Chapter 39
Chapter 39
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 39
Chapter Title: Escort Soldiers
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That evening. Just before the party the Count had prepared was about to begin, at the Lady's command, I was checking the Vanguard Swordsmen's armament status and handing them a few silvers each so they could head to the tavern for a drink.
That's when some burly men came looking for me.
Though they wore uniforms and carried no weapons, their height and build screamed "former swordsman" from a mile away. The Vanguard Swordsmen eyed them warily, but these sturdy fellows paid them no mind and doffed their hats before me, bowing their heads.
"Pardon the intrusion, sir. Might I ask if you visited the Apple Tree House outside the outer walls today?"
"I did. And who might you be?"
"We are the Sarisa County Elite Swordsmen Veterans' Association."
What the hell kind of name was that? Sounded like some marines' reunion club.
"Elite Swordsmen Veterans' Association?"
"It's a group formed by current and former Elite Swordsmen. We came to see you because we heard you delivered William's belongings."
Though most of us are out of work these days, they added with a chuckle.
"Here to settle a score?"
The man at the front shook his head at my words.
"Far from it! Quite the opposite, in fact. We wanted to thank you for your honorable actions. For personally delivering a mere commoner's effects to someone of your stature."
"I just respected his swordsmanship. No idea why a man like that turned to banditry."
They fell silent at my words. For proud men like them, it must have stung that one of their comrades had stooped to thieving. Especially since quite a few of their fellows were probably doing the same right now.
"It's shameful, but... that's our reality these days. Some of us have been reduced to banditry... but we never forget a debt of gratitude. We'll repay this favor one day. Without fail."
"Favor? Anyway, has the Count cut ties with the swordsmen too? I figured he'd hold onto elite troops like you until the end."
Their faces darkened at my question.
"Not a pleasant story, but... most of us have been let go."
Even as they said it, they blamed not the Count but their own failings for the defeat in war. They probably avoided mentioning Cligrove because I was standing right there.
"No grudges, then."
"He was our lord. We couldn't resent him for it. And... we heard the war reparations and troop limits were quite severe."
"No need to beat around the bush. I already know most of you blame our Cligrove territory for it."
The man cleared his throat awkwardly, his face flushing. Probably embarrassed that I'd seen right through them.
"Not everyone thinks that way. And the war was one he started, after all."
I heard about the state of Sarisa County's domain from them. The sudden demobilization, the chaos from the families of fallen soldiers, and the anxiety over impending tax hikes—even if they hadn't risen yet. The county was crumbling from within.
"Took you longer than I expected."
"Sorry, my Lady."
After that brief encounter, I returned to the mansion and headed straight for the Lady's room.
Since my duty today was to guard her, even with the Count's party underway, I had to stay fully armed and shadow her every step. I'd have to stand with the other knights even inside the venue.
The Lady was in her room, dressed for the occasion.
It was a pure white gown adorned with ornate lace accents. She'd even added a farthingale this time, making the skirt billow out luxuriously. But the highlight was the dainty hat perched atop her updo.
Her flowing golden hair was swept up, and the small, elegant hat draped lightly over it transformed her from a simple country noble's daughter into a sophisticated city belle.
"Sorry to make you work while everyone else rests. The Count's a noble, so it'll be fine, but going without even an escort wouldn't look right, would it?"
She smiled apologetically, as if regretful for summoning me during downtime. But what could I do? Just call it overtime. No one else to send anyway.
"My Lady."
Edward soon arrived. He was playing the role of her escort for the party.
"Sir Edward."
With his blond hair lightly curled, Edward was handsome despite being a prick. The kind of face you'd see in movies. He offered his hand, but the Lady shook her head.
"Since we're entering as the Count's proxy, I don't think we need that level of escort. Let's just go in."
Edward's lip twitched faintly downward. I savored the sight inwardly. Nothing like watching a smug bastard's face twist.
"...Very well."
I quietly followed behind the Lady and Edward. The mansion corridors were busier than during the day, filled with nobles and wealthy merchants who bowed as we passed. Likely the Count's retainers or lesser nobles, with merchants tagging along for the networking.
A waiting maid led us from the mansion entrance through a passage connecting to the lord's castle, revealing its interior. Unlike the mansion, the castle felt somber. Or rather, opulent yet cold.
Frescoed walls and hanging paintings screamed luxury, but the dim candlelight cast an eerie gloom. The maid pressed on deeper inside until we reached what looked like the party hall doors.
Bright light spilled incongruously from the doors. Guards raised their spears in unison as they swung open, revealing a dazzling interior that belied the ominous facade.
"Proxy for the Cligrove Count! The Lady of Cligrove enters!"
The hall glittered with countless candles, their light refracted through crystal prisms. Illuminating a midnight venue with just candles and chandeliers—it was staggering how many there must have been.
Now I had to lurk in some shadowy corner. A fully armed brute like me standing out would kill the vibe. That's why there were separate lounges for escorts. But without orders...
Then the Lady, walking demurely, turned and glanced up at me.
"Ah, Sir Lucas. You're dismissed for now. I'll call if I need you later."
"Understood, my Lady."
Finally off-duty, I scanned the party while heading to the escorts' lounge. My eyes locked onto massive roast goose and whole animal roasts on the tables. Surely the lounge had some too?
"Oh... a new face."
The lounge was a balcony-like space curtained off from the hall. The escorts already there greeted me with hearty laughs. At best, knights; most likely wandering mercenaries. They seemed to peg me as one of their own.
"Impressive gear. Fine helmet too. Whoever hired you must be quite wealthy."
"Eh... decent enough."
"Gear's one thing, but is that sword for real?"
One pointed at my blade, probably wondering if it was ornamental or battle-ready. Common sense said no one used a sword that size. I smirked and unslung it from my shoulder.
Thud!
"Why carry it if it's not for use? Mine's no decoration."
It could've sounded rude, but with no obvious nobles here, who cared? They didn't take offense—instead, they roared with laughter.
"Hah! Exactly! Anyone carrying a show sword might as well be one!"
But even among these guys, there were a few punks mixed in.
"So, you got the skills to back up that 'decoration' talk?"
A flushed-faced giant stood, towering a head above the rest. His sword looked too heavy for real combat—heavy even compared to mine, absurd for his height.
How do you swing something bigger than yourself in a fight? That's comic book stuff.
His face beet-red, he stomped over, but slowed with each step. By the time he neared, his expression had calmed.
"Impressive skills indeed. You've broadened my horizons today. Ha ha!"
As the man turned to leave with an awkward laugh, I slung an arm over his shoulder.
"What's the rush? Let's chat more."
Aside from that one, the escorts seemed decent. Pricks couldn't hack it as guards, and steady pay from rich patrons kept them content.
Compared to mercenary life on death's doorstep, this cushy gig with good wages suited them fine. Of course, I kept my nobility under wraps.
One escort chuckled mid-conversation.
"Anyone here good with a bow? There's a hunting tournament tomorrow."
"Hunting tournament?"
"The Count's hosting one to welcome the Cligrove Lady. Prize money's 150 pounds, I hear."
Extravagant for tight finances. High noble style, I guess. I admired the Count's generosity. If I were him, I'd be pinching pennies to cover reparations.
Even as an escort, as a noble, I qualified to enter. Guarding the Lady meant I could shoot on the side. No first place, but my hunter days gave me enough edge for some prize money.
The Lady had hinted at buying a house anyway—prize cash would cover it without debt. I grinned at the fortune I'd touch for the first time since becoming a noble... no, arriving in this world.
"Oh! Who's this?"
Lost in happy thoughts of house-hunting leftovers, I looked up at the voice.
"You..."
It was the man from the Elite Swordsmen Veterans' Association.
"Sir, what brings you here...? Ah! Guarding her Ladyship?"
"Something like that."
He seemed to have landed an escort gig. Not elite-grade gear, but close enough. He plopped down beside me amiably.
"Sir?"
Naturally, his word drew eyes. The other escorts shot puzzled looks at the honorific.
"Wait..."
"This gentleman's a knight. Didn't you know?"
Way off base. Should've denied being a knight if I'd known we'd meet again.
"We didn't realize we were in the presence of nobility... our apologies!"
"This fool's mouth ruined it..."
Once they knew I was noble, the escorts grew exceedingly cautious. Careful not to give offense.
"Ugh... I didn't say anything on purpose, and now it's all ruined."
What to talk about now? Grumbling, I glared at the man who'd blown it. He scratched his head sheepishly and quickly changed the subject.
"Speaking of which, heard about the hunting tournament?"
"I have. Something wrong?"
He glanced around, then whispered barely audibly.
"Truth is, Count Sarisa has never hunted a day in his life."