The man crashed into the water from his attack and Gaileo landed next to him.
"You used the water to save yourself from my attack, that's clever." Gaileo said.
"You holding back on your attack helped too." The man responded.
"So let's get to business, what is it that you really came here to discuss?" Gaileo asked. "But first, how are you related to Ma Chong?"
"That's true, the blonde hair, the armor, the strange looking war club. He does share many similarities with our former foe." Shion said.
"Heh, I figured you'd catch on. It's just like you think, I am related to Ma Chong. He is my cousin, though since my parents were killed 10 years ago he's been more like a brother to me. In that same tragedy, Ma Chong himself lost his parents as well as all four of his brothers. My name is Ma Ten." He replied.
"So, this is some sort of revenge for me killing Ma Chong then? Very well, let's keep it going!" Gaileo said as he prepared for the fight to continue.
"Just wait a second, I was being serious when I said I just wanted to talk. Plus after that last attack I'm sure that I would eventually lose that fight anyway." Ma Ten replied with his hands in the air.
"Ok, so what do you want to say? Just say it already." Gaileo said, not letting his guard down.
"When you killed my cousin, it was an act of mercy. He would have been subjected to far worse if you had brought him back to the capital alive. You also allowed him to have a proper burial. Even though he was your enemy, you showed him the respect and honor worthy of a man of his stature. While I can't say I'm grateful that you killed one of my kin, I can say that I'm grateful for the dignity you showed given the circumstances."
"It was the least I could do, he was a great warrior and a brilliant strategist. My greatest regret of the whole ordeal was that I wasn't able to convince him to join me."
"Well, that's actually the thing I was wanting to talk to you about." Ma Ten said. "As you know, the man responsible for the death of my family as well as hundreds of thousands of my countrymen, was the former Great General Mutembo. You told my cousin that if he joined you that you would kill the man responsible for their deaths. Even though he didn't join you, you still held up your end of the deal."
"You misunderstand, I only killed him because he ransacking my hometown. I didn't even know that he was the culprit of the Thundaran tragedy at the time."
"That maybe true, but you still slew our sworn enemy all the same. That brings me to the other promise you made him. You said that if you became Emperor you'd create a place where tragedies like what happened in our homeland never happen again. Do you remember that?"
"No, you're wrong. I didn't say "if" I said "when". I WILL become the Emperor there's no doubt about that. As for the other part, I will make that happen as well. No matter what, I can guarantee that."
"That's good to hear. In that case I'd like to offer my services, and my men as well."
"I'd certainly be glad to have an excellent warrior such as yourself in my retinue, especially considering your tactical prowess. However, I don't know if I can trust you. It's not smart to keep someone around who probably wants to kill you to take revenge for their fallen comrades."
"Haha! You misunderstand, my intentions. While I do think that you should be punished by for killing my cousin, simply killing you would be a waste. Rather I plan on putting you to work until you make our dream for a new Empire a reality."
"Hm, very well. You drive a hard bargain." Gaileo said with a smile.
After that, Ma Ten and his 1,800 troops joined the Gaileo Army and headed to Shuangfeng. When they arrived, they noticed that there was a commotion in the town square.
"Sir, the town is still in disrepair. I'm afraid that we won't be able to afford a raise in our taxes. Please allow us to have a bit of a reprieve while we rebuild at least." An old man said to an official.
"Who do you think you are making such a request of me? You rebelled against us for five years and now you expect us to reduce your taxes? You must be out of your mind." The official replied.
"But we didn't rebel! We were conquered. It wasn't our fault." The old man pleaded.
"Enough of your pathetic excuses! Give us what we are owed or face the consequences!" The official spat.
"What's going on here?" Gaileo asked as he rode towards the situation.
"Who said that? Who dares to question me?" The official shouted. When he turned around he saw Gaileo and his retinue. "Ah! Prince Gaileo! To what do I owe the pleasure of your presence here today?" He asked while making a complete 180 on his personality.
"I've brought my men to assist in the reconstruction of the city. Now answer my question, what is going on here? I don't like having to repeat myself." Gaileo said.
"Well some of the rabble have been complaining about their taxes. Don't worry we will have the dissidents beaten and we will get what we are owed I can guarantee that your highness." He said with a courteous bow.
"Are you stupid or something? This city was on fire just a few days ago. There were mounds of bodies piled outside the city walls. Do you really expect them to be able to pay?"
"B-But sir, these people have a duty to pay their due to the Imperial crown!" The official said, pretending that he was concerned for the finances of the Imperial Court. Of course his true intention was to line his own pockets.
"I am the Imperial Crown! Don't talk to me about duty! I'm telling you that these people can't afford your ridiculous taxes?"
"Er, with all due respect this town was given to me as my fief. I am allowed to rule it as I please. As such no one but the Emperor can tell me how to govern it." The official said smugly.