"I surrender!"
Just as Liszt had expected, when he passed through the encirclement of knights and stood before Count Egret, this Earth-element Sword Saint decisively threw down the longsword in his hand.
"A man who recognizes the times is a true hero. I'm beginning to appreciate you. Now, if you would, spend a few days in prison first. We'll both take some time to think things over carefully and cautiously, then we can properly discuss your ransom." Liszt spoke with refined courtesy. Since the other man had not resisted, he naturally would not lose his own composure.
And so.
As night fell, a battle whose outcome had long been decided quietly came to an end, and the castle prison was packed to bursting.
Seated in the main seat of the castle hall, Liszt gave a calm order. "Commander Marcus, send someone to notify Sir Messiro and have him arrange for the knight regiment to come take over White Heron Castle. This castle controls the confluence of the Three Dragon River and the Roaring River. It must be treated with caution to ensure the Golden Waterway remains unimpeded."
"Yes, my lord!" Marcus accepted the order excitedly.
He had been fortunate enough to learn of Liszt's plans, so he had spent the past few days in a state of high excitement. The merit gained from seizing the iron mines was destined to benefit a great many knights, and he was almost certain to be elevated into the nobility as a Baronet Knight. Perhaps, because the merits were so abundant, he might even rise smoothly to baron within a few years.
Liszt was no stingy lord. He had always rewarded his subordinates' military accomplishments generously.
Marcus knew this all too well!
Liszt, seated at the head of the hall, took a sip of