Chapter 16
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: The Barony of Bellus
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1.
Father. I've brought our guests.
Let them in.
Guided by Rohan, we entered the room of the local lord, Baron Bellus.
The scent of antiseptic immediately filled the air, and my eyes fell upon an elderly man lying in bed, his body wrapped in bandages.
He struggled to sit up.
White hair and a frail physique.
His entire abdomen was swathed in bandages, suggesting a severe injury.
He did not have the body of a warrior.
Karron and Leo bowed respectfully to him.
It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Karron Leston.
Leo Leston.
The old man nodded with a faint smile.
I am Baron Bellus, the lord of this domain. I am pleased to meet the young wolves of the great House Leston. As you can see, this old man's body is not in the best condition, so I hope you'll forgive me for not offering a grander welcome.
Are your wounds alright?
They say Ive passed the brink of death. Thank you for your concern.
Thats a true relief in a dire situation.
Karron slowly approached Baron Belluss bedside. He sat in the chair beside the bed and observed the baron.
His eyes are remarkably clear.
Despite suffering a wound that pierced his abdomen, the old mans gaze was still sharp.
Baron Bellus, in turn, slowly studied Karron, who had taken a seat beside him. He then spoke with a warm smile.
You have grown up to be quite dependable. Duke Peil must be very proud.
You know my father?
I had the occasion to visit Duke Peils estate about ten years ago. You were very young then.
Please, just call me by my name. This is uncomfortable for me. I'm not accustomed to etiquette.
At those words, Baron Bellus shook his head with a gentle smile.
Addressing a member of a great house so informally would be a burden on me as well. If you are truly uncomfortable, may I call you young Karron?
Thats much better, thank you. I apologize for not remembering you, Baron.
Its not like my father had only one or two guests.
Peil had built close connections with people from all walks of life. There had been countless times his father had shown him off to them, boasting about his son.
The Barony of Bellus could be considered a neighbor to the lands his father governed.
It would be stranger if there were no relationship between them.
Karron smiled faintly.
Today, I have not come as the son of Peil Leston, but as a Blue Wolf of the Azure Fortress. This is my first mission as a Blue Wolf. I look forward to working with you.
Your first mission Does that mean youve already reached the 4th Star, young Karron?
Yes.
A new genius has appeared in the Azure Fortress.
Baron Bellus was well aware that Karron was only thirteen years old.
A 4th Star at the age of thirteen.
The fact that he had been assigned a mission also meant he had likely mastered the Sea Wolf Sword Style up to the 4th Form.
What a monster.
Baron Bellus was not a warrior, but neither was he a layman with no knowledge of martial arts.
He knew just how brilliant the potential this boy displayed was.
If this boy continued to grow like this, he might become a monster who could shake the Azure Fortress to its core.
Thus, Baron Bellus made a swift decision.
While I am grateful for the support from the Azure Fortress, I believe this is a problem we must solve ourselves.
Father!
I cannot push such promising young men into that den of death, my son.
The bandits who had taken root in his domain were bandits in name only; they were trained, regular soldiers.
Considering the tactics they used during the first subjugation attempt, they were likely specialists in mountain warfare.
No matter how much the young wolves before him were of Leston blood, he could not send those who would one day become great trees into such a perilous place.
Baron Bellus.
Karron, who had been listening quietly to the baron, spoke with a smile.
I appreciate your concern, but we must carry out our mission. It would be a disgrace for a member of House Leston to flee from their first mission in fear. Isn't that right, Brother Leo?
R-Right?
I plan to complete my first mission successfully. No one will get in my way.
The boy said this, then stood from his chair, his hand on his scabbard.
So, Baron Bellus, please don't worry and focus on your recovery. We will handle this cleanly.
Young Karron.
Oh, and for the record, one of my dreams is to live until I'm old and senile. I dream of a long life.
Hah.
Baron Bellus, who had been about to persuade Karron, quickly abandoned the thought.
He could see a vicious glint in the boys eyes.
Long experience told him it was impossible to persuade someone with a look like that.
Young Baron.
Karron looked at Rohan, who responded immediately.
Yes, Lord Karron.
Please provide us with a guide. Well take care of the rest.
I will assign you a local who knows the mountains well.
Thank you. Then, we will see you again after we complete our mission. Please, rest well, both of you. Brother. Let's go.
Alright.
As Karron stepped outside, Leo followed him with a hesitant expression.
Only Baron Bellus and Rohan remained in the room.
The baron stared at the door Karron had exited through and laughed in resignation.
Haha, Ive been in this position for too long. To have become so cowardly Its about time I stepped down.
Father.
I never dreamed Duke Peils son would have grown up like that.
Baron Bellus coughed a few times before lying back down on the bed.
Its like seeing Grand Duke Halo in his youth.
That was Baron Belluss honest first impression of Karron.
Stubborn.
A hooligan with no interest in noble etiquette.
He was the spitting image of his grandfather.
2.
Rohan assigned a commoner to Karron and Leo.
His name was Sven. An herb gatherer.
Young Masters! Just follow me. You see, Ive made a living as an herb gatherer here for nearly twenty years. No matter how crafty those bandits are, they cant outsmart me.
Yes, yes, just dont get too far ahead.
Of course not!
Karron and Leo kept a slight distance from Sven as they ascended the mountain.
Leo sighed, watching Sven walk quickly far ahead.
Karron, isn't it foolish to just walk in like this without a plan?
Why do you think that?
You said they were trained soldiers. Theyve occupied this mountain for quite some time. Who knows how many ambushes or traps theyve set up?
Wow, my brother has been studying. In theory, youre right.
Karron walked forward, stepping on fallen leaves.
But how is this plan youre talking about supposed to be made?
Well, by gathering intel beforehand, forming a strategy that fits the opponent
So, do you have a better strategy than this? If you do, well go with your plan.
So just charging in headfirst is your strategy?
Yep, its a strategy.
You lunatic.
Leos point was valid, but Karron wasnt acting without a thought.
They hadnt even properly located the bandits main base yet.
In a situation like this, charging in blindly could be surprisingly effective.
Because.
Two children have entered the mountain. And theyre carrying very expensive-looking swords. How do you think so-called bandits would react?
So were making ourselves the bait?
What bait could be more vulnerable and appetizing than us, Brother? We should use every advantage we have.
Right now, Karron and Leo looked for all the world like the young masters of a noble house.
Since it was an unofficial mission, they weren't wearing the blue wolf insignia symbolizing House Leston, but their attire and the swords at their waists looked expensive at a glance.
For fiends desperate enough for money to spread drugs in Imperial territory and sell commoners into slavery, they would be an irresistible prize.
They could get a high price for the sons of a noble house, after all.
But Karron, what if their goal isnt money?
It will at least draw their attention. We look like easy targets, dont we? Its one of the few privileges of being a kid. And Brother, take a look at that guy, Sven.
Leo turned his head to look at Sven walking ahead of them.
The commoner who introduced himself as an herb gatherer.
Hed had a bad feeling about him from the start, and the man was constantly looking around as he walked.
As if he were searching for something.
What do you think, Brother?
Itd be hard to be more obvious Did the young Baron assign him to us on purpose? If so, does that mean the young Baron is also one of them?
My brother has a richer imagination than I thought. I'm impressed.
Karron grinned and lightly punched Leos shoulder.
But the young Baron isnt that kind of person. If he were, he wouldnt have come to the Azure Fortress in the first place.
So the young Baron didnt know that guy was a traitor?
No. He knew and assigned him to us. A traitor will lead us right to the enemy.
Rohan was not incompetent.
He had guts, and he was quick-witted.
The fact that he had kept a traitor by his side to use him like this was proof enough.
Looks like were just about there.
Karron watched Sven approach from the distance, a smirk playing on his lips.
As Sven came closer, he scratched his head with one hand and said.
My, my, Young Masters, you must be tired. Shall we rest for a bit before we continue? Its been a while since Ive climbed this mountain, so my memory is a bit hazy. Here, here, give me those heavy swords. Ill carry them for you.
You want us to give you our swords? What kind of crazy
Oh, good, my sword was getting a bit heavy. Here.
Hey! Karron!
Karron readily handed his scabbard to Sven. Seeing this, Leo immediately flared up and glared at Karron.
Are you insane?
My sword was just getting a bit heavy You can keep holding yours, Brother. Thats alright, isnt it, Sven?
Oh, its quite alright. Its my fault for not earning your trust. I simply wish to be of some help on your journey Haha.
Sven bowed repeatedly, his head lowered as he accepted the sword.
The moment he did, he was so startled he dropped it.
A shiver had run through his entire body the instant his hand touched the scabbard.
But greed, as it always does, paralyzes human reason.
He clenched his teeth and picked up the scabbard again.
This sword would change his life. It was only natural for a noblemans sword to be special.
Th-Theres a perfect resting spot just up ahead. Take your time coming up!
With that, Sven broke into a run.
He ran desperately, as if someone were chasing him from behind.
Leo, who had been watching, scowled at Karron.
What are you thinking?
What, its fun. If hes offering to carry it, thats great for me. By the way, Brother. Are you ready?
Ready for what?
Ready to kill.
At Karrons words, Leos hand went to the hilt of his own sword, Sylphid.
When Karron spoke like this, it meant a battle was imminent.
He had been preparing himself mentally since the train, but as the moment of battle drew near, he couldn't help but feel tense.
Lady Sabina is probably watching from somewhere, but she wont help us so easily.
I never planned on getting help from Lady Sabina in the first place.
Good resolve.
Karron smiled and stepped forward. He slowly climbed the mountain, and soon, a fairly flat area came into view.
Sven had been telling the truth.
It was a place that seemed perfect for resting.
However, there were uninvited guests.
Thirteen men dressed in motley clothes.
Sven, who had just run up with the sword, was groveling before them. The one who appeared to be their leader patted Sven on the back and spoke.
Well, well, some esteemed guests have come to our humble abode. So, those brats are Baron Belluss guests?
Yes, yes, thats right. The foolish young duke asked me to guide them, so I brought them right here.
Sven, youre a very useful man. We like greedy men like you. Here, this is your reward.
The man tossed Sven a pouch that seemed to be filled with gold coins.
Sven grinned brightly and snatched the pouch from the air.
Oh! Ill always do my best for you.
Is that enough for your travel expenses?
Pardon?
Spend it freely in the afterlife.
Squelch.
The man swung his sword lightly, slitting Svens throat. Sven clutched his neck and collapsed to the ground.
The blood that gushed from his throat stained the pouch full of gold coins, but the man casually retrieved it and tucked it into his clothes.
Then, he spread his arms toward Karron and Leo and said.
Our young guests must be startled. But dont you worry. Youre far more valuable than this vermin. We dont kill those who are worth money.
They're not just ordinary bandits, are they.
The mans sword strike just now had been clean.
He hadnt swung wildly like a common bandit, but had claimed Svens life with just the necessary amount of force.
Karron smiled as he looked at Sven. Then he said in a sly voice.
You see, the man you just killed was carrying my sword for me. Could I possibly have it back?
Ah, is that so? Then of course it should be returned to its owner. Youngest.
Yes, boss.
Draw the sword from its scabbard. I want to see the sword of our esteemed guests. Thats alright with you, isnt it, esteemed guest?
The man spoke to Karron with a smirk, and the rest of his group snickered, enjoying the situation.
It was blatant disrespect.
Karron shrugged and replied.
A little look? Sure, why not.
So generous, for someone raised in comfort.
Boss, this scabbard looks expensive too. I think it has a mana stone in it.
Youngest. Shut up and draw the sword. A sword in a scabbard like that must be even more expensive, right?
Yes, sir.
The burly man called Youngest drew the sword from Karrons scabbard.
The dark blue blade was finally revealed.
And in that instant.
Clatter, clatter, clatter.
Youngest, who was holding Guillotine, began to tremble.
B-Boss?
It wasnt just him.
Everyone present was consumed by terror the moment they saw the dark blue blade.
Karron walked through that fear. He placed a hand on the shoulder of the man holding Guillotine and said.
So, do you like my sword?
Youngest couldnt even answer Karrons question. His mind went blank. It felt as though the sword he was holding would tear his own body to shreds at any moment.
Let me introduce you to my sword. Its name is Guillotine. Its nickname is the Decapitator.
S-Save m
Oh, and by the way.
Slice.
Karron snatched Guillotine from the mans hand and unhesitatingly slit his throat. Then he said in that same sly voice.
Youre Guillotines first guests. Congratulations.