Chapter 122: The Past Like The Wind
The final battle within Rock Snow City did not last long.
Despite the guards of the Figrola family displaying tremendous valor, they fought for their family until the very last moment.
However, their numbers were too few, even insufficient to hold all the walls. As the enemy continued to increase atop the ramparts, they were forced to retreat into the main tower, using its spiral staircase to continue resisting the Resistance Army.
Jude, finding the soldiers in front too slow, personally carried the Holy Sword forward, carving a path through the crowd and then starting up the chainsaw in his hand.
The cold gleaming teeth of the chainsaw roared to life with a tremendous noise.
With a casual swing, Jude easily cut through all the War Spears in front of him, took a large stride into the crowd, gripped the Holy Sword with both hands, and delivered a mighty spin.
Where he passed, blood splattered and limbs and debris flew everywhere.
Jude was drenched in blood, resembling a demonic god.
Witnessing this terrifying scene, both friends and foes halted their actions.
Jude looked around and, hoisting the chainsaw back onto his shoulder, spoke, "Does anyone wish to continue? The lord of this castle has already surrendered. Who are you fighting for, the Wing Tribe?"
The guards on the stone steps looked around confused, unsure who took the lead, but eventually put down their long swords, followed by more and more dropping their weapons.
......
When the Lady entered the castle, it had already been hastily cleaned up.
The corpses and severed limbs had been removed, leaving only the bloodstains on the ground to tell the tale of the fierce battle just fought.
Miss Rabbit briefly inquired about the casualties, then continued into the castle, stopping suddenly in the small courtyard in front of the main building as she caught sight of a laurel tree not far away.
The accompanying nobles didn't know what had happened, but seeing the Lady halt, they all stopped and craned their necks to look ahead.
But there was nothing there except the laurel tree and an empty bench.
The young woman seemed to think of something, a faint smile appearing on her lips, though it quickly faded as she turned her gaze back toward the imposing ancient castle.
Just then, Ying Song emerged from inside, took off his helmet, cradled it in his arms, and approached the Lady, kneeling on one knee before her and said solemnly.
"This city is yours now."
"It's the result of everyone's brave struggle; you all have worked hard," Miss Rabbit said.
"I'll take you inside. It's a bit messy, but I've already asked someone to tidy it up," Ying Song said as he rose to his feet.
The young woman nodded and, as they walked, she asked, "What about the Figrola family guards?"
"They are temporarily locked in the dungeon below the castle."
"And the people who lived there before, have you mistreated them?"
"No, I've just gathered them all in the banquet hall. They weren't much harmed, just seemed quite shocked. Would you like to meet them?"
Miss Rabbit hesitated, then shook her head, "I won't go. Tell them I won't hurt them. Once the situation stabilizes, I'll arrange for them to be sent out of the western territory."
Pausing briefly, the Lady added, "They can take their personal belongings, and when the time comes, release those guards as well, otherwise there will be no one to protect them on the road."
"What if they decide to seek refuge with the Wing Tribe?"
"Let them go as well," the young lady said, "but remember to tell them that if I catch them again, they won't be so lucky."
"Understood," Ying Song bowed and then withdrew.
At that moment, Ivan approached, "Sir Ireya, the nobles in the city wish to see you; they have already been waiting outside the castle."
"Hmm, let them come in."
A moment later, led by Golden Finger Romero, a group of nobles entered the castle.
Their expressions varied, some tense, some uneasy, and some eyes held a hint of hidden jealousy as they looked at the Lady.
Two or three years ago, no one would have imagined that Rock Snow City would end up in the hands of the young girl before them.
Back then, the Arias family was just an obscure little family, and Ireya was still being doubted as a qualified Lord.
Yet now, with the Empire in chaos, many once-mighty families no longer boasted their former glory, some even having vanished entirely.
But under Ireya's leadership, the Arias family had replaced the Figrola family, becoming the new rulers of this land.
How could one not feel envious?
And now, most of the people inside the room had started from a higher point than Ireya, holding more wealth, power, and prestige, yet not one had even come close to that position.
However, thinking of the feats the young girl had accomplished, they all fell into silence.
Whether it was slaying dragons, winning against overwhelming odds, defeating the Dwarf Army in the Dragon Ridge Mountain Range, rescuing trapped troops, or claiming victory at the Champion's Tournament, these were feats none present could claim to have achieved.
Not to mention standing brave and unyielding against the threats from the Wing Tribe and even inflicting the first defeat on the Wing Tribe and their allies on the Bratis Continent.
That victory was nothing short of a Miracle.
It was Romero who first snapped back to reality, a fleeting look of envy in his eyes replaced by profound admiration, "Lady Ireya, congratulations on taking Rock Snow City."
"I've heard that phrase many times today already, but thank you all the same. I heard that your families' guards did not participate in the previous battle."
Romero nodded, "You were willing to stand up and lead the noble families of the West in resistance against the Wing Tribe, we all think you are more suited to be the owner of this city than Lord Clovis."
The young girl raised her eyebrows, "You all want to join the Resistance Army?"
A noble named Carlson spoke up, "Indeed, I have opposed allying with the Wing Tribe from the start, but Lord Clovis had already made up his mind at that point. Furthermore, Lannita's White Dragon killed Lord Brian, which terrified everyone, so no one dared to oppose him openly."
Another noble added, "After you defeated Tristan and proved that those Wing Tribe people and their allies are not unbeatable, we had already been discussing privately how to take control of Rock Snow City."
"Hmm?"
"We didn't intend to betray Lord Clovis; we just hoped to help him back onto the right path. However, we hadn't made our move when your army arrived," another person said.
"Since this is the case, we might as well all come to serve you now. Many among us hold important positions in Rock Snow City; we can help you take over this city more smoothly."