Chapter 62

The battle lasted for less than half an hour before it ended.

The combat capabilities of both sides were completely incomparable, and the Ellington Guard crushed the Casparmi Fortress's army with overwhelming force.

"Lord, the battle is over. A total of 352 enemies were killed, 212 sets of intact armor and weapons were seized, and 148 prisoners were taken. Our casualties... zero!"

After reporting these figures, Uncle Dep had an expression of disbelief. With 200 troops facing a 500-strong frontal assault, not only did they annihilate the enemy and capture over a hundred prisoners, but they didn't even have a single casualty!

Who would believe this if it were said out loud!?

Even if the famous generals in the capital were to command this battle, achieving victory would be extremely difficult, let alone with zero casualties.

Tang En nodded: "Hmm, as expected."

Casualties? Don't joke. With the enhancement from so many of his magical auras, it wasn't just this level of opponent; even an army of Bronze-level Awakeners would be a match.

This was a complete one-sided crushing.

Upon hearing this, Uncle Dep looked at Tang En with reverence. Now he was even more convinced that Tang En was the son of a god, sent to this world to save Ellington.

"Lord, about the treatment of the prisoners..."

Uncle Dep didn't know how Tang En planned to handle the prisoners. Previously, the prisoners from the mine were integrated, so would these prisoners also be integrated?

"All prisoners are to be demoted to slaves."

Tang En said without hesitation: "Their treatment cannot be the same as the previous prisoners."

That's right. If these prisoners were integrated and treated the same as the previous mine prisoners, how would the others feel?

The reason they surrendered was largely because they were abandoned by Du Wei, and with war imminent, not surrendering meant certain death, so they took a chance.

But now, these prisoners? Just defeated, and in a blink, they become allies?

How could these people accept it?

Therefore, the treatment must be differentiated, even if this decision is very cruel.

Moreover, Tang En also planned to rebuild Ellington and re-plan the town. A large amount of labor would be needed, and these slaves would be the best candidates.

As long as they are given a little reward and the hope of regaining their freedom, they won't hesitate to work hard.

"Understood."

Uncle Dep's expression turned serious. This was the first time he had seen Tang En give such a harsh order.

Once demoted to slaves, it would be extremely difficult to become free citizens again, almost completely changing their fate. However, Uncle Dep didn't say anything. If it weren't for Lord leading them in resistance, their fate after Ellington was captured would have been even worse.

After cleaning up the battlefield, the Ellington Guard returned with the prisoners, and the town was filled with people. Seeing the Guard's great victory, everyone cheered.

Such a victory was crucial for the current Ellington. Just as it was beginning to recover, it couldn't afford a defeat in the war. If it lost, it would completely collapse.

That night, a banquet was held in the town center, and everyone celebrated the rare victory all night long. Even Tang En and Fiona joined in, drinking the victory wine with everyone.

The next day.

"After these slaves' identities are recorded, send them to the mine for labor reform."

The mine has resumed normal operations, but the ore production has not yet increased. These prisoners would be useful.

"Additionally, schedule the Guard. Send a team of 20 to the mine for duty, rotating weekly with supplies. Each person can receive 10 silver coins per week for their duty at the mine."

"You're spending money recklessly... Their duty at the mine is part of their responsibilities."

"But not necessarily willingly," Tang En shrugged. "For just 10 silver coins, they will go from being unwilling to actively competing for the duty. Isn't that good?"

"Alright, alright, you're the lord, you decide."

Fiona had given up on trying to stop Tang En from being extravagant. Besides, her people would arrive in a couple of days, and once the guild was reorganized, they could start operating mint candies, soap, and metal farming tools. With income, the economic situation would improve.

"Start planning the guild's affairs. When I return, I hope to see everyone in place."

"When you return?"

Fiona was taken aback: "Are you going out?"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Arrange a carriage for me."

Tang En said casually: "Since Baron Du Wei is so disrespectful, I'll go to his place and settle accounts with him."

"Understood!"

Fiona, of course, wasn't worried about Tang En's safety. With him personally going, he would definitely get a large sum of money, which would greatly improve Ellington's financial situation.

Fiona went to arrange the carriage with a joyful expression.

While Fiona was arranging the carriage, Tang En found Elia.

"Elia, I'll be out for a few days. When you practice magic, find a place where no one is around, and try not to practice Arcane Arrow and Water Arrow."

Tang En wanted Elia to quickly get familiar with casting spells and mastering her power, but he was also afraid she might accidentally hurt herself or others in his absence. This conflicting feeling made him feel very awkward.

"Lord Big Brother, you're going out!"

Elia immediately clung to Tang En: "Can Elia go with you? Elia has never left Ellington and hasn't seen other places!"

"This..."

Tang En frowned, hesitated for a moment, and then said: "What about your mother if you're not at home?"

"Elsa can take care of her!"

"Um... Alright, I'll talk to Elsa."

Tang En agreed. Rather than leaving her at home to worry, he could use the next few days to continue teaching her how to control her power.

"Okay!"

Elia happily kissed Tang En's cheek and clung to his neck, not wanting to let go.

Lately, Tang En's status in Elia's heart had risen sharply, almost surpassing Elsa, which made Elsa, who was busy training the Guard, very sad.

"Elsa!"

Tang En brought Elia to the training ground and called Elsa over.

"Lord!"

Elsa hurried over. Thanks to her natural strength and constitution, she didn't need to participate in the training. Seeing the miserable state of the Guard, she felt a bit lucky.

"I'm going to Casparmi Fortress. Elia wants to go with me for a tour, and I've already agreed."

"Alright..."

Elsa nodded: "With Lord taking care of her, nothing should happen, but..."

Elsa looked at Elia, frowned, and scolded: "Elia, you've been too clingy to Lord lately. It will affect his work."

Elia pouted, unhappy: "It won't! And Elia isn't clingy, it's always Big Brother who comes to Elia!"

"Nonsense, Lord is so busy, how can he come to you every day..."

"This..."

Tang En smiled awkwardly and stopped Elsa: "It's actually me who goes to her..."

Elsa was shocked: "Lord, I know you like Elia, but you can't let playing with her affect your work."

Although Elsa didn't know what Lord's specific duties were, ruling a territory involved handling various matters and coordinating all tasks. Just thinking about it made her head spin, and she naturally felt that Tang En was very great.

Tang En was very awkward, looking at Elsa's admiring eyes. "I can't say that I've handed everything to Fiona, so I have nothing to do" was something he couldn't say!

"Never mind, in short, Elia, don't cause trouble for Lord on the way, got it?"

"Got it!"

Elia was very happy to get permission to go out.

Tang En looked at the sweating soldiers in the training ground and asked: "How is the training going?"

Elsa stuck out her tongue and smiled mischievously: "Everyone is exhausted, especially after the celebration last night. Many are so tired today... But they are all gritting their teeth and persisting."

"Very good, continue. Tell them that I said, those who perform best by the end of the month will receive rewards."

"I'm sure they will work even harder when they hear that."

Elsa was very optimistic.

"Where is Uncle Dep?"

"He started learning to read to better command the army."

"That's a good thing."

Tang En sighed, then suddenly paused: "By the way, I haven't seen your father for a few days. What is Mr. Aberton doing?"

Elsa shrugged: "I don't know. My father often goes to the forest when I was young. My mother said he was honing his skills and always brought back some game, probably killed by his sword."

"I see."

Tang En smiled: "It seems Mr. Aberton is not content with a mundane life."

"Alright... I'm going back."

Elsa waved and ran back to supervise the training.

When Tang En and Elia returned to the lord's residence, Fiona had already prepared the carriage, food, and luggage.

"Lord, it will take about five to six days to reach Casparmi Fortress. Since there are no towns in between, I've prepared ten days' worth of food and water to prevent any accidents."

"That's enough."

In fact, even without food, it wouldn't be a problem.

"Lord, about Elia..."

"She's going with me."

Tang En didn't explain why. Fiona looked at Tang En strangely but didn't ask.

===PS: Don't forget to vote, everyone! The new book list is about to end, and the votes are worrying!

Page flip AD starts

Page flip AD ends