Chapter 27

Chapter 27
## Chapter 27

“Splendid. You have essentially articulated every point I intended to make.”

“You are too kind, Father.”

“Still, there are a few omissions, so I shall provide some elaboration. Even if you find it redundant, these other two certainly require the instruction.”

At those sharp words, the complexions of the two brothers turned a deep, shameful crimson.

The Grand Duke was effectively declaring that concepts Lucian grasped intuitively had to be painstakingly detailed for them.

Their standing as potential heirs had undoubtedly cratered due to this turn of events, leaving them feeling as though their very spirits were being hollowed out.

Ignoring their internal turmoil, Grand Duke Sigmund proceeded with his briefing in a composed manner.

“The reality is that Tristan has already secured the services of mercenaries. The difficulty lies in the fact that he appears unable to maintain authority over the men he has enlisted.”

“He lacks control? Even with Brother Tristan present in person?”

“Correct. It appears the mercenaries intend to drive a hard bargain. They have likely deduced exactly how thin our resources are stretched at this moment.”

In essence, because the House of Valdek was in a precarious position, the sellswords were pressing for higher compensation.

It was a predictable stance for such men, yet the core problem was the parley itself. If a leader lacked the nuance for haggling, even a reasonable middle ground could remain out of reach.

“Regrettably, Tristan… is a man devoid of any aptitude for such maneuvers.”

That is accurate.

Lucian gave a subtle, instinctive nod.

The Tristan he recalled from his previous life was a rigid man of unyielding ethics. If anything, he was the sort who found the concepts of ‘bargaining’ or ‘compromise’ fundamentally distasteful.

In contrast to Jordi, Tristan always delivered the agreed-upon pay, but he never parted with a single extra coin unless additional merit was demonstrated.

I recall my time being temporarily conscripted for the perimeter watch at Kelheim. The activity was minimal, and he could have easily implemented a rotating rest schedule, yet he never permitted his subordinates a moment of idleness.

Tristan was that fastidious regarding even minor breaks. He would undoubtedly be even more rigid concerning a mercenary agreement involving a significant drain on the family treasury.

In all probability, the two factions were currently locked in a stalemate, neither willing to budge.

“Consequently, I intend to send one of you. I want a resolution reached if at all possible, and I want you to assume leadership of those mercenaries.”

“….”

The Grand Duke scanned the three brothers as he presented the mission.

However, Jordi and Joshua averted their eyes just as they had done previously.

To be fair, even though the specifics had been clarified, the outlook hadn’t improved. If anything, this was a burden they wished to dodge even more fervently than before.

It implied they might have to risk their lives in combat while commanding a pack of untrustworthy hired swords.

I would feel trepidation even under the guard of elite knights, yet he expects me to lead a rabble of nameless thugs?

Furthermore, regardless of my performance, I would still be subservient to Tristan. No matter the angle, this is an unattractive prospect.

Jordi and Joshua remained silent, their gazes fixed on the floor. They had no intention of stepping forward unless explicitly commanded.

Just as Grand Duke Sigmund’s expression began to sour with disappointment at the enduring quietude.

“I shall go.”

“…!?”

The three men appeared blindsided by Lucian’s sudden declaration. Even the Grand Duke seemed caught off guard by Lucian’s willingness to volunteer.

“Are you certain? You have never ventured beyond Kelheim, and you possess no background in military leadership.”

“I view it as a chance to gain experience in both areas simultaneously. It is a hurdle I must eventually clear regardless. However, concerning the budget for the mercenaries…”

“I shall grant you significant financial backing. Do not fret over a lack of funds. Just keep in mind that there is a definitive ceiling to what I will provide.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

That assurance sufficed. He would likely never need to approach the limit the Grand Duke alluded to anyway.

Dealing with mercenaries. That was straightforward.

The edges of Lucian’s mouth quirked upward. It was time to revisit his true field of expertise after a long hiatus.

—

The moment the meal concluded, Lucian commenced his travel arrangements.

There was no reason to linger, so a swift departure was preferable—particularly given that the trek would be quite extensive.

I traveled extensively during my years as a sellsword, but this marks my first long-distance journey in this current life.

As the Grand Ducal House governed a massive domain, the trek to the frontier was formidable. Fortunately, a major river cut through the region, permitting a more relaxed transit by boat. Had they traveled strictly over land, the exhaustion of the trip would have been twice as severe.

“Hans, I am placing the estate in your care. Remain vigilant while I am away; Jordi or Joshua may attempt some mischief.”

“Have no fear, Young Master. Perhaps in the past, but they would not dare harass your household now.”

Hans spoke with a firm tone, gesturing toward the staff who were formerly under Hugo’s command. Indeed, those men were unlikely to be deceived by petty schemes. Hugo had mentioned he personally selected the most steadfast individuals from his crew.

“Hugo, you are accompanying me. Depending on how things unfold, this mission is primarily to aid my eldest brother. There may not be many chances to win great renown.”

“Regardless, it beats sitting around doing nothing. Besides, if I am not at your side, who is going to look after you, Young Master?”

Lucian laughed softly at Hugo’s bold comment and gave a nod of approval.

“Fair enough. Let us pack only what is vital and set out. Father will supply the bulk of our requirements.”

Once they finalized their brief preparations and passed through the fortress gates, a familiar group arrived to meet Lucian. It was the five members of the Black Lions who had joined him during the confrontation with the Marquis’s son.

“It has been some time, Third Young Master. I am pleased to see you remain in good health.”

“It is good to see you as well… but don’t tell me you five are my guards for this trip?”

“Indeed. In truth, are we not the only compact, elite squad capable of ensuring your safety?”

Lucian found no fault in the Black Lion’s logic. Truly, to move swiftly as a small unit while providing absolute security for a high-ranking heir of Valdek, the Black Lions were the logical pick. From a tactical standpoint, it was the ideal assignment.

Still, they used to possess the aura of a mythic, shadow organization, but encountering them so frequently makes the mystique start to bleed away.

“As we shall be traveling together, you will require names to tell us apart. You may refer to me as Raymon.”

The captain of the Black Lions bowed and identified himself. Following his lead, the other four gave their names as Martin, Vincent, Jude, and Widro.

However, the phrasing Raymon used before introducing himself piqued Lucian’s curiosity. Why mention ‘names to tell us apart’ rather than simply stating it was his name?

“Is that your actual name?”

“It is one of three identities I cycle through. I use it primarily for protection details.”

“….”

Lucian made a clicking sound with his tongue at the blunt confession of an alias. Come to think of it, they had only provided given names without any house names. It appeared they were all using pseudonyms tailored to the mission.

I have heard they manage the unsavory tasks like hits and shadow work. I suppose those rumors were accurate.

Then again, one couldn’t exactly use their birth name while performing clandestine operations. Lucian chose not to probe. They surely had their justifications, and those secrets likely stopped with the Family Head.

With the introductions concluded, Raymon brought forward the mounts he had readied.

“Given the urgency, we plan to travel at a high tempo. Are you proficient in riding? It takes a specific skill set to maintain such a pace over long stretches.”

“Well, I shall use this journey to refine my skills.”

Lucian spoke with feigned modesty, but he was actually quite adept in the saddle. Even during his mercenary days, he had ridden regularly for various assignments. While his cavalry skills might not rival a knight’s, they were more than sufficient for transit.

Just as Lucian took hold of the reins of the charger Raymon provided.

“Um, Young Master.”

“Yes?”

“I have never actually been on a horse before.”

“….”

Lucian leaned his head into his hand at the sight of Hugo’s sheepish face.

—

It was perfectly logical, in hindsight.

Between the initial cost and the upkeep, horses were prohibitively expensive. As a former street thug, Hugo naturally lacked any experience with equestrianism.

However, it was out of the question to decelerate for Hugo’s sake. If Lucian, the Third Young Master, was moving with haste, then Hugo, a mere retainer, had to keep the pace.

“It cannot be helped. I shall instruct him as we ride.”

“Is there truly time for that? It usually takes more than twenty-four hours to teach a novice properly.”

“These skills are best acquired through necessity. It will be far more grueling than learning at a leisurely pace, but he will simply have to persevere.”

With that, Raymon assisted Hugo onto his mount. And so commenced three days of absolute misery for Hugo.

“W-Wait! My lower half is in agony!”

“Clinch the horse with your thighs! You are losing your grip, which is why you are bouncing like a grain mallet!”

“But the horse starts bucking when I do that!”

“Do not squeeze with all your might, just enough to stay centered! Keep your spine straight and shift your weight! Don’t just sit there like a board; synchronize with the animal’s gait!”

“Just a bit slower, please…!”

“We have no time for that! If you fall behind, we are moving on without you, so keep up!”

“Gwaaargh!”

Fortunately, Hugo’s physical resilience was far beyond that of a normal person due to his sword training, and he managed to survive a trial that would have broken a commoner several times over. It was also a testament to his frantic effort to absorb Raymon’s advice so he wouldn’t be abandoned.

Hugo’s suffering finally ceased three days later when they arrived at the harbor, the midpoint of their journey.

“If we board a vessel here, we can sail straight to Vilun, the port town neighboring Bornholm. With a favorable breeze, we can arrive in two days, though it might take four if the wind dies down.”

“What is the travel time from Vilun to Bornholm?”

“Half a day is more than enough, even if we don’t rush.”

“That is a relief. Hugo’s backside should be able to tolerate that duration.”

Despite the teasing, Hugo couldn’t muster a retort. Only pained noises escaped him because of his battered rear. Out of sympathy, Lucian allowed Hugo to rest completely while they were on the boat.

“I am asking just to be sure, but you don’t suffer from sea sickness, do you? That would be a complication we don’t need.”

“Thankfully, I was on ships a few times as a lad. My father was a merchant sailor.”

“I hadn’t heard that before.”

“It isn’t a significant detail. And my time on the water was brief. The vessel went down and he passed away before I was grown.”

Hugo remained stoic even as he discussed his father’s passing. He mentioned it was such a frequent tragedy among seafaring folk that it wasn’t even viewed as a unique misfortune.

“Still, I feel I have gained a basic grasp of riding. I will be able to utilize that skill later.”

Given the specific weight he put on the word ‘later,’ it was clear he was thinking of his eventual knighthood. Since mastery of the horse was a requirement for a knight, it was beneficial that he had acquired the basics now, however painful the process.

The vessel transporting Lucian’s group docked at their goal, Vilun, three mornings later.

“Excellent timing. If we depart after a quick meal, we should be able to meet the First Young Master before sunset.”

Just as Raymon predicted, the fortifications of Bornholm became visible before the twilight took hold. There was still a gap to close, but it appeared they would arrive shortly if they maintained their speed.

Just as the group began to relax at the sight of their destination, unusual activity was spotted up ahead.

“A pack of riders is approaching. There are knights of the Valdek house in pursuit.”

“Is that my older brother? He isn’t the sort to ride out and welcome me just because he spotted us.”

“The First Young Master is indeed with them… but it appears they are hunting the group in the lead rather than coming to meet us.”

At Raymon’s assessment, Lucian focused his internal energy into his vision. His sight, sharpened significantly by mana, centered on the figures sprinting across the distance.

There were six people fleeing from the Valdek knights. They were draped in dark cowls to mask their features, making it obvious they weren’t engaged in anything legal.

“I assume we ought to intervene? They likely aren’t being hunted for good deeds.”

“I agree. However, we won’t be able to intercept all of them.”

Raymon scowled as he noted there were six targets. With only five Black Lions, one was certain to slip through. Hugo was still a novice rider, and Lucian was the priority to be protected, so they weren’t counted as combatants.

However, Lucian gave a sharp grin and unsheathed the blade at his hip.

“I will handle the one on the far left. You five neutralize the others.”

“What? Young Master!”

“Young Master!?”

Ignoring the cries of Raymon and Hugo, Lucian kicked his horse into a gallop. Raymon was stunned by the abrupt move, but he quickly processed the reality and barked out orders.

“Darn it! Spread out and intercept every single one trying to flee!”

“But what about the Young Master’s safety…!”

“It is too late for that! Just follow the command!”

Indeed, it was too late. In this scenario, no matter how fast the Black Lions reacted, Lucian, who had already committed to the charge, would reach the enemy first. Since protection was no longer an option, the most effective path was to follow Lucian’s lead.

“Move aside if you value your life, boy!”

As Lucian cut off the path of retreat, a figure in a black cowl barked a threat in a raspy tone, pulling a sword while mounted.

However, Lucian didn’t flinch as he charged, flooding his muscles with mana. Seeing that Lucian had no intention of yielding, the hooded rider ground his teeth in fury.

“Damn you! You chose this, so don’t blame me for what happens!”

A heavy bloodlust saturated the man’s voice, clearly intending to butcher Lucian as they passed. Based on his aggressive momentum, he intended to strike head-on and crush Lucian with brute power.

Finally, at the point of contact, the man brought his blade down with every ounce of his strength.

CLANG!

“Guh…!?”

Accompanying the sound of snapping steel, the man’s frame was launched into the air.