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Chapter 51

"It\'s a caravan from the Empire," Ian spat out.

The merchants of the Empire did business even with the frontier kingdoms. It was the same in the game. These randomly appearing caravans sold items of superior quality from the Empire.

Of course, their prices were also superior, but they were the main contributors to lowering the difficulty level in the early part of the game. Back then, their arrival was always a welcome sight. As Ian clicked his tongue, Miguel squinted in the direction of the caravan and nodded in agreement.

"Right. It\'s definitely a caravan from the Empire. They usually come only once a year... Wait. Is that the Imperial flag? Damn it. Could it be?" Miguel\'s face fell.

The imperial flag atop the caravan\'s standard indicated that a distinguished guest from the Empire was included in their party. Envoys from influential families or nobles often moved under the protection of such caravans when heading toward the same destination.

For the caravan, it meant extra income from the protection fee and the privilege of flying the Imperial flag, a mutual benefit of sorts. Anyway, it was a delicate time.

"Don\'t make a fuss. Just pass by naturally." Muttering, Ian observed the approaching caravan.

From horses to carriages, they were all covered in black. Even the coachmen and servants wore black, revealing their affiliation. The same yellow scales drawn on the caravan\'s flag were engraved everywhere.

What caravan’s symbol was that again? As Ian pondered, they had already come quite close.

Miguel drove the luggage carriage to the edge of the road and pulled his hood down further. Drawing the sleeping Lucy\'s head toward his thigh, Ian took in the sight of the guards. The black horses were clad in armor embedded with magic stones. The riders were all dressed in black armor as well.

Though the components varied slightly upon closer inspection, there was no denying that their armament was too splendid for mere caravan guards. Even Agel Lan\'s royal guard wasn\'t as heavily armed as these men.

But this very incongruity was proof of their origin from the Empire. The civilization in the Empire was at least centuries ahead of the frontier kingdoms. They were the Empire for a reason.

If not for the invasion of the demons and the rising of the black walls, the continent might have been unified under their hands. Even now, it wasn\'t too late. The Empire chose to let the kingdoms on the frontier defend their own territories and pay tribute rather than waste its forces there. For a large nation, having others envy and admire them was essential for maintaining internal unity and national pride.

The caravan crossed paths with the luggage carriage and guards. The lead guard, covered in black cloth, and the luxurious, sturdy-looking carriage that had no openings to see the inside. Ian\'s gaze, which had been following them carefully, eventually stopped on the guard escorting that carriage.

A beastfolk...? thought Ian.

The one perched sternly atop the black horse was a hybrid creature, part human, part beast, reminiscent of a puma or leopard with similar facial features and dark brown fur. Fur that resembled a plush carpet peeked through the gaps in the armor.

Beastfolk were a rare sight even in the game, treated similarly to how mages were regarded as madmen or potential turncoats. People considered them to be minions of the demon race or potential monstrous beasts. This dark age was marked by discrimination that happened everywhere, regardless of race, nation, and even species.

However, this beastfolk guard appeared calm and confident, exuding an aura of composure only the strong possess.

Suddenly, the beastfolk turned to look at Ian.Their orange eyes directly looked at Ian. Ian met those vertically slit eyes without flinching, with his hand subtly resting on the sword hidden beneath his robe, ready to draw at any moment.

The beastfolk growled lowly, in a threatening manner.

With no reaction from Ian, the beastfolk, seemingly amused, licked their fangs and smiled as they passed by. On the saddle, the tail armor that overlapped like scales lazily twitched. The caravan moved away. There was no need to guess their destination.

Miguel, who had been tense, finally let out a sigh. "Phew... Damn it all...!"

Throwing off his hood, Miguel took deep breaths. "I thought my heart was going to burst. Hey, are they just going to keep going? They won\'t come back or anything?"

"Don\'t fuss. Why would they come back when they don’t know who we are?"

At Ian\'s rebuke, Miguel wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"But, did you see that damned imperial flag? I bet it was one of those, you know, nobles from the imperial households coming to meet the king," said Miguel.

Ian nodded readily, acknowledging the observation. "It seemed that way to me too."

"I didn\'t hear they’d be arriving this quickly. Seems you, sir, didn\'t know the exact schedule either," said Miguel.

It was fortunate that they encountered each other after crossing the Agel Lan’s border. If they hadn\'t yet left the territory of Agel Ran, it would have been quite a headache.

"Are we in much greater danger now?" Lucy suddenly asked.

Ian looked down at her as she lay with her head on his thigh, "Being in danger started the moment I ran away with you. It\'s just a little more dangerous now."

"...Shouldn\'t you just tell her not to worry at times like this?" said Miguel.

As if. She should know some things at least, thought Ian.

Amidst Ian\'s chuckling, Lucy added on, "If it really comes to a dangerous moment, just leave me and go. They won\'t kill me. That would be better than both of you dying."

What are you saying, you annoying little kid? thought Ian.

Ian then swept his hand across Lucy\'s face. Lucy blinked wildly, not understanding why.

"There won\'t be such a situation, so stop talking like an adult," said Ian.

"I agree. No, wow. Leave you and go? What nonsense." Miguel, now with a face of returned sanity, looked at Ian.

"In my estimation, they will reach Agel Lan in a week at most," said Miguel.

"How long till the Temple of Brazier?" Ian asked.

"A month...? Perhaps. It might even take longer. It\'s been so long, and I haven\'t exactly traveled there by carriage."

"Hmm." Ian clicked his fingers. The ideal situation would be for the bastard of the Larmut family to just hurry back empty-handed.

"...If not, we might have to eliminate a pursuer at least once. If the kingdom has also sent pursuers, then twice," said Ian.

"The armament was no joke. Almost as if I was looking at Lord Riurel."

Of course, her armor is all imperial equipment. Thinking this, Ian continued, "It doesn\'t make any difference. You just have to keep your eyes on the road and make sure the horse doesn\'t get in trouble. If you get lost, or the horse dies, there will be a bigger problem."

Their pace was already fast enough. Increasing their speed was nearly impossible. They could change horses at every village they passed, but one failure would mean abandoning their belongings and proceeding on foot.

"Understood. Don’t worry. I’ll do my best. But... is that really enough?" Miguel asked.

"What else can we do? If we are tailed, we cut off the tail," Ian replied calmly.

It’s not like we dodn\'t have a back up plan. Ian looked back. The thoughts of the beastfolk imperial guard crossed his mind.

"...We might end up with a lot of imperial gear," Ian muttered, then turned away his gaze.

The concern about the pursuit team didn\'t last long because each day brought more tension with passing wanderers by day and lurking monsters by night. It took only five days before Miguel ceased mentioning the imperial caravan.

***

"What do you mean by ‘kidnapped’?"

After formally greeting the king of Agel Lan with the intention of raiding the national treasury, Javier of the Libra Trading Company changed his plan upon hearing the outburst of the accompanying Larmut family retainer. The scent of a major problem was unmistakable. He knew well that their crisis could be his opportunity. The bigger the problem, the heavier the gold that would fall into his hands after resolving it.

"It was an unforeseen situation for us as well. To think that the very person who played a significant role in resolving a tragic event would create another tragedy." King Erwin II, seated on his throne, could not hide his discomfort and annoyance. Of course, he wasn\'t as openly furious as the Larmut envoys.

"This is also a tragedy for the Empire! Have you forgotten who that child is? A child that was personally chosen by His Highness. If such a valuable child is kidnapped by a mere mercenary and goes missing, what do you think His Highness would think?" said one of the Larmut envoys.

"That is...." Erwin II trailed off.

"He might think Your Majesty hid it from him. He might feel insulted," said the envoy.

King Erwin II\'s complexion turned pale. "I swear to the brilliant Goddess, that is not the case."

The Larmut family was one of the five great imperial families. Crossing them could end Agel Lan\'s ambitions overnight. They had the power to support the kingdom\'s enemies and turn the kingdom into a sea of flames.

"Perhaps we should look for a replacement?" said Erwin II.

"If there is no one else with talent comparable to that child, we won\'t be able to satisfy His Highness," said the envoy.

"...Damn it. We\'ve already sent a pursuit team, just give us a little more time," said Erwin II.

"Who in their right mind would kidnap a child under the protection of Larmut? Could it possibly be the work of those schemers from the Riurel family?" the envoy asked.

"That\'s nonsense." Erwin II leaped to his feet, agitation evident in his demeanor. Losing Mev Riurel at this juncture was an outcome he could not afford.

"The kidnappers, who were mercenaries, demanded an absurd reward after gaining the trust of the royal family and the Riurel household. When this was refused, they resorted to kidnapping the child." he disclosed.

The inquiry that followed was tinged with disbelief. "...Could it be that they are aware of the child\'s true identity?"

"Indeed, such was the level of trust they had achieved. The head of the Riurel household herself, a stern apostle of the Goddess, has attested to this. There\'s no falsehood in her words."

"What a foolish thing to do..! Would a grace period of three days suffice?" proposed the envoy.

"Merely three days...? Hmm," Erwin II pondered, deeply conflicted.

It was at this moment, that Javier, sensing the acute tension and recognizing an opportunity as a merchant, stepped forward.

"Forgive my intrusion," he began with his head bowed, drawing the attention of Erwin II and the envoy. "It might be presumptuous of me, but may I offer a suggestion?"

With a nod from Erwin II, he continued, "You mentioned the abduction occurred less than a fortnight ago. It\'s likely they haven\'t yet escaped Bel Ronde. With just a hint of a lead, my men... they could well be capable of retrieving the young lady."

A pause ensued, Erwin II\'s gaze shifting toward the four imposing guards behind Javier, clad in black armor. Their appearances and armament varied, but each exuded a formidable aura. Notably, the figure standing directly behind Javier was one of the soon-to-be cursed beastfolk, presumably a devotee of dark, forsaken arts, yet undeniably skilled.

"In such dire times, how could we possibly refuse assistance?" said Erwin II.

"Of course, this aid won\'t be unilateral. As you\'re well aware, I am one to appraise all matters," Javier added, hinting at his expectation of a reward.

“Yes, Of course—”

“This is a significant matter,” the envoy interjected, stressing the gravity of the situation and leading to an awkward tension between him and Erwin II, who could hardly rebuke the interruption.

"I don\'t doubt the abilities of the Libra Trading Company, but I can\'t send only those at your beck and call. If the child dies or returns injured, it will incur the wrath of His Highness"

I knew you\'d say that, you coward. Javier bowed his head.

Javier, suppressing a triumphant smile, assured, "I shall take personal charge. While I do so, you may return with the merchant caravan. A brief wait as we organize the items brought should suffice."

"When you say that you will take personal charge, does that mean you will stake the reputation of your syndicate and yourself?" the envoy asked. The implication was clear: a failure would not merely end as such.

Javier was confident of success against these hayseed foes, foreseeing this as an opportunity to demand even greater compensation. This might even pave his way to becoming one of the four chief directors of the syndicate, since one would retire next year, freeing him from further dealings with these disdainful rural nobles.

"Indeed. And in return for risking my neck and the name of my syndicate, should we succeed..." Javier trailed off, leaving the sentence hanging.

"If you succeed, a fitting reward will be granted. Larumut does not forget good service...or poor service," the envoy responded, his glance at Erwin II carrying an unmistakable rebuke for the latter\'s failures.

Erwin II, feigning ignorance of the critique, clapped his hands. "You have given us suffering, and you have also sent us a savior. This too is the will of the glorious Goddess, that we should not be arrogant. So, what do you wonder?"

After gathering all necessary information, Javier respectfully excused himself, leaving the envoy to make one final request to Erwin II. "If I may, I have one final request, Your Majesty."

"Speak," said Erwin II.

"I ask permission to search the home of the corrupted one, Regis,” said the envoy.

"...There is nothing left in that mansion."

"The corrupted one’s mansion may contain some cursed object. His Highness enjoys collecting and studying such things. If we can find one, perhaps we can ease his wrath a little."

"Hmm.... Very well, do so." Erwin II nodded, though with a reluctant expression.

The envoy of Larmut bowed and then turned away. As he strode out of the castle, the envoy looked back at Javier.

“You must succeed. I\'d rather place my trust in you a hundredfold over these hayseeds. If you need my assistance, do not hesitate to ask," said the envoy.

Acknowledging the gravity of the task and the high expectations placed upon him, Javier bowed. "Have faith in me. I will return with the young lady unharmed."

With that, the envoy turned away.

In gold bars, this would take about a hundred to balance out. Javier looked at the back of the envoy’s departing head, finished his calculations, and turned away.

"Did you hear that? It\'s not just my success at stake, but all of yours as well," said Javier.

His bodyguards smiled confidently. They were Javier\'s finest. Each one was worth at least twenty gold bars in skill.

"The king tends to exaggerate. A master of the sword, he says. Hah."

The guards chuckled softly at the man\'s comment. Javier was no different. In this backwater village, the only person worth paying for their skills was Mev Riourel, an Apostle of Tir En.

It was natural that the talented would gather in the Empire. Yet, to think that a mere wandering mercenary was a master swordsman endorsed by Mev Riurel sounded utterly absurd. It must have been Riurel displaying the virtue of modesty.

"There\'s something that bothers me," said a voice marked by a growling breath.

Javier smiled, "Go on, Charlotte. Speak your mind."

Javier’s gaze toward the beastfolk guard was pure lewd. Charlotte herself, along with the guards, all despised that look, but no one showed it.

The beastfolk warrior licked her lips with her red tongue. "There were some people we passed before crossing the Agel Lan’s border. One of them had a memorable gaze. It felt predatory, like me."

Captivated by that teasing provocation, Javier responded, "So, are you saying those people were the kidnappers in question?"

"I can\'t be certain, but the timing matches. We don\'t know if they\'re really heading to Lu Sard, so we must catch them before they leave Bel Ronde,” said Charlotte.

"I agree with the leopard."

"Me too."

Despite Charlotte growling and showing her teeth at being called a leopard, the guards didn\'t even blink.

Glaring at them, Charlotte added, "I will follow them. Please assign Kyle to accompany me. We might have to kill them."

"Hey, you brat. I know you\'re favored by the elder, but this is something we can\'t concede. If we kill a master swordsman, we can occupy their ranks. How could we possibly give that up?"

Laughter spread once again.

Javier nodded, "Alright, Charlotte. You must stay by my side. I\'ll send Kenneth and Kyle. Do you need any subordinates?"

A smile spread across the faces of the two who had been teasing Charlotte, precisely Kenneth and Kyle. It was the smile of seasoned killers smelling blood.

"Speed is of the essence, so no need. We\'ll likely have to run for a long time, so just provide us with magic stones. It would be a greater loss if our mounts\' hearts burst because of some trivial matters."

"Take plenty with you. Since plans have changed, I\'ll finish up here and follow up tomorrow. Don\'t forget to leave markers," said Javier.

Kenneth and Kyle bumped forearms and turned to leave.

"...Seems we\'ll have to go around a bit. That will only increase that kid’s value," muttered Javier, leisurely walking away.

"Hmph." Charlotte watched the two departing figures with a hint of regret, then lowly growled and followed Javier.

It seemed unlikely, but she secretly hoped Kenneth and Kyle would fail. The cool gaze of the man presumed to be a mercenary still lingered in her mind. Killing someone with such eyes was the only way she could satisfy her beastly primal instincts.