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The Winner of the South, Pucachi.

The king of Pucachi arrogantly crumpled the message from Lucius the First and screamed, “The only southern region this idiot will be able to take is the Gora river!”

But to everyone’s shock, Pucachi fell against the Acreian men without much of a fight. It was such an easy battle that Sir Bentier kept stopping his men, thinking it was some sort of a trap.

Pucachi was conquered quickly, but Lucius the First was not happy. He was confused, “What the heck? Why was Pucachi called ‘The Winner of the South?’ It was all a lie!”

The southern region had plenty of time to get ready for the Acreians since it took Lucius the First a very long time to take over the three-kingdom confederation. In fact, Pucachi had time to prepare for war since Lucius the First won over Aehas and Kukda, but it seemed that this southern kingdom was too arrogant to get its military ready. In the end, Pucachi was gone without much of a fight.

When the surrounding southern nations heard of Pucachi’s fall, they immediately sent the signed documents of surrender to Lucius the First. Some even sent their offerings and women, in hopes that they would be treated with mercy.

Lucius the First was planning to take a break after conquering Pucachi, but he was kept busy with all the messengers and delegates from the other kingdoms. He had to greet them and negotiate the terms of surrender with them.

Battles were fought by the soldiers and knights. Afterward, it was the officials’ and administrators’ turn to get busy. Lucius the First gave his knights a well-deserved vacation. Even the soldiers were allowed to take time off in shifts and enjoy the capital of Pucachi.

Of course, everyone still remained vigilant. There were still many kingdoms who haven’t officially surrendered yet, although there were plenty of rumors that said that they were coming.

Poliana was rewarded with a vacation as well, but she never left the emperor’s side. When Sir Ainno heard about this situation, he came and insisted he would act as the emperor’s guard temporarily.

The two knights argued fiercely. Poliana claimed that as the head of the protection division, it was her duty to stay by the emperor’s side. Sir Ainno insisted that Poliana was on vacation so she should go out and enjoy herself while he could be by the emperor’s side. Sir Ainno said that this could be his hobby.

Poliana became indignant. “A hobby? Guarding his highness is a hobby for you? How dare you!”

“I have been protecting his highness since we were little boys. It is part of my life and my routine!”

“Then I will get the same hobby as you, Sir Ainno! I will guard the emperor during my vacation as a hobby!”

“How dare you! To treat guarding his highness as a hobby!”

Sir Ainno was as stubborn as a bull and Poliana knew she couldn’t win this argument on her own. Sir Ainno had a higher rank and he had known Lucius the First much longer too.

“…”

But there was one thing that was on Poliana’s side, and it was the fact that Sir Ainno was a jerk! She was certain that the emperor wouldn’t want to have a mean nagger by his side during such a busy time!

Poliana looked at the emperor beggingly. After a pause, Lucius the First announced, “Inno, Pol… Both of you, out!”

“Your highness!”

“Your highness!”

The two knights acted like unruly children, and the emperor had no intent to act like their mother. He already was suffering from a headache from all the paperwork. He didn’t want to get involved in his knights’ squabble. Each of the knights was quiet when alone, but when both of them were in the same room, they became noisy and whiny. Lucius the First knew that if he let one of them stay, the other one would make a huge and loud fuss.

Poliana moved to leave, as per her emperor’s order, but Sir Ainno didn’t move.

Poliana has been serving Lucius the First for many years now, but it couldn’t compare to the amount of time Sir Ainno spent with the emperor. Sir Ainno knew Lucius the First best. He was better than even the emperor’s personal servants.

Sir Ainno said to the emperor, “Your highness! If we all leave you alone, who will kill those disgusting reptiles? Please let me stay so I can protect you!”

This was a very smart move. Those reptiles were one of Lucius the First’s very few weaknesses. Sir Ainno continued, “Your highness, I will be here to guard you. I, the best archer in Acreia, will make sure none of those hateful reptiles get to you!”

Sir Ainno raised his bow to prove his point. Poliana was impressed, thinking, ‘Oh, what a smart idea!’

Poliana looked at Sir Ainno with both jealousy and respect. Realizing he needed someone to kill the reptiles, Lucius the First raised his hand and announced, “Inno! My friend!”

“You are making the right decision, my wise emperor!”

The two men hugged, but they quickly stepped back from each other. It was way too hot and humid for a prolonged hug. Poliana, admitting her defeat, left the room quietly.

It has been a long time since Lucius the First and Sir Ainno were alone together. Since Sir Ainno left the protection division to lead the special forces, he didn’t have the time or the opportunity to talk to the emperor privately. The emperor also now had new close knights around him. New people that he could talk to and drink with…

It wasn’t something Sir Ainno should be disappointed about. To him, Lucius the First was the one and only emperor, but to Lucius the First, Sir Ainno was one of his many close knights.

Sir Ainno locked the door to make sure no one tried to eavesdrop on them. When he was certain they were safe, Sir Ainno went to a nearby chair and laid himself down. It was one of the many special privileges he received from the emperor.

To be allowed to lay down in front of the emperor.

People didn’t realize Sir Ainno utilized his privilege because they have never seen him do so but he did, only when he was alone with the emperor.

To Lucius the First’s disappointment, Sir Ainno didn’t even try to kill any of the reptiles that were roaming around the room.

“Inno, get up.”

Sir Ainno made an odd groan, “Arrhhhhh….”

“Inno, you said you would protect me.”

“Yeah, I can do it while laying down like this too.”

Only

“Come on, Inno. Get up and kill those things.”

Having the enemies’ surrenders wasn’t the end. The southern kingdoms offered their surrenders with a condition that they remain independent and keep their names. They were willing to become colonies, but they didn’t want to be incorporated into Acreia. This was their requirement for a peaceful and bloodless surrender.

The scribes were dying from so much paperwork. Lucius the First also had no time to rest. He wasn’t just a conqueror; he wanted to also become a capable and involved ruler.

Watching his friend taking it easy and resting made Lucius the First annoyed. He took a sip of his lukewarm water and said again, “Inno!”

Sir Inno remained on the chair lazily and suddenly, Lucius the First missed his friend at the beginning of this conquest. 10 years ago, Sir Ainno wasn’t like this at all. He always remained sharp and never even closed his eyes when around Lucius the First. He was alert at all times.

‘If he was going to be like this, why did he insist on staying in the room with me?’

If Poliana was here, she would have been diligent in killing the reptiles and exchanging funny jokes with him. The reptiles continued to roam around the room, and one of them walked across Sir Ainno’s leg. Lucius the First felt his body becoming covered in goosebumps.

‘My headache is getting worse. Stupid Inno…’