Ch.6822. Opening the Doors One by One (3)

While the mountain and forest paths, perfect for ambushes and hiding, had been quiet,

And even the trails, rivers, and hillsides had been uneventful.

‘What the hell is happening in an open field…?’

I clearly witnessed bandits on horseback attacking what appeared to be a merchant caravan in the distance.

The caravan consisted of four carriages and over ten wagons in total.

In this era, even those with little means often start trading with just a single wagon, so this would be considered a medium-sized caravan, if not quite large-scale.

And since large-scale caravans are typically organized by nobles, wealthy families, or merchant guilds traveling together,

If this happened to be a private caravan, it could certainly be considered large-scale.

Glancing over, I noticed Luirin licking her lips.

Her eyes looked like those of someone spotting a wounded herd of deer.

“If we turn back now, we might avoid getting involved, right? Or should we intervene and collect a hefty reward? We could even interrogate those bandits and raid their hideout depending on the situation. Are you just going to watch?”

“…”

When it comes to self-preservation and profit, her mind works incredibly fast.

Is this something she desperately honed for survival… or just picked up naturally along the way?

“So your conclusion is that intervening would be beneficial either way?”

“Stating the obvious is just nagging.”

Then it’s decided.

Though it’s not really about seeking profit…

“Who the hell are you?!”

“What? They’re just kids!”

I hadn’t particularly planned to approach stealthily, but they must have been watching in all directions to prepare for unexpected situations.

Especially the bandits on horseback, who spotted us first and quickly surrounded us, saying such things.

“Where do you wandering nobodies think you’re butting into our elders’ business!”

“What are these brats? Got a death wish, wanting to be sold as slaves?”

“Perfect! That boy looks decent enough to play with before we sell him off…”

Their casual attitude suggests their operation has been going smoothly so far.

It’s their livelihood, their game, their entertainment.

Hunting is always a satisfying profession.

Even hunting animals makes your mouth water, fills your belly, and directly improves your quality of life.

The hides are useful in many ways and can be sold. Even better if you’ve learned processing techniques.

“Ugh?!”

Luirin must have charged forward, as a sudden gust swept past me.

In the blink of an eye, one of the bandits was struck, horse and all.

Like a plow cutting through earth, he flew through the air, leaving a massive trail on the ground before sprawling pathetically across the field.

“*cough*”

“W-what?!”

The remaining two froze at the shocking sight.

While they were still processing what happened, Luirin had already demolished one of their comrades.

“Instead of running your mouths, just die already! Hurry up and breathe your last! You vermin aren’t even worth a jackal’s time! Who do you think you’re messing with?!”

Before she even finished speaking, another bandit was thrown from his horse by Luirin’s charge.

…They must have really irritated her by casually prancing around on horseback after spotting us, showing no concern whatsoever.

From the moment we were spotted, they couldn’t afford to let us escape.

If we had fled and reported this to a nearby village or city, a subjugation force might have been formed.

Even the bandit business requires discretion.

Sometimes they even maintain relationships with local lords through appropriate “contributions.”

…Of course, most are targets for subjugation and execution, but how they’re dealt with is typically the lord’s jurisdiction.

Surprisingly often, lords claim ownership over bandit groups, even those from other territories.

Whether to assign blame, treat bandits as potential private soldiers,

Or classify them as serfs or slaves—these decisions significantly change the legal landscape between territories.

‘…I learned this during church law studies.’

I remember learning about church law, which nobles are supposed to know as common knowledge.

…Though things are probably quite different here, outside the Empire.

Originally, while these were issues under church law, because this is the outskirts of the Empire where central authorities can’t quickly intervene, the church often handles these matters instead, if I recall correctly?

“Kuhek!”

While I was lost in thought, some of those who had been harassing the caravan charged toward me, and I engaged them.

After a few breaths, I easily brought four of them to their knees.

I targeted their ankles and legs, striking vital points to limit their movement.

Concerned some might still resist, I struck their chins or kicked them to make them lie down obediently.

I also easily dodged or deflected incoming arrows and thrown weapons.

…The effective area for thrown weapons is actually quite limited.

Unless one is particularly slow, avoiding them isn’t difficult if you can identify where they’re coming from.

…If one could calculate and psychologically control the target’s movements, even ranged weapons could become significant threats.

In large-scale battles or wars, proper firing instructions regarding range, angle, and timing make this less of an issue.

“…”

Why am I thinking about this?

While the nimble Luirin handled those on horseback,

I focused on neutralizing those who were pressuring or subduing the caravan members.

I could kill them if necessary, but Luirin said this approach would be more profitable.

Killing to eliminate threats preemptively would be a valid strategy if we couldn’t handle them otherwise.

Caravans, with their freedom of movement, put merchants in a completely different position from ordinary commoners, even if they’re technically of the same class.

While most would focus on financial rights, for merchants and caravans with guaranteed freedom of movement, financial rights are essentially assured.

Alternatively, they understand the methods and means of obtaining permits in various jurisdictions.

This isn’t something someone teaches you—you have to figure it out yourself.

‘If they know that much, they can figure out even more.’

Half the caravan members had been captured or severely injured, losing their will to resist.

Some who had resisted fiercely were now corpses bleeding out, or on the verge of death.

But those who could survive, did.

I also learned that some bandits had gone after those who escaped.

“The scattered ones will return soon.”

The fact that they had horses suggests these weren’t ordinary bandits.

As emergency treatment was being administered, the caravan leader expressed both warning and gratitude.

“These filthy bastards. They probably planned to kill us all, lock us up, and then take our cargo to pose as legitimate traders themselves.”

They would loot from one village and then trade or sell the goods in other villages or cities.

…A very common practice just a hundred years ago.

Three hundred years ago, some even made this their main business.

…Some of those are now noble families in the Empire and other countries, though everyone keeps quiet about that.

However, the current Empire strictly prohibits such “unsavory” practices, and if discovered, the entire organization faces execution or forced labor.

If murder charges are added, it’s execution or public execution without exception.

I learned this at the academy, but it seems the Kingdom of Metran handles things somewhat differently.

They casually talk about stealing goods for trade.

By the time things settled down, more than ten additional bandits appeared.

Five of them were also on horseback.

…Managing so many horses suggests this might have been a surprisingly large bandit group?

“No suitable stones around.”

I took out a sling from my inner pocket.

Luirin looked at me in surprise.

“You use those too?!”

“…I don’t have a bow.”

“You never once took it out while we were wandering through forests or mountains!”

“…It wasn’t necessary then.”

In the forest, if I catch the wind right, I’m faster than squirrels or rabbits, so what’s there to worry about?

Besides, while it’s not really my forte, it’s better than nothing.

More importantly.

If they had all charged at once, I wouldn’t have taken this out.

But since someone is clearly aiming a bow at us… what choice do I have?

I was just worried whether my throw would reach that far, given my limited strength.

“…Would you rather catch them, Luirin?”

“You should have said so from the start!”

She seemed to charge toward the approaching bandits.

Then she ran right past them.

“Huh?”

Naturally, those who had intended to grab, cut, or beat her were dumbfounded as the little girl brazenly passed them by.

Then they turned and charged toward me.

“From here…”

I took out a couple with stone throws first.

Then I charged forward as well.

There were armed people waiting behind me just in case.

But with most of the combat personnel either dead or incapacitated, it would be too cruel to leave this to non-combatants.

“This little shit has lost his mind!”

I wonder what gives them the courage to talk like that.

And who guarantees them the time to babble?

I slashed at his waist and kicked his knee, breaking it.

As quickly as possible.

Rather than targeting me, they would easily change their focus to those behind me.

The reason they didn’t take hostages initially was probably because they underestimated me as insignificant.

Now, they would likely use any means necessary.

I know it, and they know it.

…

After successfully resolving the situation and being promised compensation,

We agreed to temporarily escort them, and selected two horses previously used by the bandits.

Luirin, who mounted her horse with surprising familiarity, whistled and said:

“If you protected a caravan of this size, your master’s location could be somewhat traceable. Were you okay with that?”

“…”

No, I hadn’t thought of that.

But thanks to Luirin’s loose lips:

“That’s what you were worried about, right?”

…I couldn’t bring myself to admit I hadn’t even considered it.

I guess I’m still naive about the ways of the world.

“Did you spare those guys to find out where their hideout is?”

“…No.”

“Then why?”

That insensitivity, as if she has no aversion to slaughter or killing, finding it neither troublesome nor concerning.

But perhaps for her, all this was simply normal.

“The caravan needs to prove the scale to make their case.”

“What?”

“This is an incident within the territory. Whose fault is the lack of security? And since people died, to ensure compensation for the bereaved families, it’s better to amplify the situation. That’s why we’re handing over the criminals.”

“Why do you care about someone else’s caravan? Whether they fail or manage to feed themselves is their business, isn’t it?”

“If you’re going to bestow a favor, do it properly. You should know this well.”

“Well… yes, but.”

“And with a group this size, they must have been infamous in the area. If they’re eliminated and the severity is properly emphasized… the lord will handle it properly. The people will feel a bit more at ease too.”

“So we’re going to hand over all the treasures from their hideout to them?”

Hmm.

…So that’s what she’s talking about.

I was actually thinking of making the lord greedy for those treasures, to motivate him to deal with the remaining bandits.

“As much as you can hold in both hands is enough. Don’t confuse possession with chaos. Gold and treasures you can’t hold in your hands are just greed and confusion.”

“But I can carry it all!”

“…”

Hmm.

When she puts it like that, I’m at a loss for words.

“You don’t want to waste time here, and instead of being greedy for wealth, you want to contribute to the people’s peace by eliminating the bandits’ notorious reputation throughout the territory—pursuing that noble cause is admirable. But living like a materialist keeps you from going hungry… Oh right, you were a noble. You’ve always had a full stomach, so you don’t know what’s important. How wonderful to have such a leisurely life that you can stake everything on honor and loyalty! Truly befitting a noble lord!”

“…”

“A fallen noble wouldn’t be like this. Your lack of attachment to wealth isn’t some innate dignity—it means you had so much wealth you never had to worry about it, right?”

“…Think what you will.”

For reference, both my parents were people who spent lavishly where necessary.

However, in terms of personal comfort, they were both severe ascetics.

…With those two above me, do you think I ever had the chance to squander wealth without a care?

“…”

But saying this aloud would sound like an excuse.

So Kariel kept his mouth firmly shut.

“Wow~ As expected of a high noble’s child! I’m so envious! I want to be your servant in the future, Master! No, wait. Your son’s? Daughter’s? I could be their servant…”

As Luirin continued her mock flattery that was clearly sarcasm, despite pretending sincerity,

Kariel delivered a light knock on the top of her head.

====

A stone wall.

A stark space with heavy stone making up the ceiling and even the floor.

With no windows, only a small burning candle provided light.

The interior was endlessly dry and dark.

There.

Seated at a wooden chair and desk.

A man who had been inscribing letters on yellowish parchment with a small quill,

Stared blankly at the burning candle for a while.

Snake-like narrow eyes.

Two pale pupils like a bisected moon, marked with black slashes.

Though his skin showed some wrinkles, his appearance was handsome.

Only his expression made his impression desolate.

Despite his scholarly appearance, his long, faded white hair made him look nothing like a normal cleric, even though he wore a monk’s habit.

The dark reddish-brown fabric of his clothes reflected dimly in the candlelight, but even this seemed to give him no particular emotion.

Clank!

Like a metal lock being released, a heavy, crude metal friction sound rang out.

Creeeeak!

The iron barred door opened with an uncomfortable sound effect.

“Rupert, my old brother. I have come.”

A man in the same attire entered carrying a basket wrapped in cloth and spoke again.

His protruding belly not covered by his clothes.

A clean chin but unusually bushy mustache.

With the appearance of an ordinary neighborhood uncle who could be found anywhere,

Only his thick gray eyebrows stood out.

His half-gray hair reflected in the candlelight gave him a gloomy impression, but there was no one here to criticize or point this out.

He spoke again.

“The time you foresaw is at hand.”

“…”

The silent man, called Rupert, put down his quill.

His pale eyes pierced through the darkness indifferently.

“Do you really believe that? That a Demon King will be born—or revived—in the middle realm rather than the demon realm? And of all places, where the sword of Grandeus is embedded.”

He placed the basket on the narrow desk.

The candle flickered precariously.

He removed the cloth and took out a leather pouch.

Then he took out a silver cup from inside, set it down, and generously poured wine from the leather pouch into it.

Even during this moment, the pale-eyed man showed no particular reaction.

“Drink. It’s been a while.”

“Useph. As always, my… prophecies do not change. The interpretation may be wrong, but the content remains the same. As before.”

The pale-eyed man.

His snake eyes suddenly stirred.

“The moment the sword is drawn, we will be able to witness it.”

That day.

“Both the hero and the Demon King… At the same place, at the same time. Yes. All born together in the same location.”

The man called Useph first raised the cup to his lips.

But Rupert, who had opened his lips as if entranced, continued to whisper and recite:

“One who speaks the language of the end shall come. He is the savior of the end and the guide of destruction. By speaking the end, he will surely terminate the apocalypse. Only he is our lord, our master, and our sovereign…”

We will face it.

An unprecedented trial.

The hill of wailing and pain.

…Those whose eyes are blinded by momentary peace and tranquility.

Your end.

I can finally see it now.