Chapter 126: Aftermath

This battle had claimed thousands of lives. For the Fontaine Army, they had lost 170,000 infantrymen, 22,000 cavalrymen and 450 guns out of their original total of 200,000 infantrymen, 28,000 cavalrymen and 500 guns. 

In regards to the Luxenberg Army, they had lost 97,000 infantrymen, 14,000 cavalrymen and 350 guns out of their original total of Our army has 207,000 infantrymen, 30,000 cavalrymen and 750 guns. It was a costly win for Victor, but nevertheless, a win was a win.

A funeral service was held for both armies. Victor felt that he should also honour the fallen of their enemy. Soon enough, they will become one people. It was imperative that they did not face another situation like the Joltz rebels, especially with half their army dead.

Victor was kind enough to let the Fontaine Army prisoners join them as they gathered around the dead. Scores of soldiers were weeping for their fallen friends, while others maintained stone-cold expressions. For the funeral, Victor stood at the centre and gave a speech for the fallen. 

"Soldiers, we are gathered here to remember the brave souls who fought today. Their sacrifice is one that we shall always remember. Today, I can say that there was no real winner. For victory, we lost over 100,000 men while also killing 200,00 men. This loss of a life is a tragedy."

"We are one people, regardless of what side you fought on today. We all share the blood of this continent, and to kill so many of our countrymen is an utter shame. My dream is to unite this continent and become the third continent to be fully unified, joining the likes of Asharan and Kislev."

"To the soldiers of the Fontaine Army, I offer my condolences. I did not wish for this war, nor did I wish to take the lives of your comrades. I never wanted this. I wished for peace, even if the lords of the Fontaine Faction did not want to come under my banner. Unfortunately, things never work out the way we hope for."

"Let us now put these valiant souls to rest. May they gain everlasting peace, and may we see them again in the next life. Soldiers, it is time." With the speech concluded, the soldiers began to bury the fallen in massive graves. The only exception was the corpse of Gerhard Hirschmann.

Gerhard would be buried by his father in a nearby grove. Victor granted Duke Hirschmann this as he felt devastated for the man. To lose his son and heir was a horrible thing. As a father, Victor understood the close bond between a son and father, hence why he showed kindness to Duke Hirschmann.

In the aftermath of the funeral, 4 prisoners were brought to the main Luxenberg tent. These 4 men were Duke Verdant, Duke Hirschmann, Stetson Fontaine and Grand Duke Simeon Fontaine. Along with the prisoners in the tent were the commanders of the Luxenberg Army and Victor.

"Lords of the Fontaine Faction, I bring you here to offer a choice. Peacefully surrender to me and live, or struggle to the end and die. (Pause) Duke Hirschmann, if you wish for death, I will have my men bury you next to your son as a final courtesy," Victor said in an authoritative tone.

Duke Hirschmann appreciated the gesture and chose death. His family line had ended, and their city was captured and ruined. There was no reason for him to live. He would be killed the next morning and join his son.

The other noblemen pondered this offer, and the Fontaine father and son were quick to show defiance. They still had the city of Osterbon, and Harrison was still alive. If Victor killed them, the city would never surrender. What shocked the two Fontaines was the easy submission of Duke Verdant.

The ruler of Bismarck was quick to surrender and even pledge his loyalty to Victor. "King Victor, I wish to not only surrender but join your kingdom. I was only allied to the Fontaine family because of my daughter, Dahlia. If it please you, I will march to Bismarck and raise your banner above the walls."

Some of Victor's commanders mocked him for his lack of spine, but Victor was ready to accept this offer. If he could secure a city without bloodshed, he was ready to take a chance on the spineless duke. On the off chance that Duke Verdant was plotting something, he could be dealt with easily.

"Very well, you and your remaining soldiers will depart immediately for Bismarck. But be warned Duke Verdant, if you betray me, I will kill you a your family in a brutal fashion. Do not test my patience," Victor stated with an icy stare.Wilheim Verdant nodded sincerely and was escorted out of the tent. 

Due to the defiance of the Fontaines, Victor had them escorted back to their cage. He would now prepare for the final phase of the war, which was taking the city of Osterbon. It was now the only city on the continent that was not under the Kingdom of Luxenberg's control.

The city walls were not as good as Joltz or Archenshien; its garrison was also quite light since half of them were forced into the army. Victor had a few plans that could ensure a peaceful takeover of the city. 

On one hand, he had two highly valuable prisoners that could be used in a bargain for the city. On the other hand, he could bluff the entire city and threaten to use his rockets. These two options were solid, and he was sure he could think of more during the next few days as his army marched towards the city.

It took the army 6 days to arrive at the city. The first 3 days were dedicated to treating the wounded and organising the army. Then, the last 3 days were the journey from the battlefield to the grand city. Victor set his army up along the southern wall of the city. He would target one of the 3 gatehouses that the city had. 

Before trying to attack the city, Victor sent a messenger to organise a meeting between the two sides.