Chapter 68 – Opening One Door After Another (3)

Mountain passes and forest trails—those perfect sites for ambushes and concealment—had remained remarkably tranquil.

Even along narrow paths, riverside routes, and hillside traverses, no incidents had arisen.

‘Why in this open expanse…?’

On the distant horizon, mounted bandits were unmistakably assaulting what appeared to be a merchant caravan.

The caravan’s scale was considerable—four covered wagons and over ten cargo carts.

In this era, even the impoverished sometimes initiated commerce with merely a single cart. Thus, while perhaps not qualifying as a grand convoy, this certainly constituted a medium-scale merchant company.

Those directing substantial merchant operations typically affiliated with nobility, affluent families, or established commercial guilds. Such entities commonly traveled in coalition for mutual security and efficiency.

If this particular caravan operated under private ownership, its scale would be deemed impressive by relevant standards.

A sideways glance revealed Luillin’s tongue clicking against her teeth.

Her predatory gaze resembled one scrutinizing an injured deer herd.

“Turning back now might spare us any entanglement. Alternatively, intervening could yield substantial reward. Interrogating the bandits might even reveal their cache location, depending on circumstances. Will you merely observe?”

“……”

Regarding practical matters, especially profit opportunities, her calculations proceeded with exceptional rapidity.

Perhaps this skill developed through desperate survival circumstances… or evolved naturally through life experience.

“Your assessment suggests profit regardless of our chosen allegiance?”

“Self-evident, isn’t it?”

Decision rendered.

Though in truth, profit motivation remained secondary…

“Who dares intrude?!”

“What’s this—children?”

While stealth approaches hadn’t been my intention, they’d apparently maintained comprehensive surveillance against potential surprises.

Particularly the mounted bandits who, upon detecting us, rapidly converged to establish encirclement, delivering preposterous declarations.

“What impertinence—vagrant whelps interrupting our elders’ enterprise!”

“These juvenile specimens—suicidal aspirations for enslavement?”

“Fortuitous! That male specimen possesses aesthetic appeal—temporary entertainment before commercial transfer…”

Such casual levity suggested their primary operation proceeded favorably.

Livelihood, sport, and entertainment combined.

Hunting invariably provides profound satisfaction.

Even animal hunting stimulates appetite, sustains nourishment, and enhances living standards.

Hides themselves offer multifaceted utility and commercial value. Processing skills further augment their benefits.

“Urgh?!”

A sudden atmospheric disturbance materialized at my flank—Luillin had launched forward.

In that instant, a bandit received direct impact with his mount, producing a thunderous concussion.

Like agricultural implements tearing earth, both rider and horse carved dramatic furrows across the field’s surface before motionless collapse.

“Guhk!”

“Wha—what?!”

Paralyzed by this astonishing display, the remaining pair stood frozen.

Luillin had already neutralized one vociferous bandit while their declarations continued.

“Expire immediately! Accelerate your demise, vermin! Inferior to scavengers, insignificant parasites—how dare you vocalize!”

Before completing her declaration, she again charged forth, dismounting another mid-proclamation.

…Their contemptuous, dismissive circling must have particularly provoked her indignation.

Once within their visual range, our dismissal ceased to remain viable.

Should we escape and alert nearby settlements, punitive expeditions might subsequently mobilize.

Banditry, like legitimate enterprise, requires discretion.

Occasionally, these operations maintained relationships of “mutual acknowledgment” with local authorities.

…Naturally, most eventually faced eradication and execution, though exact handling depended entirely upon regional lordship.

Remarkably, brigands operating beyond territorial boundaries occasionally received jurisdictional claims from adjacent lords.

Whether apportioning culpability, classifying bandits as irregular militias, or designating them as serfs or bondsmen, such distinctions significantly impacted juridical proceedings.

‘…Wasn’t this addressed under ecclesiastical law?’

I recalled studying this—ecclesiastical law representing foundational knowledge expected of nobility.

…Though outside Imperial territories, practices likely diverged considerably.

Technically, this constituted ecclesiastical jurisprudence, but beyond core Imperial regions, central intervention proved challenging. Consequently, the Church frequently assumed regulatory authority… or similar arrangements.

“Kak!”

During this momentary contemplation, several bandits redirected from the caravan toward me. I engaged them directly.

After brief exchanges, four knelt incapacitated.

My precision strikes targeted ankles and legs, severing critical tendons to impede mobility.

Anticipating potential resistance, I delivered calculated strikes to ensure continued compliance.

Incoming projectiles—arrows and thrown weapons—proved readily avoidable or deflectable.

…Projectile weapons generally demonstrate effectiveness only under specific conditions.

Unless confronting extraordinary sluggishness, identifying attack vectors enables straightforward evasion.

…However, if an adversary incorporated psychological manipulation, movement prediction, and behavioral control, even ranged weaponry could represent significant threat.

During large-scale conflicts, tactical considerations remain minimal for proficient archers. Commands dictate range, angle, and timing parameters.

“……”

Why does tactical theory preoccupy me now?

While agile Luillin neutralized mounted opponents,

I concentrated on subduing those attacking the caravan directly.

Lethal force remained entirely viable. Yet strategic considerations favored current approach.

Should they present unmanageable threats, elimination would provide legitimate preventative security.

Merchants and caravans, despite technical commoner classification, maintained distinct social standing through mobility privileges.

While financial considerations predominated public perception, for merchants and caravans with secured mobility rights, financial capacity essentially accompanied status.

Alternatively, they may have determined authorization protocols through independent exploration.

Such knowledge requires personal discovery—no formal instruction exists.

‘Such awareness suggests capacity for additional insights.’

With half the caravan personnel either restrained or severely injured, resistance resolve had completely dissipated.

More aggressive elements had perished—still expelling vital fluids—or approached terminal conditions.

Nevertheless, survivors remained.

Reports indicated pursuit detachments had diverged to chase escapees.

“They’ll return imminently.”

Equestrian equipment suggested organization beyond typical bandit operations.

As emergency treatment proceeded, the caravan leader approached, offering gratitude tinged with subtle caution.

“These reprehensible individuals. Their probable intention: eliminate or constrain us, appropriate cargo, then masquerade as legitimate merchants.”

They would plunder one settlement, then transport stolen merchandise for trade elsewhere.

…A mere century past, such practices prevailed extensively.

Three centuries prior, some entities elevated this methodology to primary enterprise.

…Some such individuals currently hold noble status within the Empire and other nations—though publicly unacknowledged.

Contemporary Imperial policy strictly prohibits such reprehensible activities. Discovery entails execution or conscription into forced labor for perpetrators and affiliated organizations.

Murder charges guarantee execution, frequently public, without exception.

This represented Academy curriculum. Perhaps Metlan Kingdom procedures diverged significantly.

To discuss stolen goods redistribution so casually… evidently standard regional practice.

After relative stabilization, additional brigands—exceeding ten—materialized.

Five arrived mounted.

…Maintaining such equestrian resources suggested surprisingly substantial organizational structure.

“Suitable projectiles absent.”

I retrieved a sling from an interior pocket.

Luillin’s expression registered astonishment.

“You employ such implements?!”

“…Bows remain unavailable.”

“Throughout forest and mountain exploration, you never once produced this!”

“…Unnecessary then.”

In woodland environments, properly utilizing wind currents rendered my velocity superior to squirrels or rabbits—what necessity existed?

Though not aligning with natural inclinations, its possession exceeded its absence.

Nevertheless…

Had all simultaneously charged, this implement would have remained concealed.

However, with one actively drawing bowstring… what alternative remained?

Though considering my limited strength, I questioned whether the projectile would reach its target.

“…Perhaps you’d prefer confronting them, Luillin?”

“That should have been initially proposed!”

She launched directly toward the advancing bandits,

Then inexplicably bypassed them entirely.

“What?”

Those expecting interception, apprehension, or concussive impact stood bewildered by the diminutive figure’s complete disregard.

She pivoted, redirecting toward me.

“From this position…”

I neutralized two using the sling before advancing myself.

Several armed individuals maintained defensive positions behind us, anticipating contingencies.

But with most combatants incapacitated or deceased, redirecting threat to non-combatants seemed unconscionable.

“You diminutive wretch—has sanity abandoned you?!”

What extraordinary audacity inspired such pronouncements?

More significantly, who allocated discussion opportunity?

I severed his waist and shattered his knee with ruthless efficiency.

With maximal expediency.

These individuals would readily redirect aggression toward our rear echelon.

Initial hostage avoidance likely stemmed from underestimating my capacity.

Now, restraint would dissipate entirely.

Both parties recognized this reality.

***

The incident resolved satisfactorily with promised compensation.

Subsequently, we negotiated temporary escort arrangements and selected two horses from those previously utilized by the brigands.

Luillin, exhibiting unprecedented natural horsemanship, whistled casually while inquiring:

“Having protected a caravan of this magnitude, your location has presumably been compromised. Did this consideration prove irrelevant?”

“……”

This factor had escaped conscious consideration.

Yet through Luillin’s forthright articulation,

“This represented your primary concern, correct?”

…I couldn’t acknowledge my oversight or negligence.

Evidently, my worldly awareness remains deficient.

“You preserved some survivors to ascertain their headquarters location?”

“…No.”

“What prompted restraint then?”

Her direct inquiry revealed complete disregard for potential aversions to lethal force or procedural complications.

Perhaps for her, pragmatic ruthlessness represented normality.

“The caravan requires evidentiary substantiation for formal complaint.”

“Pardon?”

“This incident occurred within territorial jurisdiction. Security deficiency responsibility becomes questionable. Additionally, with fatalities involved, familial compensation necessitates consideration. Incident magnification facilitates appropriate response. Surrendering perpetrators serves this objective.”

“…Why concern yourself with their commercial affairs? Whether bankruptcy or sustenance, that remains their individual circumstance?”

“When extending benevolence, comprehensive application proves optimal. Surely you recognize this principle?”

“Well… certainly, however…”

“Furthermore, an organization of this magnitude certainly established regional notoriety. Their neutralization and severity emphasis would compel lordship administration to respond appropriately. Local populace would experience relative tranquility.”

“You’d surrender all treasure from their headquarters?”

Hmm.

…Naturally her focus gravitated there.

My intention involved using that enticement to motivate local authority involvement in residual suppression.

“Quantities manageable with both hands suffice. Distinguish possession from chaos. Treasure exceeding manual capacity represents greed and disorder.”

“My carrying capacity remains substantial.”

“……”

Hmm.

Such direct articulation renders counterargument challenging.

“Your temporal efficiency concerns, prioritizing regional bandit eradication over material acquisition to promote civilian tranquility and pursuit of abstract principles—admirable indeed. Yet pragmatic existence prevents starvation. Ah, but you’re nobility, aren’t you? Perpetually satiated, oblivious to fundamental necessities. How wonderfully leisured your existence must be, risking mortality for abstract concepts like loyalty and honor! Truly exemplary aristocratic conduct!”

“……”

“Fallen nobility? Inconceivable. Your detachment from material obsession clearly doesn’t represent inherent refinement. Obviously your upbringing provided such abundant wealth that envy remained foreign.”

“…Formulate whatever conclusions you desire.”

For reference, both my parental figures distributed resources liberally when necessity arose.

Yet regarding personal comfort, both exhibited extreme asceticism.

…With such exemplars above me, could extravagant, wasteful resource expenditure have characterized my existence?

“……”

Yet expressing this would constitute defensive justification.

Consequently, Cariel maintained resolute silence.

“Magnificent~ Precisely as expected from distinguished nobility! How enviable! I’ve decided, Teacher, someday I shall become your domestic attendant! Or perhaps your son’s? Your daughter’s? Either would suffice…”

Despite evident insincerity, Luillin persisted with this absurd, exaggerated flattery masquerading as teasing.

Cariel responded with decisive knuckle impact atop her cranium.

***

Stone walls.

A stark chamber constructed entirely from massive stone blocks, including floor and ceiling.

Absent windows, only a solitary candle’s meager illumination disrupted absolute darkness.

The atmosphere remained arid and oppressive.

Within this environment,

At a wooden desk and chair,

A figure utilized a small quill to inscribe characters across yellowed parchment with fluid precision.

For extended duration, his vacant gaze fixated upon flickering candlelight.

Serpentine, slitted pupils.

Blackened diagonal striations within pallid irises, resembling forcibly rejoined bisected moons.

His countenance displayed partial aging lines, yet retained striking features.

Perhaps attributable to expression, his overall impression conveyed profound desolation.

Despite scholarly appearance contradicting his lengthy, colorless hair cascade, his priestly vestments failed to establish clerical credibility.

His darkened reddish-brown garments absorbed candlelight, creating shadowed reflections that elicited no discernible response.

Clack!

A ponderous metallic sound reverberated, suggesting heavy mechanism disengagement.

Creeeaaak!

The iron-barred entrance parted with discordant protestation.

“Rupert. My venerable brother. I have arrived.”

Another similarly attired individual entered, bearing cloth-shrouded contents.

His pronounced abdominal protrusion defied concealment beneath religious garments.

Despite immaculate chin, his uniquely abundant mustache distinguished him.

Resembling quintessential neighborhood acquaintance, only distinctive gray eyebrows provided notable characteristics.

Partially grayed hair reflected candlelight with disconcerting intensity, though none present would venture critique.

He continued:

“The prophesied moment approaches fruition.”

“……”

The addressed individual, Rupert, deliberately relinquished his writing implement.

His colorless gaze penetrated darkness with emotionless intensity.

“You genuinely maintain that Demon King manifestation shall occur within the Middle Realm rather than demonic territories? That resurrection shall proceed… specifically at Grandeus’s sword location?”

The visitor positioned his burden upon the restricted desk surface.

Candlelight wavered precariously.

Removing cloth concealment, he extracted leather containment and produced silver vessel, liberally dispensing contents while Rupert’s serpentine gaze maintained absolute impassivity.

“Partake. Considerable time has elapsed, has it not?”

“Yousef. As consistently demonstrated, my… prophecy maintains immutability. Interpretative variance may occur, but content persists unchanged. Precisely as previously established.”

Rupert’s distinctive ocular features—those pale, reptilian instruments—suddenly animated.

“When the sword achieves liberation, we shall bear witness.”

That momentous day,

“Both Hero and Demon King… shall simultaneously materialize at identical location, on identical date, at identical moment.”

Yousef raised the vessel to his lips initially.

But Rupert, seemingly entranced, whispered rhythmically, repeating incantation-like phrases:

“He who articulates terminus vocabulary shall arrive. He represents apocalyptic salvation, destructive herald. Through final utterance shall genuine conclusion manifest. And he alone shall constitute our sovereign, our monarch… our king.”

They shall encounter him.

An unprecedented tribulation.

A prominence of anguish and suffering.

…Oh, beings obscured by ephemeral serenity and tranquility.

Your conclusion has finally materialized within perceptual range.