After concluding the formalities, Eren instructed a group of Rankers from his side to attend to Naya and ensure her well-being. Given that she was alive, her body couldn't be claimed as war spoils by the Layos forces.
'Haash! Here comes the trouble,' Eren muttered under his breath, striding toward Birmond's motionless figure.
His intention was to employ his ID Storage to preserve Birmond's remains. However, just then, a predictable but resounding voice cut through the air.
"Grimdawn, get the fuck away from Birmond's body. It is now the property of the kingdom of Layos," Carvel's words held a menacing edge, directed at Eren.
Following Birmond's demise, Eren, as per the Anfang Alliance regulations, technically lost the right to claim his body. According to the alliance's statutes, the fallen Rankers' remains became spoils of war, a privilege exclusively bestowed upon the victor.
In the typical course of these kingdom conflicts, a sort of wartime diplomacy was observed. While the Rankers on both sides fought fiercely, a tacit agreement existed, allowing either faction to claim their fallen comrades' bodies.
It was a form of exchange — if both parties consented, the Anfang Alliance seldom intervened. But should the victor object, the rule about the ownership of war spoils would be enforced, preventing the defeated side from reclaiming their Rankers' remains.
'Damn it. I hope my acting skills have also elevated with my rank-up,' Eren thought to himself and prepared himself to act a part by taking a deep breath.
Carvel's protest didn't catch Eren off guard. He pivoted, meeting Grandmaster Luan's gaze with an imploring look, his voice quivering as he addressed the Grandmaster.
"Grandmaster Luan... Birmond was more than just a battle commander. He was my close friend," Eren's words quivered with sorrow, his face bearing the weight of pain. His demeanor mirrored his emotional state.
"Birmond and I had plans to celebrate his recovery from a lingering injury with a few drinks. Who could have foreseen that he... he..."
Eren stumbled over his words, choked up with emotion. His gaze fixed upon Birmond's lifeless form.
"All I desire now is to grant my friend a respectful resting place," he uttered as he seated himself beside Birmond, his hand gently resting on the fallen Ranker's shoulder.
'Heh. Eren, if Birmond's soul could perceive your intentions, it might prefer Carvel, his arch-enemy who brought about his end, to possess his remains,' Alephee's mocking voice resonated within Eren's thoughts, his words followed by a chuckle.
'Shut up, woman,' Eren responded to Alephee's mockery while maintaining his Grieving Friend act.
Eren's ability to feign emotions was remarkable, so much so that even the Rankers from his faction who had witnessed Eren and Birmond's interactions before began questioning their memories. Many among them were convinced that Eren and Birmond had shared, at most, an amicable working relationship.
However, those who knew the history behind Eren and Birmond's collaboration understood that the two had begun as bitter adversaries a decade ago. Eren had even been responsible for the deaths of several members of House Remus, until a truce was negotiated between the White Raven Guild and the house.
Their alliance had essentially formed due to the backdrop of the kingdom's conflict. Yet, Eren's impressive act led these observers to believe that their connection had genuinely evolved into a deep, fraternal friendship.
Eren's sole objective was to remove Birmond's body from the scene. His intention was to apply his bloodline Abilities to Birmond as soon as he could find a secluded space. Waiting would only diminish the potential benefits he could gain from devouring Birmond's body.
Yet, Eren couldn't flout the Anfang Alliance's regulations. Even the Alliance's sole representative present, Grandmaster Luan, was beyond Eren's ability to challenge by disregarding the rules.
Furthermore, Eren's past actions had led to another obstacle. He had a history of desecrating the bodies of his enemies. This made it unlikely that anyone from Layos would willingly adhere to war-time protocols while Eren was on the opposing side. Anticipating Carvel's response, Eren knew Carvel would seek retribution for his past deeds.
Even if Carvel decided to allow someone from Edinburgh's side to claim Birmond's body, intricate procedures, and agreements would be involved. Moreover, Birmond's remains wouldn't be handed over to Eren personally. Instead, they would be entrusted to Edinburgh's surviving Rankers as a whole. Birmond's body would then be transported to the nearest Edinburgh army base before reaching its final destination at House Remus estate.
Eren was determined not to let either side take Birmond's corpse. Thus, his only option was to leverage his emotions to appeal to allies and adversaries alike. He wanted to settle this matter in an off-the-books manner. He was particularly focused on swaying Grandmaster Luan through his display.
Unaware of Eren and Birmond's history, Grandmaster Luan sighed, as if he had witnessed countless similar tragedies before, before addressing Eren in a soothing tone.
"Eren lad, it's unfortunate that Birmond, your commander and friend, has perished in this conflict. Your sentiments are understandable. But, I'm afraid you can't remove him without Carvel's consent," Luan spoke with a kind gaze fixed upon Eren.
Eren's fists clenched, as if a torrent of emotions was vying to escape as tears. He turned his watery gaze towards Carvel before speaking, his voice brimming with emotion.
"Master... Master Carvel. The enmity that existed between you and my friend Birmond should end with his death. I've already admitted defeat. Plus, I assure you that my forces will vacate this land within the stipulated two hours.
Why… Why not..."
Eren's voice trembled with a semblance of authentic sentiment, a testament to how deeply he had immersed himself in the portrayal of emotions. The pretense was such that he had begun to regard Birmond as a long-lost brother in his own mind.
However, Carvel wasn't a man easily swayed by Eren's acting. He took a stride forward and extended a pointed finger at Eren in an accusing gesture before retorting.
"Spare me the theatrics, Grimdawn. If it were anyone but you, I might have entertained this. But your crocodile tears aren't enough to deceive me. Birmond's remains, along with whatever is held within his ID Storage, shall be surrendered to the kingdom of Layos. We claim full rights to our spoils of war," Carvel declared resolutely.
Despite being the target of this venomous declaration, Eren maintained his facade unbroken. He locked eyes with Carvel, his expression portraying a sense of injustice, before continuing his act.
"Then... might I propose an exchange? I take possession of Birmond's body, and in return, you're… you are granted custody of your nephew's remains?"
