>>5890960“There’s just one other thing we need deal with, Commander.” Sebastian says. He points off towards a distant corner of the battlefield. There, several Blackwings have surrounded what looks like a medium-size group of Rusalkan Guards, each of whom are sitting on the ground with their hands behind their heads. “We managed to capture a few soldiers belonging to the enemy. Though they’ve laid down their weapons, they’ve made it clear that they are still loyal soldiers of the Count. I don’t think we’ll be convincing them to join arms with us.”
>“…Perhaps I should try speaking with them first.”Sebastian and Rocks join you as you make your way towards where the Rusalkan Guard is being held prisoner. Howard and his rebels seem to be the ones holding them in captivity. The Count’s loyalists have been forced to sit in a line, keeping their heads bowed to the ground. You count at least 30 of them. Their expressions vary from resignation to anger, each of them stewing in their defeat. They had not imagined that defeat and death could find them as quickly and suddenly as it had today.
>“Hail!” You announce yourself to the group. “I am Blair d’Rusalka! I have returned home to-““Shut it, bitch!” One of the guardsmen screams shrilly. “We know who you are, traitor! Just kill us and be done with it!” The captured soldier is quickly silenced by a smack from the blunt end of a rebel’s spear.
“If you’re here to recruit us, you’re wasting our time and yours.” Another guard says. “We’re not like these fair-weather fools here. We all pledged our loyalty to the Count, and we intend to keep it. I’d die before ever serving you, usurper.”
“Well, you heard em!” Rocks says. “They wanna die, let’s oblige em!”
“My Countess…” Howard says, approaching you and speaking softly. “I recognize many of these men. They’re a stubborn bunch, that much is true. But I fear killing them after they surrendered may be a step too far.”
“What, you want us to take them prisoner?” Rocks snorts. “We ain’t got the luxury of that. And if you’re suggesting we just let them go, chances are they’ll just go running back to the Count.”
“…I know how foolish it sounds.” Howard admits. “But perhaps a show of clemency is what we need. You’ve already demonstrated your strength by conquering Akzeriuth in quick order. A show of mercy now may demonstrate to your soon-to-be subjects that you are a humane leader. One cut of different cloth than the Count.”
“…Letting them go may make conquering the castle harder.” Sebastian warns.
>A): We already have our work cut out for us. If they wish to die in service of the Count, they may do so now.>B): These men have disarmed and surrendered. Slaying them would be a grave crime. I won’t start my reign this way.>C): Write-in 