The echo of “Those who surrender will be spared” lingered in the airspace above the castle, casting a shadow over the panic-stricken rebels who now seemed utterly devoid of any fighting spirit.
A symphony of clattering ensued as an increasing number of soldiers dropped their weapons. Even the most tenacious were swiftly subdued, rendering the once defiant castle defenses feeble.
The capture of the four sovereigns, along with the remaining rebels scattering for their lives, left the besieged forces with limited options. Either surrender or face imminent demise.
In the face of an unidentified adversary, they were unwilling to lay down their lives in a futile struggle.
“I will honor the promise I just made. Anyone who willingly surrenders will be pardoned,” Eloise assured. Her tone was now gentler, devoid of the earlier imposing aura.
The surrendered soldiers were both relieved and embarrassed.
“Thank you, Your Highness, for your mercy!”
Many military officers humbly kneeled on the ground to express their heartfelt gratitude.
“Thank you, Your Highness, for your mercy!”
Officers and soldiers alike kneeled in submission, transforming the once tumultuous battlefield into a sea of capitulation. They were sincerely grateful for Eloise’s kindness.
She turned her attention to Draven and Mortimer, who were still suspended at the castle gate, looking thoroughly disheveled. “How about you two?”
“We… we surrender!”
Draven and Mortimer exchanged glances, choosing to yield. With the arrival of reinforcements for the castle, it became evident that their external forces had suffered a resounding defeat.
The vanguard attacking the castle now kneeled in submission, turning Draven and Mortimer into hostages.
At least, putting on the façade of surrender seemed to be their only recourse in this situation.
However, deep down, a sliver of hope remained. If Grand General Rhys could lead the Black Dragon Army to their aid, there might still be a chance to turn the tide.
The Black Dragon Army was formidable against the forces of the Eight Sovereigns. However, they were confined to various major fortresses without military insignia, making large -scale troop movements impossible.
Moreover, it necessitated Julius’s direct intervention. This was the primary reason for his delayed return. Of course, the most critical aspect was the unforeseen flaws in what seemed like an infallible plan.
Firstly, the military forces of the Southern Four Sovereigns arrived too swiftly. The hundred thousand defending troops outside the city mysteriously surrendered after an unexplained defeat.
Additionally, the existence of an unknown top-tier warrior within the castle caught them off guard, leading to the capture of the Four Sovereigns and the flight of the rebels.
This resulted in the surrender of tens of thousands of troops.