Leon genuinely wanted to rule Watchtower Port, so tyranny was not an option. Under such circumstances, a benevolent subordinate was essential, otherwise, entrusting all administrative duties to Cecilia the Green Dragon, or to the Efreeti, would inevitably result in troubled and destitute citizens, with evil prevailing and no chance for development.
To spare the bronze dragon, Leon decided to let the adventurers go, although they had indeed killed many Fire Melt Salamanders and were undeniably executioners... They could be spared from death, but not from punishment; they didn't need to lose hands or feet, merely that they must leave all their weapons and equipment behind.
Leon picked out a few interesting items he fancied, and the rest were rewarded to the Fire Melt Salamanders, considered as a form of compensation and consolation. As for them giving the items to the evil Fire Element Prince Yimixi later, keeping only a portion for themselves, Leon couldn't be bothered to care.
