Chapter 51
(Kyle Calendar
Year 505: Age 12)
The Teigun Disturbance:
Mastermind
Translator : PolterGlast
The morning after the
bandit attack dawned.
With daylight, a
thorough search of the town was conducted again.
The identities of
visitors to the town, other than permanent residents and seasonal workers, were
confirmed, and it was verified that likely all bandits had been captured or
killed.
The town was filled
with voices of relief and renewed anger towards them, but some harbored
significant doubts about the attack.
"We are
interrogating the survivors at the garrison's station, but there are a few
things that don't quite add up."
"They seemed to
know about the 20,000 gold coins in funding for the Teigun development."
Miseri's words caused
everyone present to gasp.
"The matter
concerning the Margrave Hastburg's loan is something only a few high-ranking
officials within the territory and those involved with the Teigun government
should know."
Miseri stated with a
serious expression.
"Also, perhaps
some nobles associated with the Margrave might know... I suspect that's the
likely culprit."
I added to everyone.
There must be nobles
who were jealous of the preferential treatment from Margrave Hastburg and the
development of Teigun.
Frankly... more than
half of the 20,000 gold coins had already been used for development costs, and
not much was left until tax revenues came in after the new year.
"The group that
attacked the commodity exchange, their attire and masks, were clearly different
from other bandit groups in many respects."
"They even made
some disturbing remarks during the attack."
Yes, they let their
guard down because they thought their opponents were only about ten women.
"Kill the
witnesses."
"To make it look
like their doing."
"Turnip
Baron..."
Because they uttered
such words.
This revealed that
some mastermind was orchestrating the bandit group, having them attack Teigun
to weaken the Solis baronial family.
"So, even if the
masterminds' plans failed this time, we can't rest easy in the future..."
Just as I was
speaking, an urgent report came in.
"Viscount
Hiyorimi's army has appeared at the temporary checkpoint on the Demon Realm
side and is forcing their way through the checkpoint, claiming to be
reinforcements for Teigun."
"Why did you let
them through?!"
Christoph angrily
confronted the soldier.
Well, I couldn't blame
the soldier who came to report.
It was peacetime, and
they were nobles of the same faction, so there was no reason to refuse.
Normally, a vanguard
would be sent to notify the other party, but there was no time for such
formalities when rushing to aid a town under bandit attack.
"Phew, just as I
thought."
I let out a big sigh
and looked around at everyone.
"Now the
mastermind is clear."
Since there was no
evidence, I couldn't openly counterattack, but I couldn't just stay silent
either... should I do it?
"Could you please
inform everyone?"
I hastily gave
instructions to the town.
※
"Greetings, Lord
Takuhir, it seems you have suffered a misfortune this time."
Viscount Hiyorimi's
army of 200 men arrived in front of the main gate of the town of Teigun, taking
up a battle formation as if to intimidate us.
I, alone, calmly rode
forward on horseback to face them.
"Well, well, Lord
Errol of the Hiyorimi Viscountcy. Such a sudden visit, and all this grand
display, what is the meaning of this?"
I deliberately played
dumb.
"Well, I heard
that our ally, the Solis Barony, suffered a large-scale bandit attack.
By chance, we also
obtained information about the bandit group and were guarding the Demon Realm
side of our territory.
We rushed here,
thinking that Teigun's forces alone would not be able to hold them off, to
provide reinforcements.
We would easily repel
the bandits. We intend to cooperate to ensure everyone's safety."
Hmm, is this how it
would sound like translated?
We...
We secretly
instigated a bandit attack on the Solis Barony, which we've always disliked,
and we're
curious about the bandits' success. We've been observing Teigun from a
distance,
and we
probably, no, as expected, thought the soldiers would be annihilated and the
town would be in a terrible state.
If we then
lead our army and rush there, and threaten them with about four times their
garrison size, won't we be able to effectively control the town of Teigun from
now on?
"Well, well, I
cannot express enough gratitude for everyone's great kindness. Thank you, Lord
Errol."
"That is only
natural. N-now, immediately open the gates and give us a chance to distinguish
ourselves.
Do not trouble
yourself with thanks; we are allies.
There will likely be
worries about bandit or monster attacks for some time.
Our elite 200 men
shall become the shield protecting Teigun.
No thanks are needed.
Let us share the blessings of the mine as well.
Regarding this town,
there may be parts that are too much for you, who are still young.
If we take over and
proceed with the town's development, such a situation would not occur.
Our faction has many
wise men. Let us achieve the investment entrusted to you by the Margrave
splendidly and preserve each other's honor."
He rambled on, lost in
his own convenience and self-satisfaction.
Hmm, you, is your mind
in a field of flowers?
Why do I need to
accommodate your convenience?
Give me the mining
rights since I'll defeat the bandits.
Station my
troops in the town so it won't be ravaged by bandits in the future.
I'll take care
of the town's development, so give me gold coins.
"..."
Are you perhaps
unaware that you are the real bandits?
"Once again, your
words are deeply appreciated.
However, while I
appreciate the thought, the entire bandit group has already been apprehended or
defeated.
Furthermore, the seven
individuals believed to have been commanding the bandit group were also defeated
after committing murder and robbery against women and children."
"I-is that so?
But I heard the bandit group was quite large. Isn't the defending army
unreliable?"
"Fortunately, the
damage was very minor... and there's no need for concern."
I quickly raised my
right hand.
About 50 mounted
troops, including the fully armed mercenary corps, rode out from the gate and
lined up.
Errol (that bastard)
momentarily looked surprised but quickly regained his arrogant gaze.
"It is gratifying
that the damage is minor, but even so, it will not be enough to hold this
place. We have 200 men, you know!"
"Well
then..."
Could you
defend against these 200 men?
You can feel
safe with these 200 men guarding you, right?
It was a subtle way of
speaking that could be interpreted both ways.
"Your concern,
Lord Errol, is most reasonable.
We were just training
in preparation for another bandit attack. We would be grateful if you would
observe and offer your opinions."
This time, I swung my
right hand forward.
The cavalry galloped
forward, and about 200 m ahead, they encircled a corner with red flags.
Another 300 m further,
they placed two human-shaped targets.
Errol and the Hiyorimi
Viscount's army watched in dumbfounded silence, wondering what was about to
begin.
"Solis Archers,
target the front left marker! Prepare for long-range firing!"
I raised my left hand
high.
400 citizens who had
been hiding on the castle wall stood up in unison, angled their crossbows, and
aimed.
"Wha!"
Errol involuntarily
let out a cry of bewilderment at the sudden appearance of 400 soldiers.
Well, that's natural.
They thought they had us surrounded with four times our strength, but they were
actually surrounded by more than double their own strength...
"Aim! Fire!"
At my command, 400
arrows flew with a roaring sound, cutting through the wind. And they all struck
the area marked by the red flags...
This was Christoph and
Carleen, hiding in the back, secretly using wind magic to extend the range and
guide the arrows to the target.
"Wh-wh-what?!"
Errol stood
dumbfounded, his mouth agape, at the archers' masterful skill (from the enemy's
perspective).
Now, for the finishing
blow.
"Prepare for
sniping! Ultra long-range sniping target! Aim!"
"Ready!
Fire!"
Under rapid-fire
instructions, Christoph and Carleen, the two of them, fired using the secret
crossbows (Estol Bows).
And a few moments
later, the two human-shaped targets were perfectly shattered.
"..."
"Well, what do
you think? Once we kill the leader of the bandits, they'll become nothing but a
disorganized rabble. Even if they are clad in armor, my archers can easily
pierce targets at that distance. Please rest assured.
Our current defense
numbers about 500, and since we sent a fast horse last night, 100 iron cavalry
are also heading our way now."
Having his
expectations overturned on several levels, Errol was in a daze.
The 200 soldiers he
led were also completely intimidated.
I gave a faint smile
and watched them retreat.
In my heart...
『May they never come again.』
I prayed as I watched
them go.
-----
Thank you for my Patrons !!
[Platinum]
Swagaraga
[Gold]
B random
DavidA
Nepheos
ShitaiNoKootoRyuu
[Silver]
Creris
Fred A.
Frédéric Bertrand-Hudon
Geral Aponso
Matthew Fraser
Anton Lim
Ctdela
Curious Panda
Read Advanced Chapters only on my Patreon
-----
