Chapter 35
Patton and his mercenary crew, previously stationed to watch the alley, made their way back to Bradley's shanty as the agreed time approached.
"Lord, have you finished all the work...” As Patton entered the room, he froze.
Six-Fingers and the crew followed Patton’s actions, driven by the grim scene that met their gaze, underscored by the foul odor of blood. They encountered a grotesque sight: a large, mutilated body, its blood, guts, and flesh saturating the area. The culprit behind this horrifying spectacle was clear, for among the three individuals present, only Ian was drenched in blood.
"You've arrived just in time. Could you clean this up?" Declan turned to look at them. His complexion was somewhat pale, but his tone was not much different from usual.
Quickly closing the door, Patton approached him and said, "What's all this? ...Where is Sir Bradley?"
"This corpse is Bradley." At Declan's answer, Patton and the mercenaries looked at the corpse in confusion.
"This is... Sir Bradley?"
Their confusion was due to the body's exaggerated, contorted muscles and strange growths, making it appear more beast than man.
"...A corrupted one." Six-Fingers blurted out suddenly.
He added with trembling lips, "Sir Bradley was a corrupted one, wasn't he?"
With a glance at Ian, Declan confirmed with a nod. A wave of sighs passed through the mercenaries. Though not all were fully aware of the details, those who lived by the sword inevitably heard rumors about them.
All were terrifying rumors of them spreading the madness of the Back Wall, becoming unable to die, of beings that couldn't die, or of being hunted down by the holy knight order or the inspectorate if the empire took notice. Now, it was revealed that one of their own commanders in Orendel was a corrupted one.
"I should go now." It was then that Ian spoke.
Since the mercenaries had arrived, there was no reason for him to stay any longer. Moreover, he had finished interrogating Declan. Above all, his body felt unbearably dirty.
"Just a moment." Declan hastily stopped him. Declan then asked, "Won't you spare a bit more time?"
"Are you still curious about something?" said Ian.
" You said you wouldn't doubt me anymore, right?” said Delcan.
"For now, yes,” Ian answered.
"Then could you tell me what your plan is from now?" said Declan.
"You heard what he said. There are remaining corrupted ones, so they need to be dealt with," Ian answered.
The mercenaries tensed up, knowing the validity of the statement from someone who had eliminated both the underground waterway monster and the corrupted one.
"My father and brother, both?" Declan asked.
It seemed like the mercenary crew forgot to breathe after Declan's following words. Their instincts were warning them that they were listening to something they shouldn't know. Some mercenaries' gaze drifted toward the door. However, Philip was already standing in front of it, with his eyes full of distrust.
"Yes," said Ian.
"Could you possibly allow a few days' grace?" said Declan.
Regardless of the atmosphere, Ian and Declan continued their conversation calmly.
"A grace period?" Ian asked.
"I'm not trying to halt your mission. Only suggesting that the sudden demise of both lord and heir could plunge the city into chaos," said Declan.
"That's not my concern," Ian replied.
"What if I said it might make your job a little easier, would you care then?" said Declan.
"Hmm...." Ian hummed and flicked his chin. He then continued, "I'll listen, at least."
"Infiltrating the inner castle won't be easy. Of course, it would be possible with your skills, but there's no need to act like thieves or assassins when you're doing the right thing. No need to bear any dishonor," said Declan.
"And your point?" Ian asked.
"Let's make our entrance boldly, through the front gate," said Declan.
"You're suggesting a rebellion?" Ian asked again.
"What do you mean by rebellion." Declan smiled. He continued, "How could judging a corrupted one be considered a rebellion? It's about setting justice right."
"And you'll take the lord's seat?" said Ian.
"If it's I need to, then it must be done. I have no intention of reaching out to the darkness or raising a rebellion against the kingdom. It seems like a not-so-bad choice for the future of the kingdom," Declan replied.
Ian smirked and thought, It appears he is significantly mistaken about something.
"I have no interest in the future of the kingdom. What matters is what I gain from helping you. My reason for killing those corrupt is simply because it is the request," said Ian.
"Ah, I see. You're suggesting I offer something practical. Well, it seems you wouldn't care about any title I might offer...," said Declan.
After a moment of thought, Declan spoke, "You already have a fine weapon, so how about matching armor? I'm sure we can find something good in the castle. Of course, I'll also provide money. It might not be a fortune, but it'll be fair."
Ian blinked momentarily because the quest window had appeared.
[The Revenge of a Bastard Son]
"What do you think, Philip? Does this proposal seem reasonable?" Although Ian had chosen to accept the quest, he spoke without betraying any emotion.
"There must always be a lord in a fief by law. If we can prove that Marquess Burchard and his heir were the corrupted ones, His Majesty the King will surely understand the legitimacy." Philip nodded.
"You heard him. Are you willing to hand over the neck of marquess and his heir to us?" Ian asked.
"If you allow me to kill at least one of them with my own hands. It holds great significance, both personally and publicly." Declan spoke of killing his kin without any sign of disturbance. Instead, he seemed eager, as if looking forward to it. Of course, Ian had no interest in the underlying reasons.
"The deal is made. However, you must be thoroughly prepared. If the situation gets messy, I'll revert to the most reliable and easiest method at any time," said Ian.
"There won't be any need for that. By the way, now this fellow here has agreed to help me..." Declan's gaze shifted to the mercenaries, who were holding their breath.
"You guys will join us, right? To judge Orendel's corrupted lord and his vassals, and to secure a position for yourself for your contributions." He spoke softly and smiled. However, his eyes held a strange chill as he looked at the mercenaries.
Amid some swallowing nervously,
"Isn't it obvious? From the moment I decided to serve you, my lord, I've always dreamt of such a future."
"Ah, this will be interesting. A chance to become a noble with only six fingers."
Patton and Six-Fingers took their turns to speak.
Patton laughed heartily and looked around at his gang. "Why the cold feet? When we have a powerhouse who single-handedly took down a corrupted one. Are you going to kick away the chance for advancement like dumbasses?"
"No... no way! Of course not! Let's do it."
"Yeah, let's go for it!"
The mercenaries finally shouted in agreement, realizing fully well that ignoring such an opportunity after listening to this story would mean a silent death, unknown to the world.
Declan nodded and turned his gaze toward Ian, "Good. Sir Hope, take a good rest. The preparation will be done by me and these guys. Just do your part well. And don't forget the terms of our agreement."
Ian nodded and added, "Make sure you're fully prepared. You won't get a second chance with me."
Declan's smile deepened, "Don't worry. I've never had the luxury of a second chance in my life."
***
Two days passed. Changes were quietly taking place. Nearly a third of the mercenaries had disappeared from the city without a trace, and the faces of the shantytown residents were marked with a strange tension. Of course, these changes were subtle, not noticeable unless one lived among them.
There were still numerous mercenaries, and on the surface, everything seemed normal. Ian's days were also the same. He solved minor requests during the day and spent the evenings eating and drinking. What set him apart from others was that his leisure was not an act. He truly had no reason to hurry or be anxious. Although the perspective of the square was different.
"The young lord hasn't shown his face today either," Philip grumbled discontentedly.
"No news is good news," Ian replied nonchalantly as he bit into a sausage. Surprisingly, he was getting used to the taste.
"I understand that as a bastard, you need to gain recognition and legitimacy, but I can't help thinking that a frontal assault is impractical. Even if you, my lord, can deal with the corrupted ones... both the Marquess Buchard's forces and the mercenaries will suffer great damage," said Philip.
"There must be a plan. The young master wouldn't be unaware of that,” said Ian.
"Do you have any idea what the plan might be?" Philip asked.
"Why bother guessing? We'll find out when the time comes. And it's not an important part for us." Ian lifted his beer mug.
"We just need to finish our job. Whatever the young lord’s plan is, it will probably be more straightforward and also easier than what we originally intended," said Ian.
"...Now that I think about it, I've never asked. What was your original plan?" Philip asked.
"One was to climb up the outer walls and sneak into the inner castle, avoiding the eyes of the guards and other residents," said Ian.
"...And the other?" Philip asked.
"We had a path we'd taken before, remember?"
"No way, the underground waterways?" Philip's brow furrowed at the hesitation.
"Yes. It would lead us right inside the inner castle. The smell will probably be... unavoidable, though,” said Ian.
"I guess we'll have to trust in the young lord’s plan." Philip, grimacing, added determinedly,
"That would be wise. If things go awry, I'm prepared to proceed with my plan tonight," said Ian.
"May Lu Solar guide us...," as Philip murmured,
"Sorry to have kept you waiting." Declan emerged through the crowd.
Ian nodded at him.
Declan sat down in the vacant seat, smiling, "Don’t tell me that our agreement has been nullified in the meantime."
"Not yet. It depends on the news you bring," said Ian.
"Sounds good. Everything is ready," said Declan.
"You're quick. As if you've been preparing in advance." A cryptic smile crossed Ian's lips.
"I had only prepared for the worst-case scenario. Luckily, that's come in handy this time." Declan shrugged.
"So, when do we start?" Ian asked.
"Tomorrow,” said Declan.
"Tomorrow night? At midnight?" Philip asked, with his eyes shining.
Declan shook his head, "No. Not at night, but during the day. Tomorrow at noon. The ringing of the bell will be our signal."
"Eh...? Not at night, but during the day?" Philip asked.
"Yes. Since it's a righteous cause, it should be done under the watchful eyes of Lu Solar," said Declan.
"Huh..." Philip sighed lengthily. A rebellion during broad daylight was hard to imagine.
Ian smirked and asked, "What will our role be?"
"Just stay close to me until it's time for you to do your part," said Declan.
"Is that really all?" said Ian.
"Yes. Even if things don't go as smoothly as I hope..." Declan smiled with a vibrancy that belied the gravity of the impending battle.
Declan continued, "In the end, we'll enter the inner castle through the main gate."
***
Ding!
The bell rang at noon.
Having finished all preparations, Ian exchanged glances with Philip and then promptly left the room. As he emerged into the dining area, the armed mercenaries stood up abruptly. Their eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and fear. Ian passed by them without acknowledging their salutes or glances. Yet, the mercenaries naturally followed him.
Philip hurried ahead to open the inn's door.
What's with the solemnity? Ian snorted internally as he stepped out.
"Oh. Just in time." It was then that Declan's voice was heard. He was approaching them with Patton and his loyal followers.
Unlike usual, they were fully armed, wearing chainmail with round shields, and swords. Ian glanced at the back of the group where Six-Fingers were managing a cart of supplies and joined Declan's side.
"...Is this everyone?" Philip asked quietly.
The group following Declan, combined with the mercenaries from the inn, totaled no more than thirty. The number was surely smaller than usual.
Declan responded without turning his head, "Of course not. Reinforcements will join us soon. A lot of them."
Declan led the way through the alleys of the shantytown toward the main road leading to the outer castle gate.
It was then that Philip's eyes widened. From almost every alley leading to the main road, a crowd was emerging. They were the residents of the shantytown, led by mercenaries serving as guides.
"These people are... the reinforcements?" Philip asked.
"Yes. Impressive, isn't it?" Declan smiled.
"You must have had a hard time getting them to join," said Ian.
As a person originally from the modern world, Ian was not constrained by social status. However, the people of this world were different. Hierarchy was natural here.
Nobles, such as lords, were believed to be blessed and protected by the Gods. Naturally, opposing them was akin to blasphemy. If Declan had not been the instigator, this movement would not have even started.
"It wasn't as hard as you might think. Most were forcibly relocated here, having lost friends and family in the process. I just provided the opportunity." Declan spoke calmly as he continued to walk.
A large crowd trailed behind him toward Orendel Castle. Approaching the castle walls, Orendel's original inhabitants started to merge with them, swelling their ranks considerably. Inside the walls, some chose to lock their doors and conceal themselves. Yet, it appeared that over half of Orendel's populace supported this movement.
"You've made Bradley's deeds known," said Ian.
"They have the right to know the truth. Especially when it is about their family and friends," said Declan.
"You've risked everything," Ian nodded. He finally understood what Declan's plan was.
"It's an opportunity worth taking," said Declan.
"That means, as long as they get through this time, it'll be enough," said Ian.
It would be impossible for such a large group to assemble for the second time. The blood bath would come before that.
"That won't happen since you're here. Even if my plan fails, you'll do what you need to do, right?" Declan asked.
"Well, that is true," said Ian.
"That's why I prepared for your success to ensure mine. So, I just need to set the perfect stage for you," said Declan.
"Hmm." A smile flickered across Ian's lips. Focusing on that aspect was an excellent shift in perspective.
"After all, this would have been impossible without you," said Declan.
As Declan turned to him with a smile,
"Halt, stop!"
Shouts echoed from atop the walls.
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