Chapter 45
Chapter 45
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: Suspicious Nighttime Guests
-----------------------------------------------------------------
“What is it?”
Guchi asked, scanning their surroundings. Visibility was poor now that darkness had fallen.
“A fairly large group is approaching. On horseback.”
“This is a path few people know about. And for such a large group, the main road would be far more convenient.”
It was only after a while that Guchi heard the distant sound of hooves clopping. Amazed by Lander’s incredible hearing, he began packing up their belongings at the same time.
It was nearly midnight. What kind of people would ride horses into a narrow forest path in the dead of night?
Just in case, he prepared to retreat.
“We should probably get out of here.”
“They seem to be heading straight for our position. But with the campfire lit, that’s only natural.”
“It feels off. Guests who come at night usually bring trouble.”
“Let’s wait and see for now. No reason to run first.”
Soon enough, riders burst through the darkness.
Heavily armored knights were followed by men in lighter gear.
They didn’t look like mercenaries. More likely private soldiers from a nearby territory.
“Didn’t expect to find anyone out here.”
The man at the front spoke. The campfire’s crimson glow slid across the polished armor he wore. It was finely crafted—must have cost a fortune.
“We’re travelers.”
Guchi spoke up. He figured it was better if he handled the talking, rather than Lander, who possessed terrifying strength but had a naive side.
“Ordinary folk wouldn’t know about this route.”
“I’m a hunter, so I know these back paths well. More importantly, where are you all from?”
“My apologies. I’m Salatra. I proudly serve as guardian of Anke Territory.”
Anke was a domain not far from here. What reason could its soldiers have for riding around in the middle of the night?
“I see.”
“Now that I’ve given my identity, may I ask yours in turn? You said you’re traveling—where to?”
“On our way to Conne.”
“Conne, eh. This path does get you there quickest. But is it just the two of you?”
“Yes. Just us two.”
“That’s dangerous. Crossing the forest and all.”
“Both of us can take care of ourselves. No need to worry.”
“Then I’m glad to hear it.”
A man on horseback approached beside Salatra. He had arrived a bit later and was whispering something to him.
Guchi sensed things were turning sour. Salatra’s expression was darkening.
“You said you’re a hunter?”
“Yes.”
“And your companion? What does he do?”
Lander, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke.
“Nothing in particular right now.”
“And before? A man your age can’t have been idle all his life.”
“I was a soldier.”
“A soldier. You served the Empire, then. Can you prove it?”
“If you’d like, I can show you the guild-issued veteran’s badge.”
Lander pulled out his badge. A man dismounted, took it, and handed it to Salatra.
“He’s a retired soldier, all right.”
Tension filled the air. It was all coming from the Anke troops. They stared openly with suspicious glares.
Irritating as it was, this wasn’t the time to snap. He didn’t know the reason, but playing nice should get them through it. At least they weren’t bandits.
Guchi watched Salatra’s mouth. He kept waiting for the man to say they could go. But the words that slipped out instead scratched at his nerves.
“We’ll need to check your luggage.”
“Our luggage?”
“That’s right.”
“We’ve already proven our identities. May I ask why?”
“I value honor as much as the next man—I don’t want to do this. But our situation is rather unique. As travelers, you wouldn’t know what’s happening in Anke right now.”
“Haven’t heard anything.”
Salatra explained in the tone of a sage enlightening ignorant commoners.
“Our esteemed Lord Anke built this territory from the ground up. Under his wise rule, the people enjoyed great prosperity. The Emperor’s grand blessings and the lord’s shrewd governance—it was truly a golden age.”
The shameless drivel confirmed he was one of those arrogant knights.
They thought praising their master was the same as praising themselves, so of course they’d open with that.
Guchi tried not to show his disgust as he waited for Salatra to get to the point. With the Emperor and lord sufficiently flattered, it was time for the real story.
“If everyone honored that, there’d be no issue. Sadly, rude folk always show up. Like those wastrels from Silder stirring up trouble in our Anke Territory.”
Salatra went on endlessly after that. He’d have made a better storyteller or bard than knight.
To sum it up: A skirmish on the border had sparked a fight. Two nobles hungry for expansion were squabbling like dogs over territory.
It was a time of peace. The war with the now-faintly-remembered Allied Kingdoms was long over, leaving disbanded soldiers restless in their domains.
With the Holy City in chaos too, they saw their chance to expand.
To avoid drawing the feudal lords’ ire from full-scale battles, they were testing each other with small clashes.
So-called “honor duels.” Was their precious honor really as cheap as a merchant’s tongue?
“And so, we honorable Anke forces sought a fair fight, but as expected, the petty Silder scum tried to slink away and taint our noble combat. Borrowing strength from other nobles, no less. The shame of it.”
“So you think we’re with Silder.”
“No need to worry. If you’re innocent, this ends without issue. But according to our intel, Silder sent reinforcements this way. And we happen to run into you right then.”
He glanced at Lander. No reason to get dragged into their dogfight. If showing the luggage ended it, better that way.
Lander nodded too. Nothing to hide, so they unpacked.
“Spartan setup.”
Salatra dismounted and inspected personally. The other men approached and rummaged through the bundles.
“That’s a finely maintained bow. Rare to see one this well-kept.”
Salatra remarked, lifting the bow stave.
“It’s my livelihood.”
“Livelihoods matter.”
Greed flickered in Salatra’s eyes briefly, but he set the bow down meekly.
Guchi had worried he might demand it, but luck held. Maybe his interest waned since it was just a bow.
Finished with Guchi’s gear, Salatra moved to Lander’s.
“Carrying this much coin around? Wouldn’t a bank be safer?”
“Hard coin in hand puts my mind at ease.”
“I get that. Truth be told, I still don’t trust banks myself. Sure, they’re Empire-licensed and nationwide, but they stem from merchant guilds. Handing money to those gamblers? Laughable.”
Rummaging through the backpack, Salatra eyed Lander’s sword.
“For self-defense?”
“Yes.”
“Let me see it.”
Guchi frowned. He was a hunter. He valued his weapons, but not enough to die for them.
He wouldn’t easily part with the bow Maestro Andukaf had made, but if lives were at stake, he’d hand it over without hesitation.
But what about Lander?
From what he’d observed, Lander’s background was no ordinary one.
Famed knight or swordsman, highborn noble, senior military officer—maybe even imperial blood.
In any case, someone who prized honor. Not the lip-service kind like Salatra, but the sort who’d gladly die for it.
How would Lander take this demand for his carried weapon, with no justification?
“You can look, but that’s it.”
Contrary to Guchi’s fears, Lander handed over the sword meekly. Salatra gripped it and examined every inch.
“An exceptional blade. Seams this smooth, edge this keen—I’ve never seen the like.”
“A friend of mine took care of it for me.”
“Lucky you. But a sword only shines in worthy hands.”
Salatra didn’t hide his greed. No hesitation in his words. His character was plain as day.
No doubt he’d fleeced others with the same trick.
“Your own sword looks just as fine.”
Lander said, extending his hand. A clear demand: enough nonsense, give it back. Guchi winced at the boldness but soon thought whatever happens, happens.
If the knights struck first, it’d make things easier. They had a swordsman who’d cleaved a magical beast in half.
Lander, who’d leaped like he could fly, wouldn’t lose to this lot.
“How about swapping for mine?”
Persistent bastard. So brazen it was almost funny. Why not just threaten? Guchi quietly palmed his knife.
Salatra had glanced past it indifferently, but it’d slit throats just fine.
If Lander dropped the mercy and showed his skill, Guchi would join in.
“Further talk is pointless. I’m not giving you that sword. Hand it back.”
Salatra grinned awkwardly, as if this were a first. Greed gleamed in his narrowed eyes. Guchi had seen that look countless times. Trouble brewing.
Salatra smiled kindly and offered the sword—but his grip didn’t loosen. Lander’s eyes fixed on his face without a twitch. Guchi’s instincts screamed: prelude to battle.
The campfire flickered wildly, though there was no wind. Shadows danced chaotically. Horses snorted and reared, forcing their handlers to shout in alarm.
Guchi seemed the only one to sense what this shift portended. Couldn’t this knight squad feel the stealthy pressure closing around their throats?
Salatra finally noticed the thickening tension and dropped the sword to the ground as he shouted.
“Shields up! Brace for arrows!”
Something flashed through the air, followed by a piercing cry.
(To be continued)