Tristan had only gone for five days, but he couldn’t help but feel that the faces his elites showed to him were much different compared to before. In fact, his feelings were right and all of these changes were because of what he had done.

Previously, he was just an unknown elf who came basically out of nowhere. But now, he was different. Today, he just proved himself, his capability, by solving the supposedly Arcadian Kingdom’s biggest threat, the dark elves. 

Not only was he able to solve it, he also managed to forge an alliance pact with the other side.

This proof was further solidified by the figure standing next to him. The renowned princess of the dark elves, Illiana, who was also the commander in battle of the dark elves’ army. The sight of her accompanying him was the key confirmation for those who didn’t believe in his achievement.

The senior mages and the Kingsblade commander in front of him had fought with Illiana and tasted her capability in the past. Their faces couldn’t help but grimace when they remembered those times.

“Alright before we start, does anyone here like to say something first?!” said Tristan with a nonchalant attitude, but the tone he used only him that knew better what it signified.

Tristan’s eyes wandered around before they stopped at the Night Owl, Vain. When the illustrous man noticed his king’s attention on him, the Kingsblade commander quickly stepped forward and went on his knees.

“My Lord, I am willing to accept punishment.” said Vain while lowering his head.

The man probably never thought that this day would be able to come, a day where an alliance existed between Arcadian and the dark elves. In fact, his mind was still comprehending the reality presented to him.

Tristan ignored the man’s words as he stood up and looked at the others. “Commander Vain has been a spy for the dark elves for years.” His gaze became sharp as he said, “Now tell me, how should we deal with him?”

All the elites of the Arcadian Kingdom showed a complete look of shock, as they never expected this revelation. Vain was and had always been known to be one of the kingdom’s heroes. Hence they would definitely not believe Tristan’s words if no evidence was shown before their eyes. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case here.

“Tell me why you do it Vain?”

Vain lowered his head even further when he heard that. “I was desperate My Lord, I was at a deadlock in my cultivation where nothing I did could help me increase my strength. Then, the dark elves offered to help me with my darkness element cultivation and spells.”

Just like what Captain Jenkins said, this world was so backward that it lacked the variety of spells that those with and without talent needed. Tristan could understand that people like Vain must be struggling when they reached the limit of their growth.

He then turned to Tobias who understood the kingdom’s law and asked, “What is the punishment for those who betray the kingdom?”

A reluctant expression could be seen on the old wizard’s face and he seemed very reluctant to answer, but when he saw Tristan’s serious look, he knew he had to open his mouth lest the consequences. “Death..” 

Nonetheless, he quickly continued his words before Tristan could say anything. “However, the previous king would consider the perpetrator’s contributions to the kingdom when meting out the punishment.”

Tristan could see how the majority of the elites nodded their heads, supporting Tobias’ words.

“Thank you for the input Tobias, however I am not Callan. And for me, betrayal is a more despicable act than cowardice and I would never, ever accept such a thing in and from my elites.”

Tristan’s words successfully made Vain tremble. The man who was known as the Arcadian’s shadow was trembling violently, as if his life had been sucked out. The trembling became even more apparent when Tristan told him to move forward.

“Vain, do you accept your punishment?”

Still trembling, Vain stutteringly answered. “Y-Yes, My Lord. Yo-You have saved my life before, and now I would of course be willing to offer it back…”

It was a good answer, unfortunately it wasn’t enough for Tristan to change his decision.

Under the eyes of everyone present, Tristan put his hand on the man’s shoulder. Immediately after, a pained scream rang loudly in the air as the Kingsblade commander writhed in the excruciating sensation of his shoulder being burned.

[Heat Touch]

The blazing flames quickly engulfed Vain’s entire body. The entire process was accompanied by the cacophony of the man’s screams filled with pain and agony. The elites could faintly see red glow appearing from inside Vain’s charred body, telling them that the man’s insides were being burned.

The screams rang in the air and filled the entire room, even slightly affecting these battle-hardened elites’ minds. All of them without exception thought that this was a punishment even worse than death itself.

When there was only an inkling of life left in Vain, Tristan finally let go of his spell and used his [Blood Synthesis] to restore the man’s burned interiors, but not completely and only to a state sufficient to keep the man alive.

Tristan looked at the pitiful state of the man and said, “Vain, the only reason I spared your life is because today is a good day and I don’t want to spoil it just because of you. Even so, you are relieved from your rank and command. In addition, you will be assigned as my personal bodyguard after complete recovery.”

With a slight gesture of his hand, half a dozen men stepped in and carried the poor commander away from the hall.

Betrayal was definitely a major offense in Tristan’s eyes. However, what he loathed the most about the situation was how the elites seemed able to forgive Vain so easily. Hence the man had to become an example for others, to etch the necessary fear in them.

As for the decision to spare the man in the end, it was a way to keep the others’ loyalty to him. A good, balanced mix of stick and carrot was the secret in managing these capable yet somewhat proud people.

Not forgetting, Tristan also gave the order to bring Gazef to the capital, to give them similar punishment. Then, he glanced at Illiana who was standing beside him and was silent all this time as he meted out the cruel punishment.

“What do you think? Don’t you hate me for punishing one of your spies?”

The beautiful woman smiled and said, “No. In fact, I really am enjoying what i saw just now”

Tristan shook his head and returned his attention to the others.. Now that one problem was solved, it was time to start the meeting.