Chapter 151
Chapter 151
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 22
Chapter Title: Advancing Step by Step, Calmly. (9)
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Instead of answering, I let out a snort. As if I'd heard something utterly ridiculous.
I wasn't the type to fall for such an obvious, lowbrow provocation.
Besides, Bennet's provocation had next to no chance of actually happening in reality.
"Why are you laughing?"
Bennet's face flushed red as he pressed me. I flipped my palm over casually and replied at leisure.
"Because it's funny to suggest a match where the outcome is obvious."
At my bold statement, the faces of everyone present at the meeting hardened.
"In my eyes, it's clear who the final winner will be."
I didn't specify which knight order, but my confident expression had already said it all.
Before those who grasped my meaning could open their mouths,
"I get that you're all burning with competitive spirit,"
I extended my finger and pointed to a spot on the map.
"But have you all forgotten what Lord Mikel said at the start?"
The mountain range that rose steeply from the north of the map.
"By tomorrow, we'll reach the foothills of the northern mountains. The climate will change drastically, and blizzards will rage."
Only then did people snap to attention, wiping the irritation from their faces.
"So tonight, we'll be busy preparing for the cold and checking supplies."
As I finished speaking and glanced at Mikel, he slowly nodded.
"Exactly. That's why I planned to explain the preparations for tomorrow in detail at this meeting."
Bennet and the few who had sided with him flushed red. I turned my gaze from them and flashed a smooth smile.
"But... now that I think about it, Young Lord Bennet does have a point."
At the sudden remark, Bennet flinched and straightened up. He eyed me up and down with disbelief, as if doubting his own ears.
"Instead of a martial tournament, how about this?"
I slowly interlaced my fingers, rested my hands on the table.
"Until we reach Nord Territory, we compete based on the number of monsters each knight order slays."
My gentle voice held no hint of mercy.
"It aligns with the original purpose of the subjugation campaign and will boost the knight orders' morale through competition."
People had already forgotten Mikel was the host of this meeting, hanging on my every word.
The calm, measured tone of my voice. The insight that pierced the situation perfectly. The way I naturally drew the atmosphere toward me.
"Hmm... that sounds like a good idea."
"We have to hunt those monsters anyway. Just count them."
"It won't take extra time, so it's efficient."
As expected, the fools blinded by competition quickly showed interest.
Most present were either knight captains or young heirs not yet fully matured.
Unless they were like Mikel, serving as both lord and knight captain.
Winning over such people with words was child's play.
"Fine. But no dirty tricks like intentionally harming rivals."
"Of course. Let's compete honorably, like true knights."
They seemed to have thought it through a bit—no one suggested per-person kills.
'Probably because they outnumber us.'
Whether things would go as they thought was another matter.
As I hid a leaking smile, Mikel quietly raised his hand.
"In that contest, our Nord Knight Order will serve as judges."
All eyes turned to him.
"I trust no other knight order will catch fewer than the judges."
Kuhahaha...
His laughter spread through the room.
Crackle!
Sparks flew in the glances exchanged between people.
"Haha, Lord Mikel states the obvious."
"You all better step it up. If you don't want to lose to the Nord Knight Order."
People pretended to roll their shoulders, acting relaxed.
But their eyes blazed fiercely, giving the illusion of lightning striking here.
Amid the heated banter flying back and forth came a quiet gaze that didn't fit.
'Derek Graham.'
He was gazing at me steadily amid the noisy atmosphere.
"......"
I gave a slight nod, meaning now was the time I'd mentioned before.
"-!"
A glint flashed in Derek's eyes, and he nodded back as if understanding.
It wasn't my imagination that his gaze toward me had softened unusually since I'd given him the food supplies.
"Then the contest period will be from the moment we encounter the first monster until we arrive at Nord Territory."
Mikel said leisurely, stroking his beard.
"To count, just bring back ears. Monsters usually have two per head, so any tricks will be obvious."
He scanned the room and declared in a low voice.
"Once more, thanks to all who joined us here. Regardless of this contest, when the subjugation ends, I shall reward you as lord. This I, Mikel Nod Conchellare, representative of Nord Territory, promise."
His pale blue eyes gleamed softly.
"Additionally, the victor will receive a commendation from His Majesty the Emperor. I will personally petition His Majesty."
With that, he slapped his riding boot onto the table.
"Now, with that understood, I'll explain precautions for tomorrow."
And so the night of divergent dreams passed.
❖ ❖ ❖
The next day.
How long had we been urging our horses to their limits?
"Wow......"
"That's the northern mountains......"
Low exclamations escaped people's lips. Their eyes were fixed on the distant white snow-capped peaks.
"The altitude will keep rising."
"Nothing but mountains in sight."
Worried mutters spread here and there.
The path so far had been wide plains, allowing full speed.
The weather was a bit chilly, but riding hard brought a light sweat.
But.
"So much snow piled up......"
"Climbing that mountain will take some effort."
Snow swirled around the snow mountains. It was obvious things would get rough as we approached.
"Everyone, steel your resolve and ensure no knights fall behind."
Before ascending properly, Mikel gathered the representatives.
"Even if the snow mountains look far, a blizzard can hit suddenly without warning. So equip winter gear now."
He said in a serious tone.
"Also, I trust you've thoroughly informed your entire knight orders of yesterday's points."
"Of course."
"Naturally."
They answered readily, but I saw it. Some eyes slyly drifted downward.
'Tsk, they'll regret that big time.'
Someone spoke in a relaxed tone.
"We prepared thoroughly before leaving the capital, so no issues."
With the overly peaceful schedule so far, people's minds were filled more with complacency than tension.
"Look at our numbers. Even if monster hordes come, we'll crush them easily."
Confidence overflowed on their faces. Some even tapped their weapons to show off.
"......Talking here is pointless."
Rather than scold them, Mikel just said quietly.
"For now, climb the mountain following precautions as much as possible. Depart once everyone's geared up."
He pointed to a small building at the foot of the distant snow mountains.
"Our destination is the outpost at the mountain base. We'll resupply there and spend the night."
"Just to there? Shouldn't we push farther?"
"Too close. We can reach it in hours."
At the objections, a crooked smile rose on Mikel's lips.
"You'll see when we get there."
A few hours later.
"Whoa, what's this?"
"Why won't it move?"
As the slope steepened, the horses refused to carry riders.
In the end, all knights dismounted and led them up on foot.
"Huff, huff."
"Hoo, hoo."
The steep altitude exhausted even trained knights. They gritted their teeth against the leg pain as they climbed.
Except for a few groups.
"Young Master, are you alright?"
Conrad checked on me with a worried face.
"With what?"
He paused at my utterly calm expression.
"No, nothing. I spoke out of turn."
He shook his head and looked around.
"Urgh......"
"Ow."
Among the family heirs, sprained ankles were rampant. They had to be splinted and carried on carts or horses.
Unwilling burdens on their knight orders, their faces were filled with indescribable humiliation.
"You don't trust me enough."
I snorted, following Conrad's gaze.
"No, actually, it seems you were hoping I'd tumble like that."
"What are you saying!"
Stabbed at the core, Conrad hurriedly waved his hands.
"No, absolutely not. I never thought that."
Sure he didn't.
He'd approved my joining with such calculations in mind.
'Thinks I can swing a sword a bit, but can't handle rough marches.'
He'd waited for me to tire out and beg to return to the capital.
But I was very accustomed to camping, and climbed this steep path with ease.
Even wrapped in this thick fur leather coat and cloak.
"How should I put it... You're too proficient. Like it's not your first time."
Conrad scratched his head.
"The more I know you, Young Master, the more I think all the rumors I've heard are nonsense."
"What rumors?"
"Yes. Like changing bedmates every night, being obsessed with gambling, or getting beaten with a sword by Captain Diego..."
Climbing the rocky path, Conrad spilled without thinking, then flinched.
"Go on."
At my gaze, colder than the biting wind, Conrad's shoulders shrank.
"Just repeating what I heard. Please forgive me."
"......"
"You won't break my legs here, right?"
The rugged man's eyebrows drooped in a pitiful expression,
"......So, what next?"
It was hard to watch. I skipped ahead, pretending to relent.
Such expressions suit pretty boys like me for maximum effect.
No, now that I looked, Conrad's face seemed more effective. In the exact opposite way.
"Anyway, no one like that could lead a knight order so splendidly. I just wonder why such rumors spread."
I tilted my head at Conrad with a soft smile.
"I'm the sole heir of the Kindriel Family, after all."
"So it is......"
"Shh, keep it as a guess."
"Ah, understood."
Conrad's eyes sparkled as if seeing me anew.
He seemed convinced my past notoriety was false, that I'd been rigorously training as heir.
"As expected, Young Master......"
Different words from Elice, but a similar phrase slipped from Conrad's lips.
Ignoring his admiring gaze, I replied indifferently.
"Keep your face away. It's burdensome."
"......Yes."