The nets are set and all we have to do is wait.

Charles is out to command the area.

Then Charles’ second-in-command comes to me.

Quirino Schakaruga.

He is a tall, stout human male.

His image resembles that one from the Silence series.

He is a member of the initial immigrant group, and since he organized the army, he has been making a name for himself and is considered to be a rising star.

One of the characteristics of the Ravenna army is that the vice general is in charge of logistics.

Like Napoleon, logistics work is not a punishment; here it is an elite course.

As soon as he entered the camp curtain, he saluted me.

“My lord, Sir Rossi has asked me to consult with you directly regarding logistics.”

Charles is busy right now.

“What is it, Mr. Schakaruga?”

He is from a commoner’s background, so I don’t add “Sir” in his name.

“As for logistics, we are running out of room for manpower. Transportation alone will eventually run out.”

“We need a lot of manpower, after all. We will have to ask the demon tribe to provide it for us.”

Quirino looked a little puzzled.

“I have refrained from doing so due to security concerns, but with your permission, I will do so.”

“I understand, then you may do so. I’m sure it will not take that long to negotiate the end of the war. It will be enough if you submit it temporarily.”

Quirino saluted and left.

Even though the horses are not that many, the amount of food they eat…

If the horses fall over at this point, some of the demon tribe will think of something bad.

I hope the rats will catch on soon…

As I was thinking this, a messenger came rushing in.

“M-My lord…I have something to report.”

“What is it? In such a hurry.”

I waited for the messenger to catch his breath.

“I apologize, my lord. The chief of the demon tribe has requested to see you.”

The chief? An eight-year-old by himself? What’s wrong with Oliver?

“Is the Chief a child?”

“Ah, yes… He is a boy under 10 years old.”

This is also unexpected…

Suddenly, I thought of Dorius’ third son.

The campsite was indeed near the town…

The gatekeeper didn’t see him? Maybe Oliver can get through to him.

“Then… let him through, please.”

“Yes, sir.”

The messenger seemed to think I would deny it, but he immediately bowed and left.

Even if it was a fake, he would still need to be protected.

If a child came to me and something happened to him, it would destabilize people’s minds.

We’re not a lost child center, though…

A boy from the demon tribe passed through.

He has a tanned face, red hair, and red eyes.

He looked smart.

“Hello, I am the commander, Alfred Della Scala.”

The boy bowed awkwardly.

It’s a funny thing to say, but this is a place of fishy diplomacy, you know.

“I am Marius Voirsch. I am the chief of the demon tribe!”

As I recall, Oliver also said that was the name of the chief.

“Then, Lord Voirsch, what can I do for you?”

“Grandpa Ori was talking about who would take responsibility for the last war.”

Grandpa Ori, you mean Oliver?

I am not sure if he is real or not, but at least he is acting well.

“What about it?”

Marius looked at me straight in the eyes, trembling faintly.

“I am the chief. I’ve only been one a short time, but… I heard from Grandpa that the chief is in charge when something happens.”

Hey, hey, don’t bring in any unnecessary trouble…

“That’s true. Basically, though.”

“Please spare everyone with my life!”

Oh, no.

He said it…

Does he understand that he’s going to die? Or did he go out of control after thinking too hard?

I shook my head with a sigh.

“Lord Voirsch can’t be responsible for this.”

Marius looked surprised.

“Why is that? I am the chief.”

If Mil were here, it would’ve been a big problem.

She would definitely sympathize with him, but she would also be saddened by her inability to let her personal feelings take precedence.

I would be just fine on my own in such a fishy place.

I unintentionally put on a gentle, admonishing face.

“You can’t take responsibility unless you are the one who made the decision to start this war. You were just a child when the war started.”

Marius looked like he was thinking hard, trying to say something back.

Hadn’t he thought about the cause and effect?

If he had been the son of the former chief, I would have considered executing him.

I wouldn’t want him to swear inwardly that he would take revenge later.

If not, there was little need to do so.

But what were the adults around him doing?

That’s what makes me angrier.

But first, I have a few questions for this courageous chief.

“How did Lord Voirsch get here? There must have been a gatekeeper.”

Marius’s face turned from regretful to proud.

“There’s a secret passageway out there!”

A hidden passageway that kids can get through, huh?

I’ll ask what I can.

If it is real… that is.

“By the way, did the previous chief or anyone who went into battle escape?”

Marius tilted his head.

“I never saw them in town.”

He doesn’t seem to be lying.

I guess they wouldn’t do anything obvious, like hiding in town.

So I decided to make small talk.

About Marius, about the town, about their daily life.

In other words, the fundamental information I wanted.

Information that Oliver is keeping secret.

While I was listening to Marius’ various stories, a report came in.

“Excuse me for interrupting your meeting! Mr. Oliver is checking on the whereabouts of the Chief.”

Marius looked as if his prank had been discovered.

“He’s right here. Let him pass.”

Marius looks down.

I will compensate you for the information you have given me.

“It’s all right. I’ll ask him to avoid getting angry with you.”

“Really!?”

Marius’ face lit up.

If this is acting or camouflage, he must be a pro or someone who believes it from the bottom of his heart.

It’s hard to believe that Oliver would plant an unrelated child as a sacrifice.

Soon, Oliver came in, looked at Marius, and breathed a sigh of relief.

Then he bowed to me.

“I’m sorry, Lord Alfred. I lost sight of him for a moment and…”

I held up a hand to stop Oliver.

“No, it was a nice change of pace to talk to him. I hope you won’t be angry that he snuck out.”

Oliver looked at me and Marius in turn and sighed.

“I understand. If you insist, Lord Alfred.”

After that, Marius left with Oliver.

I unexpectedly obtained important information.

And my belief that the rat was in the territory strengthened.

It’s about time to settle this.

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like