Chapter 336 Surrendered
Chapter 336 Surrendered
Amidst the green leaves and towering trees, three barely acquainted individuals met once again, but this time, their positions of power had been completely reversed.
Though their previous encounter had been fleeting, lasting only a few minutes, it remained vivid in their minds. Ethan—now known as Rebel Emperor—had left an extraordinary impression.
"We surrender, your—" The Elf King began, bowing his head in submission, only for his words to be interrupted by Ilyana's unexpected remark.
"You're Ethan, right?" Ilyana asked, her gaze fixed on Aengus's calm, calculating, yet undeniably handsome face. Despite the transformation, there was still a resemblance to the boy she had once known. His eyes, cheekbones, and fleetingly innocent expression remained unmistakably familiar.
"What are you saying, Ilyana? Mind your manners," the Elf King whispered to his daughter, his voice tense.
Why was his usually intelligent and rational daughter acting like this?
Aengus chuckled lightly. "It seems fate has brought us together once again, Miss Ilyana. Good to see you alive and well after surviving that encounter."
Ilyana nodded but laughed ironically. "Yes, indeed, Mister Ethan. But this time, fate's joke seems to be on me. I'm a little overwhelmed," she said with a mix of amusement and nostalgia as she recalled the past.
"Mr. Ethan—ah, no, Your Imperial Majesty—I hope you remember me as well. I am Kai," the little boy introduced himself, bowing nervously.
"Yes, We remember."
Aengus acknowledged her with a curt nod.
"So, you've become an Emperor? That's unbelievable!" Ilyana said, her chest rising and falling as she struggled with an indescribable mix of emotions.
Was it a sense of defeat, envy, happiness, shock, or relief?
She didn't know. But she hoped for a better outcome for her kingdom through this encounter.
On the side, Kai sent a mental transmission to the Elf King, recounting their encounter in the destroyed Arcadia City. He explained how Ethan had been an ordinary yet extraordinarily skilled boy and revealed the reason behind their concealment and survival—the rare treasure they had used, which the Elf King already knew about.
The Elf King was dumbfounded. The rumors about the Rebel Emperor were true. In just a year, this young man had risen to power, slain the Kairos Emperor, and taken control of the Phoenix Empire.
What had once seemed like a legendary tale to him now felt real and alive. The shock he experienced was indescribable. Yet, there was also a sense of relief, knowing his daughter was well-acquainted with this formidable Emperor.
"Can we talk about our surrender, yout majesty?" Ilyana asked respectfully, her voice hesitant. "We won't demand anything excessive, just assurances that you won't lead us to our doom."
Her gaze flickered between Aengus and Aria, her thoughts wandering. What was their relationship?Aria looked so beautiful and lovely, almost like a Goddess.
"Sure, we can discuss the peaceful surrender of your kingdom, Miss Ilyana. And she is Aria Silvermoon, my Empress. Perhaps you've heard of her?" Aengus said, gesturing for them to follow him into a nearby tent.
Ilyana, Kai, the Elf King, and a few of his subordinates followed Aengus silently.
"Your wife? She's too beautiful," Ilyana praised, glancing at Aria. "Yes, I've heard of the Silvermoon Clan and her famed name, but I never had the chance to meet her in person. Though we've conducted a few deals with your family, Empress. I am honored to meet you now," she added flatteringly, making eye contact with Aria.
"Oh, what's the name of your trade chamber?" Aria asked curiously.
"It's the Elritch Chamber of Commerce," Ilyana replied.
"Ohh, I remember now," Aria said, realization dawning on her face.
After that brief exchange, silence fell as they entered the well-furnished tent.
"State your conditions for surrender, Miss Ilyana. Though, usually, I am not so generous when accepting submissions," Aengus said, seated regally.
"Your Imperial Majesty, thank you for your favor. We don't have many conditions. My father, the current King, would like to remain as a guardian and please ensure us that our people won't have to die needlessly. In return, we pledge the surrender of our armed forces and territory. Please, be kind enough to grant us these two wishes," Ilyana requested respectfully.
Aengus and Aria exchanged glances, silently approving the conditions. It wasn't difficult to agree, as they had made similar arrangements with the King of Skyfall Kingdom.
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"Very well, we accept," Aengus declared.
Ilyana, emboldened by his approval, added, "Thank you for your grace, Your Imperial Highness. And if you would like to take me as one of your concubines in your harem, I wouldn't mind." Her green eyes fluttered charmingly, and her pointy ears twitched slightly in anticipation of his response.
Who wouldn't fall for a man like him?
But would they accept?
Aria's eyes remained calm as she heard the elf woman's bold offer, though her gaze subtly shifted to Aengus, waiting to see how her husband would respond.
If Bella had been present, she likely would have denied the suggestion by shouting instantly.
"It's okay, Miss Ilyana. There's no need for this. I promise, the elves now under my rule will be protected as my subjects," Aengus said calmly.
Aria sighed in relief, her heart lightened, and her eyes softened as she gazed at Aengus with affection.
"Oh oh… okay," Ilyana muttered in disappointment, though she didn't fully understand why she felt that way.
From there, a command was issued from both sides to cease the war immediately, with the elves formally surrendering to the Liberation Empire.
The order came directly from the Elf King, and the proud high elves had no choice but to lower their heads in submission before the overwhelming forces of the Liberation Empire.
And now, they were part of this same empire.
It wounded their pride and self-esteem, but they had no other choice.
After the formal surrender, Aengus was ready to depart and conquer the remaining kingdoms of the Demi-Human Empire.
The army of millions, now joined by a few millions elf warriors and archers, stood in a disciplined formation, awaiting teleportation through their Emperor's supreme skill.
"May we meet you again, Your Imperial Majesty?" Ilyana asked, watching him prepare to leave.
"You may. You elves are welcome anytime," Aengus replied perfunctorily.
With that, the army vanished in an instant as a brilliant light enveloped them.
The remaining elves—elderly, injured, and others unable to join the war effort—stood frozen in awe at the incredible display of power from their new Emperor.
Ilyana stood amazed, contemplating the events beside her father, her thoughts a mix of wonder and uncertainty.