The following day, Stonebridge Town was settling into a semblance of normalcy. Tatsuo, having organized the town's administration and secured its defenses, turned his attention to the Elmsworth family. He sent word for them to meet him at the mayor's office in the town hall.
Inside the office, Tatsuo, flanked by Senior Major Rota and Senior Major Anya, awaited the arrival of Lady Elara Elmsworth, Sir Kael, and Lyra. Trusted guards stood watch at the door, ensuring privacy.
When the Elmsworth family entered, Tatsuo rose to greet them, his expression composed. He began, "Lady Elara, Sir Kael, Lyra, I understand that you are grieving the loss of your husband and father. I offer my sincere condolences."
He continued, "I also wish to express my admiration for Baron Elmsworth's courage in defending his land. He fought bravely, though ultimately, he was outmatched."
Then, shifting his tone, Tatsuo revealed his true identity. "I am Tatsuo Ryujin, heir to the throne of the Shinku Hou Empire. I have not come to destroy your family, but to offer you an opportunity."
He proposed a bargain. "I propose that your family pledge their loyalty to me. In return, I will allow you to retain your title and lands. However, there is a price. Sir Kael, you will join my forces as the new Baron of Stonebridge Town. Lyra, you will marry my knight, Senior Major Rota."
Rota, taken aback by the sudden proposal, glanced at Lyra. He found himself unable to object. She was indeed beautiful, with a delicate grace that belied the fear in her eyes.
Tatsuo continued, "Lady Elara, you will act as regent, managing the barony in your son's absence. We will release Mayor Fellwood and the prisoners of war. And when your youngest son reaches the age of ten, he will be sent to the Imperial Academy, where he will receive a first-class education in military strategy and any other disciplines he chooses."
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "What do you say, Lady Elara?"
Lady Elara hesitated, her mind racing. She was caught between grief and pragmatism. She knew that refusing Tatsuo's offer would likely result in the destruction of her family. But accepting meant surrendering their independence and forging an alliance with the conqueror.
After a moment of tense silence, she spoke. "Your Highness," she began, her voice trembling slightly, "your offer is... generous. We are in no position to refuse."
She saw the wisdom in Tatsuo's proposal. By aligning themselves with the empire, they could ensure their family's survival and potentially regain their lost influence.
"We accept your terms," she declared, her eyes meeting Tatsuo's.
Tatsuo smiled, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "Excellent. I assure you, Lady Elara, you will not regret this decision."
Tatsuo's smile broadened, a gesture of satisfaction. "Anya," he commanded, turning to Senior Major Anya, "release all prisoners of war. Allow Mayor Fellwood to return to his duties and arrange for him to meet with Lady Elara. They need to discuss the town's governance."
With that, Tatsuo excused himself from the mayor's office, leaving the Elmsworth family to discuss their new reality. As the door closed behind him, the tension in the room shifted. Lady Elara, Kael, and Lyra began to dissect Tatsuo's proposal, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of their newfound allegiance.
"He's shrewd," Lady Elara began, her voice thoughtful. "He offers us a chance to retain our title and lands, but at a price. Kael, your service in his army is non-negotiable."
Kael nodded, his expression determined. "I understand, Mother. It is an opportunity to prove myself, to learn from a skilled commander."
Lyra, her cheeks flushed, remained silent, her gaze fixed on the floor. The prospect of marrying a seasoned warrior like Rota was both daunting and intriguing.
"And the Imperial Academy," Lady Elara continued, her eyes gleaming with a hint of hope. "That is a great honor. Our youngest son will receive an education that few nobles can dream of."
They discussed the implications of their allegiance, the marriage arrangement, and the opportunities presented by Tatsuo's offer. They recognized that their fate was now intertwined with the prince's, and they resolved to make the most of the situation.
A few hours later, Mayor Borin Fellwood was escorted to the mayor's office, where he found Lady Elara and her children waiting. He was visibly relieved to be released, but his expression turned serious as Lady Elara began to speak.
"Mayor Fellwood," she began, her voice firm, "we have reached an agreement with Prince Tatsuo. We have pledged our loyalty to him and the Shinku Hou Empire. We will cooperate with him in all matters concerning Stonebridge Town."
She explained the terms of their agreement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining order and stability in the town.
"We must work together," she concluded, "to ensure the prosperity of Stonebridge under its new leadership."
Mayor Fellwood, though initially surprised by the sudden shift in power, understood the necessity of cooperation. He nodded solemnly. "I understand, Lady Elara. I will do my part to serve the town and the empire."
A week passed, and Tatsuo, true to his word, officiated the private marriage ceremony between Lyra Elmsworth and Senior Major Rota Uno. The ceremony was simple, held within the baron's manor, with only a few trusted guards and the Elmsworth family present. Lyra, though nervous, held her head high, and Rota, despite his initial surprise, stood beside her with a quiet dignity.
After the brief ceremony, Tatsuo excused himself, leaving the newlyweds alone. He understood that they needed time to adjust to their new reality, to forge a bond in the midst of war and political upheaval.
Two weeks later, Tatsuo gathered his majors in the war room of the newly fortified Stonebridge Town Hall. The air was thick with anticipation as they awaited his orders.
"Gentlemen, Anya," Tatsuo began, his voice resolute, "we have secured Stonebridge Town, but our campaign is far from over. We must continue to push deeper into Blackthorn Duchy territory."
He spread out a map of the surrounding region, his finger tracing a path towards the next target. "I have decided that we will attack Hollowtree Village."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. Hollowtree Village, a logging settlement near the border, was strategically important for its timber resources.
"Reeldos," Tatsuo commanded, "provide us with an updated intelligence report on Hollowtree Village. I want to know everything about its defenses, garrison, and any potential threats."
"Anya," he continued, "prepare your Hawkseye Company for ranged support. We will need to neutralize any archers or defenders on the village's perimeter."
"Rota, Theron, Ragnar," Tatsuo said, addressing his other majors, "prepare your companies for a swift and decisive assault. We will move quickly, striking before they have time to reinforce their defenses."
"We will move in three days," Tatsuo declared. "Reeldos, your scouts will move ahead to scout the terrain and confirm our intel. We will not be caught off guard."
As the majors dispersed to prepare their companies, Tatsuo remained in the war room, his gaze fixed on the map. He had a plan, a long-term strategy that he couldn't yet reveal to his officers. He was pushing further into Blackthorn territory, but not just for strategic advantage. He had other goals in mind, goals that would require careful planning and precise execution. He was testing the Blackthorn defenses, and gauging the reaction of the duchy. He was also searching for something. But he kept this secret to himself for now.