Chapter 149
The Battle
of Those Left Behind ④ - The
Fourth Arrow: March of the Diseased
Translator : PolterGlast
Around the time news
of the plague outbreak spread from Teigun, governed by Baron Solis, there was
already a territory where the plague raged, bringing many citizens to the brink
of death and suffering. The lord governing that land had concealed the fact of
the plague outbreak from other territories. As if for some ulterior motive.
"Father, I have
just returned. All arrangements for the towns and villages scattered across the
southern side of the territory are complete. I have left some provisions, so it
should last until the citizens cross the border. They will seek help and are
probably heading towards Teigun, Fran, and Est by now. Soon, a great calamity
will descend upon the Solis folk like an avalanche."
"Lugner, well
done. To have a plague at such a time, we are fortunate indeed. It's as if
heaven is on the side of us, the Dark Clan."
"As Father says.
Nevertheless, the swift change from our plan to feign bandit attacks and send
spies mixed with refugees, to utilizing plague victims—Father's discretion with
the fourth arrow is superb. I am truly impressed by your swiftness in seizing
opportunity. With this, they will be overwhelmed by overflowing plague
patients, unable to move, and utterly confused."
"And what about
the matter they, those who seek to trip us up, went out of their way to tell
us?"
Yes, they had received
a report from Viscount Solis, residing in Est, about the plague outbreak, its
countermeasures, and the effectiveness of the Church's purification ritual.
Takuhir himself was merely a member of the Solis Viscount family, and all
communication with relevant parties, except for Margrave Hastburg and Viscount
Gorman (who were directly involved), had been arranged to go through his
father, Viscount Solis.
The Hiyorimi Viscount
and his son, upon receiving that news, instantly rejoiced and changed their
strategy. To an even more inhumane direction...
"The Church was
reluctant, but arrangements have been completed to perform the purification
ritual for all soldiers. We have also spread that rumor among the soldiers.
With this, many soldiers will harbor resentment towards the neighboring
territory and fall, becoming 'death soldiers,' moving as we wish. How goes your
progress, Father?"
"Yeah, the greedy
pig, when cornered, falls easily. He was abandoned even by his masters in the
Royal Capital, and his heart sank into darkness with his own ugly resentment.
Hatred for the Margrave! With only that emotion, leading his sycophants, he
will explode in desperation... no, he will rise up and become the foundation
for our great endeavor."
"Then, we shall
soon strike the first blow to ensure those pigs cannot turn back, is that
right? While those fools in the Royal Capital speak of lenient things like
summons, the border will be engulfed in the flames of war, and those who
reveled in the truce will be trampled by the Empire's hooves. The destruction
of the Kingdom we have longed for will begin."
At this moment, the
father and son, engaged in conversation, were unaware that there was actually
another person hidden in the living room, which should have contained only
them.
"Father! Brother!
What did you just say?! I cannot simply overlook such words!"
Astonished by the
unexpected conversation between his father and elder brother, he dispelled his
stealth and revealed himself. He himself was distressed by the plague ravaging
the territory and had grown suspicious of his father and elder brother for
taking no countermeasures. Therefore, he had used his recently awakened Dark
Magic to hide in the living room, eavesdropping on their conversation.
"Erol! When did
you... awaken to Dark Bloodline Magic?!"
Ignoring his
astonished brother, Erol poured out his feelings.
"I cannot
overlook the countless words and actions that make me doubt my own ears!
Brother! How can you send our citizens, suffering from the plague, to the
neighboring territory without providing aid?! Father! How can you plot
rebellion and incite the Kingdom's downfall?! Depending on your answer, I will
not remain silent!"
He slowly drew his
sword and pointed its tip at his father and brother. His sword tip trembled
violently up and down, and his face was rigid with intense emotion.
"Erol, you have
not yet received the 『Baptism of Darkness』 from him. Calm yourself. Once you receive the baptism
and learn of the deep blessing of darkness and the history of darkness, you too
will surely understand."
"Father, you
mustn't! From ancient times, only one person who receives the Baptism of
Darkness is allowed to succeed. I believe now is the time for you to make a
decision, right here, regarding what you yourself once did to your own
brothers."
Saying that, Lugner
urged his father in a cold voice, without changing his expression.
Hearing those words,
Erol remembered. That he once had two uncles. And that around the time they
mysteriously disappeared, his own father had also changed... No way... Father
laid hands on my uncles? Such a thought flashed through his mind, and he froze,
sword in hand.
"Men! Come forth!
Erol has gone mad and tried to harm my father! This is clear treason! You may
cut him down here and now! Eliminate him immediately!"
His respected brother,
Lugner's, command was unbelievable to Erol. Deeply shocked, he parried the
soldiers' descending swords and ran towards the residence's exit to escape.
"Erol-sama has
gone mad! Take him down!"
The residence was
filled with Lugner's direct soldiers. Over a dozen soldiers pursued him.
Just as he thought he
was about to get outside, Erol found himself surrounded by soldiers blocking
his path.
"Frustrating! Is
this the end?!"
Outnumbered, he was
trapped and steeled himself. At that moment, someone leaped from behind, taking
a soldier's sword thrust with his own body and shielding him.
"Please!
Erol-sama, please escape! P-please, I entrust the people to you, I
b-beg..."
Hinder, the steward of
the Hiyorimi Viscount family, uttered his last words, spitting foamy blood, and
died from the sword piercing him. The steward, who had, within his means,
supported the citizens and the territory against the cruel rule of Viscount
Hiyorimi and his eldest son, was Erol's only ally.
"Hinder,
Hinder... I'm sorry. For my sake."
Erol clung to his
galloping beloved horse and continued to weep as he rode eastward. Hinder, the
steward, who was Erol's only confidant within the Hiyorimi household and was
said to be the conscience of the Hiyorimi family, having struggled alongside
him to save the citizens, fell to a cruel blade while protecting him. Now, he
had no allies left within his own family.
※
Around this time in
Teigun, they had successfully managed to contain the plague's spread. In the
initial stages, the number of infected continued to rise, reaching nearly 300
at one point. However, from that point on, the increase in infections plateaued
and then visibly decreased. Now, only about 50 individuals are receiving
treatment in the infirmary.
Of course, no one died
as a victim of the plague.
Rosa and the others'
swift initial response, meticulous preparation, and everything running smoothly
contributed to this success. The Church's immediate performance of purification
rituals on the sick prevented severe cases and promoted recovery. The
distribution of disinfectant, masks, and soap ensured effective epidemic
prevention measures. The availability of large quantities of precious sugar
allowed for the provision of an "oral rehydration solution," prepared
under Takuhir's instructions, to the sick. Furthermore, Teigun, being a newly
established settlement, had few elderly individuals susceptible to the plague.
No one knew exactly
what contributed to their success. But the results were undeniable.
The expressions of the
citizens, including those who were at the forefront of the response,
brightened, and they gradually regained their vitality. A second report had already
been sent to Takuhir, informing him that the response was progressing smoothly.
However, a dire report
arrived, trampling their desperate efforts and bringing renewed confusion.
"Urgent contact
from Lord Elan at the New Checkpoint! Over 50 individuals, believed to be
citizens of Hiyorimi territory, are gathering before the checkpoint, seeking
protection. Lord Elan requests that I convey his concern that infected
individuals are also present. He requests an immediate discussion regarding the
response, from both security and humanitarian perspectives."
When the report came
in, the administrative office's countermeasures headquarters was filled with
the key remaining members, excluding Elan.
"We must protect
them immediately! Depending on their condition, if they're from Hiyorimi
territory, every moment counts!"
Rosa stood up, about
to rush out. And someone quickly stopped her.
"Wait! Something
doesn't make sense" Claire cried out.
I hope I'm
overthinking this... A shadow of unease crossed her mind.
"Isn't it strange
for citizens from outside Estol Territory to come directly here? It would be
one thing if they were citizens from Viscount Gorman's territory or Baron
Cornell's territory, with whom we have ties through the supreme tournaments,
but I don't believe citizens from Hiyorimi Viscountcy have any connection to
Teigun."
"Claire-san, you
mean there's a possibility of spies or a scheme? That instead of heading for a
town closer to Hiyorimi territory, they're being deliberately directed to Teigun?"
Miseri remembered the
concerns Takuhir had left behind and gasped. It was as if disaster always
struck whenever he and his army were absent.
"That's entirely
possible. That Viscount Hiyorimi! Is he using the lives of innocent citizens as
a weapon?! Even so, we can't abandon them. What a malicious act..."
Christoph bit his lip,
trembling with rage. Indeed, before they met Takuhir, they were all ordinary
citizens living in Estol Territory. Therefore, they adored their own Lord, who
implemented policies that cared for the citizens, and conversely, they always
felt pain for the neighboring territories that suffered under cruel rule.
"For now, the
response to the sick is urgent. Fortunately, the New Checkpoint fort is
partitioned by inner walls, allowing the medical facility to be isolated from
other facilities. I'll have Rosa head there immediately with sufficient guards.
As for the garrison and the Frontier Knights, please strengthen patrols on both
the Fran and Demon Realm sides and proceed with deployment. How does that
sound?"
"I agree with
Claire-san. Also, if this is part of an enemy scheme, there's a possibility
that the same thing is happening in Est. I think we need to send a fast horse
to report to Lady Chris. The administrative office will send that message and a
warning."
Miseri made her
decision. The other leaders gathered with her agreed.
"Then, I will
head to the New Checkpoint as soon as preparations for the escort are complete.
Gale, could you send a few transport teams to the New Checkpoint? Sister
Claire, please continue to request Father to increase holy water production and
immediately prepare for the purification ritual. Yoltia, please arrange for
urgent transport of supplies to the New Checkpoint."
Saying that, Rosa
hastily left her seat. The others also rose and began to move busily.
And the next day,
twice the number of refugees from the previous day, about 100, arrived at the
New Checkpoint seeking help from the neighboring territory. The day after that,
twice again, a group of 200, surged towards the New Checkpoint.
The fourth arrow,
unknown even to the Restorationist Faction plotting in the Royal Capital, had
been released. Faced with a rapidly worsening situation, the ordeal for those
entrusted with the future and left in Teigun had just begun.
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