Aedan quickly suppressed his reaction and greeted his aunt, Sodala, reminding himself that she was still family.
Sodala, seeing his formal demeanor, spoke with genuine remorse. "My King, you shouldn't do this. You are our King, and such formality is not required. You are now above all of us. Please forgive me for my husband's actions. I am deeply ashamed and do not know how to repay this, but truly, I and my children had no part in it."
As she spoke, Sodala sank to her knees. Aedan immediately helped her up.
"Aunt, I know you are not at fault. That is why the punishment was given only to my uncle. I still love you as much as I always have." As he spoke, he gently squeezed her breasts. Sodala's cheeks instantly flushed crimson.
Looking around nervously, Sodala whispered, "Aedan, my child, come to my room tonight. If anyone sees us now, it could cause serious trouble."
Aedan smiled, kissing his aunt's lips. "Aunt, you are my closest person, second only to my Mother."
Sodala was thrilled by his words. After a brief, passionate kiss, they separated and went their own ways.
Aedan traveled directly to the Northern Territory. The soldiers there bowed and greeted their new King with respect. Aedan entered the main tent where the Captain and the General of that territory were waiting. He took the King's chair facing them.
"Tell me, what is the situation here?" he commanded.
The Captain was the first to speak. "My King, the situation is dire. The Tiger and Wolf Kingdoms are attacking us relentlessly. They are slowly seizing our territory. They have a greater number of soldiers and are supported by magical users from the rear, which makes them incredibly powerful. The civilians are terrified and don't know what to do. Please, tell us what we should do, My King."
Aedan fell silent for a moment, processing the information. Then, he announced, "We will attack. They believe the Eldoria Kingdom is only capable of defense. Now, we will march forward to destroy them."
The General expressed his concern. "But King, our troop numbers are low compared to theirs, and our soldiers' morale is currently weak. Will they truly be able to launch an effective attack?"
Aedan rose from his seat, his voice ringing with conviction. "Who says only you will attack? I will be there as well. I will fight alongside you."
The Captain and General were stunned. "But King, how can this be? You are the King, you must–"
Aedan cut them off. "Prepare the soldiers. We are attacking immediately."
Though shocked by the command, they quickly obeyed the King's order and had the soldiers ready.
Aedan stood before the assembled troops. "My people, today we will show those invaders that the Eldoria Kingdom is not only peaceful but also deadly. Today, we will reclaim our land and show them their place! And in this battle, I, your King, will fight, and I will be at the very front!"
The soldiers, initially stunned by their King's declaration, were quickly filled with an overwhelming surge of excitement and fierce loyalty. The King would fight alongside them! Their cheers erupted, a primal roar that clearly reflected their renewed morale and fighting spirit.
Moments later, a large contingent of Elf soldiers marched towards a village that had once belonged to the Eldoria Kingdom but was now occupied by the Wolf Kingdom.
Two Wolf soldiers stood guard outside the village. They heard a faint sound in the distance. As they looked up, two arrows tore through the air and pierced their heads before they could even react. They dropped instantly.
Aedan, utilizing his Ice Bow, had launched the multiple arrows. Many more Wolf soldiers fell in the surprise attack. The remaining Wolf soldiers realized they were under attack and launched a counter-offensive. Aedan manifested a massive Ice Shield in front of his troops,
which easily blocked the incoming attacks without taking any damage.
The Elf soldiers charged, ruthlessly engaging the Wolf forces. Aedan was at the very forefront, moving with brutal efficiency, slaughtering the enemies mercilessly. Within a short time, the ground was littered with the corpses of Wolf soldiers.
Only the Wolf Captain remained. He was paralyzed with fear and shock at the swift, surprising attack by the Eldoria Kingdom. Now, he was on his knees, desperately begging for his life.
Aedan, standing over him, sliced the Captain's throat with a cold, unforgiving motion.
"From now on," Aedan declared, his voice hard and chilling, "the Eldoria Kingdom bows to no one."