The Mercenary King was dead.

The Lion King, one of the Twelve Superhumans, formally announced it, and the tumultuous news spread across the continent like wildfirea testament to the significance of the war between Duke Pontier and Marquis Crombell.

Akshuler, the new leader of the mercenary guild, then made an announcement:

The mercenary guild admits that it was contracted to Marquis Crombell. No mercenaries will remain within the Avalon Empire. In addition, all requests will be issued a 50% discount for the next two years.

He went one step further by writing a letter of apology to all the most important countries and organizations. The speed and tact with which he handled the situation astonished the rest of the mercenaries.

It had to be stressed how important the Marquiss contract was. No matter how you looked at it, it couldnt have been done without the Emperors approval. If people began to believe that the Emperor had a special relationship with the mercenary guild, no one would hire them. Emperor Marcuss rule had earned him more enemies than allies.

Even with that in mind, a 50% discount on all commissions was a difficult pill to swallow. The guild usually only made a 50% profit margin to begin with, meaning it wouldnt be making any profit at all for the next two years.

Akshuler also promised that the commission fee would be split 7:3 between the mercenaries and the guild after the two years were up. On top of his earlier promise to cover the damages with the guilds money, hed earned himself a nice popularity boost.

There was more to it that nobody else knew about

I said no.

I told you I didnt want it, either. Akshuler frowned. I didnt fight him so I could take his job.

It was for the downtrodden mercenaries.

Precisely.

Its easy to understand from what Icelines doing.

This isnt the same.

I dont believe that.

Akshuler sighed. Is it so difficult for you to help a dying man?

Imagine a dying old man asking for help from a literal child.

I dont want to talk about it, cause if a child doesnt listen to his elders, he might end up with bad luck.

If you think theres anything an 80-year-old man can learn from a kid, I suggest you give up now. If you care about the mercenaries, then dont cause a fuss.

Hmph! Akshuler shook his head in frustration. Imagine you were an already-established mercenary. Then you go out and beat the Mercenary Kingthink about what it would do for your reputation. Youre the right person to be the new leader, especially with that skill.

Akshuler was pressing Joshua to take charge of the new and improved mercenary guild.

With a little help from me, the mercenaries will also

If I were to agree, for whatever reason, then Id be the first person in control of both the free knights and mercenaries at the same time.

What?

Since the Lion King agreed to act as notary, I took his place.

Akshulers eyes widened. If this was true, the continent would be thrown into chaos again. Joshua would not only lead an entire country, but also a continent-spanning guild. Nobody had ever held the reigns of both the mercenary guild and the free knights alliance at the same time.

I have some conditions.

Conditions?

If all you need is a figurehead, Ill do it.

Akshulers face lit up. Then

But, only if youre by my side the whole time. I dont have enough time on my hands to take out other peoples trash.

Hmm Akshuler nodded. He never intended for Joshua to take the position in totality. What he was really worried about was Joshua taking revenge for the mercenaries raising their swords against him. If his anger was directed at everyone in the guild Akshuler was loath to admit it, but there was no way they could stand up to that spear. Joshuas power spoke for itself.

In the midst of his worry, Akshuler stumbled upon a fantastic idea: make Joshua the new leader of the mercenary guild.

Thats fine, but am I going to be the only one responsible for cleaning up the crap?

I cant be the only one to suffer. Joshua smirked. Also didnt you need to take out the Mercenary King anyway?

Akshuler gave him a puzzled look.

You took the Moon Gates offer, didnt you?

You knew? His expression stiffened. Moon Gate had strict privacy standards.

Thats all I know. I know where to find the things she needs1, so she wants me to be a little more sensible. I suppose thats why I made you agree to my terms.

Akshuler pondered for a moment.

Are you curious? About what she promised me if I helped you and became guild leader.

No

Someones been trying to swallow up the guild for a while now. Barbarian knew about it too, of course. Nobody cared, and I couldnt deal with him on my own. He already had other plans, as you could see, Akshuler said, ignoring Joshuas refusal. It was the same person that gave the Lion King the first beating of his life.

Joshuas eyes widened.

Hes one of the Nine Stars and one of the few people who could challenge your father, Duke Agnus, in a one-on-one battle. Hes one of the most powerful beings in Swallow right now. Akshuler locked eyes with Joshua. He goes by the name Lucifer.

The traitors were holed up in the half-burned ruins of Pendra Castle.

The Mercenary King and Joshua Sanders went head-to-head in the Battle of Superhumans and the Mercenary King didnt even land a single blow.

Baron Ashvals face crumpled like the notice clenched in his hand.

Do you actually believe this nonsense?

It was witnessed by the Lion King! And Marquis Crombell is nowhere to be found

SHUT UP! Baron Ashval shouted. They must have used nullification magic on our communications

After a moment, a different nobleman cautiously spoke up. By the way did the Lion King help him? Because theres no way Baron Sanders could win against the Mercenary King, no matter how you look at it.

It doesnt make a difference right now, Cox, the real leader of this place, said, instantly dousing the traitors mood. Right now, we should discuss where were going next. If its true Theyll be coming soon.

They shivered. Joshua scared them more than the Grim Reaper coming to drag them down to hell.

I Id rather The nobleman that Baron Ashval had shouted at squeezed out his words. Wh-Why dont we just surrender?! The Marquis already gave upand the Princess is in charge now. How hard could it be to fool her? Even the soldiers were sent home unharmed.

Hmm

Buoyed by their reactions, the nobleman pressed onward. Its only a step back. One step back, three steps forward, as they say. We plan for the future.

That seems reasonable

It makes sense.

The nobles nodded along, to the speakers satisfaction.

Impossible.

Eh?

The Princess has already resolved to eliminate us. There are rumors that the enemy is making for Eiden Gorgeour only way out.

Well, thats just!

Crazy bitch

Shes already acting like the head of the household, isnt she?

Is that true, Count Cox? Baron Ashval inquired, watching the nobles carefully.

I have eyes and ears in Peril Castle.

Hmm He let out a deep sigh.

One of these things is true. Shall we just act on blind faith, then? Or shall we take our chances and flee? Baron Sanders cant stay here forever, after all, and all we have to do is kill the Duke and the Princess.

Cox was certainly living up to the callous remarks hed made. He was too late, though. His enemies were already there.

Sir Cain

Princess, give me your orders.

Charles gazed at Pendra Castle with cold eyes. Thousands of weapons gleamed in the rising light of the chilly morning. From beside her, Icarus nodded to Charles, and the Princess sharply raised her hand.

Get rid of whats left of the enemy, she said.

Cain placed his hands over his heart with a smile.

Upon my heart, it will be done.