Seducing the Conqueror

010: This is Barbaric

TWO days have passed. While Nat and a few other guys went to Hammoth to pick up additional weapons for their battle, Candice and the rest went straight to Belmoure, the capital of the kingdom, to prepare for the next three days. They set a temporary camp at the heart of Area 74 B.

The Black Heart Rebels originally started here so most of the numbers are well-aware of the group. Ninety-five percent of the numbers in this area are actually part of the rebel group so Area 74 B is basically the safest place for the main force of the Black Heart Rebels to stay. The numbers act as their cover and decoy, and everyone are willing to help the group in anyway they can.

The sun is already above their heads and everyone is busy fulfilling their tasks. The guys are in-charged of building tents and other facilities which they will need before, during, and after the fight such as infirmary, weaponry workshop, temporary shelter, secret passages and many more. On the other hand, the ladies are assigned to gather resources like food, medicine and prewar intel. In terms of weaponry making, both sexes help each other to make as much weapon as they could make.

Now that the Trebs are gone, the rebels needed to secure their supplies themselves. The Trebs are their biggest sponsor so it really hurt the Black Heart Rebels’ source of supplies.

"Delicias, take five. I will handle that," Candice said as she tries to take the spatula off of Delicias’s hand.

The two of them are in-charged for cooking everyone’s lunch today.

"I'm okay, Candice. I'll finish this up. You can prepare the plates," Delicias said.

Her face is paler as ever and got thinner. Her cheekbones are very apparent that she almost looked like a skeleton. There are also two dark bags lurking under her puffy eyes.

"You are not okay. You haven't slept for two days! You might get in an accident if you keep this up. In our current situation, we can't afford additional casualties," Candice said straightforwardly as she looked into her eyes.

Unlike everyone else, Delicias didn’t stopped believing that her husband and her brothers are safe. Ever since the meeting at Marienne, she investigated non-stop what happened at the Land of Treb. But no Treb survivor has returned yet so no one can provide her an accurate report.

"Take five. That is an order," Candice repeated.

As someone from a lower rank, Delicias got no choice but to obey Candice --- her troop commander. She stopped stirring the pot and handed her spatula to Candice.

Candice patted her shoulder. "I'll make sure that this will still be edible when they reach the plates, so relax." A weak smile escaped from Delicias’s lips because of her corny joke.

Candice looked at Delicias’s gloomy demeanor as she entered her designated shelter. Delicias is her people and her friend but she can’t do anything but sigh at her misfortune. She wanted to tell Delicias that it is highly impossible that the three are still alive. But she is not yet that cruel to crash every hope her friend has. All she could do is watch and make sure she doesn’t do anything stupid.

Candice just finished cooking the soup when she noticed the sky turned dark.  The sun was shining brightly just a moment ago but now, it looks like a storm is coming. Numerous crows fly over the city, too --- covering the wide sky.

Nina suddenly came rushing in Area 74 B, heavily breathing and with a face that looks like she has seen a ghost.

"C-Candice, h-he's back. T-they're back. H-he... T-they..." Nina is catching her breath, holding both her knees. Blood drained from her face and cold sweat trails her forehead.

"Slow down, Nina. What's the rush?" Candice closed the lead of the cauldron and faced her. Delicias and the others also assembled around Nina.

Nina took a deep breath. Shivering, she grabbed Candice’s arm with her cold hands and looked at her with teary eyes.

"The Conqueror is back. Candice, he is a demon! He killed them! He killed those three!" Nina collapsed on the floor, weeping and kept repeating her last two sentences.

Delicias’s heart stopped. “N-Nina, w-who was killed?” she asked as her hand shook while standing behind Nina. But Nina didn’t answer her. She kept on mumbling as she cries.

Delicias immediately took off to where Nina came from.

“Delicias, wait!” Candice immediately followed her and left Nina with the others.

“Delicias, calm down!” Candice frantically ran until they reached the end of Area 74 B.

Cheering citylanders filled the streets. There are confetti, colorful handkerchiefs, and grain of rice flying everywhere. Everyone is celebrating for the arrival of their heroes --- the Black Conqueror's Mighty One Hundred.

Delicias squirmed her way through the pile of cheering people. Her small stature and slim body made it easier for her to move through the crowd. Candice followed her closely until they reached the side of the road.

"All hail the Conqueror!" the people shouted in joy.

Tall and strong-looking men in uniform started walking in front of Candice and Delicias --- one hand waving at the citizens, while the other holds their sheathed swords.

The two rebels watched them quietly as they walk the road that leads to the palace.

"All hail King Lucius! All hail the Con---queror." The cheers of the people turned to whispers as three wagons slowly pass the road.

Delicias's face turned paler as her tears flowed on her face. Candice immediately closed Delicias’s eyes and pulled her in her arms. Delicias embraced her and wailed.

"Candice, I won't forgive him!" Delicias declared as she weeps in Candice’s arms.

"Hush, Delicias." Candice held her tightly in her arms --- trying to suppress both of their anger. Even she wanted to shout and kill these sickly bastards. Her eyes are turning red as she watched one wagon after the other pass in front of them.

Each wagon carries a decapitated head: the decapitated heads of the unfortunate rebels. Severius's, Lucas's and Bertoldt's head were plunged into thin metallic spears, piercing from their chins onto the top of their head. Their mouths are wide open and everyone can see how their tongues we're removed.

This is barbaric!

Following the wagons, a black steed carrying a black caped man is at the end of the parade. His face is covered by his black mask made of steel and glass. But even without meeting his eyes, everyone can feel his intimidating, powerful and devilish aura. He rode his horse elegantly and proudly went straight to the palace. He held his head up high as his straight apathetic back turned away from Candice and Delicias.

Candice clenched her teeth, took Delicias's arm, and turned her back on her comrades' corpse inhumane public display.

You better enjoy your next three days, Conqueror --- because that's all you got left, Candice thought.

I swear, I'll f*****g kill you!