Chapter 54: 54. END OF THE WAR WITH PHYRRIC VICTORY
Zachery sat on his throne, looking around as envoys from various Kingdoms and Empires went about, making numerous excuses for their absence from the battlefield.
The fight between the Leon 'Empire' and the sect of Primera had resulted in a pyrrhic victory for the Leon Empire.
The conflict had already ended when Zachery killed the old general with his sword. He had sliced down the rest of the Primerian army's Rank 1 and Rank 2 leaders like vegetables on a cutting board.
But the cost of triumph was too high. To begin with, if there had been no treason among the true generals of the Leon Empire, no war would have been declared.
Zachery didn't mind knowing that the real generals had abandoned the Leon Empire for the more resource-rich Empire.
If you were strong, you would expect to be given advantages that others would not. If you couldn't afford it, it was natural for them to consider defecting.
Zachery has run a mercenary company with people defecting for even more ridiculous reasons. They were practical men who sought the best for themselves, in Zachery's opinion.
And there was no trouble looking out for one's own interests.
But Alexander quite didn't agree with him. He said these men were scum who knew no honor or backbone, and those who betray their own empire were worst than scum.
Zachery didn't correct him, because he was for some part correct. No matter what Zachery says, Alex's perspective would not change because he said some words that held no meaning behind them.
He would try to slowly mature Alex and make him into an understanding person who would understand everyone's perspective.
Calling Leon 'Empire' right now would be embarrassing because he now controls only one state, The Capital of Leon Empire, Leoris.
All of the other states were either autonomous at the time, had joined another party, or were in ruins. Even Zachery, who was already numb to war fatalities, clenched his teeth at the death toll of his compatriots.
He currently commands an army of 654 commoners and 14 Rank 1 Mutant Warriors. Leon Empire once boasted an army of 1,000 Rank 1's, but now it's state...
Zachery shook his head, and Alexander was in a bad mood. This was too great a loss in comparison to the Leon Dynasties' previous splendor.
He also had too much to fix within the empire itself. He had to re-establish trade, develop pastures and farmlands, restore walls, and repair houses and structures... it was too much money for the Leon Dynasty, which was currently bankrupt.
Zachery's gaze shifted from the end of the wall of his throne room to the incessant arguing of his ministers vs. the envoys of various kingdoms.
Zachery nearly burst out laughing as he witnessed the scarlet faces of envoys spewing their saliva in fury and frustration.
Zachery raised his hands, and calm descended. [Lion's Might] was his active+passive skill. People generally sensed a drowning atmosphere when they were near him since he emanated the natural aura of a magnificent monarch.
Also, the instant they entered the royal room, they felt as if they had swords around their necks, ready to chop at them at any time.
"Sent war reparations, substantial war reparations. If not, expect a major retaliation from our end. End of discussion." When they heard the emperor's declaration, the envoys' expressions looked like they were about to explode.
"Do you think you would be-"
An aura that appeared to be insurmountable descended on each and every one of their bodies. If this was a cold world with no supernatural elements, what Zachery said would almost certainly rally the alliance members to retaliate against him.
When the supernatural arrived, though, things altered in the political arena. If they attacked, they would very certainly win, but a single entity would cause damage that would virtually disable them to the point of being consumed by others.
That was not all.
"We accept The emperor's decree," To demonstrate where the Dracon Empire stood in terms of diplomatic relations, the envoy of the Dracon Empire got up, looked at the emperor, and nodded.
Even if they united together, they wouldn't be able to do much because the Dracon Empire had stated clearly where they would stand in such a case.
In the views of the Dracon Empire, Leon Empire was the best ally to have because they both understood that an attack from either side would come through their front doors, not through the backside with a dagger.
Because they were too prideful to ever kill someone by backstabbing. Furthermore, the threat to Leon's Empire had substantially lessened, particularly during the conflict. Mutant warriors were extremely difficult to produce due to their high death rate.
Even if you had protagonist-level luck, it would take hundreds of years to even consider surpassing the preceding Leon army.
And Zachery didn't have a lot of time.
The envoys exited the throne room, dejection, and wrath on their faces. Some people continued to dispute, but they were still overwhelmed by Zachery's aura. Zachery was the most powerful person in the room, and he could dominate anyone right now.
Zachery then summoned his army's commanders. There were four of them, all of which were Rank 1. Their names were Brighton, who had the spirit of a tiger, Ephriam, who had the spirit of Numoai, a black-colored panther that lived in the western parts of Criteria, Mordock, who had the spirit of a dreadful Ogre, and finally, Zephen, who had the spirit of Hormock, a creature that lived in west of Recktia.
It was essentially a gigantic walking crocodile with tremendous strength and defense.
Zachery also looked at the primary heir to the Leon Empire title. Zachery looked to his right, only to discover a solemn young man standing guard on his right side.
His black armour reflected light, and his black hair seemed to lure you into an illusion, and his solemn expression was always manning the throne room, seeking for concealed danger that may pose to the monarch.
Zachery shook his head, as he and Alex were also on guard against this young man. He had the spirit of Abyssal Lion, another Lion creature that rivalled his spirit.
'It would have been nice if I could see everyone's loyalty.' As he heard accounts of civilian losses and destruction, Zachery pondered.
'You can, though,' As Zachery's heart got lit up like a bright bulb, Alexa's voice was like water falling in the desert.
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Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone