Chapter 15
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 15
Chapter Title: The Scoundrel of Azure Fortress (4)
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7.
On the train to the Barony of Bellus.
Rohan stared at the woman before him, his expression utterly stiff.
On the surface, she was a young and beautiful woman. But Rohan knew that her very youth was a testament to the level she had reached.
Sabina Leston.
One of the living legends of the Leston Ducal Family.
A hero who had entered the Imperial Palace during the dark age when the Evil Emperor ruled the empire and restored justice.
Naturally, he couldn't help but find her somewhat difficult to approach.
But regardless of Rohans thoughts, Sabina
You must not show any mercy. A real battle is different from a duel or a sparring match. If you cant kill, you will be killed. Do you understand, Leo?
Lady Sabina, this is Karrons first time too
Karron is the type to sell even you out to save his own skin. Thats why Im more worried about you.
As expected of my master. You know me so well.
Master! How lovely that sounds. Its much better than a stale title like Grand-aunt. Yes, for this mission, lets not be family, but master and disciples.
She was passionately giving advice to her grandnephews.
Of course, most of the advice was directed at Leo.
Karron, do you have a plan?
Rohan held his breath at her question, his ears perked.
He had heard the rumors that this scoundrel of a boy was a genius.
Surely a boy like him could come up with a brilliant plan to save the barony in an instant?
However, Karrons reply was more than enough to disappoint Rohan.
Not yet.
To complete a mission, you need more than just brute force. You need a flawless plan, the judgment to respond to variables, and a variety of other skills.
Brute force alone couldnt solve everything.
Especially in an external environment full of countless variables, adaptability was just as important as martial strength.
The success rate of the Blue Wolves first missions was not very high.
It wasn't because they lacked strength, but because their ability to respond to variables was remarkably poor.
How could youths who had only trained with the sword on Sea Wolf Island possibly have any experience with the world?
Just look at the current situation.
That boy, Leo
Wow. This train is really amazing. Karron, arent you amazed?
Have you never ridden a train before, big brother?
Well Ive never had a reason to leave Azure Fortress. Father has only taught me the sword since I was a child.
And youre still worse at it than me.
Youre so mean.
He was watching the rapidly passing scenery outside the window with wide eyes.
If I left him in a rough place, hed be fleeced clean before the day was out.
Of course, that too was his own responsibility.
Sabina wanted to use this opportunity to gauge her two grandnephews' adaptability.
Were the boys she had so carefully raised ready to be let out into the world, or were they still lacking?
This was a good chance to find out.
Young Baron Bellus.
Yes, White Empress.
Just call me Lady Sabina.
Understood, Lady Sabina.
The fact that I am accompanying my cute grandnephews must be kept confidential. Im sure you understand why.
Of course.
Rohan nodded immediately.
The moment word got out that Sabina had arrived in the Barony of Bellus, the bandits who had taken root in his domain would vanish without a trace.
There were few beings in the empire who could handle her. No, there were probably few even if you searched the entire continent.
To face a knight who had reached the pinnacle of the 8th Star, youd need not a band of bandits, but an elite division. And even then, theyd have to bring anti-air weaponry.
Rohan didn't want the bandits to escape.
He wanted to return the suffering his father and his people had endured.
My presence in Azure Fortress was a state secret. If you wish to hold the bandits accountable for their crimes, do not make a mistake yourself.
I will keep that in mind, Lady Sabina. But Lady Sabina, may I ask you something?
Speak freely.
Rohan glanced around the train car as he continued.
This train is bound directly for the Barony of Bellus. If you get off at the barony with us, I don't see how a rumor could possibly not spread
Hmm, I have a method in mind for that.
A method.
Rohan thought that a warrior of Sabinas caliber would surely possess a stealth artifact.
She must have connections with archmages.
If not, the treasury of Azure Fortress, filled with countless treasures, would surely have more than enough artifacts of that kind.
Young Baron?
As Rohan was lost in thought, nodding to himself, Karron spoke up.
Well get the briefing when we arrive anyway, but have you confirmed the bandits main base?
At those words, Rohan bowed his head deeply and replied.
My apologies.
I heard you already attempted a subjugation.
We were stopped at the mountains entrance, without even finding their base.
I see.
So, no information.
The mountains of the Barony of Bellus were notoriously rugged, and now they had to search for the bandits hideout themselves.
This is getting annoying.
Karron clicked his tongue and shrugged.
He had wondered how the barony's military could be so incompetent, but considering what his father had told him about their situation, it was entirely possible.
Well, its fine.
If there was no information, he would just have to dig it up.
Karron smiled as he fiddled with the hilt of Guillotine, which lay neatly beside him.
However, I have something else in mind.
What is it?
There are quite a few traitors within the lords castle. We should be able to use them.
Rohan said with a bitter smile.
Karron slowly nodded at his words.
Thats a good method.
Time passed, and an announcement echoed through the train.
We will be arriving at the Barony of Bellus in 20 minutes.
Its time.
As soon as she heard the conductors voice, Sabina slowly rose from her seat.
Um, Lady Sabina.
What is it, Young Baron?
We still have 20 minutes until we arrive.
Thats why.
Sabina looked down at Leo and Karron and continued in a solemn voice.
You must resolve this first mission with only your own strength. As we promised before we left, I will not intervene unless you are in a life-threatening situation. I will be watching from a place not far away.
Yes!
Yes.
I like that spirited answer.
She slowly walked to the window and promptly opened it.
A fierce wind rushed in through the opening.
Ill be looking forward to it.
With those words, Sabina climbed over the windowsill and leaped from the moving train.
A moment later, Rohan, who had been watching this shocking scene unfold before his eyes, shot up from his seat and shouted.
L-Lady Sabina!
He never would have dreamed that the method she had in mind was open the train window and jump out.
Anyone else would have been aghast, but the two boys before him were unfazed.
Rohan asked them in a trembling voice.
Are you two alright?
Karrons eyes widened as he retorted.
About what?
Just now Lady Sabina went out the train window
So what about it?
Pardon?
Thats my grand-aunt for you. What a fiery personality. How did she even think of jumping from a train? Ive learned something new again. Big brother Leo, lets try it sometime.
Please you can do that stuff on your own Dont drag me into it. Okay? Im begging you, cousin.
We should do good things together. Dont you think so, Young Baron?
Rohan was speechless for a long time at the boys question.
Could these boys really save his barony?
He had a feeling the future of his domain was growing bleak.
8.
The train arrived at the station.
Karron and Leo disembarked with Rohan.
What is that smell?
The moment he stepped onto the platform, Leo scrunched up his nose and covered it with his hand.
It was understandable, as a disgusting smell was wafting from all directions.
A foul stench emanated from the piles of garbage everywhere.
A train station was usually the face of a domain, but this place wasnt even being managed properly.
Unlike Karron, who was used to such smells thanks to his past life, Leo needed some time to adjust.
Seeing Leos reaction, Rohan spoke with a bitter expression.
My apologies. Most of the people in the domain who can fight have been mobilized The domains management is lacking. I ask for your understanding.
Young Baron.
Yes, Lord Karron.
Do you have a surplus of food and water?
At Karrons sudden question, Rohan nodded.
We can last for two weeks. The railway is still intact, and my father always kept emergency rations stockpiled in the lords castle. The people are surviving on that food now. As for water, we have a well dug in the castle grounds.
Hes a good lord. Most would just run away in a situation like this.
My father is a good man.
Indeed, most lords would prioritize their own safety over the lives of their people.
It was a truly desperate situation, with a large portion of their forces injured after the failed subjugation.
If the domains situation had deteriorated this much, he could have fled to a neighboring domain to bide his time.
And yet, Baron Bellus had remained in his castle.
That alone showed how much he loved this place.
But he was too complacent.
He understood how much the lord cared for his land and people. But judging objectively, he had failed to fulfill his duty.
However, he had no desire to strongly condemn the man.
It was a domain with a weak economy to begin with.
For a domain like this to increase its military strength, it would have to squeeze its people dry. And Baron Bellus wasn't the type of person who could do that, which ultimately led to this result.
Of course, blaming anyone wouldn't change anything.
The bad guys were the bandits, after all.
Instead of arguing over who did what right or wrong, the situation would end once those bandits were dealt with.
I kept the fact that you were visiting from Azure Fortress a secret, so I couldnt prepare a welcoming party. Im sorry.
Were not so childish as to look for a welcoming party at a house in mourning.
Thank you for your understanding. Then, I will escort you to the lords castle.
He followed him through the streets of the barony.
A dreary atmosphere.
People with dark faces walked the streets.
Even with outsiders present, they didn't spare a glance. They all just walked on, shoulders slumped.
There was no trace of hope to be found in this place that seemed to have lost all its color.
Karron.
As they were walking silently through the streets, Leo carefully called out to Karron.
Yeah?
We really did grow up happily, didn't we?
It seemed that just witnessing the state of this place was causing a change in Leos heart.
Karron smiled slightly at the sight of his admirable cousin.
Youre only just realizing that, big brother? The outside world is hell.
This is your first time outside the duchy too.
You should have read some books. It says so in the books.
When this kid first came to the mansion, he was a wild brat who would curse out his parents without a second thought.
But now, he had developed some empathy and was growing up splendidly as an upstanding young man.
If he continued to grow like this, he would become a fine young master who would make the scoundrel shine.
My big brother is all grown up now. Your little brother is so proud.
What are you talking about? Youre younger than me.
As expected, the fist was a very effective means of rehabilitation.
Though he still needed a bit of correction, Leos change was very satisfactory.
Dont worry, big brother. Everything will be fine.
Karron patted the visibly tense Leo on the back, then lightly gripped the hilt of Guillotine, which hung at his waist.
W-w-woooong.
Guillotine had been reacting slightly for a while now.
He wasn't sure what this crazy sword was reacting to, but one thing was certain.
The time to stain this sword with blood for the first time was approaching.
What in the world is that sword?
Rohan looked down at Karron fiddling with Guillotine and trembled slightly.
He had felt it on the train, but just looking at that sword inspired fear.
He shook his head lightly, trying to shake off the terror. Then, in the calmest voice he could manage, he said.
Weve arrived.
Karron raised his head and looked at the lords castle of the Barony of Bellus.
A small castle, incomparable to Azure Fortress.
This precariously small castle seemed to speak volumes about the situation the Barony of Bellus was in.
First, after youve rested
No.
Karron cut Rohan off and looked at him quietly. Then he said in a low voice.
I will see Baron Bellus at once.
There was no reason to waste time.
If the other side got word that the Leston Ducal Family had gotten involved, they would flee without hesitation. That would mean mission failure.
From now on, it was a race against time.
Theres no need to drag this out, is there?
Then I will guide you to my father immediately.
Karron had no intention of failing this mission, nor did he intend to let it drag on.
A swift and decisive battle.
That was the key to this mission.
And that
Let's dispose of the trash before any strange bugs are drawn to it.
Was a field he had been confident in since his past life.
Karron clenched and unclenched his fist as he walked into the lords castle.