Elberich's generals dismounted, letting Rhyne out of his sack unceremoniously as he unsheathed his sword to ensure he wouldn't attempt an escape.
"Rhyne... It's been a while, hasn't it?"
Justinian spoke in cold contempt, looking at Rhyne as if he wasn't worth to even look at.
"J-justinian..."
"I see you have lost control of your pawns."
Rhyne's fury rose as he heard Justinian's words, wanting to strangle him here and now.
How dare a neglectful idiot like him speak to him like that?
He was worthless, under him, inferior in every way-
THUD.
Rhyne's face met cold steel as Justinian delivered a powerful kick straight onto his face, his face now marked with the impact.
"Was it worth it?"
Justinian snickered, grabbing a fistful of his hair and forcing him to look him straight in the eye.
"Tell me... did you really think you would succeed?"
"G-go to hell."
Rhyne responded, spitting at his face, but Justinian easily dodged it, his face less than amused by the act of defiance.
"It seems our job here is done, Elberich. Have your men handle the aftermath of the siege; you're coming with us back to Snowkeep."
Justinian threw Rhyne near his sack, signalling to one of Elberich's generals to return him to his temporary prison.
"Of course, my lord."
Elberich ordered one of his men to head back to his camp to handle the rest while he was gone.
"Let's make the end of this rebellion official."
Justinian returned to his horse, his bond with Kalos now maxed out after the battles.
"Let us enjoy ourselves for this victory!"
He yelled out as he unsheathed his sword and raised it high, the others following suit as they praised Justinian for the overwhelming victory.
[Army Swordsmanship - Increased]
***
Snowkeep
***
The city was silent despite the early morning, the bustle of trade and talks gone, now only filled with waiting and trepidation.
They were all waiting for Justinian to return, to see if the battle was successful, to see the result of the first all-out military operation of the entire duchy ever since Justinian took the throne.
"Do you think they will return?"
One of the guards in the battlements asked his companion, looking at the snowy, barren fields beyond the walls, waiting for signs of life.
"Of course, I doubt they would lose."
"I wish to be as optimistic as you..."
The guard laughed before seeing something in the distance, his eyes widening in hope.
"Wait... is that... a Vesuvian banner?"
"A Thirell banner is with them as well..."
"Let's not waste any more time!"
The guards departed their station, heading to another part of the walls as they yelled at the stone tower where the city bell was placed.
To signal the bellkeeper Justinian's return.
"Ring the bells! The duke has returned!"
DING!
DING!
DING!
The once silent city began to move, every citizen who heard the bell moving to Snowkeep's main gate, and there they saw it.
The huge military of Bjorn and Justinian marched together, with Elberich beside them with his own company.
That was the only thing they needed to see to confirm the success of the war.
"T-they did it!?"
"They actually did it!"
The citizens yelled out in glee, some even heading back to their houses to gather food in baskets and plates to greet the marching army.
"Those poor souls must be starving!"
They were now preparing a welcoming party for the unification of the Thirell duchy.
***
"They seem in high spirits."
Justinian laughed, waving in the distance and smiling at the people who were cheering just by his gates.
"The people love you..."
Bjorn couldn't believe what he was seeing. Did he really misjudge Justinian for all this time? Were the rumours really just rumours after all?
"Do you finally believe me, father?"
Cassia rode beside his father, her voice warm.
"I guess I do..."
Bjorn laughed slowly at first, and then finally exploded into a full, hearty laugh.
It was a sight that even rivaled Vesuvian city's festivals and military parades.
"You've chosen a good partner, Cassia!"
The father and daughter continued to talk, Justinian beside him, hearing everything and scratching the back of his neck.
'A good partner...?'
"Cheer up, duke."
Lucan then arrived beside Justinian, hitting him in the back as he gave out an annoying grin.
"You've just won the most one-sided battle in the history of this kingdom, and even claimed the heart of the south's most beautiful flower."
Lucan praised Justinian, but inside, Lucan was saying it to get under Justinian's skin as a lighthearted joke.
"If only I were as optimistic as you are, Marshal."
Justinian smiled at Lucan before looking back at the lively welcoming party that was waiting for them.
"But I guess we do deserve some optimism after everything that has transpired."
***
The moment they entered the gates, the loud blowing of horns filled the city, triumphant sounds of victory filling the sky along with colorful banners.
"Oh my god... It's Lord Bjorn!"
A female citizen swooned on the second floor of her house, clearly admiring the powerful northman.
"Lady Cassia returned without a scratch! Thank the heavens!"
Even though the men reacted, the Vesuvian family was always renowned for its beauty as well, complementing its knightly tradition as House Thirell's protectors.
"Really? You're talking about Lord Bjorn when Lord Justinian is just as good?"
Meanwhile, other citizens began handing baskets of flowers and fruits to the rest of the marching men, each one greeting relatives from afar or lovers that joined Justinian's army.
It was more than a victory; it was a turning point.
"Why amn't I hearing praise as well?"
Lucan grumbled beside Justinian, his arms crossed while riding his horse.
'Probably because most people are too afraid to praise you, Marshal...'
Once they arrived at the city square, Matthias was already there waiting, the remaining knights in the palace on a diamond formation around him.
"Welcome back, my lord."
They all bowed; it was more theatrical than Justinian thought, because after all, when did they have the time to rehearse this?
"I guess it's time to show them the traitor, huh?"
Justinian asked Lucan, a cunning smile on his lips.
"It's as good a time as any."
Justinian nodded, before clearing his throat and dismounting his horse, heading directly right on the middle of the square where a statue of his great-grandfather stood.
"Everyone!"
"My promise has been fulfilled!"