CHAPTER 361: CHAPTER 361- THE CONCLUSION OF THE BATTLE

"Ah, about that..."

The Holy Knights looked at each other. Even they did not know where he was. After handing them the command to take charge, he disappeared on them.

That said, they had enough faith in him to know that there must be some compelling reason for him to be absent at this moment.

And just like they predicted, Reinahrdt was indeed away on a compelling mission. The moment he appeared, he instantly solved the tense atmosphere of the meeting room.

Sensing the space in the hall distort, Vaerion, Erza, and the level 9 knights with acute senses instantly reached for their swords. However, when they saw who it was, the grip on their sword loosened.

"Everyone, please calm down. I have some good news for you all. Your Supreme Divine Treasure is still safe."

Saying that, he tossed the Aethterium towards Vaerion, who caught it reflexively. Everyone stared at him in dead silence. They were just racking their brains, going crazy over how to deal with such a deadly blow to humanity, when this man casually came in and solved all of their worries.

"V-Vaerion is that real?" the King questioned.

The Dark Knight looked at the globe in his hand and nodded his head. Just from the vast divine energy it released, he could tell that the item was the real thing. One of the Seven Supreme Divine Treasures and the one their kingdom was protecting, returned to them.

"Sir Divine Paladin... didn’t the demon steal the treasure? Where did you find it?"

At that question, all eyes focused on him. Reinhardt glanced at the little girl who was holding onto his clothes, cowering and afraid. He sighed and began his explanation. He told them what happened and how he was able to get it back.

Of course, he did not reveal critical information like the involvement of two more Heavenly Kings, as it would only make the kingdom and its people more worried.

Besides, the hero of this battle was the Dark Knight; he didn’t want to take the other’s spotlight. As for Jenea, she was the main perpetrator behind the Divine treasure almost being stolen. As such, he couldn’t just lie for her.

Be that may, he still tried to paint her in an innocent picture and speak on her behalf.

Finally, after listening to his entire story, did the meeting hall come to understand the entire picture. This battle, the holy war, the schemes, there were so many layers to it with each demon trying to plot against the others that they were inwardly shocked.

At the same time, they sighed in relief at the fact that the Divine Paladin was present in their kingdom and had gone to great lengths to get it back for them.

The King and Queen of Aetherion and all the high ranking officials had nothing but praise for him.

Finally, their eyes went to the little girl who aided the demons in almost stealing away their treasure. In the usual case, for a crime so severe, the sentence would be capital punishment, regardless of their gender, age, or status.

That said, from the Divine Paladin’s tone, they were able to sense that he was trying to protect this girl and was asking them to reduce her punishment.

"Jenea, I never thought that you of all people, would betray me."

Before the council could come to a decision regarding the little girl, the Dark Knight spoke up.

"Ah..." Jenea wanted to say something. However, after seeing the disappointment and rage in his eyes, she dropped her head down.

"Since you have betrayed my trust, I will naturally have you make up for it by putting you to work in my order. From now on, know that your life will be hellish with every second of your time spent in the servitude of the kingdoms and training."

Saying that, he turned towards the royalty of his kingdom.

"Your Majesties, please allow me to handle her punishment. As she is my subordinate, the responsibility for this matter also lies partially on me".

Vaerion’s words were serious and intended to intimidate the girl. However, they all knew he was trying to protect and cover for her by taking her in his order.

The sins of the girl were grave to speak of it lightly. If it were anyone else, the council would have already blown their top by now. However, the one requesting this was one of the heroes of their kingdom and someone who had just slain a Heavenly King.

Naturally, even they could not ignore his demand.

The king nodded, making his decision. "Very well, you will decide on her punishment".

"Thank you, your majesty."

With that, the punishment of the little girl was decided. Reinahrd was happy that Vaerion stepped forward to plead on behalf of the girl. With him taking care of Jenea, he can rest assured that she won’t be treated badly.

The vice commander of Black Gryffin Legion came and took her away. From this moment on, she would be put to a grueling training regime which would leave her with no time to rest. But perhaps that was best for her.

The meeting was adjourned not long after. With the chaos in the capital and knights fighting whole day and night, everyone was naturally tired. They all retired to their quarters soon.

With the royal palace and the entirety of the city in ruins, finding a place to sleep was like a luxury here. That said, they cannot just let foreign dignitaries and royals sleep outside.

As such, tents were raised to accommodate them.

After a makeshift meal, night rolled in, and everyone retired to their beds. Of course, not everyone. Reinhardt and a couple of other knights from different kingdoms stood guard outside, looking after the royalty of their kingdoms.

Aetherion had just suffered an attack, and while it could be said that the demons were gone, there was no guarantee that the crooks and villains would not try to take advantage of the situation.

As such, the knights of Aetherion had to work overtime, and sleep was a luxury they could not afford.