From Mercenary to King

Chapter 113: The Mercenary Bureau’s First Request (27)

It was actually quite unexpected.

Viscount Norten was the primary contributor who had supported the youngest son, the Marcher Lord of Rostingia, in ascending to his position.

Yet that same uncle, who was evaluated as a well-behaved and good-natured man, had been sharpening a hidden blade all this time?

“Hnng. Well, it's not exactly surprising.”

However, Branch Manager Marhen seemed to have a different opinion.

“General nobles wouldn't know. They don't know the true nature of Viscount Norten.”

“They don't know?”

“Yes. Among merchants, it is quite famous just how tenacious and insidious Viscount Norten is.”

“Oh....”

This was news to Shatien.

Then again, nobles only cared about their reputations among other nobles; why would they care how someone conducted themselves in other circles?

“Just how bad is he?”

“Hmm... Viscount Norten is the type who doesn't care about the means or methods used. He is a very tiresome person to have as an enemy.”

“Tiresome?”

“Transactions between merchants aren't always resolved through negotiation and money alone.”

“Ah....”

Shatien could guess what she was implying. It seemed the man had committed many illegal acts by utilizing his noble status.

“He is a man who will mobilize force at any time if he thinks his opponent is weak. In fact, there are many merchants who have suffered losses while dealing with Viscount Norten.”

“It sounds like he has quite a bad history with the guild as well?”

“The guild is the largest merchant power in the North, so naturally, we are bound to clash with him frequently. Within the guild, we keep things quiet out of respect for His Excellency the Marcher Lord of Rostingia, but that doesn't mean it's a problem that can be easily hidden. It's an entirely separate issue from his reputation among nobles.”

This meant he was a highly hypocritical person who was skilled at wearing a mask. And those working under him were likely to be even more insidious.

“I'll have to be careful.”

“Why? Did you feel some ill will?”

“Yes. He squeezed my hand very hard when he shook it.”

“Nyahahat!”

At that, Branch Manager Marhen burst out laughing.

“It seems you've been thoroughly disliked huh?”

“Which is why you'll have to help me a lot, won't you, Branch Manager?”

“Nyahahat. We'll see how you behave. Make sure to stay on my good side, okay?”

“Yes, yes. Of course.”

Shatien spoke smoothly and headed toward the banquet hall that was being prepared along with Branch Manager Marhen.

Before he knew it, he felt as if he had stepped right into the center of the nobles' political games. If he didn't respond properly, he would be used and devoured.

He had no desire for a meaningless death.

He felt he definitely needed to prepare.

Of course, before that.

‘Let's enjoy what we can enjoy first.’

Shatien intended to fully enjoy the banquet provided for the first time in a while.

He had suffered too much lately. Wasn't it fair to rest for a bit at this point?

* * *

-Hahahaha!

-Pour it!

-Drink up!

Morale was already low to begin with.

The people inside Holsten Castle had been holding out with a thread of hope despite the continuous attacks day and night.

But that hope had just been completely extinguished.

“Those crazy bastards....”

“They are having a grand old time with a banquet.”

“They are even giving meat and alcohol to the low-ranking soldiers?”

Watching the subjugation force hold a luxurious feast as if to show off, the rebels could only swallow their spit and seethe with frustration.

They had heard that the enemy's supplies were running low, but through this event, they realized that none of it was true.

Thanks to that, only one thought filled the minds of the people inside Holsten Castle.

‘It's really over now.’

The fact that the enemy supported even their lowliest soldiers so abundantly was the same as flaunting that their supplies were still plentiful.

Actually, there was no need to even flaunt it. They had seen the procession of massive supplies entering the camp with their own eyes that morning.

And that meant this tedious combat without rest could continue for well over a month.

‘This is madness.’

‘Is there any point in continuing to fight like this?’

Consequently, the nobles who understood the situation began to seriously contemplate whether to continue the battle.

If this kind of combat repeated for an entire month, their plan to hold out until winter would be ruined. Think about it. With their physical strength failing and supplies running short, how could they endure?

If they were captured without being able to negotiate, only a horrific end awaited them.

This was because those captured through a siege like this would not have their customary noble rights guaranteed.

Because of this, some nobles began to meet secretly to discuss a way to survive.

“Wouldn't it be right to switch sides even now?”

“What? Are you suggesting we surrender at this point?”

“Yes! Why shouldn't we? If we're going to do it, wouldn't it be better to make the first move quickly?”

“Ha! As if they would accept us. To them, we're all just rebels anyway! Get a grip.”

At that, another noble shouted. The end of a rebel was always miserable. Since they weren't protected by the customs of honor, they could be subjected to terrible treatment just like common serfs at any time.

Of course, things changed if their families exerted influence, but they didn't know how much influence would even be exerted.

“Viscount Ragnarsson will also need achievements.”

“Generous tolerance seems necessary rather than sweeping everything away with blood. Especially now, isn't the Marcher Lord of Rostingia in critical condition? Let's try to persuade him regarding that. Shouldn't a ruler exercise generous mercy at times rather than cold-blooded treatment? Considering the position of successor, he might find it quite tempting.”

“Hmm.... That sounds plausible.”

Thanks to that, the nobles were in a stir.

It was because they saw another path to survival in what they had thought was a dead end.

And there was a person who took this stirring among the nobles very seriously.

“What?! Those madmen. It's barely enough if we stay united!”

It was Baron Rollo.

It didn't matter to the others since they weren't the ones in charge, but it was different for Baron Rollo. He was the leader of the rebellion, after all. No matter how generous the enemy might be, he could not escape the shadow of the execution grounds.

Baron Rollo immediately went to them and spoke.

“We just need to hold out! Do not waver.”

“Just how on earth are we supposed to hold out!”

“That's right. The tide of battle has already turned. Baron Rollo, you must make a choice for the greater good.”

In short, they were telling him to sacrifice himself.

It was an infuriating thing to hear, but Baron Rollo miraculously suppressed his anger and continued.

“Contact has come from the outside. A man named Balud has gathered all the peasant rebel forces.”

“What?!”

“Is that true?”

“It is.”

Baron Rollo nodded.

“Balud's side has agreed to support us with 2,000 troops. They said they will send them soon, so if we just hold out, we can repel them.”

“Oh!!”

At those words, the complexions of the nobles brightened again. If that were the case, they might actually win this battle.

There was no need to give up everything and surrender.

“So don't worry and wait. I shall guarantee it. On my honor. We can win. Soon, the army led by Balud will arrive here!”

“Understood!”

“If such a thing existed, you should have told us sooner. We thought you were just sitting idly. Hahaha.”

Watching the nobles shout brightly, Baron Rollo sighed inwardly. They probably wouldn't know. What kind of conditions he had accepted for this.

But what did it matter.

Staying alive was the priority for now.

He was certain they would thank him later.

Baron Rollo comforted himself with that thought and nodded. Now that the nobles were soothed.... only the arrogant members of the Council remained.

As long as he controlled them, at least his own safety would be secured.

‘Please, don't do anything stupid.’

Baron Rollo thought this and hurried off to meet the Council members.

He expected that once they heard this story, they would cooperate without much complaint.

But....

“Hmm. Is there a way to make contact? If we try to go secretly without being caught by the nobles... it seems like it will be hard. Besides, would they believe our proposal?”

As expected, the Council members were quick to move.

“There is a waterway that leads to the connected river. It is possible if we go through there when the dawn mist sets in.”

“Hmm... but I don't think they will believe our proposal....”

“I saw that there was also a guild flag, so wouldn't it be fine if the guild stepped forward? Surely they wouldn't doubt someone from the same guild?”

“Oh! I think that would indeed work.”

“Fine. What the hell! Let's give it a try. Give me full authority. I shall go out secretly and deliver the letter.”

The cold treatment from Baron Rollo all this time.

And the indifference.

The Council members, with all that resentment built up, had decided not to follow their instructions any longer.

Since it was a relationship they had been forced into anyway, they decided to choose to look out for themselves.

* * *

In the middle of the night.

On a day when the water mist was particularly thick, a small boat came down the river very secretly from the city.

Inside was a messenger carrying the proposal from the Council members. It was the branch manager of the merchant guild's Holsten City branch.

“I-It has been a long time, Lady Marhen.”

“Hnng. I didn't know Branch Manager Aubigne was here? How could you only reach out to us now without any word? I'm disappointed.”

‘Lady?’

Shatien nodded at the words of Branch Manager Aubigne, who had come as an envoy.

He thought they were equal branch managers, but to think he used a title of respect like "Lady." It seemed Branch Manager Marhen's status was much higher. But now was not the time to ask about that.

“As far as I know, the guild did not join the rebellion. You should have contacted us in advance when the war broke out.... Why are you only contacting us now? Branch Manager.”

Branch Manager Aubigne sweated profusely at Shatien's sharp words.

It was too logical.

In fact, the guild had half-given up on the Holsten City branch that was caught in this rebellion. As if it had nothing to do with them.

“I-I am sorry, Lady. Baron Rollo's surveillance was so strict.”

“That cannot be an excuse. I am gravely worried whether Viscount Ragnarsson will think the same.”

“That's right. I think so too.”

However, that didn't mean they had no intention of delivering their proposal.

If they could reduce damage with their help, wouldn't that also be a good thing?

“Does this mean that 'some' of the Council members inside the city will surrender?”

“That is correct. There is a secret passage. It's usually blocked, but we will open it. If you enter through there, you will be able to capture the city easily.”

“Hmm. Do you think Viscount Ragnarsson will accept that proposal just because you opened a door? Wouldn't you need to start a rebellion from the inside to show that sincerity? Branch Manager.”

“T-That’s.... Currently, all military power is held by the nobles under Baron Rollo. We have no military strength.”

“Tsk.”

It was common.

Taking away the Council's military power once a city was occupied. But even so, he couldn't persuade Viscount Ragnarsson with just this.

The defensive line was bound to collapse if they pushed just a little more. Why would he accept a surrender that was only offered because they were about to die?

This was a matter of timing and was quite impudent.

It would likely only provoke Viscount Ragnarsson's anger.

‘But... hmm. I think it would be good to put the guild in my debt this time?’

Especially since this matter was quite entangled with the guild, helping with this would put the guild firmly in his debt.

Since he had received a lot of help in the past, he felt it was right for him to help this time.

Shatien looked at Branch Manager Marhen for a moment, then finished his thoughts and spoke.

“Certainly... This matter is very impudent, but considering my relationship with Branch Manager Marhen, I cannot help but assist.”

“Oh... thank you! Sir Shatien!”

“However, this is a burdensome task for me as well. Therefore, a special resolve is required.”

“A... resolve, you say...?”

Shatien spoke bluntly to Branch Manager Aubigne, who was looking at him.

“The resolve to give everything. On the day we say we will enter, set a fire. Risk your lives and set fires throughout the city. If you set the city ablaze and plunge it into chaos, I will willingly persuade Viscount Ragnarsson.”

“……!?”

“!!!”

It was truly a radical proposal.

Show the will to burn everything. But wouldn't it take at least that much to soothe the hearts of these hot-blooded elven warriors?

That was what Shatien thought.