Leon looked at the complicated faces of the Blades who were still weeping their hearts out.
His eyes also reddened as he could understand the men that had been with him in times where he had to make a name for himself.
He understood their frustration and their relief. He understood their joy and lamentation at the same time.
He knew that these people needed to process their pent up feelings and let them start the process of healing their pain.
He owed these guys too much. He also felt guilty for hiding this truth from them for too long.
However, the reason he couldn't give them the truth they deserve was because he had always felt like his abilities were more of a curse that would expose his men to greater danger. There's a part of him that always carried the thought that his abilities were actually a curse not a blessing.
The more Leon looked at the Blade's weeping, the more remorse he felt in his heart. He started to realize that his thinking was wrong from the start.
He could let the enemies think that he was trash for as long as he wanted. But to the men who wholeheartedly believed in him, it was a great insult not to give them the equal amount of trust in return.
With a quivering yet still dignified voice he told the Blades, "I owe you men this truth. I, Leon the Third Prince of the Seirende Empire, asks for your forgiveness. I have hidden this truth from you for too long, for I thought it was the right thing to do. I didn't realize that it was something that would bring you pain. I sincerely apologize for not thinking things through."
"However, I do not plan to tell the world yet of this matter, for we have a much bigger enemy to face. These abilities are not yet enough to take them on, so I could only ask you to protect this secret with me."
"I don't mind people's ridicule. I don't need them to validate my identity."
"What I wanted to uphold and take care of right now is the people who believed in me. My men who believed in me."
"The people whom I can entrust my life with."
Leon looked at them, clenched his fist and brought it over his chests. He gave a sincere salute towards the men he cherished and deeply considered as brothers.
"Master!!"
"Leader! You don't need to do this…"
The Blades were startled by Leon's gesture. However, they couldn't stop him from doing so and they could only helplessly face his salute with dignity. This is their Leader!
After the tearful event, Leon had the troupe leaders of the two branches of Blades disseminate this information to the entire network.
As they were still on the different parts of the Empire, they could only send the message through a series of notification papers, relaying Leon's words.
That night, the entire network of blades celebrated and cried in relief at the same time.
The time for Leon to assemble the Blades came. They had to leave the tasks of keeping an eye on the captives and protecting the base to the Roaming blades and Neil's team.
When they all departed, the sun was already about to shine.
Leon's entire crew decided to meet in the third town away from the Capital towards the south. Through a teleportation array, he went with the Crimson Blades that are with him to regroup with rest.
Together, they will march towards the Capital with their heads held high and their hearts full of pride.
General Eugine and his crew also decided to march together with them. He had been well informed of Leon's advanced operations and his appearance with him will definitely help him in masking the tracks of the enemies who might try to investigate the matter.
From the third town of the south, the men still had to teleport to the nearest village for the capital before proceeding to march forward for roughly three hours.
The men started to march towards the capital without delaying further. The heart-raising galloping of the army horses and the earthy scent of the dust carried away by the wind made the appearance of their group heroic and gallant under the kiss of the golden morning light.
When they reached the gigantic and imposing gates of the Capital, the sun was already shining brightly. There were separate gates for the ordinary citizens and for the soldiers. The one Leon and the rest would take would be this conspicuous gate in front of them.
"Greetings, His Highness, Third Prince! Greetings, Great General Farauld!"
"We thank the heavens for your safe return!"
The soldiers stationed in the city gates all shouted in unison. They saluted at the men with fervent expressions, it was clear that they have gratitude and respect towards the men in front of them.
The civilians also bowed in reverence because of the presence of someone from the Imperial family. They looked like they were sincere in showing respect to Leon however, they masked their fear towards him and directed their respect to the legendary general in their hearts.
They even assumed that the soldiers were also showing their respect to General Farauld in their hearts and taking advantage of that to put on a show for Leon.
However, to these knights who weren't affiliated with any of the first and second prince's factions, they looked up to Leon like he was their idol. To them, Leon was a symbol of the truest honor of a warrior, constantly striving for victory against life's obstacles.
They marveled in his tenacity to survive in the battlefield even though he possessed the weakest assessment amongst all the well known people of his age.
Unfortunately, it was an unspoken rule amongst the knights to be subjected to ridicule once you showed signs of looking up to the Third Prince. It had been a cause of bullying within the circle of the low ranked and junior knights.
That was why this moment was a rare opportunity for them to show their appreciation of the Third Prince who silently brought the Empire countless of victories.
Victories that are even more notable than the victories of the two other princes combined.
"At ease!" Being the one with the highest status present, Leon took the initiative to accept the pleasantries.
"Have we been the first to arrive?" He calmly asked the sentries.
"Permission to reply, Your Highness! The troops under the First and Second Prince have already arrived about two hours ago. Your Highness's party was the last to arrive." The captain of the city guards answered succinctly and respectfully.
"I see, then let's proceed." Leon didn't react much, he was already used to his two elder brothers leaving him out when it comes to things like these.
The captain of the city guard felt sorry for the Third Prince, however, he didn't dare to express it in his face. He just acknowledged Leon's orders and had his men open the gates for them. To obey his orders with respect, that's the biggest help that he can do for him right now.
Meanwhile, the two princes were already at their very own organized welcome parties. Although they were not together, both of them had a satisfied smirk on their faces. The townspeople had welcomed them so grandly that the road was still decorated with celebratory flags and banners.
But they knew that their youngest brother would never experience that kind of reception.
Thinking about the traces of welcome on the road where they have to march home, the two couldn't help but mock Leon.
As the two expected, as soon as the gates opened they were welcomed by such a heartbreaking sight. The troops with Leon and General Farauld couldn't help but lament in pity for the Third Prince.
The feeling was like going to a party that has long ended, because the organizers deliberately told you the wrong time.
There were colorful flags in the air, banners of victory and even the fragrant petals scattered on the ground. The surroundings looked festive and lively, but there's just one thing that was missing - the people.
Leon and General Farauld marched without even bothering the scene in front of them. Even the men behind them didn't show any fluctuation in their expressions and kept a straight face. They held their heads high and kept their posture dignified as they thread the lonely road.
They do not need these people's affirmation. They just wanted to do their duties to keep their loved ones safe. Repeatedly they convinced themselves.
Soon, they were about to pass by the street where the Farauld Magic Institute was located. They looked at each other when they saw a swarm of people waiting for them in anticipation.
As soon as the people saw their party, they shouted with all their might, and sounded the drums, cymbals and trumpet.
They played victorious music to honor the men. There was also a group who launched an air spell in the air, it was akin to fireworks, yet visible in the daylight.
As the troop reached the crowd they heard this chant that shook their frozen hearts.
"Your sweat, blood and tears are all accounted for!"
"We keep them in our hearts."
"Dear soldiers for our Empire, we thank you for your victory!"
"Because of you we are safe!"
