The scent of blood lingered for three days. Ah Ka instructed his subordinates to clean the battlefield briefly, then respectfully waited for the true lord to arrive.
They were the three highest leaders of the Green Forest Army.
They were "Green Turban" Kelan, "Longbowman" Rees, and "Quartermaster" Selas.
As the spiritual leader of the Green Forest Army, Kelan looked at the corpses in the castle courtyard, a trace of reluctance flashed in his eyes, but it was only a montary flicker.
Compared to their brothers who died on the city walls and those peasants killed by the lords, the price paid by the Wivert family was still too light.
Letting them escape the gallows of justice is really letting them off easy.
Unlike Kelan, Rees, with the longbow on his back, rely glanced emotionlessly at Solde's head before moving his gaze away.
Only Selas, with his always smiling face, showed a trace of unnoticeable pleasure, as if viewing a spectacle.
"Your Majesty! Ah Ka welcos your arrival! The gates of Twilight City have opened for you, I am willing to be the vanguard and take the Governor's Mansion!" Ah Ka knelt respectfully on one knee, his honest and simple face solemnly speaking in a deep voice.
The beheading knife stained with blood had been cleaned by him, shining brightly in the noonti sun.
"You did well, Ah Ka..."
Kelan nodded slightly at Ah Ka, first affirming his rits but then turned his words.
"But I am not the King, do not call Your Majesty. Rember, we rose in rebellion to overthrow the King; if I am called Your Majesty, then what do we beco?"
Ah Ka replied respectfully.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Kelan: "..."
Seeing the leader intending to say more, Selas smiled and blocked him.
"Ah Ka's mind isn't very sharp, don't bother about him. Let him call whatever he wants, don't dampen the brothers' good intentions."
Rees also wanted to persuade Kelan.
They're about to capture Twilight City, the brothers are waiting for titles. One word from you, not wanting to be King, and are we waiting for the one sitting in the Royal Capital to reward us?
However, just as he was about to speak, a commotion near the castle gate interrupted him.
A rider ssenger galloped in, leaping from the horse, running to the courtyard to kneel before the three leaders.
The ssenger was the envoy they sent to Sparrow Wood Castle to investigate Brennan's movents, unexpectedly returning so quickly.
Kelan instinctively sensed sothing unusual.
With a signal from the leader's eyes, the ssenger swiftly reported.
"Master Kelan! 'Iron Bull' Brennan... he changed his banner! Now he calls himself 'Salvation Army,' and has endorsed soone nad 'Holy Maiden Carian!'"
After a breath, the ssenger urgently explained the situation of this Salvation Army, including using the castle's provisions to aid disaster victims, allocating noble lands to refugees, and promoting a 'new doctrine' among other things.
Upon hearing this, Kelan and the other Green Forest Army leaders were shocked, with a variety of expressions.
Especially Ah Ka, a greedy gleam flashed across his honest and simple face, as if seeing a new toy.
"Holy Maiden?"
Upon hearing this, Kelan raised an eyebrow, as if hearing sothing amusing, laughed and said.
"The na doesn't matter, as long as Brennan adheres to our principle of robbing the rich to help the poor, he can call himself the 'Divine Army' all he wants... But I don't agree with flying the banner of Saint Sis, the new doctrine cannot change the lies in the Holy Word Book, those priests must be responsible for this famine!"
"I think this Iron Bull has lost his mind, feeling itchy without sothing guiding his nose."
Rees huffed coldly, eyes full of disdain.
He didn't believe in any Oracle. If Saint Sis truly existed, the famine wouldn't have happened, they should be living in Heaven now.
However, anyhow, Brennan hasn't openly opposed them, and they shouldn't turn against him at this crucial mont before the assault on the city.
The offensive against Twilight City is the imdiate priority; they must seize it before the Campbell people!
"... Regardless, as long as Sparrow Wood Castle isn't in the Governor's hands, it doesn't affect the overall situation. Brennan's issue can be settled later."
Selas, still the indecisive diator, smiled and agreed.
"Yes, yes, Brennan's side isn't urgent... I'm even wondering whether there's so misunderstanding here? His parents turned undead because of the Priest's negligence, no one should hate those clergy more than him."
Kelan nodded.
"Then let's go with Rees' suggestion, decide Brennan's fate after capturing Twilight City... I hope he can return to our cause."
He is a leader who heeds advice.
The discussion regarding Sparrow Wood Territory temporarily concluded, the four leaders walked side by side into the castle's main hall, ready to convene a eting for the upcoming operation.
Throughout the eting, only Selas exhibited so unusual behavior, seemingly distracted. However, the others didn't think much of it, still offering their opinions and strategies, as warfare wasn't the "Quartermaster's" specialty.
He excels in logistics.
No matter the passive situation, he magically procures supplies and delivers them to the frontline of battles.
It can be said that the Green Forest Army's growth to its current size owes much to his contributions, equally significant as Kelan and Rees.
He has always kept a low profile, hiding behind the scenes, seldom appearing in public, thus seeming to lack presence.
Just like now, no one noticed the cautiousness behind that friendly smile, or a trace of hidden ferocity.
'Holy Maiden? Miracle? Could it be our chaotic endeavors forced Saint Sis' 'Chosen One' to erge?' Selas pondered anxiously, feeling like a mouse dropped into boiling oil.
Campbell Duchy's mobilization was long foretold by the prophecy of Great True God Urgos, but Holy Maiden Carian was an unexpected developnt.
He didn't fully understand Urgos's plan, but this person's ergence would undoubtedly jeopardize the master's sche.
Selas's gaze unconsciously fell on the nearly asleep Ah Ka.
Perhaps...
It's ti to take action.
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