Chapter 172: Chapter 172: Preparation (1)

“Sigh…”

A sigh involuntarily escaped as I lay down on the sofa in the lodgings. My neck was stiff and my eyelids were heavy.

My head wasn’t working well, as if it was foggy.

“Brother, are you very tired?”

“I’m fine.”

Aron expressed concern from beside me. I waved my hand lightly to indicate I was okay. I can still hang on for now.

A week has passed since we returned from the trade journey.

The mercenary group was still taking on minor missions. One trade journey didn’t bring about any big changes.

Still, things had improved a little. Right now, Namir and Jofor had gone on a mission to a city four days away.

Compared to when we were doing odd jobs within Chenarus for pocket change, this was a huge improvement.

Meanwhile, my fatigue had been building up deeply. That’s because I put in quite a bit of effort to keep an eye on the Blancheot merchant group.

I checked where and how the fruit brought from Requiza was flowing, and also who they were meeting.

‘It was quite a tiring task.’

I had little time to rest as I had to monitor their every move. Moreover, I had to observe both Blancheot and Celeb.

What’s more, since Celeb didn’t come to the merchant group, there were many aspects I had to pay attention to.

Since it was impossible for me to monitor all day long, I did get help from Rina, but I did most of the work myself.

There were parts that made me uneasy unless I saw them directly.

Rina can’t hear their conversations, so it’s difficult for her to grasp exactly what’s happening.

Even though Blancheot stays at the merchant group during the day and works, we can’t let our guard down. For a week, I moved around while only taking short naps.

‘Fortunately, there were some gains.’

If not, I would still be hiding near the merchant group, trying to figure out their movements.

Anyway, I confirmed where the fruit they brought went and who they met.

After a selection process for the fruits containing bombs, they passed through four merchants in a week.

I’m not sure if they’re all in cahoots, but I’ve figured out where they’re being stored separately.

If they’ve cast preservation magic, the outside will be fine, and they’ll probably come out again around the time of the coming-of-age ceremony.

‘The guy Celeb met was someone I didn’t know.’

From listening to their conversation, he was clearly Celeb’s superior. He was giving orders.

Last night, I figured out where he was staying. I finished a simple investigation and planned to tail him again from today. Hmm, it’s going to be tiring again.

“Why don’t you rest a bit?”

My thoughts, which were continuing with a head that wasn’t working well with my eyes closed, drifted away at Aron’s words.

It’s reasonable advice, but I can’t rest. This is a very important matter.

“Not yet.”

In fact, I should be moving more and busier even now. It’s because of the princes.

From the beginning, I judged the devil worshippers and the princes as different factions. There might be another scheme they’re plotting.

However, right now, focusing just on the devil worshippers was physically overwhelming in some ways.

No notable information came from the guys I had asked Rina to look into before leaving.

Even though there’s the Haisen intelligence agency…

Their intelligence reliability isn’t as high as when I’m moving around, especially now that I’m not there.

‘The princes aren’t complete fools either.’

They’ll try to carry out their plans while avoiding the eyes of the Imperial Intelligence Agency, so we should assume it’s impossible for Haisen to figure it out first.

Still, since there’s progress on the devil worshippers’ side, it seemed like I could quickly investigate that and then look into the princes’ side.

I wasn’t too worried. They won’t be able to use bombs, so at most they might hide assassins among the people.

If that’s the case, I thought I could respond sufficiently based on the situation on site. Denif is there too.

“Is the princess that important?”

It was Aron’s question. Of course, I had told my companions about my plans on our way here.

I included reasons, but it seems they don’t feel it.

“Of course. The princes aren’t fit to be emperor. And they’re even less suited to fight the devil worshippers.”

“The princess’s reputation is certainly better, but is there that big a difference? Maybe I just can’t see it.”

“You’ll understand when you see for yourself. I’m not trying to make the princess emperor because I’m on Haisen’s side.”

In fact, considering their essence, the princes’ reputation among the imperial people is quite good. The 3rd prince is criticized for messing up the war, though.

That’s because all of their misdeeds aren’t known to the public. It’s natural to think like Aron does.

“Hmm, I see.”

Aron nodded. Actually, it’s hard to feel this just from words. There’s no need to persuade forcefully.

After the coming-of-age ceremony, I’ll tail the princes. He’ll naturally come to understand as we move together.

“By the way, I want to be of help soon too. It seems like only you are working hard, brother…”

It was a worried remark, but I could see his desire to move together. It’s been a week since we returned, and I haven’t been able to pay attention to the kids because I’ve been busy.

There’s no going out like last time, so they must be bored. I shook my head with a faint smile.

“Not yet. You need more training. We need to take a long-term view for you and Jofor.”

Aron’s expression became slightly gloomy.

“Aron.”

“Yes, brother.”

“When I was growing up in Haisen, it took 3 years before I did a proper mission.”

I’m talking about the time it took to do actual missions, not the ones the duke prepared for us.

“Honestly, while you and Jofor are overflowing with talent, you’re not quite at the level of me and Denif.”

“That’s true.”

Aron nodded as if it was obvious.

“You’ll be put into actual missions faster than us. But because of that, you shouldn’t get impatient. Impatience creates problems.”

“…I’ll keep that in mind.”

Hmm. Even though I said this, I can sympathize with Aron’s boredom. Although Denif is looking after them, it’s been almost the same daily routine since we came to Chenarus.

Considering mine and Denif’s past, it might be a worry of the well-fed. We grew up really struggling.

But under the duke, we received well-structured education to keep us from losing interest.

However, it’s difficult for me to do that without a foundation.

I searched my memories. Since I’ve been insensitive these past few days, it might not be bad to throw something new at them.

“Wait a little. When Jofor returns, I’ll create something fun for you.”

“Ah, no. You’re tired, brother. I’ll just train hard.”

“It’s not like that. You might be disappointed, but it’s not something we do outside.”

“What?”

“You’ll be competing with Jofor. It’s a kind of game.”

I’ll give each of them three marbles. I was thinking of making them hide them or keep them on their body and steal each other’s. (+)[1]TLN: Naruto?

It might seem trivial, but this is quite helpful. Denif and I did it too.

Because I’ve experienced where the other person might hide things during infiltration, I can understand a bit better.

And you also think about ways to steal what the other person possesses. It’s training with added competitiveness.

“I’ll tell you the details when Jofor returns.”

I said that and got up from my seat.

“Bored? Let’s go out.”

“What? Where to?”

“To eat dinner.”

“Just the two of us?”

“Yeah. There’s something I need to check.”

Celeb’s superior. He was running a tavern in the imperial capital. Today, I was planning to investigate that place.

***

“Really?”

“Yeah! Ugh, I can still feel it in my hands…”

“Kiya. Then shouldn’t today be on the house?”

“Hey, Remin.”

“What?”

“Don’t talk nonsense. Even if I won some money, huh? You should pay for your drinks.”

The noise of the tavern reaches us. Aron and I ordered a glass of beer each and some roasted pork.

The tavern owner was dealing with customers while smiling. Apparently, he had won some money gambling.

‘He’s probably not really a gambling addict…’

He might receive orders at that gambling den or get activity funds. I should look into that place too.

According to the investigation, the devil worshipper using the alias Mateo acquired this tavern 8 months ago.

I identified this place through Celeb last night, and when I searched Mateo’s residence at dawn, nothing came up.

It’s not strange. Information management is important. The principle is to destroy documents and such.

That’s why spies need to have good memory. Anyway, that’s why I set out to investigate.

Taverns are good places for secret conversations to take place amidst the noise.

‘Hmm…’

I focused on the words in their conversation. Such ordinary conversations might hide coded messages.

Of course, I wasn’t just watching them.

“Has there been any progress with your swordsmanship?”

We can’t just sit silently. The kind of conversations mercenaries would have are about alcohol, the opposite sex, money, and swordsmanship.

Since I haven’t been able to pay attention to my companions for a week, there was enough to talk about regarding swordsmanship.

“Well, that… I feel a bit stuck.”

“Really? Didn’t we meet Mondegreen recently?”

“Actually, I’ve been a bit confused since then.”

He lowered his voice when talking about Mondegreen. We can’t carelessly talk about a Sword Master’s name.

By the way, feeling stuck after receiving teachings from a Sword Master…

Ordinary people wouldn’t understand, but it’s a situation that could definitely happen. He felt too big of a wall.

I think I knew what Aron’s problem was.

Mondegreen wouldn’t have taught him something too profound without knowing Aron’s level. The problem is elsewhere.

“Are you constantly thinking about what Mondegreen showed while facing me and Denif?”

“Huh? How did you know?”

“Because Mondegreen wouldn’t have given you particularly difficult teachings.”

Aron looked up at me as if he’d seen a ghost.

“Aron, your greed is excessive.”

I continued calmly.

“Just think about what Mondegreen taught and showed you.”

What Aron is doing now is not looking at the stepping stones right in front of him, but looking at stepping stones far away.

He should be taking one step forward first, but he’s looking dozens of meters ahead, so he’s confused.

“Hmm…”

Aron glanced at me. He had a face like he’d committed some crime. I don’t intend to say anything. It can’t be helped.

The desire for improvement is a swordsman’s instinct.

I, too, tried to go a different path, not my own, after seeing Rudehrn’s swordsmanship. It’s better to be honest.

“Don’t look so guilty. I was like that too.”

“You, brother?”

Aron was surprised.

“Yeah. Mondegreen said there was a lot to correct in my swordsmanship. I told you before, right? That I’ve faced a Sword Master.”

“Yes.”

“The memory of that time was so intense that I was unknowingly trying to imitate that person’s sword.”

Whispering words others couldn’t hear, Aron was listening more intently than ever.

“So that’s why you had such a serious face after hearing Mondegreen’s advice.”

“That’s right. From then until now, I’ve been trying to drain that water out. I’ve been rethinking my swordsmanship from the beginning. I’m still in the process.”

I smiled faintly to reassure him.

“You’re still fine. Just be careful. Once you go down the wrong path, it’s hard to come back. Just look right in front of you. Then Denif and I will guide you.”

Aron was lost in thought with a heavy face for about 3 seconds, then looked at me and bowed his head.

“Yes, I’ll keep that in mind, brother. Whew, thank you. Come to think of it, everything until now has been thanks to you, brother. I was too hasty.”

“It happens.”

I held out my beer glass towards Aron. Aron grinned and clinked his glass. That’s when it happened.

Ding-a-ling- The tavern door opened and someone came in. I discreetly turned my gaze.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

‘Huh?’

And at that moment, a bit of bewilderment spread in my mind. Because I knew who had come in.

It was a knight close to the 3rd prince.

A close aide of the nearly fallen 3rd prince coming to a tavern run by a devil worshipper…

Could this really be a coincidence?

Of course, it could be. But the problem is that this place is a bit far from the palace and not a place where a knight would come.

His attire was also not that of a knight, but like an ordinary adventurer.

‘As expected…’

As soon as he entered the tavern, the 3rd prince’s knight headed towards Mateo standing at the bar.

And with a friendly smile, he sat down in front of him with a thud.

“Hey, how have you been?”

“It’s been a while. How’s work these days?”

I had judged that the schemes of the devil worshippers and the princes were likely to be different. Because of the Imperial Intelligence Agency.

I was a bit wrong. There could be someone cooperating while avoiding that surveillance.

“What happened with that thing from before? You said the drink I was looking for would be coming in soon.”

“Ah, that’s been taken care of. Here, the one you like.”

Mateo took out a bottle and handed it over. It looks like they’re talking about alcohol, but given the circumstances, it seems they’re talking about the fruit bomb.

No, it’s certain.

The 3rd prince is moving together with the devil worshippers. This might get a bit complicated.

1. TLN: Naruto?

Author's Thoughts

Hi everyone, I've completely translated this novel! So, for those who love this novel and wanted to binge read until the last advanced chapter, you can go to my Patreon "Shop" page. There, I have a product in which you can read them with discounted price (basically you get around free 40 advanced chapters) instead of buying them here with normal price. Thank you for the attention!