I think it's possible to not return with the body immediately. I think you could have carried out more of the campaign first and then later returned with the body, but then I've never done it and I don't know who has.

I really like this presentation by the way. It's very interesting!

As for the king's death, I thought it was only the AI who charged their generals into the massed speartips! Glad this is shaping up to be a difficult slog though - more entertaining for the rest of us! It would have been nice if Kyrene was still rebel though, and you didn't have to worry about allies coming to help (even though that is sorta cool - seeing alliances actually work, even though it is against you). It would be nice if you got a new adoption or man of the hour at this point though.

I wish we had this new thing we have been discussing in effect - it has to do with type4 governments and would greatly affect your campaign, but it's not implemented yet.