Chapter 90
Erich drove his sword into the fallen barbarian.
― Kwajik!-
The ambushing barbarians had surely believed they would successfully launch a surprise attack.
But when the tables turned and they became the ones under attack, they panicked and fled in disarray.
Barnes, whose face was splattered with barbarian blood, spoke up.
"Deputy-commander Erich, shouldn't we pursue them further into the canyon?"
"There's no need for that. That canyon is too narrow to begin with. If it were me, I'd have left another ambush deep inside."
Barnes nodded. Of course, Erich didn't actually think they had a commander clever enough to hide a second ambush.
But there's always that one-in-a-thousand chance.
The very reason they had come here was to support Hrung-ga in the first place; there was no need to overreach.
Every mistake is born from greed.
Mikhail, who had approached without Erich noticing, spoke while gazing in the direction of Hrung-ga.
"... Looks like that one can see us as well."
"He's far more skillful than when we last met. Back then, he wasn't this good."
Erich noticed a subtle disapproval in Mikhail's eyes and carefully continued.
"Are you not pleased about cooperating with the barbarians?"
"We must watch that man carefully. Joining hands with barbarians is like walking atop a blade's edge."
Erich understood his master's hatred toward the barbarians.
He remembered hearing that Mikhail and the barbarians had had a bad experience in the past, although only August and Mikhail knew the full details.
'Master always told me to be wary of the barbarians.'
Of course, Erich didn't completely trust Hrung-ga either.
Beyond his ability as a warrior, it was only their mutual need that made an alliance even possible now.
After all, alliances are always that way. Yesterday's foe may become today's ally, and today's ally may become tomorrow's foe.
That was something August always drilled into Erich.
But right now, the alliance with Hrung-ga was more important than anything, so Erich followed the canyon down to the snowy plains.
In the distance, Hrung-ga and his barbarians could be seen radiating an aura of fierce killing intent.
Hrung-ga soon drew close. He seemed quite different than before—how should one put it? It looked like he'd been through many hardships.
However, both of them, simultaneously, curled up the corners of their mouths. Erich greeted him.
[You called me here, but the reception isn't very friendly, is it?]
[Ah, I forgot to add that you should come alone. How did you even make it this far?]
Hrung-ga said that as he turned to look at Hraka, who was with Erich.
[Your friend helped me quite a bit. Unfortunately, he said I'll owe him a bottle of liquor.]
[Don't worry. Hraka isn't destined to live long anyway.]
[Really? By the way, your weapon tastes seem to have changed a lot. What's with that club?]
[A, a club? This is—blessed by the Goddess...!]
[A club, indeed.]
[Ssssk.]
Hrung-ga bared his teeth quietly. But Erich wasn't wrong; it was a real club, barely even sharpened. It looked sturdy, though.
Despite insisting it was blessed by the Goddess, Hrung-ga wasn't oblivious to the truth, and he too let out a dry chuckle.
[Anyway, we have a lot to talk about. Let's return to the tribe first.]
[I already went, but they slammed the gates on me. Will it be different if I go with you?]
[Hmph. Those elders... But if you're with me, that won't happen.]
Hrung-ga spoke with confidence. Erich also sensed the way the warriors regarded Hrung-ga.
'He's held in great respect. Turns out his claim of being a great warrior wasn't just bravado.'
Erich instinctively imagined Hrung-ga's situation. Hrung-ga was probably being checked by his own tribe.
Strong warriors always face resentment, regardless of whether they are Imperials or barbarians.
Much as Erich was once watched with suspicion by his own mother, the Grand Duchess Katrin.
Anyway.
After exchanging brief words with Hrung-ga, Erich followed him to the Wolf Tribe, to resolve the issue of his invitation.
***
Hrung-ga led Erich's party to face the gatekeepers of the Wolf Tribe.
They looked troubled, but when Hrung-ga's expression hardened, they nervously began to back away.
[Are you saying you'll insult a guest I, Hrung-ga, have invited?]
[... Hrung-ga, we truly didn't mean it that way. The elders made the decision, that's all.]
― Thud!-
The massive club in Hrung-ga's hand pounded the ground. Rather than answering, Hrung-ga displayed his will in a threatening manner.
The gatekeepers held their breath and exchanged glances.
[P-please, calm down, Hrung-ga. We'll go speak with the elders again, so please wait a moment.]
[Don't try my patience as a warrior for too long.]
One gatekeeper scurried inside. The remaining one gazed warily at Hrung-ga's club.
Erich, by contrast, found this situation rather amusing. Hrung-ga's growth was notable, but also—
[I think I can see why you're disliked.]
[Hm? Why would you say that?]
[If you really don't know, perhaps you're the only one who doesn't.]
Erich exchanged glances with Hraka, who then burst out laughing.
[Krahahak! Hrung-ga, I already like this Imperial.]
[... Hraka, are you so eager to return to the Goddess' bosom?]
[Oh come, who would want to fight you? Maybe this Imperial is a match for you though.]
Hraka's words made Hrung-ga grin. But only briefly—a piercing gaze from elsewhere made Hrung-ga quietly ask Erich,
[By the way, who is that older Imperial? I've been sensing great power from him.]
[Just remember that the only reason you're still in one piece is because you haven't met that man yet.]
[That strong? I'd like to fight him at least once. Heh.]
Hrung-ga bantered, but Mikhail, who had been eyeing him with distaste, spoke up.
"... What is that barbarian even saying?"
"Uh, he says you look extremely powerful, teacher."
"Tell him to piss off; I have no intention of treating a muscle-bound barbarian kindly."
Hrung-ga then asked Erich,
[What did he say?]
[He said you seem like a capable warrior.]
[Heh, he has a discerning eye.]
Erich gave a wry smile. Their relationship was as fragile as thin ice, but without maintaining it, nothing would come of it.
Erich decided to keep translating their exchanges in a favorable light, for now.
But then Barnes spoke quietly,
"... That's not exactly what was said—mmph!"
Erich hurriedly kicked Barnes in the shin. He knew Barnes could be oblivious, but to try translating at such a moment!
Still, Erich was surprised to discover that Barnes could speak some barbarian language.
'He really is needlessly honest.'
Anyway, the gatekeeper who had gone inside returned, watching Hrung-ga's mood.
[The elders have given their approval, Hrung-ga. But no weapons are permitted, and only those invited may come inside.]
[Are you really thinking of crossing blades with me?]
[W-wait. I'm just following orders.]
As Hrung-ga stepped forward, Erich stopped him and shook his head slowly.
[It's fine. I'll go in alone. I'm the one who needs to negotiate with them anyway.]
[Hmph, making you enter unarmed is an insult, Erich.]
[That's nothing strange in the Empire. I don't mind.]
[If that's what you feel.]
Hrung-ga shrugged, and the gatekeepers seemed visibly relieved.
Erich explained the situation to Mikhail and his party, and asked them to wait. Of course, there were some objections.
"... I'm not pleased about this. What are we supposed to do if you get killed in there?"
"Well, with Sir Mikhail here, what is there to worry about? You'll all make it home safely, so don't be anxious."
Frederick clicked his tongue. Mikhail seemed displeased as well.
"... As it's the commander's decision, I'll respect it,"
he said, sheathing his sword and closing his eyes. Erich smiled and followed Hrung-ga inside. As he did, his eyes narrowed.
― Kiiiiiiik.
Unlike the outside, which seemed like an ordinary wooden stockade, the interior had an even sturdier wall within.
What's more, although invisible from outside, the entire village layout could be seen from in here.
The wooden walls stretched endlessly left and right, like a barrier—though not tall, they went on as far as the eye could see.
Countless barbarian warriors walked the grounds with wolves at their side.
To Erich, the scale of this place was comparable to that of a feudal domain.
Hrung-ga rapped on the gate that blocked the palisade and gestured. Then, from within, a sound could be heard,
― Drrrrrrrrk.
As if machines and pulleys were at work, the gate began splitting open left and right.
Seeing this, Erich was genuinely impressed and muttered inwardly,
'... Can we really call these people barbarians?'
It was the sort of thought that would send Hrung-ga into a rage, but Erich mused on it. And as the gates opened, Hrung-ga spoke with pride.
[How does it compare to your Imperial cities?]
[You've got more here than I expected.]
[Honestly, you never offer a compliment straight away. Besides, this isn't all—there's more to surprise you.]
Erich understood what Hrung-ga meant at once. When the gates were fully open, a sweeping view awaited him inside.
What was visible from outside was a mere fraction.
The Wolf Tribe's village was built with its back to a cliff, and even the sheer rock faces were studded with dwellings. It was a spectacular sight.
By this point, it was even more civilized than many Imperial cities.
Most of the Empire's poor barely survived in far less decent shacks than these.
Hrung-ga, as if reading Erich's thoughts, spoke:
[Welcome, Erich. To the Wolf's city—Kabal.]
Having witnessed the might of the Wolf Tribe's great village, Erich found himself speechless at the view—but equally, he thought,
'If these people ally with us... they might be a far greater help than I imagined.'
So Erich resolved within himself, whatever their circumstances, to secure them as allies at any cost.
-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
【ദ്ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌)】