As usual, Andre patrolled the streets. His subordinates followed with their heads held high and chests puffed out, looking around with smug satisfaction. Andre remained composed, his lean, rugged face showing not a trace of joy, as though nothing had happened.
The pedestrians along the way looked at Andre with more fear than before. The streets of Menderson Fort were much quieter and more desolate than usual, and many shops had their doors shut tight.
Over the past few days, word of what had happened that day had long since spread.
Andre's turncoat strike had ended the battle. Some cursed him as a wolf-hearted, dog-lunged traitor who had betrayed his master and forsaken all loyalty, but more people were grateful to him. So far, the large-scale massacre everyone feared most had not occurred.
No one mourned Sir Emmer's death. His stupidity had nearly dragged the entire city into the grave with him.
The gates of every local noble's estate were tightly shut. The man and woman with their fearsome reputations had taken over Menderson Fort. No one objected; even the city guards had surrendered at the first opportunity. Pledging allegiance to the strong was no disgrace. Besides, the violent deaths of both commanders on the spot had left the city guards like dragons without a head, robbing them of the will to resist.
The battle had been brief, but Chen Mu and Zara's terrifying performance had branded itself deep into their minds. They could not muster even the slightest thought of resistance.
Just like that, Chen Mu and Zara had become the city's rulers in the blink of an eye.
For those living in Menderson Fort, it did not really matter who ruled them. But their new rulers' savage reputations preceded them, leaving everyone under their authority trembling with fear,