By the time the construction of the temple had begun to settle, I decided it was time to move my army once again.
Some of the territories I had previously acquired through conquest were showing signs of rebellion, seeking independence, and the neighboring states were slowly beginning to stir with similar ambitions.
Normally, one would need to steel their heart for war, but I found I had little need for such mental preparation.
Thanks to years of rigorous training, I had countless troops ready to march at a moment's notice. Even the commoners, who had grown wealthy through the flourishing of commerce, had spent their own fortunes on weapons, eager to join the fray and elevate their own honor.
Furthermore, in my absence, my lovers—Hecate, Thetis, and the others—had managed the affairs of the state with great skill.
While finalizing the preparations for the expedition, I found myself alone in my room with Hecate.
"There... all done."
"Is it?"
"Yes. Oh, wait a second."
Swish—
"...What kind of spell was that?"
"Nothing major. Just a spell to enhance durability and defensive power."
"I see."
"Mm-hmm. So, you'd better come back quickly. If you make me and the others wait too long..."
"I know, I know. I'll finish this as quickly as possible and return."
Hecate placed my helmet upon my head, her magic lingering as she urged me to return soon. I gave her my word.
"Well then..."
Chu—
"...Safe travels, my husband."
"...I will."
"Your Majesty, the preparations for the campaign are complete."
Just as Hecate pressed her lips to my cheek, a soldier's voice called out from beyond the door.
I shared a final farewell with Hecate, left the room, and exited the castle escorted by the soldier.
Once outside, I mounted Noctis and led several thousand troops away from the capital.
Our first objective was a small city situated near the border.
The city gates were bolted shut, and the ramparts were lined with soldiers.
"Your Majesty, shall we prepare the siege—!"
"No need."
I gave Noctis's reins a light tug.
In the next instant, Noctis kicked off the ground and lunged forward.
"Y-Your Majesty?!"
Panicked shouts erupted from the ranks behind me, but I did not slow down.
I charged straight for the gates.
Neigh—!
Boom!
The heavily reinforced gates collapsed instantly under the impact.
Through the swirling dust and flying debris, I rode slowly into the city.
"Come at me, you ungrateful fools who dared to plot rebellion."
As I engaged the soldiers within the city, my army surged through the breach. In less than an hour, the city had fallen.
The subsequent campaigns were even swifter.
Closed gates offered no lasting protection; for the rebels, the only end was death on the battlefield.
Those who surrendered were spared, though they were relegated to prisoners of war to be used as labor or confined in newly constructed prisons.
Anyone who continued to dream of rebellion or sought to establish their own kingdom was beheaded. The neighboring kingdoms that had incited the unrest were systematically conquered in turn.
By the time I finally paused to reflect, my territory had expanded significantly.
As I continued to absorb the small neighboring city-states, the poleis, I recalled the promise I had made to Hecate before my departure.
"...This should be enough."
With that thought, I turned Noctis around and addressed the soldiers standing behind me.
"We are returning home."
***
I returned to the castle amidst the cheers and blessings of my people, who praised both me and the soldiers who had fought by my side.
The moment I arrived, I was swarmed by my wives. They complained that I had stayed away far too long and tried to forcibly drag me away, but they finally relented when I hurriedly explained that there were still administrative matters to settle.
"Fine, then we can just do it tonight."
As they withdrew, they added a parting note that we would all be sleeping together tonight.
"Haha..."
Once they had left, I met with my retainers to discuss the management of the expanded territories, eventually agreeing to the proposal to compile a new set of laws.
The council continued until the sun dipped below the horizon, at which point I adjourned the meeting, leaving the remaining agenda for the following day.
After the retainers had cleared the hall, I was just catching my breath when Medea appeared and took me by the hand, dragging me toward the bedroom.
Upon entering the room, I was met by the gazes of my other lovers, who had already bathed: Atalanta, Thetis, Hippolyta, and Hecate.
"Ah..."
Under normal circumstances, they would have drained every last drop of my energy, but—
Wait... why do I feel fine?
Strangely, I felt overflowing with vitality. For the first time in my life, I actually won against them.
As I stood there, bewildered by my own stamina while the women lay exhausted around me, I noticed a darkness blooming within my body.
Could it be... because of this? Does receiving divine power grant this much physical endurance?
Realizing that the power of darkness was useful even in these specific situations, I felt a surge of hope.
I can see the exit...!!
I offered infinite gratitude to my foster parents, who had bestowed this power upon me before departing, for giving me the means to survive these women and their honest desires.
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