Chapter 81
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 81
Chapter Title: A Pleasant Rebellion 1
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5.
Nur couldn't comprehend the situation that had suddenly unfolded.
Why was Karron here? He should have been heading to Tebe with the knights.
Why?
He couldn't find a reason.
He wanted to rack his brain and make sense of the situation, but unfortunately, Karron didn't grant him that luxury.
CRUNCH!
Aaaaargh!
Another scream tore from Nurs lips.
Karrons foot had just crushed his right instep.
Gripping Nurs head with his right hand, Karron spoke.
Wheres the ledger?
The ledger why are you looking for
CRUNCH!
This time, the left foot.
Gurgle.
Overwhelmed by the unbearable pain, Nur began to foam at the mouth, on the verge of losing consciousness.
It would have been better for him if he had fainted.
But Rebellio, who stood behind him, brandished his wand as if he had been waiting for this moment and cast a spell.
Awaken.
An awakening spell.
The spell, which was more like a curse, forcibly kept its target conscious.
An inescapable hell.
Tears streamed down Nurs face from the pain wracking his entire body as he spoke.
The safe. Its in the safe. I Ill get it for you.
Move.
Yes, yes! Yes.
When Karron briefly let him go, Nur began to crawl across the floor like a dog.
He placed his palm on the safe located under the desk.
Whirrr.
The safe recognized Nurs palm and opened, revealing its contents.
Mana stones, along with expensive jewelry and gold bars.
And a rather thick-looking book.
With a trembling hand, Nur grabbed the book.
He had no idea why these people needed it, but his sharp mind was certain of one thing.
If he didn't hand this over, he would die here.
Coming to this conclusion, Nur endured the pain and quickly assessed the situation.
From the beginning, Karron Leston came here to
He didn't know why, but despite the excruciating pain, his mind felt strangely clear.
I have to cooperate with whatever they want.
The situation might change when Margrave Leandro returned, but that was a far-off possibility.
The Karron Leston before him was staring at him with a murderous intent that made his knees weak.
A distant master, an immediate threat.
Nur knew very well which of the two he had to choose.
Here its here. This is the list of transactions for the past four years. The ledger is copied every three months every three months and given to Margrave Leandro.
You're obedient. So, is this the original?
Yes, it is. Please, please, a painkiller
At his words, Karron smirked.
Does it hurt a lot?
Please, Im begging you! Ill do whatever you say, whatever you command.
A posture of utter servility.
Karron glanced back at Rebellio and said.
A little pain-relief magic, maybe, big bro?
Anyone watching would think I'm your attendant.
Rebellio sighed deeply and waved his wand once more.
A moment of peace washed over Nurs face, which had been contorted in agony.
Karron spoke to the now more composed Nur.
You want to live, right?
Whatever you whatever the Young Master commands, I will obey unconditionally.
He had never intended to persuade this man to become an informant in the first place.
What could be more foolish than trying to reason with trash?
Present them with unbearable pain, and their mouths would open on their own.
Treat trash the way it deserves.
That was Karrons philosophy.
You will testify to Margrave Leandros crimes with your own mouth.
If youre referring to the slave trading
Margrave Leandro used the profits from the slave trade to build a war chest and plot a rebellion. That's what you'll testify.
A re-rebellion, you say?
He had expected to be ordered to expose the slave trading at most.
But the words coming from Karrons mouth far exceeded Nurs expectations.
Treason.
Karron was now demanding that he testify to Margrave Leandros treason.
Seeing Nur hesitate to answer, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the accusation, Rebellio casually flicked his fingers.
And then.
Aaaaaaaargh!
The pain that had been momentarily subdued came rushing back, assaulting his entire body.
In that instant, Nur nodded with all his might.
Ill do it! Ill do it.
If you follow my will, the only charge against you will be slave trading. When Margrave Leandro plotted his rebellion, your loyalty to the Empire compelled you to become an informant Thats your motive for reporting him. Got it?
Yes, yes. I understand.
All he could see in this man was a desperate will to live.
There wasn't a shred of loyalty to the master he had served for so long.
Karron sneered at Nur, who was nodding indiscriminately, then dusted off his hands.
He turned to face Rebellio.
You can take it from here, big bro. I already did the dirty work, right? I'm off to deal with the slave traders, so you can handle this for me, can't you?
Rebellio slowly rose from his seat and nodded.
So I can handle the rest my way?
As long as it doesn't get in my way.
Good. Ill take care of it, so dont worry and go on ahead.
Was it because the response was too docile?
Karron shot Rebellio a distrustful look.
But since time was short, he turned and immediately left the reception room.
The only ones left in the room were Rebellio, Mason, and Nur.
Once Karron was out, Rebellio smiled and said to Nur.
Ive agreed to handle the cleanup, so Id better do it properly, right? You might not know this, but that guy nags a lot if you dont do things right.
Rebellios eyes gleamed as he looked at Nur.
Whats the extent of your authority in this city? You seem to be the one handling Margrave Leandros shadow operations. You must have some pull, right?
In the Lords absence, I can act on his authority.
Thats some undeserved power for a guy who just trades slaves. Hey, in that case, can you gather the citizens in the plaza?
It should be possible since martial law is in effect.
Is that so.
Rebellio downed the tea on the table in one gulp, then wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. He spoke in a low voice.
His Highness, the Sixth Prince, has a message to deliver to the people of Leven, so tell everyone to gather in the plaza.
Fireworks should be as grand as possible.
Loud enough for the whole neighborhood to hear.
Rebellios lips curled into a smile as he looked at Nur.
It really is more fun outside.
This is so much more fun than the boring imperial palace, he thought.
6.
After leaving the auction house, Karron went straight to the Cobbler Manpower Agency.
The agency was disguised as an ordinary tavern.
Creaak.
As he opened the door and stepped inside, men with menacing faces shot him sharp glares.
But that lasted only a moment.
Once they recognized the newcomer as Karron, the burly men all rose to their feet and bowed deeply and respectfully.
Welcome, Young Master!
Welcome, Young Master!
The agency staff greeted Karron with a booming welcome fit for a gang boss.
A moment later, one seriously ugly fellow came running out from among them.
Oh, Lord Karron! You've arrived! Everyone at the Cobbler Manpower Agency is ready. We can move out on your command!
Cobbler greeted Karron, wringing his hands.
Whats with your getup?
Karron frowned at the thick armor Cobbler was wearing.
It was an unnecessarily bulky suit of iron plate.
It seemed quite uncomfortable, as sweat was dripping from Cobblers forehead.
But Cobbler smiled as if nothing was wrong.
His yellowed teeth shone unpleasantly.
A mans life is his most precious possession, isn't it? Were all just trying to make a living, and itd be a shame to get stabbed in the back and die, so I put this on. Hehe, a blacksmith friend in Leven helped me get one, and now I finally get to use it.
Youre close with that friend?
Of course!
Break ties with him starting today. Youre asking to get killed wearing that thing.
Huh? But its so thick
SHIIIING!
Karron swung Guillotine, and the armor Cobbler was wearing was sliced clean through.
The armor was cut apart as if it were pudding.
Witnessing this with his own eyes, Cobblers face went white as a sheet.
E Eeek!
Just grab a leather armor like the ones your men are wearing. Its not like you plan on fighting on the front lines anyway, right?
R-Right. As expected of you, Lord Karron Leston! Your swordsmanship is as incredible as the rumors say. Amazing!
Cobbler flattered Karron with exaggerated praise.
Karron gave Cobbler a pathetic look before surveying his surroundings.
The small tavern was packed with people.
Even the stairs leading to the second floor were crowded.
The numbers seem to have grown since last time.
At Karrons observation, Cobbler replied as if he had been waiting for the question.
The merchandise no, comrades who wished to join the Young Masters noble cause of liberating the slaves! Ive carefully selected those from our agency with military training to participate in this grand undertaking.
How many?
Thirty-five full-time employees from the agency, and fifteen mer no, no! Comrades who were staying with us. A total of fifty men.
It was obvious just by looking who had voluntarily joined the cause.
Unlike the agency employees who were clad in shabby, dark leather armor, these men were wearing what looked to be high-quality equipment.
Cobbler puffed out his chest proudly and said.
We can't have the merchandise's value damaged, so I bought some special equipment for them to wear Whoops. Not merchandise value
You spent some money. Well done.
Cobblers eyes widened at the sudden praise.
Since when did this madman give out compliments?
But a moment later, Cobbler smiled faintly and nodded.
Still, theyre friends Ive grown fond of I couldnt just let them die, could I?
Because they wouldnt be worth any money if they died?
More than money, its theyre pitiful, arent they? Theyre all just friends waiting for a new opportunity.
Was that an act?
Karron pondered for a moment, then slowly shook his head.
The man wasn't that smart.
Karron let out a small sigh. He clapped Cobbler on the back and said.
You can bill our ducal family later for all expenses incurred in this operation. I'll pay you back for what you spent, plus an extra fifty percent.
Gasp! Thank you, Young Master. I will do my utmost to assist in this undertaking!
It seemed he had spent a considerable sum arming his men, as life returned to Cobblers face.
His voice now much brighter, Cobbler carefully asked Karron.
Even if most of Margrave Leandros soldiers have been deployed, a significant number of his troops remain in the city Will fifty men be enough?
A valid point.
But Karrons reply was simple.
Its enough.
If the Young Master says so, I believe you! You must have a brilliant plan!
I dont have one.
Pardon?
What kind of plan do you need to smash things? We just go in and beat the crap out of everyone. Ah, the first target is the holding facility that Margrave Leandro runs himself. You know where it is, right?
Yes
Can I really bet my future on this reckless Young Master?
But it was already too late for regrets.
Now that he was involved, he had to see this through to the end if he wanted to survive.
Then lets move out.
Click.
Donning his black helmet once more, Karron opened the door with a light step and went outside.
At last, the pleasant rebellion had begun.