Tatsuo, his expression firm but just, addressed the defeated Count Valerius Blackrose. "Your family will be placed in secure and comfortable quarters," he commanded. "Ensure they are treated with respect."
He then turned to his officers. "Appease the city and its people. Restore order and ensure their safety. We are not here to oppress, but to bring stability and prosperity."
With the city secured, Tatsuo, the Emperor, Grand Duke Shouwie Shun, and their entourage proceeded to the Earl's Castle. The grand structure, once a symbol of Blackrose power, now stood under the control of the Ryujin forces.
They entered the Earl's Throne Hall, a vast chamber adorned with tapestries and heraldic symbols. Commanders and officers from Tatsuo's army, the Lion Cavalry, and the Wyvern Knights, along with key figures from the conquered city, filled the hall.
A hush fell over the room as the doors swung open. A guard, his voice ringing with authority, announced, "His Majesty, Emperor Hiro Ryujin! His Grace, Grand Duke Shouwie Shun! His Highness, Crown Prince Tatsuo Ryujin!"
The assembled individuals bowed their heads in respect as the Emperor, Grand Duke, and Crown Prince entered the hall. The room crackled with anticipation, the weight of their presence palpable.
Emperor Hiro settled into the Earl's throne, his posture regal and commanding. Tatsuo and Grand Duke Shouwie Shun took their places on smaller thrones flanking the Emperor, their presence radiating power and authority.
Hiro turned to Shouwie, a proud grin spreading across his face. "Shouwie," he said, his voice brimming with paternal pride, "look at my son. He's a great leader, isn't he? He brings us victory!"
Shouwie rolled his eyes, a hint of amusement in his expression. "Hiro," he retorted, "that's the twentieth time you've said that. My ears are starting to hurt."
The Emperor chuckled, undeterred. "You didn't even know Tatsuo was in your army," he teased.
Shouwie countered, "That's because you didn't tell me! If I had known, I would have given him a more decent command, or even sent him back to you." He then laughed, the sound booming through the hall.
He turned to Tatsuo, his expression softening. "Tatsuo," he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration, "I commend you on your bravery. You are truly this... fucking idiot son."
Tatsuo smiled, unfazed by the Grand Duke's colorful language. "Thank you, Grand Duke," he replied, his voice sincere.
Hiro, feigning indignation, interjected, "Hey, hey! I'm still your Emperor! You can't talk to me like that!"
The assembled individuals in the hall were taken aback by the casual, almost familial banter between the Emperor and the Grand Duke. They were accustomed to the rigid formality of court, not this display of playful camaraderie. The shock was evident on their faces.
As Emperor Hiro and Grand Duke Shouwie Shun continued their playful banter, the atmosphere in the throne hall remained charged with a mix of amusement and unease. The assembled individuals, accustomed to the rigid formalities of court, were clearly taken aback by the casual, almost irreverent exchange between the two powerful figures.
Unbeknownst to most, Hiro and Shouwie were not merely allies, but lifelong friends. Their bond ran deep, forged in their youth during their time as classmates at the Imperial Academy. They were notorious for their mischievous escapades, earning them the reputation of "crime partners" and causing their fathers no small amount of headaches.
Their friendship had been tested and strengthened through shared experiences. They had even secretly enlisted in the army together, nearly losing their lives in a perilous campaign. Their fathers, upon discovering their reckless actions, had grounded them for an entire year, forbidding them from seeing each other. Despite the forced separation, their bond remained unbreakable. They had stood as each other's best men at their respective weddings, their relationship transcending the boundaries of mere friendship, becoming something akin to brotherhood—blood brothers.
Tatsuo, observing the growing discomfort among the assembled individuals, recognized the need to restore order. He leaned towards his father and whispered, "Father, perhaps we should moderate our conversation. The people seem a bit uneasy."
Emperor Hiro, realizing the growing unease in the hall, chuckled, a warm, booming sound that dispelled some of the tension. "Ah, yes," he said, his voice regaining its regal tone. "Forgive our… enthusiasm. We are merely celebrating a hard-won victory."
He gestured for Tatsuo to step forward, positioning him between himself and Grand Duke Shouwie Shun. "Tatsuo," he began, his voice filled with pride, "your leadership in these battles has been exemplary. You have demonstrated not only courage and skill, but also wisdom and strategic acumen. Your decision to seek assistance, rather than recklessly throwing your forces into a hopeless battle, shows a maturity beyond your years. It is a sign of true leadership to recognize the value of your soldiers, to see them not as mere pawns, but as comrades deserving of your protection."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officers. "Therefore, in recognition of your achievements, I, Emperor Hiro Ryujin, hereby promote Prince Tatsuo Ryujin to the rank of Vanguard General. You will command an independent army, a division consisting of 9,000 to 15,000 men, a number that will grow as you prove your merits. You will also be granted dominion over the lands you have conquered, with the freedom to govern and develop them as you see fit. Furthermore, I will bestow upon you a squad of ten Wyvern Knights, and upon your twenty-first birthday, you will receive your own personal Wyvern, earning the title of Dragon Lord."
Tatsuo began to express his gratitude, but Hiro raised a hand, silencing him. "Not yet, Tatsuo," he said with a wink. "There is more."
As Hiro resumed his seat, Grand Duke Shouwie Shun rose to his feet. "Tatsuo," he said, his voice resonant, "I, too, wish to recognize your accomplishments. I grant you the town of Emberfall and place the Lion Cavalry Battalion of 500 men under your command. As a personal gift, I present you with a Tall Lion beast, the same magnificent mount used by the cavalry."
He paused, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You have done a good job, Tatsuo."
Emperor Hiro then spoke again, his voice filled with warmth. "Tatsuo, your mentor, High Marshal Cheng Hui, has requested to step down from his current position. He wishes to remain here, in your service, as your Lord's Adviser. This decision was made during our journey here, and I have granted his request."
Tatsuo, overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and recognition, bowed deeply to both the Emperor and the Grand Duke. "Father, Grand Duke Shouwie," he said, his voice filled with emotion, "I am deeply grateful for your generosity and trust. I will strive to be worthy of the honors you have bestowed upon me."