Chapter 814 - Another Expedition (1/2)
Chapter 814 - Another Expedition
We escorted five thousand or so Dragonling prisoners back to the capital. As we neared the gate, the guards’ jaws dropped. Dragonscale’s head was slightly poking out of my bag. I led forty thousand soldiers into the capital and walked straight towards the Royal Palace. If I received the quest from here, it only makes sense that I turn the quest in through here as well.
……
Within the Grand Hall, the old king was in the middle of his daily meeting with his advisors. Pearl, Theodore, and Owen were all present. There were even a few players who were receiving quests. They broke into hushed whispers the second they saw us. One of them even turned on a recorder. It was as though they had never seen a ranked player on CBN Battlenet, how immature! I walked across the hall with my sword at my hip and respectfully bowed before the old king, “Your majesty, the Royal Army has not dishonored the mission you bestowed upon us and have rooted out the Dragonling Army. Here is the head of the pirate captain, Dragonscale. Furthermore, there are another five thousand prisoners waiting outside the hall for their punishment.”
One of the imperial guards walked over to me with a silver platter in hand. I placed the head on the platter for him to present to the king. King Rob threw a glance full of malice at it and said, “Theodore, Owen, you’ve crossed swords with the pirates, you should be able to recognize who this is, right?”
Theodore nodded, “Father, it is indeed Dragonscale’s head. The Royal Army General Li Xiao Yao has eliminated the Dragonling Army!”
King Rob slapped his arm rest and stood up with a wide grin, “Good… Haha, General Li Xiao Yao is truly one of the most talented young men in the nation. Hmph, those Dragonling Pirates have terrorized the War God’s River and have been like a thorn in our eye. Today, this thorn has finally been pulled out! The Royal Army has truly accomplished an incredible mission. Simply amazing. General Li Xiao Yao, what kind of reward would you like?”
I looked down and said, “Whatever your majesty decides!”
“Alright!”
The old king roared in laughter and the system bell sounded beside my ear. As I expected, the old king was truly generous this time. Not only did he reward me, he also rewarded the entire Royal Army ——
“Ding!”
System Notification: Congratulations, you have completed the SSS tier military quest [Eliminating the Dragonling Army], Your Reward: Level+1, Charm+50, Achievement Points+400, Gold+100,000. Furthermore, all Royal Army Soldiers Level+3. You have also received the following Military Equipment: Dragon Crystal Cannon x50, Cannon x100, Crossbow Carts x200, Gold x2,000,000!
……
So many rewards! The four generals, Han Yuan, Xiao Lie, Long Xing, and Xia Ye were also celebrating amongst themselves. Han Yuan hid a smile, “General, with all these Dragon Crystal Cannons and Gold, our Royal Army will be on a whole new level. Ha ha, this is too great. We’re definitely among the top three military armies in the empire!”
I bowed, “Thank you, your majesty for the generous reward. Your majesty, there’s still the five thousand Dragonling prisoners. How should we deal with them?”
King Rob smiled, “General Li, what do you think these detestable bandits should be dealt with?”
I pondered for a moment before speaking up, “We can break them up and assign some of them to the villages or fields to work. Or we can even assign them to guard the border. After all, we are low on manpower. Killing them would be a waste.”
King Rob grunted, “Your words ring true…”
But right at that moment, Theodore suddenly stood up and said, “Father, I must respectfully disagree with Li Xiao Yao. The Dragonling Army has so blatantly fought against the laws of the empire, making an enemy out of Father. There’s no need to tolerate such dishonorable bandits. If we show mercy to these five thousand prisoners, then the next day, ten thousand, a hundred thousand rebels will be at your gates. Father, please reconsider!”
Owen bowed, “Father, brother’s words are reasonable!”
I wanted to say more, but Pearl pulled me back, signaling for my silence. I knew in my heart that the Royal Army has been rising much too quickly. News of our achievements had completely overwhelmed all news about the Flame Dragon and Xia Yu Armies. That was why Theodore and Owen were so hostile towards me. Thinking back, it makes complete sense. Pearl probably didn’t want me to get into this debate so I should lay low.
I took a step back to Pearl’s side and didn’t say anything more.
Though, who would’ve thought that Theodore would choose this moment to mockingly laugh at me, “All of the soldiers have gossipped about how kind of a general you are and how you never kill a prisoner. Looks like the rumors are true. General Li, I suggest that these five thousand should be hung on both sides of the street. What do you have to say about that?”
I thought back to the five thousand captives outside the city walls. They had already laid down their weapons and still had the hope to at least live their lives out behind bars. Goosebumps rose up all over my arms. I clenched my teeth and didn’t say anything.
Theodore kept digging, “General Li, why are you so quiet now?”
I growled back, “If your highness believes it to be proper, then please, go ahead. There is no need to ask for permission from me.”