Chapter 74
Chapter 74
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: Luck Always Comes from Unexpected Places. (2)
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Just as they finished processing the prisoners, a massive drinking party broke out at Seriz Fortress.
Soldiers and officers alike piled up mountains of cheap booze and meat—sold at a 20% discount—and gorged themselves to their hearts' content.
Once the drinks started flowing, the tension among the mercenaries melted away in an instant.
"Bring more booze—booze! And some more pork belly for snacks!"
"Just two days ago, I was thinking this damn fortress was too tough for us to take. But now that we've captured it, turns out it wasn't such a big deal after all."
"That's not because you're so great, you idiot. It's because Platoon Leader Martin did all the work."
The soldiers under Baron Seik, who had been defending Seriz Fortress, got caught off guard while partying themselves. But we were free to do the same without worry.
'According to the scout leader, no enemy units have been spotted around here.'
In a world without tanks, trucks, or trains, it was practically impossible to move a large enough force to retake this fortress without the scouts noticing.
"Tonight, we can just kick back and enjoy ourselves without a care."
With that thought, I loaded a small cart borrowed from the camp merchants with roasted chicken, pork, and a keg of beer as I passed by...
"Why don't you try some of this, my lord baron? We may have lost the war, but once it's over, isn't sharing drinks and war stories the proper etiquette for cultured knights?"
Dalton's words made Baron Seik's face twist in annoyance.
"You're not wrong, but it's hardly pleasant hearing lectures on noble etiquette from a mere mercenary."
In this world, after a war, you could treat captured common soldiers roughly or even sell them as slaves. But nobles and knights were held to a higher standard of courtesy.
And the captured nobles graciously accepted that treatment.
The reason seemed to be not just their exorbitant ransoms, but also because highborn folk hated suffering the same humiliations as commoners when taken prisoner. Hence the custom.
"Back in the day—no, just five years ago—I was born into a senior knightly house in an earldom and lived as a knight. Take a look at the crest engraved on my armor."
"...You're that fool of a count from the neighboring territory who got slapped with some ridiculous false charge? Ahem. In that case, serve up some good food for me and my knights as well."
Dalton smirked at the response.
"Of course, my lord. If you'll permit it, I'd love to bring over some of the women the camp merchants have and help relieve the knights' fatigue..."
"You can do that?"
Dalton's grin stretched ear to ear.
'This guy's thrilled at the thought of jacking up the bill for the food and drinks as per custom.'
I let out a hollow laugh and sighed.
"Even if it's tradition, how much does he plan to gouge them?"
When I arrived pulling the wooden cart, the platoon guys spotted me and cheered, waving their arms wildly.
"Platoon Leader, booze! Gimme the booze first!"
"This guy's talking like he left the booze with the platoon leader. Hey, you buying it or what?"
"C'mon, why you gotta be like that, Senior Ain?"
These bastards were probably cheering more for the booze and meat than for me.
But imagining stinky, hairy guys being happier to see me than the booze and meat...
'Kinda... no, really pisses me off.'
"Take the booze and meat, you lot! We're the stars of today's victory!"
"Long live the Platoon Leader!"
"Mercenary Captain stingy Dalton shelled out a fortune today, so drink, eat, grab women—whatever you want, go wild."
The mercenaries snatched all the meat and booze from my cart and started setting up at top speed.
The kind of speed I wished they'd show in normal times—or even during battles.
"Meat first, meat."
"Nah, beer first."
"Hey, rookie over there. Platoon Leader brought the cart himself—shouldn't you hustle it back right now? You got no manners?"
"Rookie Franz! I'll be right back."
With booze, meat, and the pride of being the victory's main heroes all mixed together...
The platoon erupted into a rowdy feast, acting like they hadn't a worry in the world.
"Man, honestly, when the Platoon Leader ordered a retreat and then said we'd assault the fortress again, I thought he'd finally lost it."
"But when we got there, just like he said, the enemy soldiers were stumbling around drunk off their asses. Some of 'em even tried to fight us, staggering on twisted legs, puking everywhere..."
"One swung his weapon at me, and I thought I couldn't block in time and was done for. But the drunk bastard smashed into the wall with his own mace instead? So I repaid the favor by smashing his face."
As I tore into a chicken leg amid that chatter, Karin sauntered over and plopped down beside me with a wink.
She pressed her body naturally against mine and flashed that maddeningly beautiful smile.
I was dazed by her stunning beauty, but I was still the platoon leader.
"Senior? Everyone's watching."
At my words, the guys grinned slyly and whistled from all around.
"Hey, lads. Let's move the booze and chicken over there. Clowns are performing—why stick around here?"
"Hold those plates steady. Spill 'em, and I'll make you chant 'I'm dead today' all night."
"Sigh, damn it. If you ain't got a girl, go die. I'm confessing to Anna tonight and won't stop till I do. Don't try to stop me, assholes."
They grabbed nearly all the food and drinks in front of me and vanished in a flash.
Even as the platoon cleared out, Lucia stayed put, lips pursed and cheeks puffed, glaring back and forth between Karin and me.
Thinking we wouldn't hear, she muttered under her breath.
"......Me too..."
Anyone could see what Lucia was thinking, but I pretended not to notice and let it slide.
This world allowed polygamy, sure.
But with Karin already as my woman, making a move on Lucia without her prior okay could sour things with Karin.
What I needed now was to give Karin time to warm up to accepting Lucia.
'Karin's not the jealous or possessive type, so just making her aware of how much Lucia likes me should be enough for now.'
From the moment I met Karin, I'd openly declared my intent to build a harem multiple times. So even if Lucia became mine, Karin might feel a bit awkward, but...
She doted on Lucia like a cute little sister and genuinely liked her, so things might work out surprisingly well.
"Lucia?"
I called her, and she perked up like a wagging tail.
"Yes?"
"Don't you wanna go watch the clowns or something?"
A roundabout way of asking her to leave, but Lucia glanced at Karin, hummed reluctantly, and wagged her tail.
"Clowns are fun, but I like getting praised by you more, Platoon Leader."
She looked up at me with eyes full of anticipation, tail swishing eagerly.
"When you say I did well and pet my head, it relaxes me like when the headmistress did it. And it makes me feel like I've done enough to earn your approval, so I just get all happy."
Her face flushed, and her tail wagged faster.
"My body heats up and it feels so good. Plus, everything I've achieved since joining this mercenary corps—everyone recognizing me—it's all thanks to you..."
Subspecies in this world each had unique traits.
Elves boasted eagle-like eyesight and magic sensitivity, producing elite snipers like Karin who infused arrows with mana.
Foxkin like Lucia were typically lithe, favoring short weapons and agile combat styles.
And one more trait for foxkin...
'They flush red when falling in love or aroused.'
Lucia, raised in an orphanage, didn't know this stuff. The mercenaries had an unspoken pact not to teach the 'pure' girl about it, so even they tiptoed around the topic, leaving her clueless.
"Yeah? C'mere then."
At those words, Lucia padded over and naturally nuzzled her head toward me.
I stroked her gently, like brushing hair, and she purred like a contented cat.
"Ehehe, your touch is so warm and reassuring, Platoon Leader..."
After about five minutes, she stood with a satisfied nod, bowed politely, and left.
Karin gave me a wry smile and teased.
"Being so sweet to another girl right in front of your girlfriend—kinda makes the jealousy creep in."
But she didn't go full drama-queen with fiery hatred or betrayal-fueled rage.
"I knew it, but I didn't expect everyone else to tactfully clear out, only for Lucia to stick around and come at me like that."
Lucia's behavior screamed lovestruck girl.
Striving to impress the platoon leader, skipping fun to study magic and train, rushing to me for praise at every accomplishment.
What else could it be?
Karin whispered in my ear.
"My support for your dreams hasn't changed—then or now. Whether you build a harem or chase promotion like mad, I won't stop you. I'll always cheer you on and help from behind."
An unstoppable smile spread across my face.
"Just remember this: I'm Martin's first woman. Put me first, love me more than the others."
Acknowledging my dreams and desires while demanding top priority.
Before I knew it, I had yanked Karin into a fierce embrace.
"Of course, Senior."
That night, I poured every ounce of strength into proving I loved her more than anyone—until my back nearly snapped.
And a fortnight later, Baron Pappenheim finally arrived at Seriz Fortress with two thousand troops.