All the villagers who had perished were given a proper burial. Their graves were marked with respect, the ceremony silent but heavy with sorrow.
For those who survived, Claude offered a privilege—protection and a new start under his banner.
However, it came with a price: a binding oath.
Each survivor was required to swear loyalty to him and the Elysium, and more importantly, vow never to speak of what truly happened in the village.
The moment they broke that oath, death would claim them instantly.
Most of them agreed without resistance. After all, their lives had already been steeped in misery—whether bound by an oath or not made little difference.
What truly changed was their view of the world. Their hatred toward the church burned brighter than ever.
For many, freedom or slavery no longer mattered. They had always been caged by suffering.
The burial ceremony was somber, draped in grief and quiet weeping. No one blamed Aurelia or Rhys.
