Levine engaged in a brief conversation with Eren, their words exchanged in low tones.
Naya stood at a slight distance, her senses heightened, keeping watch for any signs of approaching enemies. Despite the echoes of the Brewmaster's Bounty explosion still reverberating in their ears, their focus remained resolute, unwavering in their commitment to completing their mission with meticulous thoroughness.
Naya, however, couldn't shake a hint of apprehension in Eren's presence. He had effortlessly managed to intimidate her even before his encounter with Sebastian. Her demonic nature, normally fierce and unrestrained, seemed subdued, as if cowed by his mere existence.
Thankfully, Naya's wait was not prolonged, as a fleet of ships emerged on the horizon, led by Tidebreaker, the flagship of House Riverine. Birmond stood on the deck of Tidebreaker, his gaze fixed upon Eren with a serious countenance.
Spotting Birmond's presence, Naya observed that Nina had successfully provided him with first aid. Despite the visible strain etched on his face, an indication of internal injuries, his mana signatures displayed stability, suggesting that the worst effects of the backlash had subsided.
Jiana soared towards Eren as Tidebreaker drew nearer, her initial reluctance as a thief transformed into a sense of satisfaction. She found herself unexpectedly pleased, basking in Eren's approving nod, a silent acknowledgement of her accomplished task.
Birmond, in a state of shock, discovered that Eren had indeed managed to eliminate Sebastian single-handedly. A surge of relief washed over him, affirming his decision to acquiesce to Eren's conditions in their attempt to bury past animosities. Birmond speculated that if Eren could devise such meticulous plans for Sebastian, there was a high likelihood that he had something equally intricate in store for House Remus.
Once their affairs were settled, Eren and the group returned to the city of Erbaia. The butcher engaged in a private and extensive discussion with Rodrick within the confines of Sorin's office.
The eradication of House Slughorn had unofficially become a personal project for the crown prince. Having ignited the flames, Rodrick was resolute in ensuring that the wildfire he had started consumed the toxic lush forest that was House Slughorn, leaving nothing but ashes in its wake.
Eren extended a helping hand, offering his assistance in the upcoming purge. However, Rodrick, recognizing the gravity of House Slughorn's betrayal, made the decision to deploy specialized forces for this crucial task. With the confirmation of House Slughorn's treachery, commanding these forces became a far easier task for him.
The initial strike would commence from House Slughorn's grand estate situated in the duchy of Lionheart. Within a matter of days, all of their potion banks, shops, and resource warehouses scattered throughout the kingdom would be reduced to ruin.
To prevent any remnants of House Slughorn's operations from reemerging, their remaining supplies and distribution network would be absorbed by other active potion-making organizations within Edinburgh. Among these, the White Raven Guild would take a prominent role. In return for their involvement in House Slughorn's annihilation, House Remus and Eren would be given some special resources and privileges by Edinburgh.
Aware of Eren's exceptional planning capabilities, Rodrick entrusted him with strategizing the subsequent steps. After their discussion concluded, it became evident that the countdown to House Slughorn's demise had commenced. The storm of destruction loomed over Sebastian's clan, poised to engulf them entirely.
In the presence of Rodrick, Eren turned to Sorin, making a straightforward request to refrain from auctioning off House Slughorn's estate. Instead, he proposed a direct purchase at a standard rate, offering upfront payment. Sorin found himself at a loss, uncertain of how to respond to Eren's audacious exploitation of the situation. However, glancing in Rodrick's direction and finding no objection, he ultimately acquiesced.
The city of Erbaia, destined to become a flourishing hub for the White Raven Guild, held great promise for Eren's potion-making enterprise amidst the backdrop of war. Its strategic location would undoubtedly enhance the prosperity of his business, further solidifying his influence within the realm.
Rodrick couldn't hide his disappointment over the loss of Brewmaster's Bounty and its valuable cargo due to the supposed self-destruction protocol triggered after Sebastian's demise. However, he couldn't bring himself to complain, knowing that they had successfully eliminated the threat of Myriad Potioner once and for all.
Eren couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret that he couldn't rid himself of Demonmir in a similar preemptive strike. Yet, he acknowledged the complexity of dealing with Demonmir, understanding that it wouldn't be as straightforward as eliminating Sebastian.
In addition to their plans, Eren approached Sorin with a request to relieve Rhea of her duties as the captain of her squad, thereby freeing her from the responsibilities of being the city protector. Instead, she would join Edinburgh's direct force stationed in the Nightshade duchy, allowing her to contribute directly to their efforts.
With their roles in the mission fulfilled, Birmond and Naya bid farewell to Eren's group and went their separate ways. Birmond breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Myriad Potioner's debuff potions were destroyed, thus eliminating any lingering threat.
Eren remained in the city of Erbaia for two days, meticulously tending to his affairs. Rodrick stood by his side throughout, ensuring that they were on the right track in their mission to dismantle House Slughorn. Only after their objectives were aligned did they part ways, bidding each other farewell.
As Eren's two ships, Freya and Tidebreaker, sailed away from the port of Erbaia, news of House Slughorn's downfall rippled through the entire kingdom. Speculation and conjecture filled the air as people began crafting various theories to explain the ruin of such a prominent House, especially amidst the ongoing war with Layos.
Gradually, the names of Grimdawn and House Remus found their way into the conversations of Edinburgh's citizens. Half-truths and veiled mysteries surrounding the conflict between House Slughorn and Eren's faction started to circulate, painting a captivating narrative.
Grimdawn's name, once again, basked in a fleeting moment of limelight due to House Slughorn's destruction. Some praised his actions, while others cursed him for seemingly jeopardizing Edinburgh's interests in his pursuit of personal vengeance.
Amidst it all, Eren chuckled, amused by the news reports that revolved around him and House Slughorn. He cared little for being labeled as shortsighted or intoxicated by power as the official title holder of the kingdom. He understood the limitations of people's perspectives and saw no need to go out of his way to correct their misconceptions.
A sense of contentment washed over Eren as he definitively closed the chapter on House Slughorn. Contrary to philosophies that claimed revenge only fueled further turmoil, he had come to realize that the satisfaction derived from revenge was unparalleled when one had the resolve to see it through to its conclusion.
