CHAPTER 12: TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

**Kuro**

We stayed in the Cauldron for about a week after the signing of the peace treaty, so that we could attend to anything that needs our attention. And as part of our deal with Telis and her people, we also went to survey the newly-acquired territory, so we knew what projects would we launch in that region to improve the lives of the locals.

As Telis still commanded the respect of the foxes, I appointed her as the governor of the entire island. She had authority over every nook and cranny of the place, save for the crater lake and the island where Ruro’s cave-palace stood. I was thinking of having the Beastman Saint rule those particular places herself, so that the future saints and monarchs won’t have to deal with problems regarding territories and boundaries.

Think of it as Cherwind’s Lateran Treaty, after the pact signed between the former Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See that recognized the Vatican City as an independent city-state ruled by the Pope.

Once everything was clear and fixed, our forces departed for the mainland, leaving only a small garrison of humans and beastmen to live with the fox tribe. They were tasked to help in the reconstruction of the fox villages destroyed by the battles that raged on the island.

And also, that combined human-beastmen force will serve as some sort of ‘propaganda’ for our kingdom, proving that men and beastfolk can live and prosper under one banner.

As for me, I got a new set of problems to solve. Yes, my concerns for this land were not yet over, until I defeated the most stubborn enemy I ever faced just yet: Konka of the Insetus. Two days ago, I received a message from Ursura informing me that the Insetus-woman escaped—along with some of her men—back to their stronghold up in the Wessen mountains. After their loss in that last battle for the Outer Walls, I highly-doubt if she could muster another army capable of storming our borders, within days…just yet.

“…”

However, I’m not taking my chances. I’d rather nip the bud before it grows into a full bloom. We should strike Konka while she was still weak, and force a solution to the main problem of this land. Then, once the moment she was completely defeated came, I got several options. One was, to capture and execute her, which would surely scare off potential rebel successors, but would also make her a ‘martyr’ among those who believed in her ideals. This choice could lead to future rebellions.

Killing her in battle can also lead to the same results.

Option number two was to capture and throw her into the dungeons. We’ll solve the problem quickly, but not permanently. The reason was, Konka’s supporters would always wait for the day she would return to lead the rebellion again. This could lead to further security issues like constant attempts to help her escape.

Option three was to convince her that the struggle to expel the humans from Cherwind was futile. If we’re successful in this, there were two ‘sub-options’ for this route. The first would be Konka’s exile, at which, her absence would surely weaken her remaining supporters. But their assimilation to the kingdom would take time, or even become impossible, for they would always look forward to her return, similar to option two.

The second sub-option was—undoubtedly—the hardest to do, which was to make her agree to stop her struggle and cooperate with the new government instead. If Konka would become a friend to us, then most of her supporters would surely follow their leader, thus weakening their movement.

“…”

I would always take the second sub-option anytime. However, I had to see that Konka would have no other choice but to sit at the negotiation table. And for that, I got something in mind…

----------

When we came to the mainland, we were welcomed by the people with flowers, confetti and even musical bands. Our army had to march along a path ‘paved’ with cloaks and robes, coming from our subjects that took it off as a sign of deep admiration and respect. Local militias were eventually called in to secure the roads from villagers eager to show their love and support for us by offering drinks, food, and sometimes, money. The chants ‘long live the king’ drowned the bands marching alongside our column, and soon, our soldiers were finally inspired to join the crowd in their jubilation.

Sir Loin and Rumia had a hard time in keeping the discipline among our ranks.

“Let them be, guys,” I requested to them. “Our army had went through some tough times, so it wouldn’t be so bad for them to enjoy the affection of the people.”

The parka guy, however, disagreed, “Nah. They are soldiers, professionals. They shouldn’t be breaking ranks just to play around while in their uniforms.”

“Chief, don’t worry!” Rumia reassured me, “It’s all part of our jobs as commanders.”

After that, I rested my case. I mean, I’m not an army guy, so my military knowledge wasn’t that deep as Sir Loin’s, or his student, Rumia.

“They really love you, Chief!” Rishnu commented as we passed through impromptu arches filled with colorful flowers and ribbons. Those were installed throughout our route to welcome us back to the city of Malvette.

“I just did my job, you know,” I winked at her. “But I guess, it’s not so bad being thanked about it.”

----------

There was an even bigger celebration the moment we arrived at Malvette. Here, the locals and the nobility gathered at the sides of the streets and never spared a coin in giving us a treat. There were times when we had to stop the procession, as the crowds were about to riot trying to overwhelm the militias keeping the order.

It was more chaotic on the part of the column where I was. See, before we came to port, I removed all my regalia so that I could march with our men. You know me, I didn’t like pomp and extravagant displays; I’d rather walk beside a common soldier. Despite that, the people recognized me and they went to great lengths just to see me up close and personal.

“Kuro mah boy,” Sir Loin told me, “if we don’t hurry to the Black Tower, there might be a stampede.”

“I…I’m trying!” I squeezed myself through some militia guys that ended up sandwiching me. They were constantly being pushed by the crowds. Just as I considered using the Beastman Saint’s god-power to make it rain…

“!!!”

A sudden downpour happened. The people of Malvette immediately dispersed, not wishing to get soaked in the rain. All of us in the column were drenched, but as at least we could now continue to the Black Tower unmolested.

And I have to thank the one who caused that downpour.

“Master, let me be the one to take the blame for you,” Ruro greeted us as she landed before me. Her hands were glowing golden-yellow. “The people won’t like it if their beloved king is the one who pushed them away. If it’s me, I’m hated enough to attract all their curses for you—ow!”

I gave her a hit on the head, “That’s for what you’ve done.”

The Beastman Saint was taken aback by what I did, “W-What? W-Why?”

“While I’m thankful that you got us out of the pinch, Your Fluffy Holiness,” I chuckled, “I won’t tolerate you for making sacrifices just for me. Can you please value yourself a bit more?”

“Hmm…” a playful smile appeared on her lips, “Are you saying that you care for me?”

“Are you that dense? Of course I do! But I’m already tired of you throwing your life for me; this time, let me do the protecting, damn it!”

Ruro fell silent when she heard that. Her cheeks blushed, and though it was raining hard, I could tell tears were falling from her eyes. And she took hold of one of my sleeves, muttering, “D-Don’t mind me if I rely on you then, K-Kuro…”

I smiled back at her, and gave her a head pat. I could tell that the Beastman Saint was happy at the moment; her ears were perked up and her tail kept on wagging fast.

Goodness, she’s so cute!

“I’d prefer if you see me as your lover, instead of a pet dog, Master,” Her Fluffy Holiness quipped. “Have you forgotten that I can read minds?”

My bad. That is careless of me.

----------

We reached the Black Tower just after lunch. The army was diverted by Sir Loin and Minister Ruja to their barracks on the outskirts of the city, while Rishnu, Rumia, Lady Margaret, Ruro, and I continued to the castle with our escorts. By then, Ursura was already waiting at the portcullis gates, along with Chief Malu, Governor Gislaine of the Avinus Isles region, Lady Henristone, Chancellor Bellingstein, Luka, Teviki, and the Grand High Priestess Lady Sebastenerva.

“Luka!” Rumia was quick to come to her brother to give a hug.

“Wha—” the dog-boy tried to shove her away, but his sister was stronger than him, so he got no other choice in the end.

“I heard your heroics back in the Outer Wall! You’re marvelous!”

Though he didn’t like being praised by Rumia in front of everyone else, I could tell that Luka appreciated her sister’s actions. He was slightly blushing as she commended him.

Oh god, they’re so cute they look like puppies playing.

“Ahem,” I heard Ruro’s warning. She’s reading my head again, huh?

“Chief!” Meanwhile, Teviki ran to me and gave me a hug. “Teviki wants nibbles!”

I offered her the sleeves of my right arm, but I realized it was soaking wet, so I quickly took it away. Nevertheless, the little tiger girl wrapped her arms around me and never let go. I also added a head pat for a good measure; after all, it’s been long and Teviki must’ve missed nibbling that much.

“Hey,” it was Ursura, handing me a towel. “Welcome back!”

“Yep, thanks for the greeting! What’s up?”

“Well, it was hell,” she smirked. “But we sent them back to where they belong!”

“Awyiss!” we gave each other a fist bump.

“Congratulations on your victory, Your Majesty,” it was Lady Henristone. “You always exceed my expectations; it’s a pity that you won’t become my knight before…” She muttered that last part, yet I heard it anyway.

“Your Majesty, let’s have a drink later, my treat!” Chancellor Bellingstein offered.

“Sure, why not? I got a perfect place to go with that,” I was thinking about Lady Missy’s inn. They got good wine back there, after all.

“Ei, Human Chief, congratulations!” Governor Gislaine also joined in, “I bet you gave those arrogant foxes a beating!”

“Well, they are proud and brave, that’s what I learned.”

“Heh, those guys got too conceited for their own good after becoming the Saint’s personal guard. Idiots…” the Eagle chief never held back her opinions, even as the Saint she was talking about was around with us. It made the pleasant atmosphere quite awkward.

“Ahem,” Ruro made her presence known to the Governor.

“Ah! Y-Your H-Holiness…I just n-noticed you now, m-my apologies!”

The Beastman Saint only smiled at her. But yeah, I knew Ruro long enough to say that her smile was her trying to keep herself from lashing out at the Eagle chief.

“Anyway!” I rushed to change the topic before it gets out of hand, “Governor Gislaine, I remember something I want to raise to you. Can you meet me later at my office?”

“Okay, Your Majesty!” then the Governor was quick to pick that it was my cue for her to go, which she promptly did, followed by the dog-siblings and Rishnu, who took Teviki out with her.

“Ah, now that you said it,” Ursura then turned my attention to Lady Sebastenerva, “the Grand High Priestess wants to have a talk with you as well.”

“Oh?”

Lady Sebastenerva curtsied, “Your Majesty, I came in behalf of…well, uh, some people you might be interested in meeting.”

“Hoh? Then give me a few minutes while I changed my clothes. Her Fluffy Holiness made it rain so we can pass through the crowd.”

“Indeed, it was something I never saw before,” the snake priestess quipped. “It’s scale tingling to witness that huge mass of people, you know?”

“I’ll be leaving you for a while then,” Ruro presented. “I think I should stay away from that conversation.”

“Oh alright…see you later then, Your Holiness,” Ursura told her.

----------

And so, we’re back at the Black Tower’s war-room. Lady Sebastenerva revealed to us that she was approached by some envoys from the village of the East Ursus, and was asking for her help in negotiating with me.

So that’s why Ruro left, huh? It’s about her enemies…

“Lady Konka’s defeat at the Outer Walls made the elder of the East Ursus to rethink of their survival,” the snake-priestess explained. “See, they wanted to surrender to you, but the Insetus-woman wouldn’t let them, threatening to destroy their village with her magic and fooling their adventure-seeking people with rosy words about final victory and similar matters.”

“So, she’s desperate on forming another army, huh?” Lady Henristone quipped.

“They knew about us?” Ursura was surprised when she heard that. “I thought those mountain hermits rarely go down their village!”

“Well, Banu’s going around Cherwind before,” I raised that possibility. “And he’s their kin; so probably he told them about us.”

“If we don’t remove that Insetus,” Chancellor Bellingstein added, “she will cause another problem again in the future.”

“Well, I share the same sentiments, Chancellor,” I revealed to him. “Honestly, I’ve been planning my options on how to deal with Lady Konka even before we came here. Now that the East Ursus are wavering, I think my choices have better chance of success.”

“So, what’s the plan, Kuro?” the queen asked.

“Tell the East Ursus chief to keep his army neutral in the coming conflict,” I proposed. “Your Eminence, can they reassure us of this? In turn, I promise we won’t do harm to their village and their people.”

“It will be done, Your Majesty.”

“I will alert the armed forces,” Lady Margaret offered.

“No need, milady.”

“Hm? What do you mean, Your Majesty?”

“Well, part of my strategy in defeating Lady Konka is to convince her that her fight is ultimately futile. And I got a good idea on how to do that…”

----------

***Konka’s fortress-village***

“Incoming attack!”

At once, Konka’s men scramble to get their weapons in anticipation for an enemy assault. Konka and her remaining generals ran out of their huts to take control of the situation. However, much to their surprise, the pair of falcon tribesmen who flew above their camp only dropped a piece of parchment, which was wrapped over a steel musket ball. It fell before the Insetus-woman’s feet, and after picking it up, she read the parchment’s contents.

“…” Her generals watched for her reaction, which came out a few minutes later.

Konka tore and crumpled the parchment, then threw and trampled it. She was shaking in anger, and everyone who witnessed her outburst were afraid to say anything or ask her about the contents of the letter she received.

“Everyone…” it was the Insetus-woman who eventually revealed what she read. “The Human king is challenging me to a battle.”

A chorus of angry shouts, screams and jeers echoes throughout the camp. The warriors were bashing their weapons against their shields, or anything hard enough to take their hits, and were encouraging Konka to accept the challenge.

“We’ll get that wimp this time!”

“Kill that human!”

“We won’t lose!”

Naturally, Konka felt elated that her men were still willing to fight. However, though she was confident of the indomitable spirit of her warriors, she was concerned about the ‘dirty’ tricks of the Human king.

“Milady,” it was one of her generals, “should we accept this challenge? This could end up like the first battle.”

Honestly, Konka was agreeing to what the general said. But then, she told him, “While you have a point that I agree with, we can’t possibly let his challenge go unanswered. The men were demanding vengeance for our defeat, and if we remained passive, soon they might desert the cause.”

“Then, are we foolishly heading into the Human king’s trap again, Your Holiness?”

The Insetus-woman couldn’t answer that question for quite a while. After pondering her choices, she took a deep breath, let out a sigh, and asked one of her commanders, “Well, we won’t go down with giving that despicable human a proper fight. Summon the East Ursus here, I need to talk to them.”

----------

The leaders of the East Ursus village came at the soonest possible time. Konka never bothered of mincing her words, as she spoke to them from her makeshift throne.

“It seems the final battle between the Human king and I is about to begin,” the Insetus-woman revealed to them. “I’m counting on your village to provide us with warriors to help in the upcoming fight.”

The delegation, however, remained silent. They just kneeled before her, unmoving like statues.

Konka then said, “We talked about this before, East Ursus. Why are you backing out on your promise now?”

“Milady, with all our respects, we remember no promise between your forces and ours,” the chief of the East Ursus answered. “It is you who assumed that our silence in regard to support for your armies meant our agreement. Our oath to support you is for your promise that you’ll deliver victory.”

“Then are you fine with me burning your homes and turning your kin to cinders?”

The East Ursus delegation fell quiet once again. One could feel the air of tension grew even worse as the moments dragged on; Konka was unwilling to back down from her threat, nor the East Ursus letting her do as she pleased. Then…

“Then so be it, Your Holiness, have it your way!” the East Ursus chief answered. “If you’re willing to turn against your remaining allies, then so be it. Burn our villages, kill our children! But you’ll fight the Human king alone.”

“Are you threatening me?”

“We’re just telling the truth, milady. We of the East Ursus—though powerful warriors we may be—are a peaceful people. We don’t wish to partake in this bloodbath any longer, if you can’t promise victory!”

“A-Alright then!” the Insetus-woman rose from her throne. “One victory. Then you’ll have to take oath of fealty to me if we prevailed over the Human king this one time.”

----------

Upon the agreement of the East Ursus to Konka’s conditions, the Insetus-woman and her army then marched down from the mountains. They were being shadowed by a pair of falcons flying a few distances above them—spies of the Human king—as they go along the narrow paths. Konka and her commanders remained on guard, for they knew what those Avinus were capable of.

“Send scouts ahead,” the Insetus-woman ordered. “I don’t want to be surprised by ambushes before I get to meet my foe.”

Behind them were the warriors from the East Ursus tribe, following the rebel forces a stone’s throw away. As per Konka’s agreement with them, they were to join the battle once her men win over the Human King.

“!!!”

When they reached the plains of Cherwind, they were surprised to see the Human King, Kuro of Arles, waiting for them. What’s even more shocking was the fact that he barred their way alone. Konka’s commanders suspected a trap was set, so they halted before the king.

“Free Beastmen of Cherwind,” Kuro greeted them with a bow, “I welcome you back to our kingdom’s lands!”

“There’s no question that this place is not your property, human,” a commander replied to him. “Cherwind is for the beastfolk, and it shall be in the future.”

“Oh, did you not hear what I just said? I did make sure you heard the word ‘our’ when I welcomed you, meaning, this land is for beastmen and humans.”

“They heard it alright,” Konka finally revealed herself, walking from the rear. “However, these beastfolk aren’t like you humans who are good at wordplay. We, on the other hand, are good killers…especially those who doesn’t deserve any mercy.”

“Well, I didn’t come here to ask for mercy,” Kuro countered. “I came here to talk for a bit.”

“Speak, then.”

“Right…I actually wanted to meet you, Lady Konka. I’m here to negotiate an end to this bloodshed that has been going on for generations and claimed countless of lives. Will you be willing to accept a compromise?”

“What are your terms?”

“Cease your struggle in trying to expel the humans from Cherwind, lay down your arms, and submit to the authority of the Beastman Queen. In return, we will pardon you and your supporters. You can live within our lands.”

Konka stared at Kuro as if he just said something ridiculous, which he expected anyway. Then she turned to her supporters, who were as equally stunned as she was. Moments later, they were laughing their hearts out.

“You say the most stupid things, Human King!” the Insetus-woman said. “Are you trying to insult us even more?”

“I’m not, and let me be clear: I stood before you intending to avoid a battle as much as I can. That’s why, even if you ask your scouts, I came here alone.”

“What are those falcons shadowing us then? Decorations?”

“I’m a king. Of course, they are my guards in any case something averse happens.”

“And also, you sent me a letter challenging me to a fight? You’re not careful of your words!”

“Isn’t that why you’re here? You thought I’d like to challenge you to a battle,” Kuro then pulled a parchment, which he unrolled to reveal a set of conditions for Konka to sign. “So, I take it that we have terms?”

“You already duped me into accepting your ‘challenge’, only for you to back down because of cowardice. What makes you think we’ll believe that you’re going to make good of your promises in that piece of parchment?” enraged, the Insetus-woman shouted, “Don’t play with us, the proud Beastmen race! We are not fools!”

The Human King only gave a sigh, while he returned the parchment inside his coat, “Then, it’s a ‘no’?”

“What other answer can we give to a bogus like you?” Konka gave her order to her men, “Kill him!”

“Deeeaaaattth!!!”

At once, the rebels—save for the East Ursus behind them—surged forward to gang up on Kuro. They couldn’t wait to get their hands on him and tear him apart, limb by limb, to avenge their defeat before at the Outer Walls.

“…” However, the Human King remained standing on his spot. Seeing how pissed the rebels were, he just smirked, muttering, “Just like what I intended…”

“!!!”

The charge of the rebels halted when they heard a loud thunderclap from the skies. Their eyes inadvertently went upwards, where they saw dark, swirling clouds above the field where everyone stood. Flashes of lighting also appeared, and the gentle Cherwind breeze blowing became a strong gale in a blink of an eye.

“I’ve always wanted to try using this power…” Kuro revealed to Konka as the golden-yellow glow of his hand became more intense. “The only thing that hindered me is that I thought I can still convince you to surrender peacefully…”

The Insetus-woman’s eyes were wide in shock, and her mouth was gaping open. She tried to cast her own magic to counter Kuro’s, but his god-power was faster than hers, a proof that still she had to recover the mana she used in battle before.

As for the rebels, although terrified at what they were seeing, they ran to overwhelm the Human King—desperate that they could rush and stop him from what he was about to do.

But Kuro only raised his hand, then…

“!!!”

Successive lightning strikes hit the advancing rebels at random, vaporizing several of them. The ones who survived the initial salvo froze in complete and utter shock, as they watched their comrades disintegrate before their very eyes. However, Kuro wasn’t finished just yet. After stopping the charge of Konka’s men, he called in a rain of hailstones that killed or injured the rest of her forces.

Soon, it was only Konka and the East Ursus—who were unscathed, but equally terrified—that stood on the smoking field, together with Kuro. The Human King then brought out the parchment once again, and showed it to the Insetus-woman, who fell to her knees, trembling.

“Well then, now that it’s a bit quiet and we’re alone, how about we continue discussing the peace terms, Lady Konka?” he flashed her his ‘business’-like smile.