Chapter 304 - The Bandits Annihilation (2) (1/2)
(Regaleon's POV)
The young couple had gone out after we have talked to them. They were adamant in cooperating with us and agreed to be the so called informant and go to the bandits' side to give them false information, in short our bait to lure them into a trap.
”I hope they do not spill the beans.” Brad who was by my side said.
”The young husband seeks redemption from his wrong ways. Who are we not to give them a second chance?” I said with a neutral tone.
”Well… you are the king and future emperor. If there is anyone who has the right to punish the guilty, it is you your majesty.” Brad said scratching his head.
Brad's words are true, I am the ruling monarch of Grandcrest and also the future emperor once these war ends. But I am not someone that heartless to cut someone who is seeking redemption.
”I am still a fair judge. And this place is still outside my jurisdiction.” I smiled at Brad. ”Punishing criminals inside Alvannian territory is still under the Alvannian King's power. I will leave the judging to my brother-in-law.”
My father-in-law is still king in name, but he has passed his work onto his son not long ago. They are just waiting for Richard to come of age until his father steps down from his seat and give it to his son. Even after I become emperor of this continent, this territory is still under the watchful eyes of my brother-in-law. I am confident that he would be a great and wise ruler, one that General Robert taught him to be.
”But are you not thinking of annihilating the bandit group tonight?” Brad said questioningly.
”Those that surrender will be given a chance to live and pay for their crimes.” It was Chris that replied. ”Those who intend to fight back will be killed.” He said with a straight face.
”I will leave the bandits that surrenders my brother-in-law's hands.” I added. ”The crime took place here in Alvannia, so they will be on trial here as well. I am sure they will be given their just punishments.”
”I see…” Brad said nodding his head in understanding. ”Well then I will be on my way to the inn and start preparing for the trap. See you later your majesty.” I nodded as he excused himself.
I was doing the last preparations before departing when Chris called my attention.
”Your majesty.” Chris called. ”The village leaders would like to have a word with you.”
”Let him in.” I replied.
The village leader was a middle aged man with medium built. He looked at me with nervousness in his eyes.
”I greet his majesty the king of Grandcrest.” The village leader bowed before me.
To prepare for the upcoming raid of the bandits, I have told the village leader of my true identity. At first, he was doubtful as to why would the king of Grandcrest come to such a worn down village such as this, but when I showed him proof of my identity, a medallion with the royal seal of Grandcrest, he believed in the end. He was clearly not accustomed to being in the presence of royalty, hence he looked nervous all the time.
”What can I do for you?” I asked him.
”W-Well your majesty, the boss of these bandit group, I think there is a possibility he would go pay a visit to me in my office.” The village leader said.
I looked at him with confusion. ”Why would you say that he would pay you a visit.”
My mind was running for the possibilities. It was either he knew the bandit's boss personally, or maybe he had been on cahoots with him. I looked at him with a piercing gaze.
”I-It is not what you think your majesty.” The village leader waved his hand, frantically denying. ”What I mean is that… he had raided this village a few times before for food and supplied. He knows that the store house is near my office. A-And…” The village leader was hesitant with the next reason.
”And���?” I asked becoming impatient with his hesitation.
”A-And, he came to have a liking to my daughter.” The village leader said.
”Your daughter?” I asked.
”Y-Yes your majesty.” The village leader said. ”Even if we came from a humble life, my daughter was gifted with beauty. The bandit's boss had taken a liking to her since she was still young. And now that she grown into a lovely young lady, I am afraid he would…” He was not able to finish his sentence, but with just a few words I understood what he meant.
”I understand.” I said. ”You may go. Thank you for the information.”
”Y-Yes, of course your majesty.” The village leader bowed once again and left.
With the information given by the village leader, this just means that the bandit group could be split into two. One would deal with the mercenaries guarding this village, that is where we have set a trap. The other one will go with the bandit boss to the village leader's office.
”Chris.” I called out to him.
”Yes, your majesty.” Chris replied instantly.
”It looks like we would need our group to split into two.” I said. ”Inform Brad of this. You and I together with some of our men will be in the village leader's office building and wait for the bandit boss to arrive.”