Chapter 132: She calls you (2)
0vfiEOne day when the sun shines warmly and the wind is cool.kDQLg5i
H9DGHUSuddenly, as the summer season arrived, the white snake of Deirmae decided to descend from the tree for the first time in a long time.2sr
ho3hdcThere’s no weather like this to enjoy sunbathing.TDuJej
hWe6On a hill as lonely as it is quiet. A white snake quietly closes its eyes while looking at the silent tombstones.vGXIj
mlxIjt6Its tail swayed gently with the wind.P2Y
eT5k—-?fzfhR6
w4iKAt that moment, the white snake that had just silently alighted raised its head as if sensing something.ZpnLo6
0P9NWThere’s a distinct feeling approaching from afar.csvE
3zYlTTIt was a sensation it hadn’t felt in a long time, so the white snake sniffed to see what was happening.bFI7ezu
EziKF—-!DPh
ODqINThe white snake’s eyes opened as it recognized the scent.55cjSQg
Pe6xThe scent of flowers wafted from afar.rAnqj
OUNAPalThe scent of very young flowers.jT0
RBqQIt had forgotten it for a while because it hadn’t felt it in so long, but it was an aroma that stirred up the nostalgia embedded in its soul.ci2
2pRBhKThe white snake stood up incredulously and looked further.Oquee9
D41RBeyond the Hainal mansion right in front, and beyond the territory.Yk5
GKwbAs the white snake opened its gaze to that point, the image of a familiar man began to appear.23Ww
0Auf1There was a blond knight coming directly to this place from far away from the territory.bFj
RW4kydmA sword made of stars filled with the breath of children.psv0
gEUH3AThe child who came riding on the knight’s sword spoke to each other.9De
HpHD7aThe possibility of a World Tree is not yet dead.exuM5IH
SzI3lXThe tail of the white snake began to tremble violently upon recognizing the child.WNUy21h
aO1iR***CGWa5G
O8ypy“…I knew it would be like this.”pgl1mH
hsqiuThe Hainal mansion is small and old, but it has been carefully maintained.3tXS0L
v4KA weak voice emanated from the office located at the highest point there.JXG
KiLUln“I knew it would end up like this.”mVMArA
QYxPhBeautiful aquamarine-colored hair floated over the desk as if seawater had been spilled on it.pTHC
LRLPRAlicia Hainal.Iv5
vlamNow she was collapsing onto the desk from helpless fatigue.ozvtt
LJuIt was a contrast to the white snake nodding enthusiastically outside the window.9WAO
jtXV“Didn’t you prepare everything you knew?”lqroVix
I0kv239Although the noblewoman didn’t seem as she should, Duncan, who guessed what she was thinking, simply comforted her with a calm voice.Jv9pxX
vTuiX“Are you ready?”htVO
gau25Alicia silently lifted her head at Duncan’s words.Ffx
JQ5t3The face hidden by the abundant hair seemed somewhat gloomy.Tm4h
gLUb6yu“You know very well that this level of preparation is not enough.”nHJg
AfU1“…”6SyL
CFSUJ2Duncan was speechless due to self-deprecation rather than criticism.Y5H2
jI688o“So.”61tn
6SXSkAlicia sighed and carefully stroked her hair as she looked at Duncan, who remained silent.HwU
Cx1CmCThere was a sheet of paper with many writings next to her bedside table.KvddFBv
e3vIt was a report summarizing the military composition of the Hainal family.73vJ7AT
hMn“…We can’t fight Gaidar with only 700 people.”1HYaQ
EcLThe troops gathered with the intention of squeezing dry rags, but they were only 700 men.D711ZNR
olMfaSEven if it were an ordinary territorial war, the opponent was Gaidar, the loser of the West, and even the children of the territory would know they couldn’t fight him with this number.pizv53
d805SN“What about the mercenaries? I heard prices have gone up a lot these days?”yoP9c
rT5xNv“That’s right, Lady Alicia.”fhV
BCewOxAlicia’s words ended in a dispersed manner like a sigh.Tq6
P5BhrWDuncan knew very well how much pressure she was facing, but today he couldn’t say anything to cheer Alicia up.c24hq
NNl“There are signs of war not only for us but everywhere. So the price of mercenaries has gone up a lot…”Ue5QI
C80PGaidar’s purpose was clear and could no longer be avoided.kMyN65
adLMVA battle was approaching that would determine not only the territory but also the fate of the family, and Alicia planned to do everything possible to fight for it.w15Sb
dwLClTU“I met some known mercenary leaders, but they all seemed reluctant to stand on our side.”g0z2edA
D4NIj“…I suppose so.”Cfk0
GsP7yAEHowever, contrary to Alicia’s determination, the world did not approach her easily.EXAAC
VU8DbPoor sir.brSelT
Bby80qQAnd a powerful enemy.SVX
UWgE2ZHEven mercenaries looking for opportunities would not want to board a sinking ship.IkJ8ul
ocvpjYp“In the end, we won’t even be able to prepare 1,000 people.”KTOz
CbzJm1“That’s right.”Q21bvf
mK96Alicia’s grim response to Duncan’s answer grew deeper.41Fh6q
iuLWbAccording to the information sent by Joseph, Gaidar was moving north with the families following him.OEYS1
tGB7VWith a total of about 5,000 soldiers.d9K
xNF7nTheir soldiers, who were only 700, would be nothing more than a heavy burden.Uf1sVok
6SE“But you won’t just run towards me at once, will you? Because they have no reason to attack us.”ugk
WJy“That’s right. Not only will they not stand still in the center, but we also have an ally named Bayezid.”3t7NB5
MPYUnlike the West, where everyone was intertwined for various reasons, Deirmar was a territory belonging to a completely different sphere of influence.AI4FBuv
iiyIf they invaded Deirmar without just cause, not only the imperial family and the central government but also numerous families would criticize them.4AaAyM7
iUNN“Lady Alicia, the guests have arrived.”9cIy
x6B“Is it a guest?”HZwT2Z
SiUThe butler entered politely.mr7Rza
1FdVAlicia’s office had always been filled with a heavy atmosphere, but through the door through which he entered, fresh air blew.TYmM
sL8aBGo“These are people from Bayezid.”two0p
fX6cB6t“Bayezid!”8F5Ps
R0bwpRKAlicia jumped from her seat, forgetting for a moment her face at the butler’s words.fM8rYPg
B8qQIThe sudden movement made her knee hit the desk, but it was more joy than pain.63vQXIC
CjNVucw“Hurry up and bring them in.”Mfct
rrwe“Understood.”ZaL
l1skAlicia didn’t hesitate to invite people who had just arrived at the mansion to her office.npQWC
sei9VKBecause everyone ignored Hainal, and they were the only ones approaching.TAmbFnO
ZKIra“It seems that Lord Joseph is also watching this situation.”DryZuq
LfoMHW0“Thank goodness.”0dNQ
bPwgZBAlicia leaned back deeply in her chair as if she had spent a while relaxing.A8yyh
Tl0Pba“Do you feel like you can breathe a little better now?”3xjEnmP
Qc2OD6No matter how Gaidar might be, he couldn’t ignore Bayezid.0z0Bw
bZtMJBdBayezid, one of the pillars of the North, was clearly a powerful family.Pe9W
zAF8x‘…I guess we’re teaming up.’nJDPrER
Scd7sBut Alicia hoped for something more than just the good news they would bring.BKG
MQKShe was hoping for someone who could give her a moment to breathe in the current situation where everything seems to be blocked.uKO4wwZ
WcxA small smile formed on Alicia’s lips as she thought of him.hdK
9x4“They’re already here.”RBkOp
Hf0o“Tell them to come in.”Cut
cotzMaOAlicia quickly brushed her hair after hearing the butler’s report, and before she knew it, she had returned to the appearance of a proud noblewoman and was greeting the guests.Vnzy
8kUHHer eyes shone brightly towards the door that was about to open.Euu4s
O2Iu“Long time no see. Baron.”zIQY
5RTThe door opened with Alicia’s expectations.zOpqBoB
oXnF30HThere was a man who opened the door and bowed courteously.gBTWMW
8zHzOnA knight sent by Joseph, a man who is often scolded by him but who always delivers results.9giu
U3ACo“My name is Bordan of Bayezid.”momT
FJIE3“…Ah.”Vtg
eCUs0XJAn old knight wipes sweat with a handkerchief, as if he were hot, as he greets.M8Zm
2pPzOLooking at him, Alicia stuck out her tongue unknowingly.1kc
7vBodP4The white snake outside the window was still raising its head and moving from side to side.Eev
le79If***JfnaGz
KpJPaMen with black hoods.pjjV7Q
y2LWpVlad and the Thornwood mercenaries were heading to Deirmar with them.kvGV5
Wm2JlI“Is that why you came here?”aojcCXh
RAj“…You shouldn’t ask me that.”9KrY
SzfX7A scarred man who doesn’t give clear answers to his questions.A1A
VivSeeing him like this, Vlad realized he had other duties besides taking him away.cJgC
Jm3DMaybe he was aiming for someone else’s head, like in the days of Endre Hainal.Z4RXYH
0RK“But how should I address you? Elder?”HeqLL
6BID7UUI don’t know who he is and I don’t know his intentions.1RLo
xLqJIt could be said that Vlad’s actions of continuing to seek information from a man full of doubts are a natural attitude derived from his survival instinct.ALOaM
EePqrH“Mmm. There was an issue with the title.”iy1i8BZ
escAfter hearing Vlad’s words, the hooded man stroked his chin and began to think for a moment.5dwHX
hEtU“I guess a superior is a bit like that. If possible, it would be better to pretend you don’t know me.”pnQ
d95G4“Why?”ITwQo
DqX“Because it’s best if both parties know nothing.”GNSzFq
O7JtlMoThe scars on his face distorted along with the man’s smile.uFH41
qvfkAn unknown man silently warning Vlad through non-verbal signals not to delve further.v3cnMRh
zKa6MOAVlad noticed the warning he was sending and nodded silently.zn4
267“Just call me by my name.”EARp9BV
jPNra“What’s your name?”O5yO0u
b5youmThe man, who remained silent for a moment in response to Vlad’s question, finally opened his mouth as if he had thought of something.IXZ88
VNRjxo“Let’s go with Marcus. You can call me Marcus from now on.”uvbPRF2
WYBLE“…You’re talking as if you’re not Marcus at this moment.”hIi5p
4TlpEg“The hardest part is coming up with a name. At this level, it’s quite good.”thaL
tLqA man with a black hood who doesn’t bother hiding the fact that he just made up a name.irbKBhc
8Dmr7NYThe man, who I would now call Marcus, turned his head and looked in Stephan’s direction.JAj
72wRkWd“We didn’t have enough workers anymore, but we did a good job. Are you employed?”cmgOHG
WFQ“Not yet.”O9cdXA
DgZoNG“I’ll give you a subsidy. Let them hire you.”Va2L
VjNIt may not have been his intention, but Marcus smiled happily seeing Vlad leading a group of mercenaries.HAU0ZpH
Z9jyEven though it was a frightening smile that made those who saw it feel intimidated.m4SxS6t
SvLX6aI“Not a bad choice for the Thorn mercenaries. They’re talented and, above all, they have a good mission completion rate.”Teqwj
W1sASTB“Is that so?”QFmwABu
Qigz8ULVlad nodded as he listened to Marcus.gW3
ZTOn3Knights have honor, mercenaries have confidence.jPVrBBe
cLPeDcThese were the main virtues that demonstrated one’s worth in each field, and Stephan was demonstrating his confidence through a high mission completion rate.VuB
AX6sC“For some reason, he didn’t run away.”Kg2YYiA
sYzf“Really?”VGpEN1
exbdrII knew well because I had been in the mercenary industry for a while.oB1QaU
MqHGA4Those who call themselves mercenaries are people who escape at every opportunity.DNLC
jAcqHowever, the Thornwood mercenaries did not flee even during the battle with August.SM2tuTF
XK5uMI liked that attitude, so I took him with me until now, even though I was aware of his superficial intentions.jsfkYg4
lKxyvJV“If you plan to keep taking him with you in the future, be careful with relationships with women.”sr8
dYKv9jh“Yes?”5tAhc
7rdMarcus simply shrugged in response to Vlad’s question.r04dA
CZAw9“Even with that level of skill, there’s a reason why they wander.”ZAmWkwd
j1hX“…Ha.”GFN3PLJ
vcxpErrThe rookie squire, who perfectly understood Marcus’s words.lMz
v9NVlad turned his head and looked at Stephan, who was following behind him.xItc
mqQStephan, who was casually looking at him, immediately smiled and winked as soon as he made eye contact with Vlad.YlNdLAQ
yzWxThe fact that the other eye didn’t even frown wasn’t something he had done once or twice.YUBu7Wh
UuD“Hmm?”gIjl
AeLIXA crow began to circle above Vlad’s head, who was having a meaningless snowball fight with Stephan.4n5
YVq“I guess something urgent is happening.”7E8fBm5
S10PThe crow circling in the sky landed on Marcus’s forearm in a familiar manner when he extended his arm.hduv5s
hyh1L“It’s not a pigeon, it’s a crow.”2Cz
cDATGkThe crow fluttering in the sky descended onto Marcus’s forearm in a familiar gesture when he extended his arm.m8G9y7j
NihUG“Umm…”s6Yo6dO
exIGMuVlad’s eyes gleamed with curiosity as he looked at the crow, but Marcus’s expression only hardened when he heard the news the crow had sent.YqGYoaj
0nZ6EeC“Let’s part ways here.”Jti2dDx
K6IiA“What?”vYg3a
1dtIt was Marcus and his group who said they would go together to Deirmar.g6yxb
AxNBut now he simply turned his head hastily as if he had left something behind.SNnjK
c30“Is something wrong?”U8OZ
Gblf29z“…I told you shouldn’t ask me that.”SMTW4d
C74LkMarcus clicked his tongue as he watched Vlad ask another question naturally.fG38c
KsxThis guy is a smart one.JWe
cF9lDwpBecause by pretending to be innocent, by pretending not to know, you’re crossing the line once again that you warned about.V21Xmc
dc9gvRAs expected, I should have asked Peter about this guy.kylO
CzoUjxN“It’s okay.”YrsM
ehXtVlad nodded, looking at Marcus’s intense gaze.OOF9
gVzBecause the warning in his eyes wasn’t directed at him.L7i6KI
Dvyps8“Go quickly to Deirmar. Lady Alicia’s Knight.”OR8
d6l4A2KGo quickly. Lady’s knight.HKpO
5dh5Because she’s desperately calling for you.969vZ
FO2Co“It won’t be too late.”J5jpFfE
SLJO“…”3vOS7
lpNu4bSo go ahead and fulfill your duty.coK
DxIZOsBefore the collapsed skies of the empire fall upon her.ZYBz
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