Scenario:The Art of Mercy - Chapter 4: Resentment of the Wretched - Episode 2

The Art of Mercy - Chapter 4: Resentment of the Wretched - Episode 2

Luhua is summoned to the capital by the king of Zilantos. The king blames Luhua for Zilantos's failure to invade Erdeni as other country officials look down on him from the shadows. After sending Luhua away, the king calls for Vitali, who proceeds to offer the king his insights.

---

Several hours have passed since the clash between Zilantos and Erdeni in the Nuph Moors.

Summoned by the king, Luhua pays a visit to the royal castle in Zilantos's capital city to make his report.

King of Zilantos: Luhua. I have already received reports on the recent battle.

King of Zilantos: It seems we drove our way to the Ayuul Mountains, only to be pushed back and have Tatar robbed from right under our noses.

King of Zilantos: You're the one responsible for the invasion of Erdeni, are you not? How do you plan to compensate for our losses, Luhua?

Luhua: ...

King of Zilantos: I hear that the king of Erdeni, Leonis himself, appeared on the battlefield.

King of Zilantos: How did you let this opportunity escape? You may or may not lose your head, depending on your answer.

Luhua: I assure you that I can have the Erdeni king's head anytime. I merely prioritized annihilating the outsiders from this battle.

King of Zilantos: You mean the Silver Strategist and his skyfaring crew? But you didn't even manage to bring me a single head.

King of Zilantos: Your achievements thus far have been admirable. Erdeni has resisted us for many years, but you managed to gain control over them in such a short amount of time.

King of Zilantos: There is none stronger than you on this island, Luhua. However, that doesn't excuse your failure.

Luhua: Your Majesty, I beg for your forgiveness. I swear that it will not happen again.

Luhua quietly bows his head in apology. Around him, Zilantos officials mutter to one another.

Zilantos Official 1: What do you expect? Even if he's strong, he doesn't have the finesse or intelligence needed, much less manners.

Zilantos Official 2: He was born a servant, after all. No better than a beast that can only survive on instinct and eat whatever it can get.

Luhua: ...

King of Zilantos: We don't have time to play with the weak. I expect to hear good news in the next report.

Luhua: As you wish.

Luhua gives another deep bow before exiting the room.

The other officials follow suit until only the king remains. A quiet sigh escapes him.

King of Zilantos: Vitali.

Vitali: At your service.

At the king's call, Vitali appears in front of him out of nowhere.

King of Zilantos: How is Erik?

Vitali: He has been complaining about not being able to fight at the front lines, but is obedient to Luhua as always.

The king of Zilantos heaves another sigh, his brow furrowed.

King of Zilantos: That fool... My royal blood runs in his veins, and he would pay his reverence to a servant-born soldier. He may as well have spit in my face.

King of Zilantos: As much as I recognize Luhua's strength, one cannot deny his lowborn status.

King of Zilantos: Regardless, he made some bold moves this time. I hear he ordered the troops to pull back on his own judgment.

Vitali: Indeed. He refuses to listen to even my advice as of late.

King of Zilantos: And just when we already have our hands full with the civil war caused by my idiot of a son...

King of Zilantos: We cannot afford to lose any more of our soldiers. Training them isn't free, after all.

Vitali: Then we will recruit men from the lower social classes as temporary soldiers. They can at least serve as a moving shield for us.

Vitali bows humbly and is about to exit the room when he remembers something.

Vitali: Oh yes, one more thing, if I may. Renfa is staying as close as ever to Luhua.

Vitali: Luhua never strays far from her either. He must treasure her a great deal.

King of Zilantos: The stubborn clod doesn't plan to let go of Renfa, does he... I had my eyes on her first.

Vitali: Then you will just have to take her from him—simple as that. He may be a hero, but even a hero cannot go against the king's wishes.

King of Zilantos: Heh... I suppose you have a plan in mind? You were always a quick-witted one, Vitali.

Curious, the king of Zilantos listens intently as Vitali explains his manipulative ideas.

With such impure motives at work, this tragedy can only multiply.