For the next two days, the extermination of the Devouring ants progressed just as Paul had predicted.
By the end of the third day of the hunt, it was estimated that around 15 million ants had been killed.
The whole forest around the capital was now full of dead ants, despite the cultivators collecting their corpses for their materials.
During these two days, Paul and the ladies accompanied Xiao Han, who agreed to continue the training.
As time went by, more and more forces arrived and joined the hunt, increasing the speed at which the ants were eliminated.
On the fourth day, the only forces left in the capital were the city guards, as all the other soldiers and cultivators, moved out to deal with the remaining ants once and for all.
At this moment, there were more humans in that forest than there were ants, and the slaughter began the moment the first ant was spotted and annihilated by eight different spells.
The human forces moved like an unstoppable wave, killing any ants they encountered without even stopping.
By noon, they arrived at the ant nest, which was surrounded by at least a few hundred thousand ants.
This, however, didn't matter to the humans anymore, since they simply charged at them and massacred every ant before them.
After dealing with the bugs, they could finally confirm once and for all that the ant nest was truly flooded and the queen was dead.
By the evening, all the ants were eradicated, with some stragglers left, but they were either taken care of by mercenaries or the patrols of soldiers within the next few days.
That night, the officers of the imperial army announced the end of the crisis and the demobilization of all the forces assembled to protect the capital city.
-We can finally go back.
Anna said in a tired voice.
As much as she appreciated the experience and knowledge she had gained during the past few days, she was more than ready to return to their mansion.
-Sorry to disappoint you, Anna, but we might have to stay in the capital for a day or two longer.
Xiao Han, who was standing next to Paul and the ladies, said, after hearing her words.
-Why?
She asked, and all the ladies turned their heads to look at the province lord.
-It is customary for the emperor to reward people who distinguished themselves after a war or a battle.
Considering that it was Natalie's idea to drown the tunnel and the nest, and Paul not only realized her idea but also blew up the observation positions, forcing the culprit behind the outbreak to escape.
Not to mention that, thanks to him, the city guards were able to take down many gangs and capture many wanted criminals.
I'd say that these two might even be invited to the palace to be rewarded by the emperor personally and in front of the court.
Xiao Han explained.
Hearing that all the ladies were less than thrilled, since all they wanted was to go back and relax for a day or two before resuming their cultivation.
-Can't we simply decline the rewards and go back?
Natalie asked, quietly.
-Unfortunately, we can't.
Paul shook his head.
-Refusing the emperor is the same as signing your death warrant, so we will need to wait for a day or two more before we go back.
He didn't like it any more than his ladies, but this time they had no other choice.
-Well, the emperor does not like to wait with such things, so I expect an invitation to the palace tomorrow.
As if to confirm his words an officer escorted by four soldiers came before him and cupped his hands.
-Lord Xiao Han, His majesty invites you to the palace tomorrow morning as well as Paul Marshal and Natalie Jeager, to reward your meritorious service in this crisis.
The officer said, handing Xiao Han three scrolls.
The province lord took the scrolls with respect.
-As his majesty commands.
Xiao Han said once the scrolls were in his hands.
With that the officer left with his escorts.
-I never thought that they would send an invitation so quickly.
He said once the officer left and handed the scrolls to Paul and Natalie.
-I hope you have some clothes suitable for this occasion, and I hate to ask, but do any of you know anything about the court etiquette?
Xiao Han asked, hoping that they did.
-I know the basics, but I never met any royalty so I'm unsure if it's correct.
Paul said.
-Is it different from the etiquette in our world?
Natalie asked.
She was taught some etiquette but this was not earth and meeting an emperor was not some dinner with her mother's associates.
-You two better come with me.
Paul's uncle sighed, predicting that none of them would have any sleep tonight.
The other ladies were also invited since it was a good idea for them to learn these things while they were at it.
In Xiao Han's quarters, which turned out to be only a medium sized house, Paul presented what he learned and thankfully he only required small corrections.
Natalie on the other hand had to learn everything from scratch, the same as other ladies.
It took a few hours, but at the end, she did learn all the required knowledge and she also learned how to bow before the emperor.
-This is more than enough.
Xiao Han said as Natalie and Paul both performed an acceptable bow for the tenth time in a row.
In the end they were not from the noble houses so no one was expecting them to be perfect.
It was already close to dawn when they finished their lessons, so using the bathtub they all refreshed themselves, before changing their clothes.
Natalie got a lot of help with her makeup and hair from all the ladies, and there was a small debate about which dress would be suitable for this occasion, since thanks to Paul and her mother, she now owned a few dresses that no noble lady would look down on.
When she was finally ready, she was wearing a light green dress, which emphasized her young age but also made her seem calm.
In addition to that, she was wearing a bit of jewelry, mainly a bracelet and a necklace made from gold with a small tear-shaped sapphire hanging from it.
Her hair was made into a long braid held together by a hairpin made from green jade, which she got from Paul.
Lastly, she wore some light makeup, as she was young and pretty to begin with, so there was no need to apply too much of it.
All in all, she was stunning to look at, and both men were surprised at her transformation, since usually she was quite a tomboy.
Paul didn't do much with his appearance.
He only wore a black robe, but this time it was adorned with golden thread instead of the silver one he preferred.
His hair was left loose, falling on his back.
Anyone who saw him would think that he was a young master of some powerful family or maybe even a young noble.
-Alright, since you are ready, let's get going.
Xiao Han, who had changed into his official robes, said and led the two of them to a carriage provided to him from the palace.