Scheme
Default
Solarized Light
Solarized Dark
Light
Dark
Sepia
High Contrast
Font Type
Default
Times New Roman
Georgia
Palatino Linotype
Open Sans
Font Size
Very Small
Small
Medium
Large
Very Large
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Boss, do we really have to hold back?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Should we just go right now and beat those bastards up? I feel like if I just hit them over the head, they’d die on the spot.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Shut up, you idiots. I’m thinking here.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
At the uproar from his subordinates, Darenberg clicked his tongue.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
‘That Chamberlain bastard, he sure can run his mouth better than the Demon King.’
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The way he poked and mocked was a work of art.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Especially that last bit.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The guy who’d been dancing on the line all along, that last punch he threw had definitely crossed it on purpose.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
He wanted nothing more than to smash his head in right there, but there were too many things in the way.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
One, the fact that he was a retainer of the Helpion Ducal Family.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
And the second reason—
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Hey, what happened to your wrist?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“What the— Is that blood? Did I get scratched somewhere?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“You moron, say something that makes sense. You think you could get a scratch and actually bleed?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
At the commotion, Darenberg looked at his subordinate’s arm.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The arm that had reached out toward the Chamberlain in the Magic Tower.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
It was now bleeding steadily from a gash, as if it had been hit by a blunt weapon.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Did that mage girl do something just now?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Heh, you got taken down, huh?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Damn it, let’s storm the Magic Tower right now…”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Darenberg reviewed what had just happened in his mind.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The guy had reached out his hand. Was there any sign of mana at the time?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
No, there hadn’t been.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Jamie’s ability was only at 5 Circles.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
If anything had happened, a Swordmaster like himself would never have missed it.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The only movement had been the Chamberlain’s flustered gesture… Gesture?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Darenberg’s brow furrowed.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
His subordinate’s skill was top-tier Sword Expert.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
No ordinary weakling could even react at that speed.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But not only had the Chamberlain reacted, he’d almost grabbed the hand, hadn’t he?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Could those rumors on the street actually be true?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
That the Chamberlain was such a formidable master, he once drove out a Sandman with sheer presence alone.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
And the man was a retainer of the Helpion Ducal Family.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
There might be secrets hidden there that even he couldn’t grasp.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Hey.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Having thought that far, Darenberg interrupted the idle chatter.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Charles knows the location of the trade route, right? Said he’s got a grudge against them.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Yes, sir. They can’t enter the Duke Territory right now, so they’re camping nearby.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Forget attacking the Chamberlain. No matter how much of a bastard he is, he’s still a retainer of the Helpion Ducal Family. Think of the consequences.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“What if we handle it quietly?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“You think that’s possible?!”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The subordinate with the wounded hand asked blankly, and another exploded in a shout.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But in truth, Darenberg’s thoughts weren’t much different from the first guy.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Of course, I’m not saying we’ll just swallow this humiliation. That’d disgrace the name of the Grizzly Mercenary Corps.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
A trace of nastiness showed on his face.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“That girl who was with the Chamberlain. His younger sister, right? We’ll target her. Looks like they’ve spent a hefty sum lately; nothing wrong with us taking that money for ourselves.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Darenberg looked out toward the distant ducal castle.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
A faintly visible space.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
There, the strongest man in the world resided.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
It had been twelve years since he came to the territory, drawn by that strength.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But the Duke had only ever met his own retainers, never once properly guiding or sparring with warriors who’d sought him out.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Maybe he’d stayed too long.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
To be ignored by even such greenhorns…
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Pick a few elites from the Mercenary Corps, send them with Charles to the caravan. Once the job is done, get out of the Duke Territory and head straight for Count Afni’s domain. Lay low and act as if dead.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
At his command, the subordinates bowed their heads and moved quickly.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Left alone, Darenberg stood for a long while.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Until the sun set and long shadows stretched toward the castle, lingering like his own regrets.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The Duke of Helpion was engrossed in training at the drill yard.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
His bare torso was marked with scars, each one a medal earned over decades.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Even those scars couldn’t hide the compact, dense muscles that announced his power.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Lately, the Duke’s training method had returned to basics.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
He moved his sword at the slowest speed he could muster.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Sometimes, he spent the entire morning slashing sideways, or an entire afternoon thrusting.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
He focused intently on the subtle movement of every muscle and the changes in his surroundings at each tiny motion.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
He engraved onto his body how his movements changed the world.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Your Grace.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
It was Butler-in-Chief Apel’s voice that interrupted his training.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“The Chamberlain’s prediction was correct. Head Maid Sherina just reported that Darenberg visited the grocer, then ordered his men to attack Lady Lone.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Is that so. The Chamberlain’s foresight was accurate.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The Duke caught his breath and set his sword down.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Earlier that morning, the Chamberlain had come to him.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
‘The Grizzly Mercenary Corps will come to see me. I’m going to provoke them today. It’s important to watch what they do afterward. I heard the Head Maid is a former assassin; may I borrow her just for today?’
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
He’d requested to borrow a senior retainer, someone who’d served the house even longer than the Duke himself, and who was on the verge of becoming a high-ranking Swordmaster.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Once he decided to trust someone, the Duke trusted them fully, so he’d agreed without complaint, but he hadn’t expected results this quickly.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
All in a single day.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Looks like we’re about to drive out a whole faction.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“They’re leaving of their own accord.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Was I too indifferent to them?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Apel said nothing.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Reality was too complicated to blame any one person.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The Duke treated everyone in the Duchy equally.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Within that, people like Elsia built their own Magic Towers and lived out their retirement in comfort.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Men like Darenberg simply weren’t satisfied.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But—
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“At least the people who serve under you, Your Grace, you truly trust and entrust them, don’t you?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“That’s right. Even now.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The Duke pulled on his jacket, left in a corner of the training ground.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Let’s go.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Will you be handling this personally?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“They’re the Chamberlain’s family, after all. They ought to be kept safe. It’s cleaner if I tie off my own loose ends.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
I saw Lone off at the entrance.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Five whole carriages and ten hired hands—a massive trading party.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Will you be alright without me?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Don’t worry. How long do you think I’m going to be treated like a child? I’ve been in the merchant guild even longer than you, you know.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
No matter how confidently Lone spoke, a little sister is always a little sister.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“There will definitely be an attack. You have to be careful.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“You’ve already told me that a hundred times. Don’t worry. I can handle it. You think I’ve never been ambushed in all my years as a merchant? Besides, you worrying so much is why the Duke assigned his people to escort me.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
That might be true, but—
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Even if they were the Duke’s soldiers, the opponents were the Grizzly Mercenary Corps.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
If it was only Butler-in-Chief Apel or the Head Maid’s subordinates, it was only natural to feel anxious.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Where are you headed after passing through Count Afni’s territory?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“I’m planning to head up north first. They’re buying Basilisk Scales for a high price up there, so I think I can get at least 3 gold per kilo. On the way, I’ll stop by the Empire to sell Selvinas Tea, weapons, whatever else I can unload…”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
A really long journey.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“How long will you be gone?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“I’m thinking about a year.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“I need to send you with a trustworthy merchant group. And you should try to come back within six months if possible.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“I know. I can’t just leave such a good market and let someone else reap all the benefits.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“You remember the items I asked for?”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Lone nodded.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The Helpion territory had only just started to walk.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The Duke had cleared out factions that weakened his rule and opened up trade routes that had been abnormally blocked.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
For now, monster byproducts were enough to get by, but there was still a long road ahead.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The power base needed to expand, to become truly worthy of being called the Duke Territory.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
To do that, they’d have to push the monsters’ domain even further outside the kingdom’s lands.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The tools I’d asked Lone to get were essential to that plan.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“See you next time, brother.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
With that casual farewell, Lone departed.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But could it really be called casual?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
‘Next time.’
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
A farewell with the promise of meeting again always carried weight.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Yeah. See you again.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
I watched Lone’s retreating figure, then headed back to the ducal estate.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The forest that had once been the home of Sandworms was now eerily quiet.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
If a few days ago, the reason for the silence was the threat of monsters, now it was the emptiness left after all the Sandworms, masters of this place, had been removed.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But one thing was similar.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Sharp intent and murderous hostility pressed down on the air throughout the forest.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“They’re here.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Hidden in the woods, Charles watched as horses and carriages came into view.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Five carriages.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
An enormous scale.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“On my mark, everyone attack at once—take down the survivors and grab the goods, then get out fast.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Charles drew the sword he’d sharpened just for today.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
‘So you dared screw me over the other day, huh.’
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
He’d already forgotten it was him who’d tried to play a trick first. Now, all he could think about was revenge.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Go!”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
At Charles’s signal, those lying in wait moved.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
With swift, agile movements unsuited for their size, they darted between the trees, weapons in hand, and charged into the carriages.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Clang!
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
A sharp sound rang as weapons cut through the air.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Thud.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Someone fell with a dull sound.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
And Charles felt the same strange unease he’d experienced during the Sandworm incident.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
A sense that things were going wrong.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Because the ones who fell first were his own allies.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“There’s nothing in the carriages but people!”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Nothing! No goods, no Chamberlain’s sister, nothing!”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Screams echoed from all sides.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Just as they said.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
There were no goods to be found in the carriages; only dozens of well-trained warriors’ weapons gleamed menacingly.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Soon after, fighting broke out everywhere. Despite their reputation, the Grizzly Mercenary Corps members fell one by one, almost pathetically.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The gap in skill between the mercenaries and the others wasn’t actually that great.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But three overwhelming experts stood by the carriages.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
One was Butler-in-Chief Apel, who had surpassed the level of Intermediate Swordmaster.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Another was Head Maid Sherina, once called the Nightmare of the Assassin Guild.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
And finally, the S-rank Mercenary, Chettrox, who wielded his entire body like a weapon.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
All through the forest, death throes—barely even screams—echoed and faded.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
By the end, not a single elite of the Grizzly Mercenary Corps, who had fought alongside Darenberg for thirty years, remained alive.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The Duke of Helpion recalled the plan Laward had submitted in his report.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
How far had he schemed to establish such a simple principle?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Lone had packed all the trade goods into a large-capacity Magic Pouch purchased from Lady Elcia’s Magic Tower for five thousand gold, and set out alone.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Meaning, Darenberg and Charles, who had been fixated on the large merchant group, carriages, and the trade route, had fallen into a trap.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The very idea of moving so many goods by carriage just to make them easier to rob was naïve from the start.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
And since Charles belonged to the Grizzly Mercenary Corps, any information about the trade route was sure to leak to them; even a child could guess the Corps would be lying in wait along the route.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Darenberg had figured they’d have no choice but to use the trade route, but that was his blunder.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
But was that blunder just stupidity?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Would he himself have made the right decision, had he been in their shoes?
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The Duke of Helpion couldn’t be sure.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
That was why he personally stepped in, out of respect for the Chamberlain who’d devised such an excellent strategy.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
The Duke let his beloved Stormbringer hang down to the ground.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
So fast and precise were his movements that, even facing dozens of mercenaries, not a single drop of blood touched him.
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Amid the quiet death spread out all around—
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Darenberg. Do me a favor and don’t run. I want to end everything here and now.”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
“Damn it, no wonder I had bad dreams last night…”
LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Darenberg and the Duke of Helpion stood face to face.
Please consider rating the translation quality of this Chapter so we can perform Quality Control
★
★
★
★
★
Premium Chapter LongStringOfTextToSimulateLargeRandomDataSet123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
Login to buy access to this Chapter.
Post navigation