Eirikr was a bone in Vale’s neck, and now that he’s finally gone, he could breathe a sigh of relief. "Eirikr is now dead, he has no heir..."

Vale paused there to see if anyone would say anything, but all was quiet except for the heavy breathing of the prisoners. Technically, Eirikr had lots of heirs, but Vale had already killed them all, the same for the Chiefs as well. The only reason he left the rest, including Eirikr alone, was for symbolism.

"Therefore I will be taking over this territory. I claim it for myself." Vale shifted on his seat. His red eyes were burning like red coal as he looked at them. His ambition was all there for them to see as he hid nothing.

"Now, Adara of Clan Astrum. What do you want from me for this help you provided for me?"

Adara quickly fell to his knees with a thud, bowing his head as he shouted. "My Lord! I dare not request anything from you!"

Vale raised his brows, then he said dryly. This Adara was a smart man. Before the war, he was the only one who wrote to Eirikr that they should not fight the Athrimir, although to him it was simply on economic reasons, but still.

"I that case, it is left to me to reward you as I deem fit. As of today, Adara, your clan has been promoted to one that can now hold the title of Chief. I will give you the land and territory of any of these chiefs. Pick."

Adara shivered from head to toe. His face flushed with a pleased expression. "Thank you, my Lord! Thank you!"

Then he whirled and moved toward the prisoners and beheaded another one without hesitation. He just cut off the head of a previous Chief.

"My Lord, I want this one!"

Vale nodded again. "It appears that my new chief is quite bloodthirsty. So be it, Adara of Clan Astrum, you are now my new and only Chief in Akatsuki."

The man fell to his knees again. "I will serve you well, Lord Athrimir."

Vale’s smile was like a thin blade. "Of course. You will. Tiber, get these prisoners out of my sight and get things done, except that one of course."

He pointed at one man that was covered in black shell. He also had four eyes, each now looking at Vale with hope and solemnity, as the other prisoners were dragged away crying and begging.

The reaction in the room varied. Some looked at him with more respect and some tried to hide their fears. Of the Akatsuki, they masked their hate with tight smiles. Although a lot of people have heard of the ruthlessness of the Hinterlands, few have seen it. Right from the time that Vale took over after the battle, he had been killing people.

Mostly they were supporters of the previous Clan leader, but some of their families had to go as well. It was something that should be done because of one single reason: loose ends. Why should he let people that deeply hate him and won’t be loyal to him serve him? Worse, they had no use; they were easily replaced. It might sound cruel or just like a reason to do violence, but Vale knew better.

If his father and brother had killed him instead of sending him to the borderland, then he wouldn’t have become the problem that ended them. Vale had no illusion about what would be done to him if he was ever caught by those that could, like Eirikr almost did.

The world might be messed up, but there’s still a rule that’s followed. It’s simply the rule of the strong. Even if Vale wanted to change the world, he had to own it first, or else it would be like pouring water into the ocean.

Others will look down on you for your kindness, and they will take advantage of it.

Either way, what Vale did today wasn’t only for those in the room. It was a warning and an advice. "See, I’ll reward you if I have to, but I’ll also punish you if you stand in my way."

"You are Georg," Vale said to the silent room. "You are from Matsumoto."

Georg bowed his head. "That I am, my Lord. I follow...ed Company Captain Vaelros."

"Is that so? I met her once, a very nasty woman. But Georg, do you know why I’m currently keeping you alive?"

"I won’t dare try to guess at your benevolence, My Lord!"

Vale snorted. "Go on, guess. That’s an order."

Georg paused. "You want to take ove... you want to return to your rightful city, Matsumoto, My Lord?"

"My rightful city?" Vale’s eyes sharpened.

"Yes, yes! After all, the city is now your spoil of war! Matsumoto attacked you and you won, it’s only natural that you claim it as your spoil of war!"

Vale laughed at that. "It seems I was right in keeping you alive, Georg. But before we head to Matsumoto, this is my command to everyone!"

The room jolted awake. This was the first time that Vale Athrimir would be giving a direct and public order since he won. Although this was something that he already agreed on with his smaller groups.

"I command all Master Knights, all Errant Knights, and all Knights. I call on all who swear fealty to me! I say to those who are looking for redemption and favors from me: I say, take up arms in my name and clean my land of the dirt brought on by Eirikr! Hear my order!"

The room shuddered as his voice vibrated.

Slya kneeled first, her eyes burning like black fire. Quickly others followed until every head was bowed and mouths opened to shout that they heard Lord Athrimir’s order.

"Master Knight Takoda, I give you high command in this matter."

"I will not fail you, my Lord."

"I expect nothing less from you, Master Knight Takoda."

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Sorry the Chapter is a bit small, I have a test by 8am and I’ve really read much. Wish me luck!!!