Chapter 35
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Paton and his mercenaries, who had been guarding the alley, returned to Bradleys pawnshop as the promised time arrived.
Young master. Have you finished the job?
Paton, who entered the room, froze. Yukson and the other mercenaries who followed behind him were the same.
The putrid smell of blood stung their noses, and a gruesome scene unfolded before their eyes.
A massive, torn-apart corpse. Blood, entrails, and flesh were scattered everywhere.
There was no need to wonder who had created such a spectacle.
Among the three in the room, only Ian was covered in blood, which caught Patons attention.
Declan turned to them.
You came at the right time. Could you clean up this place?
His complexion was somewhat pale, but his tone was not much different from usual.
Paton, who quickly closed the door, approached him and asked.
What is all this? Where is Sir Bradley?
This corpse is Bradley.
In response to Declans answer, Paton and the mercenaries turned bewildered gazes toward the corpse.
This is Sir Bradley?
Enlarged and contorted muscles, grotesque protrusions. It seemed more like the body of a monster than that of a human.
Fallen.
Yukson blurted out suddenly.
He added with trembling lips.
Sir Bradley was a fallen. Am I right?
Declan glanced at Ian and nodded.
Sighs spread among the mercenaries.
Few knew the exact nature of these entities, but living in the Underworld, one heard rumors about them from time to time.
Spreading madness from the Black Wall or rendering one unable to die.
Ruthless rumors like dispatching the Divine Knights or Surveillance Corps from the Empire to eliminate everything around them.
But here in Orundel, and one of the commanders being a fallen at that.
In that case, Ill be leaving now.
Ians words came suddenly.
The mercenaries had arrived, so there was no reason to stay any longer.
It had been a thorough interrogation anyway.
Above all, he felt uncomfortable all over.
Just a moment.
Declan hurriedly grabbed him.
Can you give me a little more time?
Do you still have something youre curious about?
You said you wouldnt suspect me anymore.
At least not immediately.
Then wont you tell me? What to do from now on.
You heard what the man said. There are still some fallen ones left, so they need to be dealt with.
The unsettled mercenaries froze.
The words spoken by the one who had killed creatures in the underground sewer, of fallen ones, couldnt be false.
Father and brother too?
?!
Declans continuation left everyone breathless.
Each instinct warned them they were hearing something they shouldnt.
Someones gaze turned toward the door.
Suddenly, Phillip was blocking it, standing there.
With a gaze full of distrust.
Thats right.
Then wont you give us a few more days at least?
Whether they said it or not, Ian and Declan continued their conversation nonchalantly.
A few more days?
Im not trying to stop you. But if the lord and the heir both die overnight, there will be tremendous chaos in the territory.
Its not my concern.
If I told you that your situation might get a little easier, would you care?
Hmm
Ian muttered thoughtfully and clicked his tongue.
For now, Ill consider listening.
Penetrating the castle wont be an easy task. Of course, with your skills, you should be more than capable. But do you really need to act like thieves or assassins while doing the right thing? Theres no need to overturn your reputation.
So?
Lets go through the front gate. Boldly.
Are you suggesting a rebellion?
A rebellion, you say?
Declan smiled.
How can judging the fallen ones be called a rebellion? Its about establishing justice.
And if you were to take the lords seat?
If thats what destiny dictates, then I should. I have no intention of extending my hand to darkness or raising a banner against the kingdom. It seems like a reasonable choice for the future of the kingdom.
Seems like hes quite mistaken.
Ian commented wryly.
I have no interest in the future of the kingdom. Whats important is what I gain from helping you. The fact that Im trying to kill them is because of the contract.
Ah, I see. Youre suggesting something practical. You wouldnt care about my position?
Declan pondered for a moment.
Weapons are already splendid, but how about giving you suitable armor? If you search the castle, youll surely find something good. And, of course, Ill pay. It might not be a fortune, but itll be reasonable.
Ian blinked momentarily.
The quest window had popped up in his mind.
Vengeance for the scroll.
Ian chose to accept but didnt reveal it openly.
What do you think, Phillip? Is this a reasonable proposal?
Phillip nodded.
There must always be a lord in the domain. If we can prove that Marquis Burchard and his adversary were fallen, the King will surely acknowledge the legitimacy.
Thats what youre suggesting. Handing over the Marquis and your brothers heads?
At least one of them, if I could kill one of them personally. Theres a great significance, privately or publicly.
He spoke of killing his own kin, yet there was no wavering in Declans demeanor.
Instead, his eyes lit up as if he faced an unexpected opportunity.
Of course, Ian had no interest in such motivations.
The contract is sealed. However, you should prepare thoroughly. If things get messy, I can easily revert to the most certain and convenient solution.
Thats unlikely to happen. By the way, now that this friend here is going to help me
Declans gaze turned toward the silent mercenaries.
Youll join us too, wont you? Its an opportunity to judge the fallen lord of Orundel and the deceased, and earn a place each for your achievements.
Declan smiled softly as he spoke.
But there was an eerie chill in his eyes, as cold as his voice was warm.
Among the hushed whispers, some swallowed dry saliva.
Isnt that obvious? Ever since I decided to serve the young master, Ive always dreamed of such a future.
Indeed, it should be interesting. An aristocrat with only six fingers will have the chance to rise.
Paton and Yukson successively voiced their agreement.
Smirking, Paton turned to the other mercenaries.
Why the hesitation? A capable individual who defeats even fallen ones is willing to fight with us. Are you going to let opportunities for advancement slip through your fingers like fools?
Well, thats right! Lets do it!
The mercenaries cheered with a shout. In any case, they all knew. If they didnt join after hearing this kind of story, they would unwittingly end up dead, be it mice or birds.
Declans gaze turned back to Ian.
Good. Ian, rest well. Well take care of the preparations. Just focus on what you intend to do. And dont forget the terms of the contract.
Ian added as he nodded.
Be fully prepared. There wont be a second chance for you.
Declans smile deepened.
Dont worry. Ive never had a second chance like that in my life.
***
Ippotranslation
***
Two days had passed.
Changes were quietly taking place.
About 30% of the mercenaries had disappeared from the city without a trace, leaving the faces of the townspeople tense with an odd unease.
Of course, unless you lived with them, these changes were hard to notice.
There were still plenty of mercenaries, and outwardly, everything seemed normal.
The same went for Ians activities.
He handled small quests during the day and spent his time eating and drinking at night.
What set him apart from others was that his leisure was not a guise.
He had no reason to rush or feel tense. However, this wasnt the case for the descendants.
Young master isnt even in sight today.
Phillip muttered discontentedly.
No news is good news.
Ian retorted gruffly as he bit into a sausage.
Surprisingly, he was getting used to the taste.
Although I understand that he is a bastard and his position and legitimacy must be acknowledged, but it seems almost impossible to confront them directly. Even if we can somehow deal with the fallen, both the lord and the mercenaries would suffer blows.
Perhaps he has a plan. You might be unaware of that.
Do you have any guesses?
Guessing and then what? Well find out when the time comes. And its not something thats important to us.
Ian lifted his mug.
All we need to do is finish our tasks. Whatever the young masters plan is, it should be easier and more convenient than what we originally intended.
Now that I think about it, Ive never asked you. What was the young masters original plan?
One was to climb the outer city walls and infiltrate the inner city. Avoiding the guards and residents.
And the other?
Weve been to a certain place before, havent we?
Philips eyes widened with realization.
You cant mean, the underground sewer?
Thats right. It should extend inside the inner city. The smellcouldnt be helped.
Philip made a disgusted face, then added with a smirk.
We should trust the young masters plan.
That would be for the best. If we deviate, hell move according to his own plan, as soon as tonight.
Lou Sola, please
As Philip murmured.
Im sorry for keeping you waiting for so long.
Declan emerged from the crowd.
Ian tilted his head slightly.
Declan, who had taken his seat, smiled.
Surely our contract hasnt been voided during this time, has it?
Its not too late. Depending on the news you bring, things could change.
Good timing. All the preparations are complete.
A peculiar smile grazed Ians lips.
Youre quick. As if you were preparing ahead of time.
Declan shrugged.
I was just prepared for the worst-case scenario. Ironically, it turned out to be helpful this time.
So, when will you start?
Tomorrow.
Tomorrow night? At midnight?
Phillips eyes gleamed.
Declan shook his head.
No, not at night. Well do it during the day. Tomorrow at noon. When the bells chime.
What? Not at night, during the day?
Yes. Its an honorable task. It should be done under Lou Solas watchful gaze.
Ugh
Phillip let out a sigh.
A rebellion during broad daylight. It was something difficult to imagine.
Ian smirked.
Whats our role?
You guys just need to stick close to me. At least until you need to do your part.
Is that really it?
Yes. Even if things dont go exactly as planned
With eyes brimming with energy that was hard to believe in a person on the eve of a decisive day, Declan smiled.
In the end, well enter the inner city through the main gate.
***
Ippotranslation
***
Ding-
The bell rang, signaling noon.
Ian, who had been waiting with Phillip, exchanged a glance and promptly left the room.
As he emerged into the dining hall, the armed mercenaries stood up.
There was a mixture of excitement and fear in their eyes, suppressed yet bubbling.
Ian passed them by, pretending not to see their glances or salutes.
Nevertheless, the mercenaries naturally followed behind him.
As Phillip quickly caught up and opened the inns door.
What are you guys so secretive about?
Ian smirked and walked out the door.
Oh, you came out right on cue.
Declans voice reached his ears shortly thereafter.
He, accompanied by his attendants including Paton, was approaching.
Unlike usual, he was clad in a chainmail suit, a round shield, and a sword.
Ian lifted an eyebrow as he looked at the caravan that Yukson was pulling.
Is this everything?
Phillip asked in a hushed tone.
Those who followed Declan and the mercenaries at the inn were only about thirty people in total.
A lower number than usual.
Declan answered without turning his head.
Of course not. More supporters will join soon. A lot of them.
After passing through the alleys of the plankton city, he set out on the road leading to the main gate of the outer castle.
.!
Phillips eyes widened at that moment.
Crowds were pouring out of almost every alley leading to the main street.
They were the residents of the plankton city, led by mercenaries who acted as guides.
Are these your supporters?
Declan smiled.
Yes. Isnt it impressive?
You must have gone through a lot. It couldnt have been easy to convince them to join.
Ian remarked.
As a modern person, he wasnt restricted by social hierarchies.
However, people in this world were different.
Their social status was a given, and nobles like lords were believed to receive blessings and protection from the gods.
Naturally, opposing them was considered blasphemy.
If Declan werent leading this, the movement wouldnt have come to fruition.
It wasnt as hard as you might think. Most of them were forcibly resettled here. Theyve lost friends or family in the process. I just provided the opportunity.
Declan said nonchalantly as he continued walking.
Many groups followed the procession, including former residents of Orundel.
The closer they got to the castle walls, the more people joined, including those who originally lived within Orundel.
The numbers were not insignificant.
Although there were people living inside the walls and those hiding away, it was evident that more than half of Orundels population were in support.
Did you reveal what Bradley did?
They have the right to know the truth. Especially if it involves their brothers and friends.
Ian nodded.
He was starting to grasp Declans plan.
Youve staked everything.
Because its an opportunity to do so.
Which also means that they shouldnt let this one pass
With this number of participants, a second gathering would be impossible. A storm of blood would come before then.
Thats unlikely. As long as youre here. Even if my plan fails, youll do what youre meant to do, wont you?
Thats true.
So, your success will be my success. Ive prepared the perfect stage for you.
Hoho.
A smile tugged at the corner of Ians mouth. He hit the nail on the head with that one. It was a brilliant twist.
Either way, without you, this would have been impossible.
Declan, looking back at him, smiled even more broadly.
Stop! Halt!
A shout rang out from atop the castle wall.
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Translator; ippo
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