Year 141_Keireki Era_Summer/01
"Huh? You weren't told about this?
Ah, damn, did I mess up? …Well, I’ve already said this much.
This was planned from the beginning.
Letting them take Retilet along the way so that Tuiknok’s side would—"
(There are those who seek to disrupt the relations between the two nations.
Nefarious schemes are swirling, even aiming to sour our ties with Their Excellency Wiminea.
That is precisely why we must join hands more than ever and overcome this situation together.)
… So that’s the picture they’re trying to paint.
Tuiknok suffers from chronic financial shortages.
On the other hand, Biumode, starting with its mineral resources and livestock technology, has secured massive funds through various means—protection fees from Imuz’s criminal guilds, compensation for aiding in resolving the instability in Meibara, and more.
However, Tuiknok has gathered knights at the expense of its finances, and if Biumode’s financial power is added to that, they could become an unstoppable force in the region.
A strong external ally would also be beneficial to Biumode—it’s a good selling point.
And now, they intend to drag in Their Excellency Wiminea, who is said to have connections to the 'Sanctum.'
With the Sanctum’s authority, they believe that the infamy Biumode and Tuiknok accumulate daily can be dressed up as a righteous cause.
There are probably other schemes Lord Dopines has that neither I nor Orfus are aware of.
All of this is to fatten up Tuiknok and strengthen his own influence.
"Well, don’t worry. As long as I’m here, there’s no problem—Keith, you know that, right?"
"So you mean I should count on something that hasn’t been made public yet?"
The three warriors protecting Lord Dopines each have hidden strengths.
I have served under Lord Dopines for a long time as his subordinate, so I knew about them, but I was told never to speak of it carelessly.
Their trump cards are also Lord Dopines' trump cards.
"Gaining credit for defeating that monster is a huge win for us, too. Keith, let me show you my assassination magic skills… Besides, you weren’t originally hired by him just to be a secretary, were you? I know that much."
That’s right.
Lord Dopines took me in after I was cast out from the Magic Guild.
But it wasn’t because of my magic—it was simply because of my knowledge and a slightly better ability to get things done.
Maybe he intends for me to fail here and get killed, or escape and become disposable.
Perhaps he thinks I’ve already fulfilled my role, and this is the perfect time to get rid of me.
And even if that happens, he must be confident that Orfus will return.
Or perhaps… does he even consider Orfus expendable for his schemes?
One way or another, we’re just pawns about to be discarded.
I’ll defeat Retilet here, disrupt Lord Dopines’ plan, and report it to Their Excellency Wiminea.
This isn’t a betrayal of my lord.
It’s breaking free from someone who doesn’t understand my value… No, this is a career change!
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I really have no luck.
Even as my memories fade, that’s one thing I’ve always understood.
"Hehhehheh, you’ve got a cute one with you."
"Heeheehee, give her to us."
"You’re a bandit like us, aren’t you? Let’s get along, yeah? Gehhehheh."
Small-time bandits.
Tuiknok and Biumode’s declining security has made them heroes among outlaws.
And where there are popular heroes, there are fans.
In other words, the roads connecting the two nations have become a haven for bandits.
There are some patrol knights, but not nearly enough.
And these bandits constantly scheme on how to evade them, which is why the situation never improves.
Still, I have no luck.
It would’ve been better if I’d run into patrol knights. Even now, it’d be great if they showed up—but there’s no sign of them.
The bandits know that, which is why they’re picking a fight with me.
Retilet, still in my arms, looks at me anxiously.
"Give me just a little time."
She gave a small nod.
I set her down in the shade of a tree, then turn back to face the bandits, clutching a few stones.
Not very good quality.
"Hey, if you guys are bandits like me, don’t you realize how dangerous this place is?"
If the stones are too weak, they’ll break apart mid-air from the force of the throw.
That means I can’t take them out from a distance—I have to get closer.
So, I have no choice but to talk while approaching.
"It’s dangerous because we’re here, huh?"
"No doubt!"
"Hyahhyahhyah! We’re the strongest!"
Yeah, this isn’t going to work.
I was hoping to stall with conversation, but that’s impossible.
Negotiation only works if both sides understand each other at a basic level.
These guys clearly don’t.
At the same time, they’re incredibly careless. Or maybe they just don’t know what caution is.
If I make the wrong move, they’ll attack me directly.
It’s a gamble, but I’ll try throwing the stones from here.
Even if I fail, I can pick up more and try again while retreating.
If I’m going to believe in something, it won’t be some supernatural force—I’ll believe in my own skills.
"Off-go!"
The first bad-quality stone hits a bandit’s head, splitting it open.
"Off-go!!"
The second one flies in a beautiful arc, almost hitting its target—but breaks apart mid-air.
Still, the dust from it seems to have blinded them.
Even in a battle filled with bad luck, maybe I managed to grasp some fortune.
A third stone. This one has some weight and smashes another bandit’s head.
One left. And wide open.
If I take him out, I’ll have a clear escape route.
But of course, things never go that smoothly for me.
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"Lord Keith! We found them!"
"Oi! Stop right there! You’re in the presence of Lord Keith and Big bro Orfus, you hear?!"
The shadows in the distance were still small, but Dopines’ guards were approaching.
They’re shouting aggressively, trying to intimidate me.
Normally, that wouldn’t faze me in the slightest, but with an empty stomach, it’s actually getting to me.
Did they withhold food so that, even if I escaped, my spirit would be broken…? No, overthinking won’t help.
I rush over to Retilet and pick her up again.
There’s no time to deal with the blinded bandit anymore.
"Damn it! Who the hell’s coming?!"
Ignoring the panicked bandit rubbing his eyes, I make my escape.
There’s still distance.
I can get away.
But as I pass by, the bandit’s arm suddenly flies off.
As if sliced by an invisible blade.
"Wha—? Huh?"
The bandit stumbled, confused.
Then his legs. His other arm. And he collapsed, dead.
"It’s hard to hit from a distance. Thought I’d get some practice, but I’m barely hitting one out of ten shots… Still, if I shoot ten times, at least one will land, right? You get what I’m saying, kidnapper?"
A man in dark-colored light armor smirked as he spoke.
"If you stop, I’ll spare you!" … Is that what he wants to say?
Don’t be stupid.
With that hit rate, running is still the better bet.
"This might be a little rough."
"… Mm…"
I know I have bad luck.
But that doesn’t mean I should give up.
I’ll keep moving forward and pray I run into some patrol knights.
What do you think about this chapter?
