"Everyone, for holding out until now, on behalf of Anaheim, Duke Caspar, and all those who have upheld this nation's honor for so long, I offer you my heartfelt thanks!"
After receiving Aaron's permission, the Bane Godspawn gestured for the soldiers around him to lower their weapons. "Unfortunately, we have failed. I swear on my life that everything I did was for a grander vision and a more glorious future. I have always acted in accordance with the lofty ideals of humanity and Cormyr. I will tolerate no slander on that point! We did not betray the name of justice. Our luck and strength simply fell short, and things did not go as we wished. That is all!"
"Now, I beg you to lay down your weapons. I beg you to accept the reality that we have failed. His Highness Caspar has failed."
"My lord!"
The soldiers cried out in grief, helpless and unwilling, yet one after another, they lowered their weapons. Some covered their faces and wept, some remained silent, and some seethed with anger, but not a single one disobeyed the order.
"You still won't admit defeat?"
The two reached the open ground at Lady Yew's Club, and Aaron addressed Mannacorn. "You still think you were right?"
"That is why I requested a duel of champions." The Bane Godspawn nodded. "I lost, but I only lost to you. Heh, much of my effort went to waste, but that alone is enough to comfort me."
With those words, the two took their positions, and the others scattered. Alusair ordered the Queen's Blade to accept the surrender of the remnants of the duke's faction. Several times, the princess wanted to speak up and stop Aaron from accepting this duel of champions, but ultimately, she said nothing.
Her gaze drifted toward