Chapter 73: Volume 3 - CH 4.1

The chaos had not yet fully subsided, but the fate of the Sindhuran Kingdom seemed to be decided.

The next king will be Prince Rajendra. Gadhevi, who was competing with him for the throne, is now being hunted for betraying the verdict of the duel before the gods and killing his father-in-law, Mahendra.

The nobles and officials in Sindhura’s capital, Uraiyur, had all pledged their allegiance to Rajendra one after another. As for those who still followed Gadhevi, they left the capital and fled to the border, but in the future, these people might be labeled as a “rebel army”. Now, in Sindhura, Rajendra is the embodiment of justice.

King Karikala II was once again bedridden and rapidly weakened by the shock to his heart. One day, he called Rajendra to his ward.

“Could you let Gadhevi go, Rajendra?”

“I understand your feelings. Father. However, he disregarded the result of the duel and disobeyed the judgment of the gods and the will of the king. Moreover, he killed the chancellor, Mahendra, who was also his father-in-law. Even if I let him go, the law and justice will not forgive him.”

Rajendra’s attitude was resolute, and he had no choice but to reject the pleading eyes of his aging father. Rajendra had a difficult expression and was in deep thought, until finally, he and his father agreed on a few things.

He would tell Gadhevi to give himself up. If he was willing to surrender, Rajendra would not take his life and instead confine him in the monastery. As for the local gentry who followed Gadhevi, if they were willing to submit, they would be forgiven for their sins. Focus on the work of reunification within Sindhura, and do not be bent on revenge ……

Rajendra’s promise seemed to put King Karikala at ease. It was no longer possible to fully recover from the bodily damage caused by drug abuse, but he still tried to do his duty as a king until he died. He wrote an official certificate giving the throne to Rajendra, a letter in his own hand urging Gadhevi to surrender himself, and a memorial to the important minister Mahendra.

When these matters were finished, Karikala fell into a drowsy state, as if he had used up all his remaining strength at once.

As the night came to an end, King Karikala II took his last breath.

Although he was a foreign king, the death of Karikala II was a blow to Arslan.

Although King Karikala had abused drugs, he had still tried to do his duty as a king and a father. Especially as a father, his attitude towards Gadhevi and Rajendra was really remarkable. Arslan had to think of his own relationship with his father Andragoras.

At the loss of his father, Rajendra let out a cry of grief. He leaned close to his father’s body, tears moistened his chest and clothes, rambling and sobbing about who he would rely on in the future.

“What convincing fake crying!”

Daryun was surprised by Rajendra’s reaction, but Narsus corrected him.

“No, it wasn’t fake crying.”

“Do you mean to say that Prince Charming truly felt sad?”

“Not entirely so. Rajendra had convinced himself that he should feel sad for the death of his father. That’s why he was able to shed so many tears.”

Narsa completely saw through the peculiarities of Rajendra’s character. Rajendra was a person who was so skillful in acting that he was fooled even by himself.

The Parsian army also held a funeral for the general Bahman. For Arslan, the only two marzban to survive were Daryun and Kishward. How many of them had survived after the battle of Atropatene? Arslan had no way of knowing.

Although Bahman was dead, the 10,000 cavalry under his leadership were still there. How strong was the army of Pars on the expedition to Sindhra? How good were they at fighting? After the many battles, large and small, the Parsian army had a total of less than two hundred battle deaths.

“Lord Bahman’s sleight of hand was really ingenious. He was really worthy of being called the wisest general among the marzban.”

Even Narsus, who didn’t like Bahman very much, admitted this bluntly.

However, although Bahman died, those who survived were confronted with a different matter. The 10,000 mounted Parsian cavalry led by Bahman needed a commander, and Arslan thought that Daryun was best suited for the position.

“If it is Lord Daryun, he certainly deserves our respect as a commander. The late general Bahman would not object, not to mention that His Highness the Crown Prince also wishes it so, there should not be any problem in this matter.”

The troops under Bahman said so, accepting Daryun to stand above their post.

Arslan requested Rajendra to allow them a mountainous area quite close to the capital of the country, Uraiyur. He used that place as a cemetery for the Parsian generals and soldiers who died in battle, including Bahman. Their remains were buried on the western slope of the hill. To the west was a view of Pars, the homeland of the dead.

As they were in a foreign country, the funeral was extremely simple, but the Crown Prince Arslan was there in person. The one who took care of all the funeral matters was Farangis, who was a priestess.

After the funeral, Daryun was officially appointed from the Crown Prince’s side to be the commander of the 10,000 cavalry led by Bahman.

“Fierce Tiger General, please take care of me in the future as you always do.”

“Don’t mock me, Narsus.”

The bitterly smiling Daryun immediately changed his expression.

“But, Lord Bahman still didn’t say anything about the secret letter given to him by my uncle in the end. Did His Highness Arslan’s troubles just disappear?”

“Hopefully, but I doubt it. Daryun ……”

There are some questions that even Narsus did not have a clear answer to. The secret of Arslan’s birth is one such question.

Although Narsus predicted Bahman’s intention to seek death, he still could not get his confession before. This was a regrettable failure for Narsus, and also because deep in his heart he still had some hesitation about revealing the secret.

During his march within Sindhura, Narsus had the opportunity to consult Gieve about Arslan’s origin.

“For me, it’s the same either way.”

As he plucked the strings of his oud with slender fingers, Gieve, who called himself a “traveling musician,” sang out with a dazzling glint in his deep blue eyes.

“No, it would be more interesting to say that the prince is not of proper royal blood. I am willing to dedicate myself to His Highness Arslan, but I have no intention of swearing allegiance to the royal family of Pars. What exactly can the royal family offer me?”

Personally, Arslan did have something to offer Gieve. Staying with Arslan’s side was indeed a lot of fun and led to some interesting new experiences.

“That’s right, I know how Gieve feels.”

Narsus thought, because he himself felt the same way. Even if Arslan did not have royal blood, what was wrong with that? It was still a fact that Andragoras III had officially installed Arslan as crown prince.

Suddenly, Narsus remembered Andragoras, whose whereabouts were still unknown.

Although Andragoras had many flaws that a king should not have, he was definitely not an incompetent man or a coward. Narsus agreed that his strength lay in his lack of superstition.

Shortly after the beginning of Andragoras’ reign, an astrologer came to Andragoras while he was reorganizing the palace personnelle. This astrologer had often flattered King Gotarzes and King Osroes and begged for rewards. He flattered Andragoras in the same way.

“According to the astrology, it seems that Your Majesty is really the picture of longevity. He will live to be at least ninety years old. This is really the best thing for the people of Pars.”

“Well, then, how many years will you yourself live?”

“I have the protection of the gods, and I can live to be one hundred and twenty years old.”

“Oh? But you seem to be quite young. Is it possible that you are already one hundred and twenty years old? People really can’t live forever!”

After he finished mocking, Andragoras suddenly drew his sword and cut off the astrologer’s head.

“What a magnificent king. How can a bizarre astrologer be a match for that?”

The people appreciated this. The two generations of kings of Pars, the King Gotarzes II, and the King Osroes II, were very superstitious people. At that time, magicians, astrologers, and prophets were frequenting the court, and people who had a heart could not help but frown at this situation. The brave Andragoras, on the other hand, had all these bad habits eradicated in one fell swoop.

During the reign of Andragoras, these people had been driven out of the palace. Thus, there were many magicians and prophets who hated Andragoras, but Andragoras continued to ignore them.

Does Arslan have such a strong will? A series of future trials will be able to tell.

“This guy, Gadhevi, did he fly to the sky? Or has he lurked into the ground? No matter what, he must be found, I can’t feel at ease until this matter is settled.”

While making preparations for his late father’s funeral, Rajendra intensified his pursuit of Gadhevi.

Although there was the agreement with his father, Rajendra had no intention of keeping his promise. He had gotten the support of most of the capital of the country, Uraiyur, however, there were still many local nobles who followed Gadhevi. If Gadhevi fled to them, perhaps the situation would be reversed. The pursuit should never be stopped.

Only by completely destroying Gadhevi, could Rajendra himself be crowned king. Conquering the powerful nobles who rebelled against him, settling the four sides of the kingdom, holding a grand crowning ceremony, marrying, etc., were all matters for later. No matter how fast, it would take two or three years.

In the meantime, he also could not let the reinforcements of the Parsian army wander around.

He had all sorts of worries. Even a man as cunning as Rajendra could not just assume that the future was set in stone.

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On the other hand, there was also a man who had no future outlook at all.

Jaswant, formerly of Mahendra’s family, was arrested as an accomplice to Gadhevi, but was released at Arslan’s request. He gave a formal thanks to his rescuer, and the crown prince of Pars looked at him worriedly.

“Jaswant, what are your plans for the future?”

“Well ……”

Jaswant had originally followed Gadhevi to his own destruction, and his suspected biological father Mahendra was also killed by Gadhevi, and King Karikala had died as well. He did not want to serve Rajendra, the victor who had survived on his own. Rajendra also did not want Jaswant to be his subordinate because he had infiltrated his own army camp as Mahendra’s spy. There was no longer room for Jaswant within Sindhura.

“So, Jaswant, would you like to come with us?”

Jaswant was taken aback by the words, and in this instant, he was not able to respond immediately. Looking at Jaswant, whose face was uncertain, Arslan continued.

“I also do not know whose child I really am. I thought I was the child of my father Andragoras, but it seems that this is not the case. Maybe I don’t even deserve the status of Prince of Pars or something like that.”

Jaswant listened to Arslan dully.

“So, after I recover Pars with the help of Daryun, Narsus and the others, I have to go and determine who I really am. If you want, I would like you to come with me. But it will be very hard, so I can’t force you, but I hope you will think about it ……”

Arslan said with a serious expression.

“I have no way to answer you right now. Perhaps it seems a bit indecisive to say this, but there is really no way for me to get my thoughts in order at this time ……”

“Well, you can take your time to think about it.”

Arslan stood up and left, however, the smile on his face as he left was deeply imprinted in Jaswant’s mind.

Arslan’s usual practice was never to order others to follow him when recruiting someone to be his subordinate. He always remains in a reciprocal position to persuade others. He always does this naturally without being aware of it, and it is obvious that this is Arslan’s strength. Just like what Narsus had said to Hilmes before.

The Parsian army quickly began to make preparations to return home.

They had no intention to stay in a foreign country for a long time. Rajendra did not need to worry much about it. The purpose of the Parsian army had been generally achieved, of course, the focus would now be on the Parsian domestic affairs.

“Since the situation has been settled, even if we return to Pars without seeing the death of Gadhevi, there should not be any problem. As long as His Highness gives the order, we can leave anytime.”

That was true, but from Narsus’ standpoint, he wanted to pacify the eastern kingdom first. He said to his close friend Daryun.

“If Gadhevi is completely destroyed, Rajendra will show his fangs to us. In fact, that is the day I am waiting for, but how exactly will things evolve ……”

The daughter of the chancellor Mahendra, Salima, was the wife of Gadhevi, and if her husband had become king, she would of course have been the queen. However, luck jumped over his head. Now, she was under house arrest in a room inside the palace. Rajendra had asked her to marry him before, and he had no intention of letting his reputation suffer by mistreating women. Therefore, although on the surface Salima was under house arrest, she was free to live in any way.

On the other hand, Rajendra thought that if Salima contacted Gadhevi secretly, he could follow the clues to find the place where Gadhevi was hiding.

Therefore, Rajendra secretly sent people to monitor Salima’s movements, however, in five days, she did not go anywhere and stayed in her room. There was only one exception.

There was a small tower near her room, where she worshiped the spirits of her ancestors. So, she went to that place once a day to pay her respects. She did not let anyone approach and spent this time of worship alone.

Rajendra had sent people to search the interior of the tower and above the roof, but nothing was found, so there was not even a guard inside.

However, Gadhevi was hiding in a large cage hanging inside the tower. The upper beams of the tower were so intricately constructed that it could not be seen from below. Samima brought food for him, however, on one occasion, she mixed sleeping pills with the sugar cane wine she gave her husband to drink.

After making sure that Gadhevi was asleep, Salima gave the order to the maid. The maid went out and brought one of Rajendra’s generals.

When Gadhevi opened his eyes, he had been grabbed down from the cage and both hands were tied behind his back and bound tightly. Despite how adept he was at marksmanship, there was nothing he could do in such a situation. He could only growl at his wife.

“Salima, what the hell is going on here?”

“It’s exactly what it looks like. You are a poor person who was abandoned by the gods in heaven and despised by the people of earth. Therefore, I originally thought you were very suitable to be hung in a cage, but as a result, you still fell to the earth to become a body waiting for sin.”

Salima’s voice was extremely cold. Gadhevi writhed on the floor and angrily scolded his wife.

“As a wife, you betrayed your own husband. Shameless bitch!”

“I’m not betraying my husband, I’m just avenging my father’s death.”

Gadhevi opened his mouth wide, unable to make any more sound. He bit his lip and his face was ashen.

Arslan was present when the prisoner was brought before Rajendra. It was Rajendra who had invited him here on purpose.

Gadhevi put on a smile for his half-brother, who should have been filled with hatred. Arslan had never seen such a stiff, miserable smile. Gadhevi was a nobleman of status, and he had the looks to match. Because of this, when he begged for mercy in an extremely humble manner, it seemed particularly disgraceful.

“Rajendra! Are you and I not brothers by blood? By a trick of fate, we killed each other for the throne, but the victory has been decided, and you have won.”

“Oh? You admit it?”

Rajendra crooked the corners of his mouth with utmost mockery, however, Gadhevi pretended not to see it and continued.

“Let me be your subordinate! I swear to be loyal to you. So, you should be able to let me live, right?”

Rajendra heaved a deliberate sigh. After a quick glance at Arslan, he opened his mouth with difficulty.

“Gadhevi! We brothers had staked our lives and our country for the throne. If you lose, we all know what happens. I will let you die a dignified death, so don’t beg for mercy so pitifully.”

“Ra… Rajendra ……”

“What an unfortunate pair of brothers we are! If we were unrelated, perhaps we could have had a better friendship.”

A shadow very sparingly clouded Rajendra’s eyes. But that was only for a moment, and he then put on an expression that could almost be described as uncaring, and said.

“For you, this is the last night of your life. You can enjoy yourself! I will prepare wine and food for you.”

A large amount of wine was poured down the throat, knocking people unconscious and killing them without pain. This was Sindhura’s method of executing royalty.

Gadhevi’s ropes were untied, and the wine and dishes and fruits were placed side by side in front of him. A human wall of soldiers and executioners surrounded him, and four courtesans poured wine from the left and right of Gadhevi.

Looking around with bloodshot eyes, Gadhevi suddenly glanced at Arslan and snatched a bottle from one of the courtesan’s hands.

“Parsian brat! This is all your fault! I hope you know that!”

An angry cry and the flash of the murder weapon rang out almost at the same time.

Gadhevi threw the flask to the ground, grabbed a sharp porcelain piece, and threw it toward Arslan’s throat.

The courtesans let out a terrible scream.

Arslan saved his own life in this instant. He grabbed a bone from the table and held it in front of his throat, and the shard pierced into it instead.

Azrael flapped his wings, and his beak pecked at Gadhevi’s right eye.

Gadhevi screamed in dismay and pressed his hand against his bloodied face. Azrael, who had avenged his friend, arced in mid-air and returned to Arslan’s shoulder.

“I’ve never seen such an immortal guy. Gadhevi! You are far more unqualified to be king than what I complained to Father about. Go to the underworld and let Father deal with you again!”

At Rajendra’s signal, three executioners slowly leaned toward Gadhevi. One of them held an axe for beheading. The other two men pinned Gadhevi to the ground, still struggling with severe pain and anger.

Arslan did not want to see this tragic scene. However, he had already intervened in Sindhura’s history and could not help but watch the outcome.

The axe was raised high and swung down heavily.

The scream was brief.

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