From Mercenary to King

Chapter 115: The Mercenary Bureau’s First Request (29)

-Clang! Clang! Clang!

-Charge!

-Let's show those bastards hell again today!

Night arrived without fail.

Holsten Castle was noisy as usual. It had become an annual event by now.

The defenders on the castle walls mechanically went out to block the enemy's charge, and the troops led by Viscount Ragnarsson worked to climb and occupy the walls.

And in between, as always, knights hid inside the same siege towers, engaging in a game of survival where they killed and were killed by the rebels atop the walls.

“Hmmm....”

“How much longer....”

“It's not that I hate battle, but.”

Perhaps that was why.

Complaints began to emerge even among the elven knights.

Think about it.

How much longer would they continue this tedious war of attrition? Furthermore, a siege, especially one conducted at night, was a rough fight where it was easy to die a pointless death.

Because it was dark, they couldn't see their footing, and since blood was splattered everywhere, their metal boots were incredibly slippery.

A single slip on a mistake meant their ticket to the afterlife was punched.

If they fought honorably and died, it would be a glorious death, but the actual cases of death were... utterly miserable.

A dog's death rather than a glorious battle.

What could be more horrific than that for elven knights?

Consequently, dissatisfaction began to erupt among the knights who returned from battle.

“Isn't it time we just push through with brute force?”

“It seems this method isn't working anymore.”

“Of course, it feels like the enemy's resources are dwindling through this war of attrition, but still, isn't it a bit much? It feels underhanded.... Unworthy of a warrior. Ahem.”

Of course, some were clearly dissatisfied for somewhat eccentric(?) reasons, but generally, everyone felt frustrated with the current stagnant front.

And just as everyone was gradually creaking, someone stepped forward.

“Give me a detached force.”

It was Viscount Norten.

“I will personally infiltrate the city, crush them, and bring you victory, Ragnarsson.”

“Woooooaah?!”

He spoke with such heated words that they set the hearts of the elven knights ablaze.

* * *

“Is that true, Uncle?”

“Yes. Seeing you struggle made me reflect. I have persuaded the Council inside the city to aid you.”

“Huh....”

Viscount Ragnarsson looked at his Uncle Norten with eyes full of emotion.

In the end, it seemed that only his uncle was there to help the family through the generations.

Of course, the ulterior motive was different, but there was no way Viscount Ragnarsson could know. Viscount Norten was playing the role of the caring uncle perfectly.

“The castle walls are high, but they are not without gaps. The friction between the rebel noble faction that occupied the city and the existing City Council is deepening by the day. Having been forcibly occupied, they reached a point where they needed another breakthrough.”

“So you plan to utilize them?”

“Yes. Specifically, there are people from our guild inside the Council. I was able to win them over.”

“Oh! As expected.”

The gathered crowd marveled at Viscount Norten's words.

Everyone thought the people inside the city were just bastards to be beaten to death, but to think there was such a method?

He was truly like someone who had received a proper education(?) in the Empire.

“But... what if they have laid a trap instead? Just so it isn't too dangerous....”

“Now, now! Where did you learn such dreadful words?”

“You brat! You couldn't even think of this yourself, and now you try to nitpick? Dare you speak against the wise Viscount Norten?”

The elven noble who had thoughtlessly voiced an opinion was thoroughly scolded. However, Viscount Norten stopped them with a chuckle.

“Calm yourselves. It is a natural thought. This friend is very wise.”

“A-Ahem. Thank you.”

“However, when one voices an opinion, they naturally speak after considering such things. Do you understand, young noble? If you cannot think of even that much, that would be a rash action.”

“Hic.”

What if it was a trap?

Then he just had to make sure it wasn't a trap. Just as Shatien had told Branch Manager Aubigne previously.

“I have instructed them to set fires in the city. To commit arson throughout the city. A fire large enough to be seen even from outside the walls. I told them that if I don't see the flames, I will turn back immediately, so they will be frantically lighting fires.”

Setting a fire visible beyond the walls meant causing a massive conflagration.

And this was the same as the Council crossing a path of no return.

In other words, if they did not infiltrate in time, the Council would meet a meaningless death.

“As expected!”

“It is a very certain method!”

“There are no better conditions than this.”

“Exactly! Those arrogant bastards. There's no reason to accept a comfortable surrender now. Shouldn't they risk their own lives? Hahahaha. It's very hot-blooded! Viscount Norten.”

It was truly a strategy that appealed to the elves.

Setting fire to the city and fighting excitedly, what could be more hot-blooded than that?

“Hmm. Good! Then I shall add my strength. Uncle!! Since you have stepped forward personally, I cannot simply stand by.”

Viscount Ragnarsson shouted in excitement. Hearing the plan made his heart pound.

But that could not happen.

This matter had to be Viscount Norten's alone.

He himself had to receive all the attention. If his nephew moved, wouldn't this become his nephew's achievement?

“Haha. No, my nephew.”

Therefore, Viscount Norten resolved once more to fulfill the role of the benevolent uncle.

“Are you not the eldest son who will inherit the Rostingia Marcher Lordship! Leave it to me, just as you would to my elder brother and your father, His Excellency the Marcher Lord. I shall become your sword and resolve this.”

“Ah-! Uncle.”

“A ruler must exist loftily. The honor and fame of a vassal naturally flows to the ruler. Trust me and watch. I shall bring you victory.”

Of course, that fame and achievement.

And the fruit of it all. Viscount Norten intended to intercept it all for himself without sharing a single piece with his nephew.

“Excellent! Then I shall support you wholeheartedly. Uncle Norten! Just say the word if you need anything. I will support you with both knights and private soldiers.”

“Ahh, yes.”

At those words, Viscount Norten flashed a smile.

“Then there is a person I absolutely need.”

“Pardon? Which family's knight is it?”

“No. The mercenary you hired.”

“?”

“Lend me the mercenary knight Shatien. Along with his unit.”

“???”

* * *

Connecting Branch Manager Aubigne to Viscount Norten was a form of investment and sincerity. A sign that he would not be hostile toward Viscount Norten.

Fortunately, this intention seemed to have hit the mark perfectly.

“Shatien? We've met before.”

Late at night.

Near a secret waterway leading into Holsten City. Shatien was in the middle of an awkward wait alongside the soldiers led by Viscount Norten.

“Thank you for remembering me, Viscount Norten.”

“Heh. Remembering? I'd be a fool to forget you. How much credit have you established lately?”

“What credit would I have established. I simply got lucky through the people I was with, Viscount.”

“My. You are humble. Hahahaha.”

His first impression was not good, but Viscount Norten liked this young knight of mercenary origin.

Among those who called themselves knights, there was none who was not arrogant, yet he was this humble!

Compared to the young elven knights who would often talk about honor with an impudent tone, the difference was like heaven and earth.

Furthermore.

‘He has deep thoughts as well.’

How surprised he was when he heard the proposal through Branch Manager Aubigne. At first, he thought the man was trying to mock him. But after hearing the details, his thoughts changed 180 degrees.

Because it was so appropriate.

It wasn't a blatant flattery or a blatant demand for a reward; he had simply shown his ability loftily. Along with a clear expression of intent.

‘I like him.’

If Ragnarsson hadn't claimed him first, he would have scooped him up immediately.

“I have high expectations for this battle. I look forward to working with you, Shatien.”

“Just give the order. I will resolve every mission, Viscount.”

“Hahahaha. Yes, very reliable. Then let's do well.”

After giving such well wishes, Viscount Norten turned around. Shatien, who felt the goodwill in that short conversation, let out a sigh of relief.

Because it felt like he had bypassed a conflict with a person of power.

“Whew. That man. He's no joke. Why is he paying so much attention to you?”

And it seemed Miles, who was watching from the side, felt the same. He cleared his throat as if he had been suffocated and grumbled.

“You've really become tiresome. Since you became a knight and gained fame, there's not a day they leave you alone.”

“Why? Do you not like it?”

“Of course. How tiring is it. I'm already dying from the hard work of being a centurion, but seeing you get dragged to social gatherings and talking to nobles since you became a knight makes my head throb. Ugh. Horrific.”

“Hmm. Then that is a shame.”

“Eh?”

What was he talking about now?

Miles tilted his head at Shatien's mysterious words.

“Think about Miles's recent achievements. There are many nobles eyeing you lately. There's quite a bit of talk around.”

“W-Wait...? Really?”

“Yes. I heard there are people who want to appoint Miles as a knight....”

“Oh... Ooooooh!!”

Miles instantly let his imagination soar. Knight Miles! A cool knight wearing armor and swinging a halberd to crush the skulls of enemies.

“Well, if it's too hard and you can't help it, I'll make sure to convey that opinion. That our Miles still likes being a mercenary leader and feels a great burden regarding the title of knight.”

“Hey! Hey! That's not it. Whoa, woah. Shatien.”

Miles clung to Shatien as if pleading. In truth, wasn't the dream of every mercenary to become a knight?

He couldn't let it go when a path to achieve that dream appeared.

While he was teasing Miles for a bit like that.

“Fire!”

“The signal has come!”

Finally, flames were observed inside Holsten Castle. A fire so large it could be seen even from the camp on the opposite side.

“Move! Mercenary unit! In accordance with the sacred contract, we fulfill our duty. Enter quickly!”

Shatien gave the command and immediately led the mercenary unit toward the waterway. Even if the city guard could not perform their role properly due to the chaos from the fire that broke out in the night, they were elites.

It would surely be a difficult fight.

Shatien intended to drive them forward without letting his guard down, crush the city guard, and capture the rebel nobles along with Viscount Norten's knights.

“Viscount! We must hurry.”

“I know. Run! We break through like this!”

Viscount Norten also knew well that this was a race against time.

If they moved more swiftly and more accurately, he would intercept all the credit for himself!

But then.

“......?”

“Ehhhhh?”

“???????????????.”

What welcomed them was not the defending army.

-Fwoooooosh!

-Blaze blaze blaze blaze!

-Arghhhhhh!

-Help me!

It was a view of the city engulfed in unbelievable flames. To the point that it was difficult to even push through.

“What the... what on earth did those madmen do?!”