Restart:Untalented Man

Chapter 217 A Peaceful Surrender

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The wind gently carried the fluttering white flag, its symbol of surrender. From the deck of the flagship, Jareth and his officers can clearly see it.

"What should we do now, admiral?" asked his officer. Fearing it might be a trap, the officer let out his thought. "It's only been four days since we besieged them. Don't you think they are giving up too early?"

"Hmm..." Jareth who is still peering through his spyglass thinks for a moment before replying. "I don't think it is a trap. Those greedy merchants were probably the ones who put pressure on Harlington to surrender. Prepare to land!" he declared. 

With caution and vigilance, the fleet glided through the calm waters into the port of Harlington. Once they anchored the ships, the soldiers disembarked onto the solid ground. Each step was taken with caution. In their hand, the weapons were at the ready to shoot. The soldiers maintained a defensive formation while securing the perimeter.

Jareth's eyes swept across the surroundings, taking in the sight of the once bustling port now eerily quiet and deserted. Empty market stalls, closed shops, and an air of desolation hung over the streets. The absence of resistance fueled his belief that the merchants had indeed played a significant role in the city's surrender.

His eyes capture the sight of one figure cautiously approaching them from the distance. The man, dressed in the expensive and finely woven garb, had a mix of anxiety and resignation on his face.

Without further ado, Jareth asked about the man's identity. "Who are you?"

The man took a deep breath and mustered his courage, "I come as a representative on behalf of the ruler of Harlington," he spoke. His voice filled with weariness and resignation. "We wish to negotiate the terms of our surrender."

Jareth's piercing gaze fell upon the man, analyzing his words and demeanour. The man in front of him doesn't seem to be lying.

The admiral nodded, acknowledging the representative's words. He motioned for the representative to come closer.

The soldiers maintained a vigilant stance with rifles aimed at the man. It wouldn't surprise them if the so-called representative suddenly launch an attack.

The representative approached Jareth with caution. His eyes darted between the admiral and the armed soldiers surrounding him.

Sensing the tension in the air, Jareth spoke with a calm yet commanding tone. "State your terms, and we shall consider them."

The representative took a deep breath before speaking, "We offer our city's surrender under the condition that the lives of our people are spared. Also, we wish you would allow those who wish to leave the city can do so and they can bring together with the wealth they have."

Jareth considered the terms. While conquering Harlington was an objective, he also understood the value of preserving peace and harmony within the newly acquired territories. 

After a brief pause, Jareth nodded. "Fine, we accept your term. However, we will only give you three days to leave the city. And we expect full cooperation from the citizens who didn't leave. We won't tolerate any acts of resistance or treachery."

The representative exhaled, relief evident in his eyes. "Thank you, sir admiral. I'll pass your word to the people in the city."

With the surrender agreement settled, Jareth proceeded to outline the terms and conditions, emphasizing the integration of the city into the expanding Ryntum territory. He made it very clear that Harlington would undergo certain changes under the kingdom's rule.

As the negotiation concluded, the representative returned to relay the news of the surrender.

Meanwhile, Jareth commanded his soldiers. "Secure all the vital places within the city. Make sure we had total control of them."

....

While the soldiers secured important aspects of the city, the representative announced the finalised terms of the negotiation to the inhabitants of Harlington. It was met with a mixed reaction as a range of emotions flickered across their faces.

After a moment of silence, whispers spread among the crowds. To a group of people, the terms were fair and reasonable while the rest dissented it altogether.

Some among them, fearing the consequences of living under foreign rule, made the decision to leave the city. With belongings hastily gathered, they set off on a sombre journey toward Hagen, seeking refuge and solace in the familiarity of their homeland.

Amidst the departure, others chose to remain and live under foreign rule. They either have nothing to lose or no money to start a new life. Inevitably, they braced themselves for the changes and uncertainties that would come on their way. 

That evening, the port of Harlington buzzed with activity. Hundreds of people who had chosen to leave gathered with their belongings. They're waiting to board the merchants' ships and leave the city. The sound of hurried footsteps and whispered goodbyes filled the air as the departing citizens made their way to the waiting vessels.

Jareth stood at the high ground near the port, staring blankly at the unfolded scene. His gaze then swept across the streets and buildings. There were no hidden enemies or signs of trickery from Harlington reported.

At last, he can heave a sigh of relief. The weight of responsibility on his shoulder lessens.

Currently, his mind contemplated the next move. According to the letter he received, the army from Weymewesto supposedly arrive at Tetherswest by now. 

Once they defeated the Blande soldiers in Tetherswest, the region would be freed from northern encroachment and effectively fall under Ryntum possession. 

He shares his thoughts with the officers under his command, seeking their opinion. 

One officer spoke up, "I think we should focus on Harlington. I'm sure the army can handle the enemy. They are not weaker than us."

"I disagree," Another officer objected. "Our soldiers in very high morale. We should use this momentum to claim more victory."

"But, that will put our manpower stretched thin. What happens if Blande sends another wave of the fleet? We won't have enough personnel to handle them."

"All we had to do is maintain our supremacy at the sea and we'll be fine."

"Isn't that a bit too optimistic? You need to think about the worst-case scenario. What if Hagen attacked? What if Blande manages to land? Please be more critical when you think."

"Are you saying I'm stupid?!"

"Who knows? Maybe-"

"Alright, alright, calm down." Jareth end a little discussion and quarrelled before stating his decision. "Prepare a small detachment of troops to be sent to Tetherswest," he instructed his officers. "But, the defence of Harlington and sea patrol remains our top priority. Am I clear?"

""Yes, sir!""

[A/N: Map]