Chapter 494: Declaration of War (5)

Translator: RaidenTL

Chapter 494: Declaration of War (5)

There was a saying that went, "Check your partner's room before getting married." In other words, the things in a person's room could tell you a lot about their personality. You could not only tell if someone preferred finery or being frugal but also if they were lazy or hard-working. You could figure out what colors they preferred, what hobbies they had, what type of job they worked, and more. Even if you knew nothing about a person going in, you could get a rough sense of what type of person they were just by looking at their room.

A prime example of this was the reception room I was currently sitting in.

The interior of the room immediately gave off luxurious vibes. Although the decor wasn't gaudy or excessive, the few pieces of furniture and decorations present were clearly expensive. It was clear at a glance that the items must have cost a fortune.

​​

Munch.

The snacks laid out on the table for me were plentiful too. It was hard to imagine that so many different kinds of delicious treats had been prepared for just one person.

Gulp.

There was even a servant who stood at the entrance at all times, refilling my half-empty glass each time I drank from it. And that wasn't even the icing on the cake.

This might be the first time I've ever seen a reception room with its own elevator music.

In the corner of the room was a bald musician playing relaxing music on a stringed instrument.

He doesn't act like a new hire brought on specifically for today, either.

Just looking around this reception room, I could clearly tell what kind of person the owner of this house was.

He has the heart of a merchant.

Everything about it told me in no uncertain terms that the owner put hospitality above all else, rather than simply prioritizing showing off their immense wealth. Well, if I waited here a bit longer, I'd be able to see just how well he actually ended up treating me when he arrived.

The meeting time we agreed on is five minutes from now. He's definitely going to come in right on time.

I crossed my legs and opened a random newspaper from a nearby pile, only to find that the article on the front page was about me. To be fair, I figured the headline would have been the same regardless of which one I chose.

The Great Hero recorded on the Stone of Honor, Baron Yandel, has drawn his sword and pointed it at the traitors of the empire lurking in the underworld...!

It had been three days since my scene at the black market, and the story was finally making headlines. There was no way Mozlan didn't try to keep the incident a secret, but it must have been impossible to hide the 397 slaves that had been set free from the public eye.

Though they did leave out the fact that most of the people who frequented the slave trade were nobles...

Even though the article was missing a few key details here and there, it still provided a decent overview of the situation. For example, it mentioned how the slaves had been able to regain their status as regular citizens and that they were currently staying in a temporary shelter that Mozlan had prepared. A five-year tax exemption policy had been created to help them out as well.

Oh, and there was an interview.

"...he told those guys that he wouldn't regret it, but that they definitely would."

The interviewee was anonymous, but judging by the statements they gave, it was clearly that kid I met, the one who had been trapped in the cage.

So the black market has completely closed? Well, I guess it makes sense for them to lay low for the time being.

While I was reading through the article, the servant suddenly moved from the entrance and politely approached me. "Count Alminus has arrived."

"Is that so?" I closed the newspaper I was reading and set it down on the table. "Tell him to come in."

It was time to get to work.

***

[Your Reputation has risen by +10.]

[Your Reputation has risen by +10.]

[Your Reputation has risen by +10.]

[Your Reputation has risen...]

[Your Reputation has...]

***

"Hahaha!"

"Haha!"

The room was filled with the crude yet hearty laughter of an old man. Next to the table was a photographer, who was passionately taking pictures of the two of us. So this was why he had wanted to meet with me—to have our picture taken by a paparazzo who charged 2.135 billion stones for top-of-the-line shots.

"Baron Yandel, just a little more... barbaric... No. Can you try smiling more like a man?"

"Of course! Hahaha!

"I would appreciate it if you could smile like that while looking over at the count."

"Of course. Haha! Hahaha...!"

In return for dropping his 2.1-billion-stone lawsuit against me, Count Alminus agreed to settle things with a friendly photo shoot. These would go on to be photos that would be preserved through the ages, after all. Since he was an elderly man who didn't have much time left, all he wanted was a way to be remembered after his death.

Of course, the second I heard that, I immediately assumed he had some kind of ulterior motive or scheme at work here. However, after thinking it through, I grew convinced that he didn't. I mean, I would admittedly think it would be awesome if my grandfather had a picture with Einstein.

"Hahaha!"

"Haha! Hahaha...!"

Whatever the case, the two of us continued to smile widely and laugh together as the photographer took pictures. Said pictures would tell the story of a friendship that had transcended both age and race. Eventually, after trying out a few more poses, the photographer handed me a cheap bottle of beer and the count a glass of wine so we could make a toast.

"Perfect! Absolutely perfect!"

That was how we ended up with our shot. The count excitedly went over to see the picture himself and, satisfied with the results, gave the man a hefty bonus.

And that marked the end of our business with each other.

"Haha, good work, Your Lordship," the count beamed. "You must be tired, so have something to eat before you go."

"No, it's fine. I'm not hungry."

Wait, oops, my bad.

"Oh, uh," I stuttered, "I mean, I have someone waiting for me at home, so I should head back now. It's a shame, but we'll have to share a meal some other time."

"Haha, yes... it's best to sit down to eat with family whenever you can." Like the extraordinarily business-savvy old man he was, the count smiled and helped cover up my faux pas. Before I could take the out he gave me and leave, though, he suddenly spoke up. "By the way, I saw that you accomplished something quite extraordinary recently. Breaking into the black market to free those 397 slaves."

The interviewee was anonymous, but judging by the statements they gave, it was clearly that kid I met, the one who had been trapped in the cage.

So the black market has completely closed? Well, I guess it makes sense for them to lay low for the time being.

While I was reading through the article, the servant suddenly moved from the entrance and politely approached me. "Count Alminus has arrived."

"Is that so?" I closed the newspaper I was reading and set it down on the table. "Tell him to come in."

It was time to get to work.

***

[Your Reputation has risen by +10.]

[Your Reputation has risen by +10.]

[Your Reputation has risen by +10.]

[Your Reputation has risen...]

[Your Reputation has...]

***

"Hahaha!"

"Haha!"

The room was filled with the crude yet hearty laughter of an old man. Next to the table was a photographer, who was passionately taking pictures of the two of us. So this was why he had wanted to meet with me—to have our picture taken by a paparazzo who charged 2.135 billion stones for top-of-the-line shots.

"Baron Yandel, just a little more... barbaric... No. Can you try smiling more like a man?"

"Of course! Hahaha!

"I would appreciate it if you could smile like that while looking over at the count."

"Of course. Haha! Hahaha...!"

In return for dropping his 2.1-billion-stone lawsuit against me, Count Alminus agreed to settle things with a friendly photo shoot. These would go on to be photos that would be preserved through the ages, after all. Since he was an elderly man who didn't have much time left, all he wanted was a way to be remembered after his death.

Of course, the second I heard that, I immediately assumed he had some kind of ulterior motive or scheme at work here. However, after thinking it through, I grew convinced that he didn't. I mean, I would admittedly think it would be awesome if my grandfather had a picture with Einstein.

"Hahaha!"

"Haha! Hahaha...!"

Whatever the case, the two of us continued to smile widely and laugh together as the photographer took pictures. Said pictures would tell the story of a friendship that had transcended both age and race. Eventually, after trying out a few more poses, the photographer handed me a cheap bottle of beer and the count a glass of wine so we could make a toast.

"Perfect! Absolutely perfect!"

That was how we ended up with our shot. The count excitedly went over to see the picture himself and, satisfied with the results, gave the man a hefty bonus.

And that marked the end of our business with each other.

"Haha, good work, Your Lordship," the count beamed. "You must be tired, so have something to eat before you go."

"No, it's fine. I'm not hungry."

Wait, oops, my bad.

"Oh, uh," I stuttered, "I mean, I have someone waiting for me at home, so I should head back now. It's a shame, but we'll have to share a meal some other time."

"Haha, yes... it's best to sit down to eat with family whenever you can." Like the extraordinarily business-savvy old man he was, the count smiled and helped cover up my faux pas. Before I could take the out he gave me and leave, though, he suddenly spoke up. "By the way, I saw that you accomplished something quite extraordinary recently. Breaking into the black market to free those 397 slaves."

"Oh..."

"What you did for those people sent a surge of passion rushing through my old veins for the first time in a long while. Which is why I thought it would be prudent for me to offer my aid as well..."

Ah, I was wondering what he was getting at.

In the end, this was all a polite-sounding way of trying to get his hands on a slice of the pie. I went to refuse him, but what he said next immediately changed my mind. "There are nearly four hundred of them, and they still don't have a proper place to live, correct?"

"...Right."

"If you would allow me to do so, I would like to help them. Though they are exempt from taxes for the time being, they should still have a proper residence as they start anew."

I found myself genuinely surprised at the offer, astounded that he was willing to provide housing for nearly four hundred people.

Well, I guess House Alminus isn't considered the richest in the kingdom for nothing.

"Of course," I readily accepted. "This world could use more heroes. Why would I ever refuse?" Even if he didn't have the purest of intentions, that didn't change the fact that this would be a great help to the slaves who had been freed.

"Not to worry. I'll make sure not to steal your spotlight."

With our conversation over, I left the count's house. The following morning, there was an article on the front page of the newspaper that took up the entire page.

Count Alminus has pledged to donate two billion stones to the cause. When asked why, he said that it was simply to help an old friend—

Accompanying the article was the picture we took yesterday.

"Hah, he must be enjoying the fame."

Just as I was setting down the newspaper, feeling strangely dirty, Shavin, the head of our administrative team, burst into my tent. "It's been ages since the labyrinth closed, yet you decide to come here only now?" she scolded, frazzled.

"Y-Yeah...?"

"Take these documents first. From now on, don't even think about stepping out of this tent until you've looked through and approved all of them!"

Shavin had grown a lot harsher than I remembered. However, that was probably thanks to the stress that came with overworking.

I smiled and made the conscious choice to overlook it. "All right. I'll look through them, so don't get upset, okay? But anyway, why are there so many of these? I delegated most of my power to you already."

"...These are all things I can't make decisions on with the power you've given me. Since our debt keeps growing larger, we've been forced to budget on a month-by-month basis. Except, I don't have the power to set the budget, and since you weren't showing up, all we could do was sign off on things provisionally and unofficially manage the ledger. What should have been a simple process needed to be divided into two or three parts, just because you weren't here to sign off on it!"

"Oh. Really...?"

How can I get out of this?

Shavin glowered at me the moment the thought popped into my head. It was like she could read my mind. "Don't even think about trying to run away right now."

"...Can't you just do it for me?"

"Ha! Well, there's nothing I can't do, huh! How about I just create the entire budget for the tribe? While I'm at it, I'll go ahead and decide the cost of land without your approval and set my own salary too!" she shouted, her voice straining in a way that told me she was on the verge of snapping.

"Oh..."

"What you did for those people sent a surge of passion rushing through my old veins for the first time in a long while. Which is why I thought it would be prudent for me to offer my aid as well..."

Ah, I was wondering what he was getting at.

In the end, this was all a polite-sounding way of trying to get his hands on a slice of the pie. I went to refuse him, but what he said next immediately changed my ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠mind. "There are nearly four hundred of them, and they still don't have a proper place to live, correct?"

"...Right."

"If you would allow me to do so, I would like to help them. Though they are exempt from taxes for the time being, they should still have a proper residence as they start anew."

I found myself genuinely surprised at the offer, astounded that he was willing to provide housing for nearly four hundred people.

Well, I guess House Alminus isn't considered the richest in the kingdom for nothing.

"Of course," I readily accepted. "This world could use more heroes. Why would I ever refuse?" Even if he didn't have the purest of intentions, that didn't change the fact that this would be a great help to the slaves who had been freed.

"Not to worry. I'll make sure not to steal your spotlight."

With our conversation over, I left the count's house. The following morning, there was an article on the front page of the newspaper that took up the entire page.

Count Alminus has pledged to donate two billion stones to the cause. When asked why, he said that it was simply to help an old friend—

Accompanying the article was the picture we took yesterday.

"Hah, he must be enjoying the fame."

Just as I was setting down the newspaper, feeling strangely dirty, Shavin, the head of our administrative team, burst into my tent. "It's been ages since the labyrinth closed, yet you decide to come here only now?" she scolded, frazzled.

"Y-Yeah...?"

"Take these documents first. From now on, don't even think about stepping out of this tent until you've looked through and approved all of them!"

Shavin had grown a lot harsher than I remembered. However, that was probably thanks to the stress that came with overworking.

I smiled and made the conscious choice to overlook it. "All right. I'll look through them, so don't get upset, okay? But anyway, why are there so many of these? I delegated most of my power to you already."

"...These are all things I can't make decisions on with the power you've given me. Since our debt keeps growing larger, we've been forced to budget on a month-by-month basis. Except, I don't have the power to set the budget, and since you weren't showing up, all we could do was sign off on things provisionally and unofficially manage the ledger. What should have been a simple process needed to be divided into two or three parts, just because you weren't here to sign off on it!"

"Oh. Really...?"

How can I get out of this?

Shavin glowered at me the moment the thought popped into my head. It was like she could read my mind. "Don't even think about trying to run away right now."

"...Can't you just do it for me?"

"Ha! Well, there's nothing I can't do, huh! How about I just create the entire budget for the tribe? While I'm at it, I'll go ahead and decide the cost of land without your approval and set my own salary too!" she shouted, her voice straining in a way that told me she was on the verge of snapping.

Still, I didn't really understand why she was acting like this. She said so herself that she could do all that, so what was the issue? "Then why don't you?"

"...What?"

"Shavin, I trust you. I don't know about anyone else, but I have full faith in your decisions. And if you make a mistake, I won't blame you—I'll take full responsibility. The reason I gave you this position is because I trust you to do the job better than anyone else. And because I'm the chieftain, I have the power to do that."

Shavin was speechless.

"So try trusting in yourself as well. No matter what anyone says, I know you're the best at this sort of thing. I'm an expert when it comes to the labyrinth, and your calling is administration. No one will make better decisions when it comes to these things than you, including me."

All right, judging from her expression, I've nearly won her over. Now it was time to land the final blow.

"So you don't have to wait for my signature. I trust that you can take care of things on your own. And the same goes for your salary. You're free to take as much as you feel is right."

"...But surely it's dangerous for you to give me a blank check?"

"I don't think so. If that's what you say you're worth, then I won't disagree."

Shavin just stared at me without a word, until finally, she broke her silence to say, "...For years, I always thought to myself, 'I wouldn't do that if I was in their position. I would have done a better job.' I always had those thoughts, but at the end of the day, I guess that was because I didn't know how scary it was to take up such an important position myself."

"Everyone is afraid at first."

At my words of encouragement, she clenched her fists, apparently coming to a decision. "...I'll give it a try. If I don't at least try after hearing all that, then what's the point? What excuse could I possibly have? I'm not the type to back down."

"All right. I'm sure you'll do a great job."

After successfully executing my emergency escape, I ran out of the tent without looking back. My stroll had me cross paths with Ainar, so I took the opportunity to give her a new mission.

"You want me to gather all the warriors in the holy land?"

"Yes. I have something to tell them."

I did feel sorry for the administrative team who was working around the clock, but the real reason I came here today wasn't for them. Instead, it was time to put on a little show.

"Okay, I'll gather them, but it'll probably be a lot of people."

"A lot?"

"Didn't you know? These days, all the warriors are staying in the holy land to focus on building their houses."

"But we should only have just made our third round of sales. There shouldn't be that many warriors building houses."

"Well, you can't build a house by yourself, can you? Everyone's working together. They are calling on their friends, and friends of friends, to help."

Ah, so that's what's going on.

"Either way, bring them all here! Make sure to tell them that we're going to have some fun!"

"Fun...?"

"You'll see what I mean in a bit."

"Wahoo! You're planning something again! I don't know what it is, but let's get to it! I'm gonna go all out!" Ainar sped off, full of excitement, to gather the warriors.

Still, I didn't really understand why she was acting like this. She said so herself that she could do all that, so what was the issue? "Then why don't you?"

"...What?"

"Shavin, I trust you. I don't know about anyone else, but I have full faith in your decisions. And if you make a mistake, I won't blame you—I'll take full responsibility. The reason I gave you this position is because I trust you to do the job better than anyone else. And because I'm the chieftain, I have the power to do that."

Shavin was speechless.

"So try trusting in yourself as well. No matter what anyone says, I know you're the best at this sort of thing. I'm an expert when it comes to the labyrinth, and your calling is administration. No one will make better decisions when it comes to these things than you, including me."

All right, judging from her expression, I've nearly won her over. Now it was time to land the final blow.

"So you don't have to wait for my signature. I trust that you can take care of things on your own. And the same goes for your salary. You're free to take as much as you feel is right."

"...But surely it's dangerous for you to give me a blank check?"

"I don't think so. If that's what you say you're worth, then I won't disagree."

Shavin just stared at me without a word, until finally, she broke her silence to say, "...For years, I always thought to myself, 'I wouldn't do that if I was in their position. I would have done a better job.' I always had those thoughts, but at the end of the day, I guess that was because I didn't know how scary it was to take up such an important position myself."

"Everyone is afraid at first."

At my words of encouragement, she clenched her fists, apparently coming to a decision. "...I'll give it a try. If I don't at least try after hearing all that, then what's the point? What excuse could I possibly have? I'm not the type to back down."

"All right. I'm sure you'll do a great job."

After successfully executing my emergency escape, I ran out of the tent without looking back. My stroll had me cross paths with Ainar, so I took the opportunity to give her a new mission.

"You want me to gather all the warriors in the holy land?"

"Yes. I have something to tell them."

I did feel sorry for the administrative team who was working around the clock, but the real reason I came here today wasn't for them. Instead, it was time to put on a little show.

"Okay, I'll gather them, but it'll probably be a lot of people."

"A lot?"

"Didn't you know? These days, all the warriors are staying in the holy land to focus on building their houses."

"But we should only have just made our third round of sales. There shouldn't be that many warriors building houses."

"Well, you can't build a house by yourself, can you? Everyone's working together. They are calling on their friends, and friends of friends, to help."

Ah, so that's what's going on.

"Either way, bring them all here! Make sure to tell them that we're going to have some fun!"

"Fun...?"

"You'll see what I mean in a bit."

"Wahoo! You're planning something again! I don't know what it is, but let's get to it! I'm gonna go all out!" Ainar sped off, full of excitement, to gather the warriors.

I moved to the meeting place to wait. As time passed, the warriors began to trickle in one by one. It was strange seeing them walk around with hammers and nails in their hands instead of weapons, like big, buff carpenters.

"Chieftain!"

"Ohhh! It's the great warrior whose name was written on the Stone of Honor!"

The warriors let out shouts of excitement as they arrived. I was honestly worried they would be angry that I called them here and interrupted them in the middle of their work.

"I heard we are going to have fun!"

"What's the fun thing I heard about?!"

"Let's get to it!"

The boring, menial work of building a house must have been draining them.

"Wait! I'll tell you all when everyone has gathered!"

After about an hour, the entire forest was filled with barbarians. Similar to the festival from a few months ago, all of the warriors began to chant with a fiery passion.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

At some point, they even began to beat on their chests like they were drums.

"Bjorn."

"When we're in the holy land, call me Chieftain."

"...Chieftain, I've gathered everyone."

"I see." Then it was time to begin.

There was no need to give these excited warriors a lengthy speech. "Everyone! Follow! Meeeeee!" I simply yelled out orders without even telling them where we were headed. However, as soon as I began to walk, the warriors automatically began to follow. By the time we hit the dirt road, I had a proper procession behind me.

"Woohoo!"

"Bjorn, son of Yandel!"

"Let's go!"

It was a 100-percent-barbarian parade.

When we arrived at the city gates, the warriors standing guard immediately opened it without question or suspicion.

Clang, clang.

The gate began to open with a mechanical clunk, and just like on the first day I woke up in this body, a familiar grayish city appeared beyond its maw. And in the distance, tucked between its well-maintained roads and stone buildings, a tall spire speared the sky.

"Let's go!"

As we marched toward our destination, the passersby on the streets began to dive for the sidewalks like we were a runaway wagon. At first, I figured we were a nuisance to them, but my expectations turned out to be wrong.

"Wow! It's Baron Yandel! You are Baron Yandel, right?"

"I-It is him...!"

"Woohoo, wow!"

Surprisingly, the response of the onlookers wasn't negative, but instead positive enough that even more citizens began to flock over to us to witness the pop-up parade.

Thud!

Windows opened as the city's residents stuck their heads out of their homes to watch as we stomped through the streets. The sight of us passing by left them all with the same questions on their minds.

"But... where are they going?"

"I know, right...?"

"Shouldn't we call someone? Is it really okay for such a large group of them to just march down the streets like that...?"

I moved to the meeting place to wait. As time passed, the warriors began to trickle in one by one. It was strange seeing them walk around with hammers and nails in their hands instead of weapons, like big, buff carpenters.

"Chieftain!"

"Ohhh! It's the great warrior whose name was written on the Stone of Honor!"

The warriors let out shouts of excitement as they arrived. I was honestly worried they would be angry that I called them here and interrupted them in the middle of their work.

"I heard we are going to have fun!"

"What's the fun thing I heard about?!"

"Let's get to it!"

The boring, menial work of building a house must have been draining them.

"Wait! I'll tell you all when everyone has gathered!"

After about an hour, the entire forest was filled with barbarians. Similar to the festival from a few months ago, all of the warriors began to chant with a fiery passion.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

At some point, they even began to beat on their chests like they were drums.

"Bjorn."

"When we're in the holy land, call me Chieftain."

"...Chieftain, I've gathered everyone."

"I see." Then it was time to begin.

There was no need to give these excited warriors a lengthy speech. "Everyone! Follow! Meeeeee!" I simply yelled out orders without even telling them where we were headed. However, as soon as I began to walk, the warriors automatically began to follow. By the time we hit the dirt road, I had a proper procession behind me.

"Woohoo!"

"Bjorn, son of Yandel!"

"Let's go!"

It was a 100-percent-barbarian parade.

When we arrived at the city gates, the warriors standing guard immediately opened it without question or suspicion.

Clang, clang.

The gate began to open with a mechanical clunk, and just like on the first day I woke up in this body, a familiar grayish city appeared beyond its maw. And in the distance, tucked between its well-maintained roads and stone buildings, a tall spire speared the sky.

"Let's go!"

As we marched toward our destination, the passersby on the streets began to dive for the sidewalks like we were a runaway wagon. At first, I figured we were a nuisance to them, but my expectations turned out to be wrong.

"Wow! It's Baron Yandel! You are Baron Yandel, right?"

"I-It is him...!"

"Woohoo, wow!"

Surprisingly, the response of the onlookers wasn't negative, but instead positive enough that even more citizens began to flock over to us to witness the pop-up parade.

Thud!

Windows opened as the city's residents stuck their heads out of their homes to watch as we stomped through the streets. The sight of us passing by left them all with the same questions on their minds.

"But... where are they going?"

"I know, right...?"

"Shouldn't we call someone? Is it really okay for such a large group of them to just march down the streets like that...?"

It didn't take long before members of the Public Peace Agency were urgently dispatched to confront us. "I-It's an honor to meet you, Baron Yandel."

"Is there a reason you're stopping me?"

"I-It's because... we received... a report and..."

"Are you thinking of arresting me? Even though we're just walking down the street?"

"N-No! Of course not! We would never do such a thing!"

"Good. Then get out of the way."

At my command, the captain of the bunch scrambled out of our way, looking mystified.

"Behel—aaah!" I let out a mighty yell as we continued our march to the center of the district.

It didn't take long before the knights finally appeared. "I-It's an honor to meet you, Baron Yandel." They were a group of knights from Mozlan, which was notorious for its authoritative approach to law enforcement. However, I didn't have to worry about that anymore. "Pardon us, but may we ask where you are headed?"

"Why should I answer that?"

"We weren't informed that there'd be an event like this today. Nor was any other organization, which is why we are simply... asking for confirmation."

I had no reason to give them an honest explanation. "I'm just taking a walk, so don't mind us."

"...A walk?" The captain of the knights looked flummoxed. If I were an ordinary person, he definitely would have interrogated me more until I squealed. Or maybe even arrested me for disorderly conduct and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.

"I told you we are just taking a walk. Are you doubting me?"

But I was now a baron of this kingdom.

"Of course not. We were just concerned after hearing that a group of a thousand barbarian warriors had gathered in the streets. I would ask that you kindly consider the position we're in as well."

"We aren't going to leave Ravigion. Does that answer your question?"

Upon hearing that I had no intention of heading to the business district of Kommelby or the royal capital, the knights nodded with sighs of relief. "Then... do you mind if we follow you?"

"Well, I have no reason to stop you from walking down the streets too."

"Thank you..."

In the end, the knights of Mozlan realized they couldn't stop me and instead agreed to tag along.

"The barbarians!"

"The barbarians are here!"

As we continued our march through the streets, news began to spread across the city, and its residents were abuzz with excitement. People began to wait along the streets to watch us go by like we were a parade. We must have made quite the unusual sight.

"The Magic Tower...! The barbarians are headed for the Magic Tower!"

Eventually, they began to notice the direction we were headed. And the barbarians following behind me started to grow even more excited as their comments reached their ears.

"The Magic Tower? We're headed to the Magic Tower?!"

"Bjorn, son of Yandel, the Great Warrior!"

"The chieftain is leading us into sacred battle!"

"It's time to feast on the flesh of the wizards!"

"Behel—aaaaaah!"

Like a massive army making its way toward the battlefield, the roars of the warriors could be heard from miles away. And the citizens who heard them promptly went into a panic.

"H-Have they l-lost their minds...?!"

"Are they really trying to fight the Magic Tower?"

"What? But why?"

"Their hearts! It's because of the barbarian hearts! The wizards are using them as magical ingredients!"

"...I don't know what's going to happen, but I have a feeling we're all about to witness something incredible."

No matter what the people around us said, we continued to march forward.

Stomp.

Eventually, I came to a stop as we reached our destination. Countless spectators had gathered in the square in front of the towering black spire, including hundreds of wizards who had come to meet us, apparently having heard the news of our march. As we came face to face, a wave of silence rippled over the square and the thousands of people packed inside. It was so quiet that I could hear someone nearby gulp at the tension. Then an old wizard stepped forward to serve as the representative of the Magic Tower.

"I am the Chief Wizard of the Lengman School, Wilbeth Gwollen." The Chief Wizard was similar in rank to a long-term disciple of a martial arts master. In other words, since the master of the Lengman School was the head of the Magic Tower, this old man was its second-in-command. "How about you introduce yourself as well?"

Even though he already knew who I was, he still asked anyway. Maybe it was because he was a wizard, but this guy really seemed to like formalities.

"An introduction..." I grinned. The Giant, Head of the Anabada Clan, Chieftain of the Barbarians, Baron of Rafdonia—there was no need for me to list any of the titles that I'd earned. "Bjorn, son of Yandel."

The old wizard took a deep breath at my brief introduction, then nodded his head. "I see. Well, it is an honor to meet the hero I had only heard tales of. But what brings you here to the Magic Tower?"

"I'm here to do what I should have done long ago."

"Something you should have done long ago... Although I'm rather old myself, I'm not sure what you are referring to."

"Really? Then I guess I'll have to tell you." With that, I raised my voice in a shout so that all the citizens gathered in the square, including the elderly and hard of hearing, could hear me. "I am Bjorn, son of Yandel! And I am demanding that the Magic Tower stop using our hearts as magical ingredients!"

"Is this really... all because of that...?" the old man murmured, rubbing the knot between his brows with a heavy sigh. "This is a legitimate area of research," he said calmly, trying to appeal to me with logic. "You may be a baron of this kingdom and the chieftain of the barbarians, but that doesn't give you the authority to halt research that's being conducted for the betterment of society. If you still disagree, then I ask that you formally submit a complaint to the royal family and—"

"Too long!"

"...Pardon?"

"Don't talk so long, old man."

Did calling him an old man offend him? "Since it seems the baron doesn't understand me when I 'talk too long,' I'll keep it short." His whole 'patient and benevolent old man' act fell away as he looked me dead in the eyes, his expression crumpling into a glare. Utterly unsympathetic to our plight, he spat, "We refuse."

The disrespectful sneer never left his face. It was childish conduct unbefitting a man his age.

"So," asked the old wizard, "what will you do now?"

After a brief moment, I lifted my chin and gave him my answer. "War."

That one word was more than enough.

"...W-War!"

"It's waaar!"

"Everyone grab your weapons!"

"Behel—aaaaaah!"

I'd say we've played nice long enough, wouldn't you?

***

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It didn't take long before members of the Public Peace Agency were urgently dispatched to confront us. "I-It's an honor to meet you, Baron Yandel."

"Is there a reason you're stopping me?"

"I-It's because... we received... a report and..."

"Are you thinking of arresting me? Even though we're just walking down the street?"

"N-No! Of course not! We would never do such a thing!"

"Good. Then get out of the way."

At my command, the captain of the bunch scrambled out of our way, looking mystified.

"Behel—aaah!" I let out a mighty yell as we continued our march to the center of the district.

It didn't take long before ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠the knights finally appeared. "I-It's an honor to meet you, Baron Yandel." They were a group of knights from Mozlan, which was notorious for its authoritative approach to law enforcement. However, I didn't have to worry about that anymore. "Pardon us, but may we ask where you are headed?"

"Why should I answer that?"

"We weren't informed that there'd be an event like this today. Nor was any other organization, which is why we are simply... asking for confirmation."

I had no reason to give them an honest explanation. "I'm just taking a walk, so don't mind us."

"...A walk?" The captain of the knights looked ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠flummoxed. If I were an ordinary person, he definitely would have interrogated me more until I squealed. Or maybe even arrested me for disorderly conduct and refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.

"I told you we are just taking a walk. Are you doubting me?"

But I was now a baron of this kingdom.

"Of course not. We were just concerned after hearing that a group of a thousand barbarian warriors had gathered in the streets. I would ask that you kindly consider the position we're in as well."

"We aren't going to leave Ravigion. Does that answer your question?"

Upon hearing that I had no intention of heading to the business district of Kommelby or the royal capital, the knights nodded with sighs of relief. "Then... do you mind if we follow you?"

"Well, I have no reason to stop you from walking down the streets too."

"Thank you..."

In the end, the knights of Mozlan realized they couldn't stop me and instead agreed to tag along.

"The barbarians!"

"The barbarians are here!"

As we continued our march through the streets, news began to spread across the city, and its residents were abuzz with excitement. People began to wait along the streets to watch us go by like we were a parade. We must have made quite the unusual sight.

"The Magic Tower...! The barbarians are headed for the Magic Tower!"

Eventually, they began to notice the direction we were headed. And the barbarians following behind me started to grow even more excited as their comments reached their ears.

"The Magic Tower? We're headed to the Magic Tower?!"

"Bjorn, son of Yandel, the Great Warrior!"

"The chieftain is leading us into sacred battle!"

"It's time to feast on the flesh of the wizards!"

"Behel—aaaaaah!"

Like a massive army making its way toward the battlefield, the roars of the warriors could be heard from miles away. And the citizens who heard them promptly went into a panic.

"H-Have they l-lost their minds...?!"

"Are they really trying to fight the Magic Tower?"

"What? But why?"

"Their hearts! It's because of the barbarian hearts! The wizards are using them as magical ingredients!"

"...I don't know what's going to happen, but I have a feeling we're all about to witness something incredible."

No matter what the people around us said, we continued to march forward.

Stomp.

Eventually, I came to a stop as we reached our destination. Countless spectators had gathered in the square in front of the towering black spire, including hundreds of wizards who had come to meet us, apparently having heard the news of our march. As we came face to face, a wave of silence rippled over the square and the thousands of people packed inside. It was so quiet that I could hear someone nearby gulp at the tension. Then an old wizard stepped forward to serve as the representative of the Magic Tower.

"I am the Chief Wizard of the Lengman School, Wilbeth Gwollen." The Chief Wizard was similar in rank to a long-term disciple of a martial arts master. In other words, since the master of the Lengman School was the head of the Magic Tower, this old man was its second-in-command. "How about you introduce yourself as well?"

Even though he already knew who I was, he still asked anyway. Maybe it was because he was a wizard, but this guy really seemed to like formalities.

"An introduction..." I grinned. The Giant, Head of the Anabada Clan, Chieftain of the Barbarians, Baron of Rafdonia—there was no need for me to list any of the titles that I'd earned. "Bjorn, son of Yandel."

The old wizard took a deep breath at my brief introduction, then nodded his head. "I see. Well, it is an honor to meet the hero I had only heard tales of. But what brings you here to the Magic Tower?"

"I'm here to do what I should have done long ago."

"Something you should have done long ago... Although I'm rather old myself, I'm not sure what you are referring to."

"Really? Then I guess I'll have to tell you." With that, I raised my voice in a shout so that all the citizens gathered in the square, including ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠the elderly and hard of hearing, could hear me. "I am Bjorn, son of Yandel! And I am demanding that the Magic Tower stop using our hearts as magical ingredients!"

"Is this really... all because of that...?" the old man murmured, rubbing the knot between his brows with a heavy sigh. "This is a legitimate area of research," he said calmly, trying to appeal to me with logic. "You may be a baron of this kingdom and the chieftain of the barbarians, but that doesn't give you the authority to halt research that's being conducted for the betterment of society. If you still disagree, then I ask that you formally submit a complaint to the royal family and—"

"Too long!"

"...Pardon?"

"Don't talk so long, old man."

Did calling him an old man offend him? "Since it seems the baron doesn't understand me when I 'talk too long,' I'll keep it short." His whole 'patient and benevolent old man' act fell away as he looked me dead in the eyes, his expression crumpling into a glare. Utterly unsympathetic to our plight, he spat, "We refuse."

The disrespectful sneer never left his face. It was childish conduct unbefitting a man his age.

"So," asked the old wizard, "what will you do now?"

After a brief moment, I lifted my chin and gave him my answer. "War."

That one word was more than enough.

"...W-War!"

"It's waaar!"

"Everyone grab your weapons!"

"Behel—aaaaaah!"

I'd say we've played nice long enough, wouldn't you?

***

[Your Approval Rating has increased by +10.]

[Your Approval Rating has increased by +10.]

[Your Approval Rating has increased by +10.]

[Your Approval Rating has increased by +10.]

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