Chapter 30

The arrow from the Swedish army proclaiming their wish to surrender had reached the army of Norway. The information was immediately sent to the king who was very much pleased with the development. The information was spread to the armies stationed at their flanks as they were overjoyed at the information.

"Hail Lord Lucas! Hail Lord Lucas!" The soldiers shouted in happiness as Lucas stood in front of their army.

He was still keeping an eye on the enemy army to make sure that they weren't doing anything suspicious. Aslaug and Kriemhild were taking a breather but they were also ready in case an ambush was about to happen.

"It appears that you have become a hero Lord Lucas." Olivia said to him with a smile as she stood near Falkor.

"I guess. But they have also seen you fight against them. I'm sure that you will go down in our history as a war heroine as well." Lucas said with a small smile on his face.

Olivia smiled at his words as she knew from his face that he isn't saying that to butter up to her. His focus is on the battlefield so she knew that he wasn't trying to win her affection, nor did he seem to have any interest in it as well.

"I also have to thank you for your help in this war." Olivia said to him with a smile.

"It was my pleasure, your highness. Now I just want to make sure that the enemy won't do anything suspicious." Lucas said to her as he glanced at her before looking back at the enemy.

"That is a good plan. Even I'm not sure about letting our guard down just because of a declaration. Unless the royal family themselves come and show their mark of surrender our army has to stay alert." Olivia said seriously as she agreed with him.

"It eases my mind that the princess agrees with me." Lucas said with a nod as he looked over the battlefield.

The army of Sweden didn't do anything and soon the two royal families met each other to sign a contract between them. Olivia, her parents, Andvaranaut, Lucas, the court mage, and other members of the army and those who possess influence in the kingdom participated.

The royal family of Sweden, alongside Eric, their commander, court mage and some high ranking officials also met as they came forward to sign the agreement. They were meeting inside a very large tent. The armies of both nations were stationed on either side of the tent as they kept an eye on the other to make sure that they didn't do anything suspicious.

Kriemhild and Aslaug were also in the army as they looked at the army of Sweden, Kriemhild made sure to be out of their view lest someone recognise her and cause problems.

"The agreement has been signed by the kings of Norway and Sweden. The nation of Sweden will pay a monthly tax of 50,000 penning to the nation of Norway. The kingdom of Norway will have full authority over the cave with the ores but Sweden is allowed to trade with them. The royal family will retain their authority over the nation of Sweden." The man who was responsible for making sure the proceedings were going fair read out the agreement to the people present.

"I am fine with the arrangements." Arvid said with a neutral tone.

"I am fine with the arrangements." Emil Anderson, the king of Sweden said in response.

Truthfully he didn't like it as their families have been fighting against each other for sometime now but he has no choice in the matter as they had lost the war and so he must accept defeat otherwise he might shame his family name more for not upholding honour.

"Then my purpose here has ended. With your permission, I would like to leave your majesties." The middle man said to them as he gave a bow to them.

"You shall." Both Arvid and Emil said in unison before they looked at each other.

"Thank you." The middle man said ignoring their looks at each other before he walked out of the giant tent.

He let out a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat off his forehead with a look of relief.

'By Odin's beard, I'm so glad they didn't get into a fight. I thought the Anderson family would object to the contract but thankfully they didn't. I should get out of here.' The man thought to himself before he walked away from the giant tent.

Inside the tent the silence was palpable as both kings looked at each other. None of the other people said anything. Then that silence was broken by the clanking of heels which caught the attention of the people.

Lucas looked at Olivia as she stood in front of Eric. Said prince gave her a glare as she has a smug smile on her face.

"It is nice to meet you face to face Prince Eric. I have to inform you that I am quite happy with the outcome of the war. It was truly a wonderful battle that would please the Gods. It truly showed the might of my country." Olivia said with a smug smile.

"It would appear so." Eric said as he grit his teeth but he made a smile on his face.

"As I had said in the letter I had sent you, us members of the Ascheberg family are quite strong and capable. Our armies are strong as well, I hope you realise that." Olivia said to him with a proud smirk.

"I'll be sure to remember that. Though, I do want to know about that warrior riding that wyvern." Eric said to her with a strained smile.

Olivia looked at the others from Sweden and saw them also having intrigued looks on their faces. She looked at her father who after much contemplation gave her a nod of approval as she nodded back.

"Fine. I present to you the second in command of our army and heir to the house of Larsen, Lord Lucas Larsen." Olivia said as she looked at Lucas.

Lucas at her words stepped forward and stood a few feet behind her before giving a bow to the people present. Eric has a hateful glare at the boy while King Emil was looking at him with narrowed eyes.

'This boy is without a doubt an exceptional one.' Emil thought to himself as he remembered his exploits in the battlefield.

Lucas raised his head a bit and looked at Eric before smirking a bit making the prince more angry. Olivia who saw his action smiled as he straightened up and looked at him.

"It is a pleasure to meet you in person Prince Eric Anderson. As the princess said, I am Lucas Larsen, the heir of the Larsen clan and the second in command of our army. It is an honour to meet you." Lucas said with a charming smile on his face.

"It is my pleasure as well. You battled wonderfully." Eric said to him as he controlled his anger.

"Thank you for your kind words, your highness." Lucas said as he smiled at him.

Of course, the prince was very angry at him but he knew that he was strong due to his skills in the war and so he kept his mouth shut. The court mages from both kingdoms were looking at him but didn't say anything as Lucas kept his smile on his face.