Chapter 28
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 28
“What in the—!?”
“Good heavens!”
The knights of the House of Valdek, who had been pursuing the fugitive, skidded to a halt in shock at the spectacle of a grown man soaring into the sky.
The man in the black hood, tossed high into the air, spun twice before finally slamming into the ground.
Thud!
“Urgh...!”
Whether by luck or misfortune, he landed on his back instead of his head. He didn't lose his life, but the impact knocked him unconscious instantly.
Lucian looked back and forth between the fallen man and his own cracked sword, clicking his tongue.
“Tsk. It was a good sword, too.”
It was fine that he’d blown the man away with sheer force, but he hadn't expected the blade to shatter. He thought he’d picked out a decent one, but it seemed the weapon the fellow had been using was also of high quality.
Lucian discarded the sword without a second thought and looked at the frozen Valdek knights.
“What are you doing? He’s still alive, so bind him!”
“...Who might you be?”
“I am Lucian Valdek. Do those who serve my father not even recognize my face?”
“The—the Third Young Master!? My apologies!”
The knight captain, who had been frowning at the sudden command, quickly bowed his head upon hearing Lucian’s identity. He then promptly ordered the nearby knights to bind the man.
Looking around, it seemed the Black Lions had also subdued all the other fugitives.
“Young Master!”
Hugo, who had caught up to Lucian a beat late, looked absolutely horrified.
“What on earth were you thinking!? That could have ended in disaster!”
“Don’t worry. It wasn’t a thoughtless move; I stepped out after calculating everything.”
“Calculating? You didn't even know the enemy's skill level!”
“Unless they’re exceptionally skilled, the actions one can take in mounted combat are predictable.”
When two parties collide head-on while mounted, there aren't many ways to attack. Since one cannot plant their feet on the ground, a mistake can lead to being thrown off by the counterforce. Furthermore, moving at such high speeds makes it difficult to employ sophisticated techniques.
‘At best, you can only time a thrust or a slash. If you try to thrust with a short sword instead of a lance while on a galloping horse, you’re likely to get countered.’
The only remaining option was to slash at the exact right moment. Lucian had simply swung his sword with precise timing. In a clash of blades, the side capable of generating explosive physical strength in an instant held the advantage.
Considering the purity of his mana and Felicia’s techniques, there was no way Lucian would be pushed back.
‘Man, this body really is something else. If I’d tried the same thing with my old body, I would’ve suffered from muscle pain for a whole day, but now I don’t even feel a tingle.’
Just as Lucian was marveling at the performance of his blessed physique, a voice spoke.
“It has been a long time.”
Along with a heavy voice, a man with dark red hair appeared on horseback. Lucian immediately bowed his head at the sight of the man, who looked exactly as he did in his memories.
“Yes, it has been a long time indeed. Eldest Brother.”
Tristan Valdek.
The First Young Master of the House of Valdek, distinguished by his maternal hair color. While his appearance resembled the Grand Duke the least, he was the one closest to the position of the next Family Head.
Tristan, who had been staring at Lucian with his characteristic cold expression, spoke.
“I have much to tell you, but for now, enter the castle. We shall speak in detail as we go.”
*
Lucian’s party followed Tristan and his knights toward Bornholm Castle.
The area around the castle was quite well-maintained, but for some reason, an air of unease hung over the faces of the residents watching them.
“The atmosphere doesn't seem very good.”
“The soldiers have clashed with the mercenaries a few times recently. It was nothing major, but it seems even that much makes them anxious.”
“That’s because they don’t know if it’s truly nothing or a precursor to something bigger. They probably think a large-scale bloodshed might break out at any moment.”
“Absurd nonsense.”
When Lucian spoke for the residents, Tristan narrowed his eyes in displeasure.
“There will be no bloodshed. If anything happens, the knights and I will simply exterminate those arrogant mercenaries like rats. Conflict only occurs between opponents of equal standing. It’s frustrating that they are the only ones who don’t realize that.”
Judging by his voice, which seemed to be suppressing rage, he appeared to have a significant grievance against the mercenaries. Lucian moved closer to Tristan and whispered.
“Are the mercenaries being that disobedient?”
“It’s beyond disobedience. They’re ignoring us entirely. Do you know who those men you and the Black Lions caught are?”
“Who are they?”
“Members of the Empire Liberation Front. They were caught prowling around this area.”
At those words, Lucian’s expression hardened slightly. They were openly roaming around the castle even though their presence was already known? That meant there were gaping holes in the security perimeter.
Since those belonging to the House of Valdek wouldn't neglect their watch, the cause must be the mercenaries’ sabotage.
“It’s a joke, but my elites are deployed to dangerous zones, so I have no leisure to worry about Bornholm’s front yard. That’s why I assigned the mercenaries to guard the safe and well-fortified areas, but...”
“They’re protesting by refusing to move until they get more money.”
“Exactly. If I had my way, I’d cut all their throats and hang them on the castle walls. Demanding more money for areas that aren't even dangerous? Those vulgar mercenaries!”
Grind. The sound of Tristan gnashing his teeth was clearly audible. It must be infuriating to have them refuse to work even when assigned to relatively safe areas.
However, from Lucian’s perspective, Tristan was largely responsible for this situation.
‘He made it too obvious that he’s short-handed. There’s no way a mercenary would miss a golden opportunity to hike up their ransom. Besides, placing them only in safe areas was a bad move.’
By nature, mercenaries are paid to do dangerous work in someone else's stead. But to intentionally avoid sending them to dangerous areas? It was as good as telling them that there was a life-threatening danger lurking there.
In such a situation, they wouldn't be grateful for being placed in a safe spot. It would only look like they were being saved to be thrown out all at once when something truly disastrous happened.
‘And Tristan likely has that possibility in mind. The problem is he looked down on the mercenaries, thinking they wouldn't be able to read the market.’
Worn-out mercenaries surpassed even veteran nobles when it came to survival instincts. If they smelled something dangerous, they would either pull out immediately or demand compensation far exceeding the risk. To an employer, it might seem like insolent behavior, but for a mercenary, it was only natural.
“The situation is difficult, but I don’t expect much from you. You were likely half-pushed into coming down here by Jordi and Joshua anyway.”
Having finished his explanation, Tristan spoke quietly. His tone wasn't meant to reduce the pressure or mock him with contempt; he was speaking his honest mind.
“Go and keep an eye on the mercenaries, and stop them from deserting when the time comes. If you are nominally in command, they won't be able to act out so easily. When their lives are at stake, they’ll fight on their own regardless of the pay.”
In short, he was being told to act as a meat shield to prevent desertion. Lucian let out a hollow laugh at the statement, which wasn't even an order but a notification. Just how lowly did they think of him to say such a thing?
“It seems you are mistaken about a few things, Eldest Brother.”
“Mistaken?”
“First, I wasn't pushed into this; I volunteered. Second, unlike you, Brother, I have a way to solve this problem. Third, I have already been promised financial support from Father for the negotiations.”
“...!”
At those words, Tristan’s stoic expression crumbled. He could overlook the first and second points, but the third was impossible to ignore.
“Father entrusted the negotiations to you?”
“Yes. Here is a letter Father sent to you.”
Tristan snatched the letter from Lucian’s hand. After confirming the seal, he immediately read the contents, his expression shifting by the second.
“...It really is Father’s handwriting.”
“You’re checking the handwriting even after seeing the seal?”
“What on earth happened while I was away?”
“Well, this and that happened.”
Lucian shrugged, giving a vague answer. He had no obligation to explain everything to Tristan, even if he might have for the Grand Duke.
After glaring at Lucian for a moment, Tristan eventually nodded with a subtle expression.
“Fine. I cannot object to what Father has permitted. Do as you wish. However!”
A chilling light flickered in Tristan’s eyes as he shouted briefly. It was the bloodlust of someone who, unlike the other two brothers, had personally stained his hands with blood.
“If you harm the family out of some pathetic desire for glory, I will not forgive you. Even if Father forgives you, you will pay the price. Do you understand?”
Lucian smirked at Tristan’s words, which sounded as if he were already the Family Head. Then, without blinking an eye, he met Tristan’s gaze and spoke.
“I am not a fool who would diminish what I am rightfully owed.”
“....”
Tristan was left speechless by the unexpected answer, blinking his eyes. Though phrased indirectly, it was no different from a declaration of war, stating that the position of Family Head belonged to him.
After a brief silence, Tristan quietly pointed in one direction.
“...The mercenaries are staying at the Kingfisher Inn near the central fountain. If you intend to negotiate with them, go there.”
“Thank you for letting me know. I shall return with good news soon.”
Lucian immediately turned his horse and headed down toward the central fountain. Hugo and the five Black Lions assigned as guards followed behind him.
Tristan’s expression as he watched Lucian’s receding back was beyond subtle.
‘How can a person change so much?’
It was a bloodlust that could make a greenhorn who hadn't experienced real combat wet their pants. Yet, he had faced that bloodlust head-on and stood his ground so confidently. The image of him trembling like a deer back when Tristan was at the estate seemed like a lie.
‘No, it’s too early to judge.’
No matter how much spirit he showed, it was ultimately a matter of confidence rather than ability. There was a possibility it was a temporary phenomenon caused by a self-delusion detached from reality. His true worth would only be seen after he produced actual results from this negotiation.
But if he were to bring back results that matched that spirit...
‘...A new rival might emerge who could threaten the position of the next Family Head.’
*
As soon as they were away from Tristan, Raymond, who had been hanging back, approached. His face was grim, as if he had much to say.
“Third Young Master, we need to have a word.”
“I don’t have time, so let’s do it later. I’m a bit busy right now.”
“No, we must do it now. What was that back there, charging onto the front line?”
“It was a very efficient tactic, wasn't it? We caught them all thanks to that. It was a perfect result.”
“Results aren't everything! If you had sustained a serious injury...!”
“Fortunately, my body is perfectly fine. Let’s just move on and not ruin the mood by assuming the worst.”
“Third Young Master!”
Raymond shouted, but Lucian ignored him and picked his ear. If a similar situation occurred again, he would jump in just like he did this time. It was better not to make a promise at all than to say he wouldn't do it again and then break it.
“Now, quiet. We’re nearing the fountain. What will the mercenaries think if they see us like this? They’ll think we’re a joke, unable to even maintain internal discipline.”
“...!”
“So let’s talk later, when we have time. For now, isn't it best to show a united front?”
Raymond gritted his teeth at Lucian’s brazenness, but since he wasn't wrong, he took a breath and stepped back. However, he didn't forget to leave a final word.
“I’ll let it slide this time, but if you pull something like that again, I’ll follow you even to the bathroom. I’ll be watching to make sure you don’t do anything dangerous even while you’re wiping your backside, so be prepared.”
“...That’s a bit terrifying.”
Lucian shuddered at the strangely realistic threat. Knowing Raymond and the Black Lions, they might actually do it.
Thinking he should soothe him later, Lucian opened the door to the inn. And at the sight that immediately met his eyes, he frowned and muttered.
“What a total mess.”