Chapter 449 Devara’s Return Back...

(A/N):

Drop a meme here that you find funny. Or reflects your mood.

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Three days before Devara and his army were scheduled to return to Trivenivrata, the allied kings assembled once again at the military encampment.

The battlefield had been cleared of most of the fallen soldiers, the wounded had been transported to their respective kingdoms, and the surviving prisoners were being cared for according to the agreements made before the war.

With Vrishasena’s defeat and the withdrawal of his army, the conflict had officially come to an end.

For the allied kings, however, the victory presented an opportunity that many of them were reluctant to ignore.

They had gathered around a large table inside Devara’s command tent, where maps of the surrounding territories had been spread out.

Several kingdoms that had previously maintained friendly relations with Vrishabhapura were now politically vulnerable, while others had begun sending messengers to establish contact with the victorious alliance.

One of the kings pointed towards the map.

"Maharaja Devara, this is an excellent opportunity. Vrishabhapura has suffered a tremendous defeat, and its military strength has been reduced considerably. We should press our advantage before Vrishasena can rebuild his forces."

Another king nodded in agreement.

"Indeed. There are several territories that have long remained under Vrishabhapura’s influence. With the army they have lost, we could bring those regions under our control without facing significant resistance."

"Why stop with Vrishabhapura?" another ruler added.

"Several neighbouring kingdoms may willingly accept our authority if we approach them now. We have already demonstrated the strength of our alliance. We should make use of it."

A few of the assembled kings exchanged approving looks.

They had entered the war intending to prevent Vrishasena from imposing his authority upon their kingdoms.

But now that they had emerged victorious, some were beginning to consider expanding their own territories.

Devara listened without interrupting.

He sat at the head of the gathering, with Shakuni, Drona, Bhishma, Karna, and Ashwatthama present.

His expression remained calm as the kings continued discussing possible campaigns.

Once they had finished, Devara finally spoke.

"I understand your suggestions. Vrishabhapura has suffered a considerable defeat, and its military strength has been weakened. However, I have no intention of continuing this war."

The kings looked towards him.

"Why?" one of them asked.

"We have already brought our armies together. Our enemies are weakened, and our soldiers are still prepared to fight. Why should we stop now?"

"Because the reason we entered this war has already been fulfilled."

Devara leaned back slightly.

"We came together because Vrishasena attempted to force his authority upon another sovereign kingdom. He wanted to dictate how our people should live, what they should learn, and which customs they should follow."

"We stood against him because no king should have the right to impose his will upon another kingdom."

He looked around the gathering.

"Our alliance was formed to protect the independence of its members. It was not formed to replace Vrishabhapura’s authority with our own."

One of the kings frowned.

"But Maharaja, we are not suggesting that every kingdom should be forced to accept our authority. We are merely proposing that we take advantage of the present situation."

"Then I have no objection if you wish to pursue that course of action," Devara replied.

The king looked surprised.

Devara continued.

"If you believe that expanding your territories is necessary for your kingdom, you are free to make that decision. I will not prevent you. But I will not participate in such a campaign, nor will I commit Trivenivrata’s forces to it."

He placed his hand on the map.

"I did not bring my army here to conquer other kingdoms. I brought them here because our independence was threatened. Now that the threat has been addressed, I see no reason to continue spilling blood."

The tent became quiet.

Some kings appeared disappointed, while others seemed to understand his position.

They had expected Devara to support another campaign, particularly after witnessing the strength of his Narayana Astra.

His refusal meant that any further expansion would have to be undertaken without the military support of Trivenivrata.

Shakuni glanced at the assembled rulers before speaking.

"His Majesty has made his position clear. The alliance was never intended to create a single empire. Each kingdom must decide its own course, and the consequences of those decisions will belong to them."

Bhishma nodded in agreement.

"Victory is not an excuse to abandon the principles for which one entered a war. If we begin conquering territories merely because we possess the strength to do so, then how different will we be from the very king we fought against?"

That statement prompted several kings to reconsider their proposals.

Devara rose from his seat.

"My decision is final. Trivenivrata’s army will begin its return journey. Those who wish to return with us are welcome to do so. Those who wish to remain and pursue other campaigns may make their own arrangements."

He looked around once more.

"I hope that whatever decisions you make, you remember why we stood together in the first place."

With that, the meeting concluded.

Three days later, the victorious army began its journey home.

The banners of Trivenivrata fluttered proudly above the marching formations.

The soldiers who had survived the battle were in considerably better spirits now that the fighting had ended.

Their commanders ensured that the wounded were transported safely, while the supply divisions maintained an orderly pace throughout the journey.

Devara travelled in his Vajravyaghra Rath, accompanied by the four enormous divine sabertooth tigers.

Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and Ashwatthama travelled alongside the royal contingent, while Shakuni managed the administrative arrangements.

As the army approached the borders of Trivenivrata, the sound of conches and drums began reaching them.

The news of their victory had arrived ahead of them.

People from nearby villages had gathered along the roads, carrying flowers, lamps, and offerings.

As the royal chariot came into view, cheers erupted from the crowd.

"JAI MAHARAJA DEVARA!"

"JAI TRIVENIVRATA!"

"VICTORY TO OUR KING!"

Flowers were thrown into the air as the soldiers marched past.

Children ran alongside the procession until their parents pulled them back, while elderly citizens raised their hands in blessing.

The excitement only grew as the army approached the capital.

The streets had been decorated with colourful fabrics, garlands, and banners bearing the royal emblem of Trivenivrata.

The crowned golden lion and the radiant eight-pointed star above it could be seen from almost every street.

People had come from neighbouring settlements as well, eager to welcome the king who had defended their independence.

Devara looked at the gathering crowds from his chariot.

He could see the happiness on their faces, the relief of families welcoming their soldiers home, and the pride with which the people greeted their returning army.

A young boy sitting on his father’s shoulders shouted at the top of his voice.

"Maharaja Devara!"

Devara noticed him and raised his hand in acknowledgement.

The boy immediately began waving both hands excitedly, causing the people around him to laugh.

Behind the royal chariot, the soldiers received their own share of appreciation.

Many citizens approached them with flowers and offerings, while families searched through the formations for their loved ones.

The return was not merely a celebration of military victory.

For the people of Trivenivrata, it was the reassurance that their kingdom remained independent and that the reforms they had embraced would continue without interference from another ruler.

Devara had defeated Vrishasena’s army, ended the war, and refused to turn victory into an opportunity for territorial expansion.

As the procession entered the capital, the cheers grew louder.

And after weeks away from home, the king of Trivenivrata had finally returned to his people.

The celebrations following Devara’s victorious return continued for several days throughout Trivenivrata.

The soldiers were honoured, the families of those who had fallen in battle received royal assistance, and the allied kingdoms exchanged messages reaffirming their friendship.

However, amidst all the celebrations and administrative responsibilities, another important occasion was approaching.

Karna’s marriage.

Preparations for the wedding had already begun, and the royal palace was gradually transforming into a place of celebration.

Servants were busy decorating the corridors with flower garlands, craftsmen were preparing ceremonial decorations, and the royal kitchens had begun planning the elaborate feast that would accompany the festivities.

The wedding was particularly special because Karna was finally going to marry Vishali, his childhood friend.

For years, their relationship had remained complicated.

Karna had developed feelings for her long ago, but circumstances, his responsibilities, and his own insecurities had prevented him from expressing them openly.

Even after their friendship had deepened, he had hesitated to take the next step, unsure whether Vishali viewed him in the same way.

But things had finally changed.

Vishali had accepted his love.

And Karna, who had faced countless warriors on the battlefield without hesitation, had found himself almost speechless when she finally gave him her answer.

Now, the two were preparing to begin a new Chapter together.

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(Author note:)

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