Chapter 63
Chapter 63
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 63
Chapter Title: Siege of Dallisi (4)
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The thrill of victory and the fatigue of battle had barely washed away before a new tension arrived.
The next day, in the early dawn before the rooster crowed.
General Tulio urgently summoned his officers and held a meeting.
"Any word from Erio? How's the assault on Rendal Fortress going?"
"No reports yet. But seeing the beacon flare up briefly and then stop, it doesn't seem like they've failed the attack."
"But the enemy main base must have noticed by now. They'll send scouts our way soon enough."
If the scouts sent out didn't return, that alone was proof of an enemy raid.
At this point, the element of surprise was gone.
"Then shall I take a look?"
"No. It's best to hold back on your magic for now."
Lian's magic could check it out in no time, but it had limits on usage.
They needed to prioritize information carefully.
"Give the fastest horse to our best rider. First, confirm Rendal Fortress's status. We'll push on to Dallisi stronghold as planned."
Originally, they were supposed to link up with the detachment after taking Rendal Fortress, but there was no time for that now.
Whatever the reason, the beacon meant they were struggling more than expected.
Even if they succeeded, joining up would be delayed.
Plus, the enemy base that spotted the beacon had likely already called for reinforcements from the main force and nearby allies.
Now every minute counted.
They had to take it somehow, even with fewer numbers than planned.
It was a moment that called for a miracle of magic.
"I hate to keep changing plans, but Lian, your role will be crucial in this assault on Dallisi stronghold."
"No need for apologies. Isn't that why His Highness sent me?"
"Then I'll shamelessly rely on you."
With Lian and his group's skills, their job was already set.
While General Tulio's unit attacked the walls,
Lian would crumble the enemy from within.
The attack began four days later.
For Lian's group, the first task was infiltrating Dallisi stronghold unscathed within that time.
To do that, they spurred their horses through the forest path.
"Why do I have to ride with this guy?"
Not everyone knew how to ride, so Firka had to share a horse with the tagalong Martin.
"If you don't like it, ride alone."
"Ugh... Fine, whatever."
Firka grumbled and turned her head away.
Among them, Martin was the most skilled rider, which was why she was with him.
What was her problem?
Of course, if she was uncomfortable with Martin tagging along, that made sense.
Why was that guy still pretending to be a soldier?
He'd taken off his uniform for the disguise, but did he really think no one had noticed?
As Lian stared at him, Martin glanced back.
"So, how do you plan to infiltrate Dallisi stronghold? The gates must be sealed by now."
"I'll use my main profession."
"Pardon? What do you mean?"
"We'll head to the village northeast of Dallisi stronghold first. I'll explain there—just hurry for now."
Lian spurred his horse faster.
Normally a three-to-four-hour trip,
but detouring to avoid the enemy would double the time.
After riding for hours, dusk began to fall.
Smoke rose from chimneys.
"It's quieter than expected."
The village seemed peaceful, as if war news hadn't reached it yet.
"The enemy is practically at their doorstep in the blink of an eye. No time to warn outlying villages like this."
"Still, they must have some emergency system for cases like this..."
"Whenever you call them barbarians, huh? Now you're looking for a rational system here? Survival of the fittest is the norm around here."
"...I see. Understood."
But that was exactly Lian's opportunity.
If they had time, they wouldn't have just warned the village.
That would defeat the purpose of coming here.
"Give me all the alcohol you have here."
Lian went to the village brewery and pointed at the barrels in the warehouse.
"Pardon? All of it? Holding a feast or something?"
"Oh, and if possible, horses and wagons too..."
"Hey, you got the money for that?"
The brewery owner grew suspicious of the lavish order.
He looked like some noble's son, but why would he want cheap beer for lowly folk?
Smelled like a con artist.
"Is this enough?"
Ching!
Lian poured gold coins onto an empty barrel.
Dwarf coins were standard continent currency.
Money was money anywhere.
"Oh my! Anything else you need? Just say the word!"
Spring bloomed on the brewery owner's face.
Lian's shopping list in the village went something like this.
Four wagons, four horses to match.
Loaded to the brim with beer, food, and supplies.
Basically stripped the village bare.
"So you plan to pass the gates with this?"
"In a siege where they don't know how long it'll last, they'll let supplies in. They'll be cautious, but open the gates anyway."
The scenario was simple.
Lian's group posed as traders dealing in foodstuffs.
Passing by, they spotted Dallisi stronghold on war footing and approached to make a profit.
"But isn't there a big problem?"
"What?"
"Lian, your face is too distinctive. Can't the mage hide it with magic?"
While changing into merchant clothes to blend in,
Pablo made a sharp point.
A rich trader in valuables might work,
but this ragged rural merchant vibe didn't suit Lian.
"True. A handsome guy like this stands out. They'll get suspicious."
"Definitely. Especially now, even I'd suspect."
Firka and Martin nodded in agreement.
Honestly, even the brewery owner was dazzled by the cash,
but he'd eyed Lian suspiciously.
"Come on! There could be serfs who look like me!"
"No. There aren't. Absolutely not."
"I agree."
"Always like this. Say something realistic."
Lian felt wronged—he was just stating facts.
But statistically, Lian was an outlier way beyond the average.
"Fine. I'll cover my face like this. Happy?"
"Tch. That looks even more suspicious."
"Like admitting you're an enemy spy."
A hood or cloth wouldn't cut it.
With four wagons, each had to drive one, so Firka's illusion on Lian was out.
"Got it! I have a great idea!"
As they pondered,
Firka puffed her chest confidently.
"Somehow I don't trust it..."
"No! Trust me!"
Her lips curled into a smirk.
Lian felt a bad premonition.
Dallisi was a fortress city on rocky hills.
Spiral walls like stairs protected the core.
Its structure and scale made it leagues beyond Bringen Fortress in difficulty.
Clop-clop.
Deep into the night with the moon high,
Lian's wagons lined up slowly toward the gates.
As expected, the gates were shut tight.
"Hey there! Anyone around?"
"Who goes there? State your business!"
A soldier with a torch leaned out from the wall, shining down.
"Traders passing through! Open up! You wouldn't send us back this late, right?"
"Regrettably, wartime rules—no outsiders. Turn back!"
"What? Say that again!?"
Thanks to his past infiltration and spy work,
Pablo acted without a hitch.
"Sirs, got enough food? We've got foodstuffs and beer! Cheap prices!"
"Liar! Why trust a merchant's 'cheap'?"
"Alright! Just a tiny markup then!"
"Heh! Hold on! I'll check with the captain!"
The soldier bantered lightly, no real suspicion, then vanished inside.
Ten minutes later,
the gates creaked open.
"Hey! Get in quick!"
"Thank you! A little token of thanks..."
"Whoa! Can't take bribes! Hey now!"
The soldier pocketed Pablo's silver coin while protesting.
They weren't fully off guard.
As the wagons entered, armed soldiers lined up with spears ready.
At the end stood a knight in fur-lined leather cloak, glaring.
"Halt! Is this the whole caravan?"
"Yes, sir!"
"Good. Close the gates!"
Thud! The heavy gates sealed shut.
"We'll inspect the wagons—cooperate. You the head trader?"
"Yes, sir."
"Origin and name?"
"Uh, yes. Waldo from Bickelson fief."
"West coast? Your accent reeks of salt. Heard herring fishing's booming there?"
Sharp one.
If they hadn't prepped the backstory matching Pablo's accent, suspicion would've risen.
And the last question was a trap.
"Don't mention it. Would I be here otherwise? Fish are gone—nets so light, my bent-backed father's straightening up!"
"Tough times. My sympathies."
The knight had asked reverse on purpose.
Herring habitats shifted south, ruining Bordia fishing,
while Castel enjoyed a bumper crop.
Info only locals would know.
Pablo nearly slipped—Lian whispered the save.
"Captain! Wagons clear! Just booze and food!"
"Good work!"
Inspections passed.
The knight's glare softened.
"You're clear. I'll report to the lord—good trading."
"Thank you! A small gift for you..."
"Graciously accepted."
"Please put in a good word! Heh!"
Clink.
Three silver coins on the knight's palm.
Unlike the soldier, the valiant knight took bribes openly.
After twists and turns, Lian's group entered Dallisi stronghold safely.
They might even meet the lord tomorrow.
But amid the smooth sailing, Lian couldn't smile.
"See that woman? Stunning."
"The one on the second wagon... Not the trader's wife, right? Too fine for him."
"Sister maybe? Hair's similar?"
"Nah, faces don't match! Still, no way that guy's got a beauty like her..."
"You idiots chattering—what good does it do? Think she'll notice you?"
Soldiers ogled the long black-haired beauty driving silently.
Snow-white skin like petals on frost, alluring lips.
Yet sharp features gave androgynous charm.
She lowered her gaze quietly.
On her hand, Firka's illusory text appeared:
'See? Told you I wouldn't get caught.'
The beauty frowned slightly, hand to mouth.
'I'll kill you. Kill you. Kill you dead...'
"Eek!"
Firka clamped her ears, but no use.
Whispers straight to the skull couldn't be blocked.
'Aaaah! Stop! Enough!'
Firka frantically messaged the hand, but ignored.
Lian's rage from the cross-dressing humiliation wouldn't cool easily.