Chapter 27
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 27
“Excellent. You’ve essentially said everything I intended to say.”
“You flatter me, Father.”
“However, there are a few points lacking, so I shall add a few words. Even if you don’t need to hear them, these other two certainly do.”
At those pointed words, the faces of the two brothers flushed deep red with shame.
The Grand Duke was essentially saying that things Lucian understood without explanation had to be spelled out for them one by one.
Their evaluations as potential successors had likely plummeted because of this incident, making their insides feel not just hollow, but as if they were being gouged out.
Regardless of their feelings, Grand Duke Sigmund continued his explanation calmly.
“The truth is, Tristan has already hired mercenaries. The problem is that he cannot seem to control the men he’s brought on.”
“He can’t control them? Even though Brother Tristan went there personally?”
“Indeed. It seems the mercenaries want to haggle with us. They likely realize just how desperate we are for extra hands right now.”
In short, since the House of Valdek was the one in a pinch, the mercenaries were demanding more money.
It was a natural attitude for mercenaries, but the issue lay in the negotiation itself. If one lacked a talent for bargaining, even a perfectly reachable compromise could easily fall through.
“Unfortunately, Tristan... is a man with absolutely no talent for such things.”
That’s true.
Lucian nodded instinctively.
The Tristan he had known in his past life was a staunch man of principle. If anything, he was the type of person who found the very words 'negotiation' or 'deal' offensive.
Unlike Jordi, Tristan always provided the promised rewards, but he never gave a copper more unless extra merit was earned.
I remember when I was temporarily drafted for the patrol on the outskirts of Kelheim. There wasn't much going on, so he could have given us rotating breaks, but he never let his troops idle for a second.
Tristan was that fastidious even about brief rest periods. He would be even more so regarding a mercenary contract that required a massive expenditure of family funds.
Most likely, the two parties were currently at a standstill, unable to find common ground.
“Therefore, I wish to dispatch one of you. I want you to reach a settlement if possible and take command of those mercenaries.”
“....”
The Grand Duke looked at the three brothers along with the assignment.
However, Jordi and Joshua avoided his gaze just as they had before.
To be honest, even though the context had been revealed, the situation hadn't improved at all. If anything, it was a task they wanted to avoid even more than before.
It meant they might have to throw themselves into battle leading a group of unreliable mercenaries.
I’d be anxious even with the protection of elite troops, but he wants me to run around with some low-lifes from who-knows-where?
Besides, no matter how well I do, I’ll still just be Tristan’s assistant. No matter how I look at it, this isn't it.
Jordi and Joshua kept their mouths shut and their heads bowed. They had no intention of volunteering unless they were directly pointed out.
It was just as Grand Duke Sigmund’s eyes began to fill with disappointment at the lingering silence.
“I will go.”
“...!?”
The three men looked stunned by Lucian’s unexpected answer. Even the Grand Duke didn't seem to have expected Lucian to volunteer.
“Are you sure? You’ve never left Kelheim before, and you have zero experience leading troops.”
“I’ll consider it an opportunity to experience both at once. It’s something I’ll have to face eventually anyway. However, regarding the funds for the mercenaries...”
“I will provide ample support. Do not worry about running short. However, there is a limit, so keep that in mind.”
“I will remember that.”
That answer was more than enough. He would never have to use up the limit the Grand Duke mentioned anyway.
Negotiating with mercenaries. That’s simple.
The corners of Lucian’s mouth curled upward. It was time to return to his area of expertise after a long while.
As soon as he returned from the meal, Lucian began preparing to leave.
There was nothing left for him to do here, so it was better to prepare as quickly as possible—especially since the journey wouldn't be a short one.
I wandered all over the place during my mercenary days, but this is my first time traveling this far in one go in this life.
Since the Grand Ducal House held a vast territory, the distance to the border region was significant. Fortunately, there was a large river in between, allowing for a comfortable journey via waterway. If they had gone purely by land, the hardship of the journey would have doubled.
“Hans, I’m leaving you in charge of the house. Be careful while I’m gone; Jordi or Joshua might try something strange.”
“Do not worry, Young Master. Perhaps in the past, but they wouldn't dare lay a finger on your residence now.”
Hans spoke confidently, glancing at the servants who were former subordinates of Hugo. Indeed, those guys wouldn't fall for any common tricks. Hugo had said he handpicked the most reliable ones among his men.
“Hugo, you’re coming with me. Depending on the situation, this task is strictly to assist my eldest brother. There might not be an opportunity to earn much glory.”
“Even so, it’s better than just sitting on my backside. Besides, if even I’m not by your side, who will look after you, Young Master?”
Lucian chuckled at Hugo’s cheeky remark and nodded.
“I suppose so. Then let’s just pack the essentials and head out. Father will provide most of what we need.”
After finishing their quick preparations and stepping outside the castle gates with Hugo, a familiar face came to greet Lucian. It was the five Black Lions who had accompanied him during the raid on the Marquis's son.
“It has been a while, Third Young Master. I am glad to see you look as healthy as ever.”
“Good to see you too... but don't tell me you guys are the escorts for this journey?”
“Yes. To be honest, we are the only small, elite unit capable of handling your protection, are we not?”
Lucian couldn't argue with the Black Lion’s words. Indeed, to move as a small elite group while perfectly guarding a high-profile figure like a successor candidate of Valdek, the Black Lions were the only choice. Logically, it was the perfect personnel selection.
Still, they used to feel like a legendary secret organization, but seeing them so often makes the mystery fade away.
“Since we will be with you for a while, you will need names to distinguish us. Please call me Raymond.”
the leader of the Black Lions bowed and gave his name. Following him, the other four introduced themselves as Martin, Vincent, Jude, and Widro.
However, the words Raymond said before giving his name bothered Lucian slightly. Why say 'names to distinguish us' instead of just saying it was his name?
“Is that your real name?”
“It is one of three names I rotate through. I primarily use it during escort missions.”
“....”
Lucian clicked his tongue at the blatant admission that it was a fake name. Come to think of it, they had only given their first names and not their surnames. It seemed they were all aliases used according to the situation.
I heard they handle dirty work like assassinations and covert operations. I guess it’s true.
Then again, one couldn't reveal their real name while doing dishonorable work. Lucian decided not to pry further. They likely had their reasons, and those reasons were probably secrets known only to the Family Head.
Once the formal introductions were over, Raymond brought forward the horses he had prepared.
“Given the nature of the matter, we intend to travel as quickly as possible. Do you know how to ride? It requires quite a bit of knack to maintain speed over a long period.”
“Well, I’ll take this chance to learn.”
Lucian spoke as if it were nothing, but he was actually quite confident in his riding. Even as a mercenary, he had ridden frequently for various reasons in his past life. While his horsemanship on the battlefield might not match a knight's, it was more than enough for traveling.
It was just as Lucian grabbed the reins of the warhorse Raymond handed him.
“Um, Young Master.”
“What?”
“I’ve never ridden a horse before.”
“....”
Lucian pressed a hand to his forehead at Hugo’s troubled expression.
It was only natural, really.
From the purchase price to the maintenance costs, horses were incredibly expensive. As a former thug from the underworld, Hugo naturally had no experience riding one.
However, it made no sense to slow down out of consideration for Hugo. Even Lucian, the Third Young Master, was in a hurry; Hugo, a mere servant, had to keep up.
“It can’t be helped. I’ll teach him as we go.”
“Is there time for that? It would take more than a day to teach him properly.”
“These things are best learned in the field. It will be more painful than learning slowly when things are relaxed, but he’ll just have to endure it.”
With those words, Raymond hoisted Hugo onto a horse. And thus began three days of hell for Hugo.
“W-Wait! My backside is killing me!”
“Grip the horse with your legs! You keep losing strength, so you’re bouncing like a pestle!”
“But the horse goes wild when I do that!”
“Don’t squeeze too hard, just enough so you don’t wobble! Straighten your back and put your weight on your inner thighs! Don’t just try to stand stiffly; move with the horse!”
“Just a little slower...!”
“There’s no time for that! If you fall behind, we’re leaving you, so keep up on your own!”
“Gwaaargh!”
Fortunately, Hugo’s body was much tougher than an average person’s thanks to learning the sword style, and he managed to endure a situation that would have split a normal man’s rear ten times over. It was also thanks to his desperate efforts to learn Raymond’s teachings so as not to be left behind.
Hugo’s agony finally ended three days later when they reached the port, the halfway point.
“If we take a ship from here, we can go directly to Vilun, the port city right in front of Bornholm. If the wind is with us, we can make it in two days, though it can take up to four when it’s slow.”
“How long is the ride from Vilun to Bornholm?”
“Half a day is plenty, even at a leisurely pace.”
“That’s a relief. Hugo’s backside should be able to handle that much.”
Despite the joke, Hugo couldn't even manage a word. Only groans escaped him because of his half-split rear. Out of consideration, Lucian let Hugo rest fully while they were on the ship.
“I’m asking just in case, but you don’t get seasick, do you? It’ll be a headache if you do.”
“Fortunately, I rode ships a few times as a child. My father was a sailor.”
“That’s the first I’ve heard of it.”
“It’s not particularly important. And I didn't ride them often. The ship capsized and he passed away before I was fully grown.”
Hugo was calm even as he spoke of his father’s death. He said it was such a common occurrence among sailors that it wasn't even considered a tragedy.
“Still, I think I’ve got the hang of riding a horse a bit. I’ll be able to put it to good use later.”
Seeing the particular emphasis on the word 'later,' it seemed he was talking about when he became a knight. Since horsemanship was a mandatory skill for a knight, it was good that he had learned it now, even if it was difficult.
The ship carrying Lucian’s party arrived at their destination, Vilun, three days later in the morning.
“Perfect timing. If we set out right after breakfast, we should be able to see the First Young Master before evening.”
Just as Raymond said, the castle of Bornholm came into view before the sky turned red. There was still some distance, but it seemed they would arrive shortly if they continued at a steady pace.
Just as everyone was feeling relieved that they had reached their destination, strange movement was detected ahead.
“A group of riders is coming this way. There are knights of the Valdek family mixed in as well.”
“Is it my eldest brother? He’s not the type to come out and greet me just because he saw me.”
“The First Young Master is indeed among them... but it looks like they’re chasing the group in front rather than coming to greet us.”
At Raymond’s words, Lucian focused mana into his eyes. His visual acuity, strengthened far beyond what it once was, captured the figures galloping in the distance.
There were six individuals fleeing from the knights of the Valdek family. They wore black hoods to hide their identities, making it clear they weren't up to anything honorable.
“I suppose we should help, right? They probably aren't being chased for doing something good.”
“I suppose so. However, we won't be able to catch them all.”
Raymond frowned as he confirmed there were six opponents. Considering there were five Black Lions, one was bound to get away. Hugo hadn't even mastered riding yet, and Lucian was the one being protected, so they were out of the question.
However, Lucian smirked at those words and drew the sword at his waist.
“I’ll take the one on the far left. You guys suppress the rest.”
“What? Young Master!”
“Young Master!?”
Leaving the protesting Raymond and Hugo behind, Lucian spurred his horse forward. Raymond was flustered by the sudden situation, but he quickly assessed the scene and shouted.
“Dammit! Scatter and catch all the ones trying to escape!”
“What about the Young Master’s protection...!”
“It’s too late! Just follow orders!”
Yes, it was too late. In this situation, no matter how much the Black Lions hurried, Lucian, who had already charged ahead, would clash with the enemy first. Since it was already too late to protect him, the best course of action was to do as Lucian suggested.
“Get out of the way if you don't want to die, brat!”
As Lucian blocked the escape route, a man in a black hood threatened him in a gravelly voice, drawing a blade from atop his horse.
However, Lucian didn't even blink as he galloped forward, reinforcing his body with mana. Seeing Lucian show no sign of backing down, the hooded man gnashed his teeth.
“Curse you! You brought this on yourself, so don't blame me!”
Thick murderous intent bled into the man’s voice, clearly intending to cut Lucian down as he passed. Judging by his intense momentum, he planned to collide head-on and overwhelm Lucian with sheer force.
Finally, at the moment of impact, the man swung his sword with all his might.
CLANG!
“Guh...!?”
Along with the sound of shattering iron, the man’s body was sent flying into the air.