Desolate World

Then Andrea stood up. She said, "Lord, as this matter also relates to us, let me say something. I, on behalf of shadows, proclaimed that we didn't hold a grudge against the ones that have attacked us. And we hope no one would be held responsible for this matter anymore. As we need every power available for building this village, that is also the concern of all of us."

Aria then looked at Andrea with a grateful look. As for Uriel, Erica, and Eric didn't dare to look at her. As they seemed to be ashamed of what they had done.

Mars shook his head. He then said, "No can do. It's definitely related to you. But, their mistake was also against me. The leader of this village. The choice of action that they took even after knowing that the shadows were led by Ace, one of my trusted subordinates, is an insult to me. 

It will be the same with you all. If in the future, someone or a group of people dares to attack you without my consent, it means that they have challenged me. 

Every accusation or report against you must be submitted to me first. I'm the one that has the right to judge and punish you. All people have to understand this."

All people's eyes, including Ace's, then looked at Mars with a grateful look. Ace was really touched by Mars's saying. Mars's willingness to be a backer of them showed how much he valued them.

Mars then looked at Eric and Erica who were silent all this time. He said, "I had high hopes for you two. You have done well by returning to Dragma Valley and then bringing the island here safely. I was thinking of trusting you with more heavy responsibilities. But then, you committed yesterday's mistake.

Honestly, I am really disappointed with you two. I can still understand if only Erica did it. As she is a reckless dragon. But, Eric! How can you make the same mistake as her? Instead of stopping her, you joined her in attacking the shadows. Maybe you did it because was forced by her. But it is still wrong.

Stop being a wimp and be a man! If you see your sister is wrong, you must stop her. That is what a brother should do. Do not let your family astray!

And you, Uriel. Although you are an elite. You don't have the demeanor of an elite. Do you think because your sister has made great contributions to the village, you can do anything you want? How old are you to be this immature? Even Ace's 6 years old son, Geo, is more responsible than you. You are not a kid anymore!"

The three of them looked more ashamed. They didn't make any voice and only looked down.

Mars then asked, "Any suggestions on how to punish them and the angels? I say once more, don't ask forgiveness for them. They are adults. They must take responsibility for their mistakes."

No one stood up and offered a suggestion. The room became so quiet, it was almost unbearable. However, Mars was still waiting. It seemed he really wanted someone to speak up.

Ace thought it was hopeless. He guessed all the elders also thought like him. They didn't want to have a problem with Aria in the future for this profitless thing.

It seemed Mars couldn't wait anymore he then asked, "Ace, what do you think?"

Ace's heart became cold. He had never expected to get the troublesome stuff right away.

'Ugh… Boss, you give me trouble, now!' Ace began to sweat.

He then took a deep breath. As it was Mars himself who asked, he couldn't refuse to answer, right? So he decided to bite the bullet.

"I think you shouldn't punish all of the angels. It was true that they also made a mistake. But, it is commonly agreed that the soldiers couldn't be held responsible if they only did what their leader had ordered. It must be their leader who takes responsibility. 

So, in my opinion, it should be Uriel who is held responsible for yesterday's attack on the shadows," Ace said.

He then saw Aria and Uriel, even the two dragons looked at him. Fortunately, they didn't look with hostility or such negative emotions. They only looked at him for a while, then came back to look down.

Then everyone saw Noah stood up. He then said, "Yes, Lord. What Ace said was true. I was in the military in the past. It is the usual practice in the human kingdoms' military."

Ace was surprised at Noah's support. He then looked at the burly man. However, Noah didn't look at him and came back to sit. 

"Hmm… That is good practice. Soldiers will perform the order of their leader unconditionally, if the leader is willing to take responsibility for his subordinates' actions. How is it, Uriel? Do you want to take responsibility for all angels' actions yesterday?" Mars then asked Uriel.

"Yes, My Lord! It's me who ordered them to attack the shadows yesterday. So, it should be me who must take responsibility," Uriel said firmly.

"Good. So, I decide that the other angels are not guilty. And all of their mistakes should be held responsible by Uriel.

Then Ace, what punishment should they take?" Mars asked again while smirking.

Ace glared at Mars for a second. He was really annoyed by how the dragon was doing things. Couldn't he decide such a case by himself?

Ace didn't have a choice but to answer, "I think Uriel, Eric, and Erica did yesterday's thing because they lack experience and wisdom. So they couldn't fully be blamed for it. 

So, I suggest making them do public service for the villagers for a period of time and appoint a mentor for them to learn how to behave in the future," Ace said. 

What he had suggested was something that he could think of in a short time. After all, he couldn't suggest Mars to imprison them, as they still hadn't had a dungeon or jail at the moment.

And there's Aria. He didn't want to offend her. So such a light punishment was the only thing that he could suggest.

***