Empire of Souls 152 Submission 3

Aleks entered his makeshift audience hall, which was really just a slightly larger area of the tent that was his temporary home. There, his throne was placed at one end of the room and forming two lines on either side down the audience hall were rows of people. They were his subordinates, tribal warriors, commanders, officers, soldiers, and others. Servants kept towards the back, with some of them with their heads downward near his throne. These were those most trusted servants who saw to Aleks's personal needs. They were slaves and almost entirely beautiful women of a variety of races. These were slight touches that Lariel had made and not something Aleks specifically requested of her.

Aleks walked calmly to his throne, his royal purple robes and long heavy cape rustled with his movements. At some point his crown had become somewhat lopsided on his head and he walked as if no one else was watching. Once he reached his throne, he sat down and leaned backwards against the backrest. It was not the sitting posture of a king, but what did that matter to one such as he? It wasn't as if anyone would criticize him and in fact, most weren't even daring enough to glance at him as he sat. The only sounds in the tent were of Aleks's movements, the sound of breathing, and the frail coughing of Lariel.

Once he was comfortable on his throne, Lariel approached him with a smile and a light cough. Her white handkerchief was still in her hand as she lightly dabbed her lips. There was once more the sight of crimson which caused a slight fluctuation in Aleks's gaze that no one noticed except her.

"My lord, there are reports from your subordinates, petitioners wishing to speak with you and those willing to express their allegiance..."

Aleks suddenly cut her off with some impatience, "You mean submit."

Despite his rudeness, Lariel's smile only grew. She was happy to see Aleks be more assertive.

"Yes, those wishing to submit."

"I will hear the reports first." 

Aleks waved with nonchalance and leaned into his throne more comfortably. One of his servants offered him a chalice which he took and sipped while waiting to hear the report. Lenia stepped forward and bowed.

"Master, you have slept for a few days now and in that time all matters have been settled. The battle is over with our resounding victory. Considering both armies, there are approximately one hundred and twenty thousand dead with another one hundred thousand casualties. Of the one hundred thousand casualties, almost half were able to be healed and have returned to service. The rest were killed. This is a tradition of the Steppes and none wish to become a cripple or useless. I allowed the tribes to continue with their tradition, I hope that this doesn't displease you."

Aleks was silent for a moment and it was impossible to see his expression under the mask.

"Is that the entirety of the report?"

Lenia stuttered for a moment, not expecting his reaction, "Um, no. All equipment that is still of use has been recovered and the dead have all been burned to ash. There were several thousand deserters or those unaccounted for, but the majority of warriors have remained. Our army now numbers over a million. There are approximately one hundred and thirty thousand Dragonmen, ten thousand non-barbarian human soldiers, and eight hundred and sixty thousand tribal warriors of a variety of Barbarian races. These include Human barbarians, Orcs, and many species of Werebeasts. There are also some Trolls and Ogres among the Horde although in small numbers."

"Alright, enough. I got it, all military matters will be handled by you, Lariel and Grobak. You don't need to bother me with such trivial things in the future. I give you full authority to do as you see fit. Only inform me if there are matters you can not resolve."

Lenia bowed and then stepped back after hearing Aleks's words. There was a smile on her face that she kept hidden as she bowed. Her heart felt warm from his trust in her.

What followed was a stream of tribal chiefs and their officers prostrating in submission to his authority. They would now recognize him as their deity and the worship of ancestors was officially abolished from henceforth. There was of course still much work to do in regards to conquering the Steppes, but these were things which could be left to his subordinates.

Finally, two young twin siblings approached. This was a surprise to Aleks, he wasn't expecting these two to be here. The young female sibling smiled and approached Aleks seductively. This was the daughter of the Dragon King, but she was no longer scantily clad and instead wore a more modest dress that hugged her body tightly. Her chest was still exposed somewhat and the dress especially hugged her breasts, almost causing them to seem like they would pop out at any moment.  This didn't change her aura of seductiveness and perhaps even accentuated it in a different way. Her brother walked beside her and he was as gaudily dressed as he always was.

Neither expressed any arrogance as they approached Aleks. It seemed that Aleks's prowess and the defeat of their father had truly earned their utmost admiration and respect. They didn't look at Aleks as they normally would at a human. Instead, their eyes were filled with worship. They both bowed in a grand fashion and this caused Aleks to get a clear view of the young female's chest which was most likely her intent and she smiled gently after rising. This didn't cause any particular fluctuation in Aleks's demeanor much to her disappointment, but it wasn't as if she could really see his face under the mask.

"Why are you two here?" Aleks said impolitely. 

They weren't bothered by this at all and even expected it. This was a powerful Demigod, a king, an emperor, someone who looked down on the world. If anything, they were even more pleased by the way he treated them. This was the right of the strong.

"I am Elliannomora, but you may call me Ellie. This is my twin brother, Arnarnmikul. He is also known as Arn. We are the youngest of the Dragon King's children. Ah, he is not a king anymore. We are the youngest children of our father, Desmendarkmithrin. It is our great pleasure to stand here in our father's place. My father was gravely injured by your awesome display of power and will need a long time to heal. We have come in his place to serve at your side."

Ellie spoke with respect and with a hint of desire. She was well spoken and polite, no less than any of royal blood. It was just that she was simply too seductive in her mannerisms. It was difficult for any man to remain unfazed by her, but it didn't visibly seem to affect Aleks in the least. Lenia and Nelay on the other hand were not happy by her overt display and were glaring daggers at her.

"Mmm, indeed. Your father should be in a rough spot for a while. Fine, sending you two is sufficient. Either way, your father already submitted to my authority and I am fully aware of how much he has suffered. Also, your father can remain a king, as long as he remembers who is master is. You two will be of use to me, I will give you a chance. "

Ellie and Arn eagerly looked at Aleks waiting to hear what orders he would have for them.

"I will place the Dragonmen under your command. You will completely subdue the western Steppes. Complete this within two months and there will be a place for you at my side." Find authorized novels in Webnovel，faster updates, better experience，Please click for visiting.

There were some looks of surprise around the tent, many didn't expect Aleks to give such an important mission to these two. They were powerful, but as dragons considered very young. They were technically not considered adults yet, but this was an opportunity which excited the twin siblings. Their father had never given them such authority. This was good news for Nelay and Lenia though, they were more than happy to see that one gone.

"We will do as you command." the siblings said with excitement. 

"Good, go. Prepare well and do not fail."

The two nodded enthusiastically and then quickly left to carry out their mission.

"My lord," Lariel interrupted, "are you sure they can be trusted? You are giving them quite the responsibility.

"It doesn't matter. The Dragon King has already submitted to me in both mind and soul. They can never escape my grasp."

Lariel coughed gently before responding, "Good, it seems you have matters under control. Brock wishes to speak with you, he has been waiting patiently."

Aleks nodded, "Fine, it is about time I explain some things to him. He deserves that much. The rest of you are dismissed, I will meet with him alone."

Chapter end