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[Valtara Fortress – Throne Room]
Leonhardt Valtara sat upon his throne, his crimson eyes gleaming with a dangerous light. The air inside the grand hall was thick with power, an oppressive aura that made even the strongest warriors bow their heads in submission.
Celestia Nightshade sat on his lap, her fingers lazily tracing circles on his chest. "Darling~ The Hero's army is in complete disarray. The southern territories are already trembling in fear."
Leonhardt smirked. "As they should."
Evelyn Astralis stood before them, her body adorned in the elegant yet dark attire befitting her new status as Leonhardt's second wife. She had long shed the last remnants of her former allegiance, her once-pure heart now fully devoted to her husband.
"The Hero factions are still resisting," Evelyn said, her voice firm yet respectful. "They refuse to acknowledge your rule, my Lord."
Leonhardt chuckled darkly. "They will soon have no choice."
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[Valtara War Room]
A massive map was spread across the table, marking territories that had fallen under Valtara control. Several generals, each accompanied by their powerful summoned beasts, stood in silence as Leonhardt examined their next target.
Ironhorn, the Indomitable Rhino, stood beside Leonhardt, its massive form radiating sheer dominance. It had evolved once more, its armor gleaming like obsidian steel.
"Report," Leonhardt ordered.
One of his commanders, a veteran warlord with a battle-scarred lion as his beast, stepped forward. "The northern city of Alderia has declared neutrality. They fear your wrath but hesitate to submit."
Leonhardt's smirk widened. "Neutrality is cowardice. If they do not swear loyalty, we will crush them."
Celestia clapped her hands in excitement. "Fufufu~ I love it when you talk like that, Darling~"
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[The Battlefield – Alderia Outskirts]
Leonhardt and his forces stood at the gates of Alderia. The city's walls were lined with trembling soldiers, their summoned beasts restless with uncertainty.
A desperate envoy stepped forward. "Lord Valtara, please! We do not wish for war! We will pay tribute—"
Leonhardt raised his hand. "Kneel."
The envoy hesitated.
"Or die."
A terrifying pressure exploded from Leonhardt, his dominance washing over the battlefield. Even the strongest summoned beasts whimpered in submission.
With a cry, the envoy collapsed to his knees, followed swiftly by the entire city's forces.
"You have chosen wisely," Leonhardt said, stepping forward. "Alderia is now under Valtara rule."
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[Back at the Fortress]
Evelyn stood on the balcony, watching Leonhardt return from yet another victorious campaign. Her heart pounded as he dismounted from Ironhorn, his presence commanding and absolute.
She bit her lip.
He was her husband.
And he was the Tyrant who would rule the world.