Chapter 95 – Preparations for Departure Part 2

“You mean there might still be other unexplored ruins within the Sea of Trees?”

“I’m not sure. ……In any case, we can do nothing more but speculate about these things. Are there any more points that caught your attention?”

“Let’s see…… There’s also the extent and quality of the troops serving under Lord Corinth. It’s probably not a small number since aside from developing the land in the depths of the Sea of Trees, he was even able to dispatch people to scout out our village that’s located deep in the mountains.”

“That’s true. Lord Corinth said this earlier as well. ‘If your people want to live in the city, I shall prepare houses for everyone.’ or something to that effect.

It seems hard to believe, but it sounds like they’ve already managed to build a livable town or city within the depths of the Sea of Trees. And it also sounds like they have more than enough leeway to provide accommodations for everyone in our village in addition to their own people. And given that he also offered to prepare arable fields, I surmise that Lord Corinth probably has a hidden force that’s at least several thousand strong.”

“……That does seem to be the case. But why have there not been any rumors about such a large force until now?”

Exactly. His Excellency’s troops are probably from the fallen Starveek regime, but just how were they able to mask the movements of at least thousands of people with absolutely no one noticing until now? If such a number headed to the Sea of Trees, there should definitely be rumors about them circulating.

The most terrifying thing about Lord Corinth is the degree of secrecy surrounding him. Most people in the royal capital only think of His Excellency as an A-rank adventurer who was lucky enough to defeat a dragon.

However, in truth, he’s a powerful figure who possesses more artifacts than this country and even commands a dragon. There are no other forces comparable or more dangerous than the one he leads.

Even though we were unaware of the true extent of his power, it’s a fact that we made a move on a truly horrifying individual.

There’s no use even if regret it now. The discussion has been going smoothly so far. I think I was able to sufficiently convey the power of His Excellency to everyone present.

It’s about time. I have to somehow convince everyone to support me in betraying this country. If possible, I don’t want to kill anyone here if I can help it.

“Gentlemen, we have stepped on a dragon’s tail. Lord Corinth isn’t someone we should have touched.

However, this is also an opportunity for us. We were already planning on severing relations with this country’s leaders in the first place. However, we had to take the safety and survival of our village into account. I’m sure all of you are aware that we haven’t been able to come up with any feasible plans for so long.

……I think serving under Lord Corinth is one of the best options for us to take. He is both merciful and generous. Those in power who have both these qualities are few and far between.”

“How can you be so sure of that, chief?”

“I’ve heard that even as he led a thorough crackdown of the criminals and bandits in the capital, most of them were kept alive. And furthermore, he also split all the confiscated loot with the city garrison without any qualms.

His offering a relocation allowance to the craftsmen and orphans who are going with them to the new territory is also unprecedented.

Considering that the employment conditions of said craftsmen are also quite exceptional, our employment conditions should be reasonable at the very least.

The risks we’ll undertake will certainly be great. Aside from delaying the deployment of the Marquis’ private army, we are also tasked with stealing the Guinea Alchemint, which will probably be extremely difficult and dangerous.

However, I believe that Lord Corinth is more than capable enough to eventually conquer both the Belta and Alois Kingdom.

If we successfully handed the Guinea Alchemint over to him, we will also be considered as one of the founders of the new great power. There is no better opportunity for us and our village.”

“But is it really so easy to found a country? Can that person really accomplish such a thing?”

“Princess Cleria Starvine is the second cousin of this country’s king. This means, depending on how you look at it, she can be considered the royalty of both the Belta and Alois Kingdoms.

Lineage is valued by the nobles more than we commoners can imagine.

Most likely, Lord Corinth is planning to fight under the name of Princess Cleria. If he does so, I imagine he can gain the cooperation and support of at least some nobles in this country.”

For nobles, it’s difficult to fall under a newly appointed baron who is of commoner descent. But if the other party is of royal blood, the story greatly changes. This conjecture shouldn’t be far from the truth.

“……But there’s no guarantee that Lord Corinth will keep his end of the agreement, right?”

“You have a point. However, I believe Lord Corinth is more than credible. In any case, if we do not keep our end of the bargain, the only thing waiting for us is death. Does anyone here actually believe that Lord Corinth doesn’t have the capability to do so?”

No one spoke out. His achievement in the bandit crackdown was enough evidence of his abilities, and we will probably just be considered as nothing more than humdrum additions to the ones he’s already killed in his path to conquest if we fell out with him.

“Listen, you all. The truth is that we were just one step away from death and that we were only spared because we pleaded for our lives and proclaimed ourselves to be useful. In order to repay our debt for being allowed to live, we will need to betray this country and work under Lord Corinth from now on. ……Is there anyone who objects?”

Again, no one responded to my question. ……That’s good. It looks like I don’t have to kill anybody after all.

“If that’s the case, then let’s straighten out our future plans. First, we have to deal with the Marquis’ private army. Erich, you and your team will make sure no news gets through the Marquis’ territory for the time being.”

“Understood. We will pin down the guild’s information network, messengers, and keep an eye on postal towns between the capital and his territory.”

“Peter, you and your team should head to the Marquis’ territory. You already know what to do once you get there, right?”

“……I will interfere with the transmission of orders as much as possible, and in case those orders still get transmitted despite our efforts, we will assassinate their commanding officers to buy time.”

“Yosh, that’s fine. Lord Corinth has already told those involved in the expedition to start making preparations for departure yesterday. With that, we can surmise that they will probably depart within the next five days. Considering the distance from the Marquis’ territory, buying two week’s worth of time should be more than enough.

Next is the matter about the Guinea Alchemint…… Franz, who among those we can successfully make a move on is most likely to have some information regarding that Artifact?”

“……Baron Urs Barten, perhaps?”

“Right, he’s probably our best bet. For now, let’s just take him captive. Franz, you and your team should start gathering information about Baron Barten starting tomorrow.”

“Understood.”

“The spies working directly under the Marquis will prove troublesome. We’ll have to assault their hideout and kill them all.

Horatz, contact them and act as if we’re asking for assistance. Make sure to have them all gather in their hideout. If possible, execute this plan tonight. We’ll coordinate with you.”

“Got it.”

“Julian, you shall join up with Lord Corinth. You’ll serve as the liaison between us and him.”

“Eeh!? ……J-Just me, chief?”

“That’s right. I’ll write a letter of introduction for you. I’m sure His Excellency will approve of you joining them. You need to constantly send reports regarding what Lord Corinth is currently doing.

But you first have to check with Lord Corinth and get his approval before sending your reports. Make sure you always do so, alright? Also, don’t carelessly nose around. Don’t you dare touch any of their weapons and Artifacts too. Answer honestly whenever you’re asked a question.

Understood?”

“……Understood.”

Though I do feel a bit sorry for him, I still have to offer up Julian as a hostage. If I sent my nephew to them, it would properly signify that we have no intention of betrayal.

“We probably don’t have much time before the Marquis notices our betrayal and sets his sights on our village in retaliation. We’ll be treading on thin ice in the next two months. Prepare yourselves and do your absolute best.”

“”Understood!””