Dividing the Spoils in Private

Raiden seemed to notice Liszt's hesitation. He stepped closer and reminded him in a low voice, "Commander, the Grand Duke's orders are not to accept prisoners."

As long as the Grand Duke's dragon was not dead, he remained the sole authority of the Sapphire Grand Duchy.

Of course Liszt would not suddenly grow a "conscience" and release these people. From the moment they chose to resist, it had become a fight to the death—traitors were unforgivable. They could only blame themselves for following the wrong lord and failing to turn back before it was too late.

His gaze swept across the group kneeling on one knee.

He slowly said, "Captain Raiden, give each of them the chance to write a final letter. Hand over the Elf Bugs, then let them end their own lives. Coppel, Nash, take over the castle and eliminate any threats. We will rest in the castle for one day. Marcus, lead the knight squad and follow me outside for a patrol."

He did not ask again how those surrendered knights would end their own lives.

Liszt headed straight for the barley field on the other side of the castle. According to the rat's information, an Elf Bug was being nurtured in the barley field—he intended to secretly contract this Elf Bug as his own private spoil. No one else knew about it, so there would be no problem swallowing it for himself.

The barley field was easy to find. After scanning the area with Magic Eye, he quickly spotted the protected barley Bug Grass.

Amid the enormous barley ears, magical light brimmed with vitality. This barley bug had not yet been born, but it should be soon—perhaps within the next day or two.

Finding the Elf Bug yet being unable to take it away immediately left