I said to the messenger


    "We will spare the lives of the castle''s soldiers and consider reappointing others to the post through the suicide of the families and vassals who have made a name for themselves. It is only an idea, and you are free to accept it or not. You may continue to kill each other."


    The messenger knew what he was doing, but when he saw the list of names my vassal had presented to him, his face clouded over.


    "In this case, the Kartis family will be cut off.


    "That''s how war works. You know that. I would have saved your lives if some of you had been a little more uncooperative in the rebellion. That''s Ailes. They worked as one to defeat me."


    "Well then, let me bring it back to you: ......"


    The messenger seemed to have lost weight in this short time.


    I guess a guy like that would hang on to every last hope. Unfortunately, it doesn''t work that way.


    The next day, Ailes'' side sent a messenger to agree to the conditions. At this point, Minelia was effectively doomed.


    The main families and main fighters slowly descended.


    Hanging stands are laid out, and those involved hang themselves from them.


    Before the execution, I had a chance to talk with Ailes.


    "You said my daughter should have been executed anyway, didn''t you?"


    "That is correct."


    Ailes laughed and said, "That''s my tomboy.


    "I''m going to die here, but fortunately I left a lot of children. I have many descendants, even some of the regent''s children. The family will prosper in its own way."


    "You were a great general, but you lost your way at the end."


    I regret that I was born in the same time as you. If it weren''t for you, I would have destroyed House Nayvre as quickly as possible."


    Then it was time.


    Ailes also lost his life on the gallows.


    Serafina watched from afar as her family perished. I told her she didn''t have to come out, but she said she didn''t want to look away.


    Raviara looked even sadder than Seraphina.


    "I am sure that Serafina is about to bear the destruction of her family," said Raviara. I think she thinks it is her destiny. She really is a stout-hearted person.


    "Raviara, if he''s having a hard time, help him out. He might try not to show his face more than necessary in front of me.


    "Yes. Yes, because the person who is important to Mr. Arsrod is also important to Laviala.


    After a three-day stay to vacate the castle and to see where the surviving generals were to serve, I returned to the castle of Maust.


    After a break from suppressing the rebellion, I spent time with my children for the first time in a long time.


    "Your grandfather was killed, wasn''t he?"


    The eldest, still a child but well educated and intelligent, was sad. He was the son of Serafina, so Ailes was his grandfather.


    This is a turbulent time. I don''t think this should go on forever. I''m going to make sure that by the time ...... you have your investiture, I''m going to level the whole country and this won''t happen again."


    "Yes, Father."


    I could see that he was still frightened as he nodded his head.


    I grabbed her by the hair and crumpled it.


    "Don''t worry. I would never do anything terrible to my child. I won''t let you kill your brother or sister. As long as I live, I promise you that."


    Serafina and I have both carried our karma for a long time, so let''s at least carry it until we can free ourselves from it all.


    I''m not going to let you go.


    There were some small rebellions in other areas near the capital, but they died down on their own as word spread that I was gaining the upper hand. The lords who had been unsure of which side to take rode in on the winning horse and attacked.


    On the way back to the capital, I stopped by the Nistonians and thanked them for fighting by my side all the way.


    "Thanks to the Nistonians for keeping the surrounding area in check, the chaos did not spread. As regent of the kingdom, I thank you very much."


    Soltis Nistonia seemed to be embarrassed that I seemed to be keeping my posture low. For a man of considerable ability, he is generally a small man.


    However, I can say that I am fortunate to have survived this long. Half-hearted courage can be ruinous.


    "No, no, the Regent is now the husband of my daughter Yucca. It is only natural that I should fight for him. Besides, there have been few major uprisings in the surrounding lands.


    "That is because the Nistonians are definitely my ruling party and others consider them as such. A man who can prevent a conflict before it starts can do more than a general who has fought in many battles.


    "I''m glad to hear you say that, sir."


    Soltis sighed.


    "Now that the great rebellion is over, I might as well let my son take over the reigns. My son might get annoyed if I hold the reigns for too long.


    "Yes, that''s right. But there will be another major conflict sooner or later, so it might be okay after that.


    Soltis''s eyes went black and white. In his view, this area has already settled down. There is nothing wrong with that.


    "The west must be pacified. The former king is trying to disturb the world again, and we must defeat him.


    One more task to unify the kingdom.


    I entered the capital with my army, which had joined me on the way via the Nistonians, in a dignified manner.


    We will appeal to the citizens of King''s Landing for the suppression of the rebellion.


    Incidentally, according to Bugaku and the other secret agents, the reaction of the citizens was mixed.


    Some say that the regent is the strongest, while others say that it is terrible that he kills his relatives without mercy, even though that is the way of the world. Both are just stating the facts, so it can''t be helped.


    Fortunately, I have no blood relation with those who have the former king in the west, so I can relax about that.


    --It''s like we''re finally here.


    Oda Nobunaga sighed.


    --I was killed by Akechi Mitsuhide just as we were about to invade the west. You should be careful with that woman Kerala.


    Well, I''m sure she''ll be all right.


    But it might be a good idea to give her a pat on the back.