry! I didn’t know. I couldn’t tell who was an adult or a child with them all in armour during the battle," the Ardelian Commander apologised, remorse flashing across his face.

"It’s all right. We understand. It’s hard to discern in such a chaotic situation. We’re all fighting for our lives," the admiral added.

Silence hung in the air for a moment before Kyren demanded, "Get Athillia and Captain Blackmane. We have a matter to discuss."

"Right away, my lord," Adam replied.

The two arrived shortly after being summoned.

"Ye be callin’, me lord?" Captain Blackmane asked, his voice gruff yet curious.

Athillia seemed eager as well, her eyes bright with anticipation.

"Yes. The battle is over," Kyren said. "Start the preparations to go home. I now hand over the battalions to Lord Adam James."

"You’re not going to march south?" Athillia asked, surprised.

After she had pleaded with the grand duke not to attack Barges, she had yet to receive a response. Kyren turned to Adam, awaiting his reply as the admiral was now in charge.

"We are not. Considering your request and our findings regarding the Bargesian armies, it would likely affect innocent people if we proceed. Barges had mobilised most of its resources for the conquest, leaving only a few forces behind. If we continue, more civilians will be conscripted into their armies. We have already witnessed children being used in this war, so we will not initiate another conflict," Adam explained.

"It’s devastating to know that the youngsters are being used like that," Sir Ashburne said in a solemn expression.

Athillia felt a wave of relief wash over her.

"Thank you, Lord Kyren and Lord James! I’m truly grateful for your consideration!" she exclaimed.

"We should also thank you, too. You taught us a valuable lesson. When you made your request, your concern was for the people. We didn’t realise the extent to which this war would affect your community," Adam replied.

"Not all southerners desire war, my lord. While I understand the resentment many kingdoms hold against us, we, too, wish to live in peace and harmony. The only true villains are the king and his supporters, who seek to crush others and rule with an iron fist," Athillia said, disappointment clouding her eyes.

"We understand. Additionally, given the situation, Barges won’t be able to muster another force to retaliate. That is why we have reached this resolution," the admiral stated.

"What be the word fer me and me crew? Be we set to free?" Captain Blackmane asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Yes. As promised, you may return to the Agathe Islands or anywhere else if you wish, anytime. The gold mine is yours, but you are not allowed to disturb the villagers and can only mine using your own resources. Remember, our patrols will be watching you," Kyren reminded sternly.

"Splendid! I won’t be sharin’ the treasure with those other scallywags and mercenaries. I’ll tell ’em all to be off!" the pirate captain exclaimed, excitement lighting up his face.

"Suit yourself. However, if we find you or any of them plundering others after this, none of you will be spared. The seas of Ardel, Galicia and Cassian are off-limits for your pirating activities. Breach the law, and we’ll come after you without mercy," Kyren warned.

"Agreed, me lord! With the riches from this gold mine, we’ll never need to hoist the black flag again! Hahahaha!" Captain Blackmane laughed heartily as he departed.

As the four remained, Athillia said, "So you are going back to Cassian, aren’t you?"

"Yes, we are. After everything is sorted here, we shall embark," Adam confirmed.

"I’ll let my team know about this," said Sir Ashburne.

"You may. However, you are required to come with me to Cassian," Kyren stated firmly.

"For what purpose, my lord?" asked the Ardelian Commander, Sir Ashburne, his brow furrowed in curiosity.

"You will be the representative of Ardel and also my witness for the crimes committed by the Bargesians. We will meet with the King of Cassian," the grand duke explained.

"Noted, my lord," Ashburne replied, nodding in understanding.

"Lord Kyren... you said all of you are going back to Cassian. You are taking me with you, aren’t you?" Athillia asked in uncertainty.

Despite Kyren’s promise, she was apprehensive, considering the recent conflict between their peoples.

"Of course. We have an agreement on this. You have helped us tremendously in the battle. It wouldn’t have ended as swiftly without your intel," Kyren assured her.

Athillia’s face brightened, but another worry crept into her mind.

"But... will the people of Cassian accept me? I’m a Bargesian Princess. They most likely would hate me," she said, her gaze dropping in frustration.

"I won’t deny that there will be resistance," the grand duke admitted, recalling his experiences with Anna. "However, you are the granddaughter of Aram, a northern warrior. You carry both Cassian and Bargesian blood. Even if there are those with ill intentions towards you, they won’t be able to harm you, not even the king himself."

"You’re saying as if you know the King of Cassian like the back of your hand!" she chuckled.

The grand duke’s confidence eased the princess, but it also filled her with awe and disbelief.

A soft smile appeared on Kyren’s charming face.

"I definitely do. I am Kyren Raychard, the Grand Duke of Gerhard and also the king’s twin brother. I would know him better than anyone else does," he revealed, finally disclosing the secret he had kept from her.

"Say that again?"

***

"There is no gold mine there, King Lucien, at least not a real one," King Kyden stated firmly, addressing the king before him.

"So you’re saying this was all the Bargesians’ doing?" King Lucien replied.

The King of Cassian lifted the corner of his lips, amused by the king’s reactions.

"Indeed. That’s how far they planned the invasion of the continent. They infiltrated Ardel as silent enemies, colluded for a coup, and, when the opportunity arose, turned their backs on the rebel King Ronan. That kingdom was the first to suffer, followed by yours and mine. There was no mention of Dracor in their plans, but I suspect they wouldn’t have been spared either had their scheme been successful," King Kyden explained.

News of the attack on the Agathe Islands had swiftly reached King Lucien, the King of Galicia. He dispatched his troops immediately, but by the time they arrived, the conflict had already been resolved by the Cassian armies and their allies, who had sailed towards Ardel.

"So, it is true," King Lucien said, nodding as he absorbed the information.

King Kyden grinned subtly.

"Even if there were, I would have known long ago. The Agathe Islands once belonged to us all before we sold the small part to you. Besides, the location of the supposed mine is on our side."

King Lucien cleared his throat.

"I’m not saying I would take what’s yours. Though we have no political collaboration, we are still neighbouring kingdoms, and initiating a conflict over some possessions is the last thing on my mind."

"A wise decision indeed, King Lucien," praised King Kyden.

King Lucien regarded the King of Cassian highly, appreciating his diplomatic demeanour. Despite being a generation younger, King Kyden displayed a commendable ability to navigate complex discussions.

The King of Galicia was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome he received during his unexpected visit to discuss the Agathe Islands matter, considering the historical tensions stemming from the fall of the Ro’an Empire, which had birthed the five kingdoms.

"I am truly grateful for the assistance you’ve provided to my people. The villagers’ representative brought this matter to my attention, and even now, some of your armies remain to help and keep the vicinity safe. I heard this is all the effort of the Grand Duke and his men. This has truly opened my eyes," said King Lucien appreciatively.

"I’m glad you finally recognise who your true friend is," King Kyden replied.

The King of Galicia nodded.

"Yes, and for that, I wish to cultivate a better relationship with Cassian. I understand if you oppose it, given my lineage. However, please note that I do not share the same sentiments as my uncle, the first king of my kingdom. When your father agreed to sell that small part of the Agathe Islands to me, I sensed he felt the same way, though unspoken."

"That’s true. The continent’s people were once united as families and friends. However, due to the greed of a few, many innocents suffered. The division of the lands has created distance between us. The Cassians, in particular, have harboured resentment toward other kingdoms since we were most affected by the Great War. But I believe that is behind us now. It’s time to move on and set aside our hatred," King Kyden replied.

"Yes. In that sense, as I mentioned before, I wish to become your ally. You have protected my people, and I believe in your genuine intentions. Together, we can strengthen our bonds and ensure the safety of our kingdoms," King Lucien declared.

"Our loyalty is always with the empire, King Lucien. Though it has fallen, our commitment to its ideals remains strong. We honour the legacy of those who fought for our lands and justice," King Kyden responded resolutely.

"Then Galicia shall pledge the same. We will adopt that devotion and pay homage to the empire," proclaimed the King of Galicia. "I look forward to preparing proposals where we can meet, strategise, and leverage our knowledge for our mutual benefit."

King Kyden’s eyes brightened with the declaration.

"Are you true to your words, King Lucien?"

"I am. I swear it upon His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Ro’an. For the merits that Cassian have sown for my people, I’ll ensure no Galician would refuse this proclamation. Let us start a new beginning for our nations!" King Lucien replied, extending his hand for a handshake.

King Kyden smiled widely. Despite the turmoil his kingdom had faced, good things were beginning to emerge. He accepted the gesture, shaking King Lucien’s hand firmly.

"Agreed!"

Both kings felt a profound sense of relief as their new unity blossomed, kindling hope for a better future.

"Thank you for accepting this alliance. I’ve been thinking... to honour it, why not strengthen our ties further to gain more support from our people?" King Lucien proposed.

"What would be your suggestion?" asked King Kyden, intrigued.

"I heard your brother, the Grand Duke of Gerhard, is still a bachelor. I would like to offer my princess as his wife, filling the position of Grand Duchess. We would become family! What do you say?"

For a moment, King Kyden was at a loss for words...

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