Chapter 110 - A Heavy Debt Called 'Free'
The plan to seize control of the Royal Capital is about to kick into high gear. Our turn will come later, but until then, we can sit back and watch the show. There's not much preparation we can do, so we'll just have to be ready when the time comes.
The meeting dragged on longer than I expected, and we didn't even have lunch, so my stomach was growling. I didn't think Rosmerta, a high-ranking noble, would enjoy the kind of home-cooked meals we can prepare, but when I invited her, she nodded happily. I remembered our breakfast together in the mansion within the prison. It was surprisingly simple, despite being nutritious.
Our group can only manage home-cooked meals at best. They're not bad, and I'm satisfied with them, but they're not exactly fit for a noble. Yet, Rosmerta doesn't complain and even seems to enjoy the food. Maybe that's part of her charm.
After the meal with the Kikyo Society members and Rosmerta's followers, we're now alone. She had something to discuss with me.
Rosmerta, deep in thought, finally spoke. "Actually, I have a request to make..."
Instantly, I got a bad feeling about her request, but I couldn't just ignore it. "Sure, what is it? I'll listen if it's something I can do."
"Could you give me this fortress?"
...There it is. She’s going all in.
Though we haven’t known each other for long, I can tell she’s not the type to joke around. Even if it sounds like one, she’s dead serious.
"Wait. I can't just hand it over that easily. What do you need it for?"
"Yukarinowe, I believe you’ll understand. But let’s have some tea first."
Of course, I can’t just hand it over without a second thought. After a sip of freshly poured tea, Rosmerta began to explain. Her eloquence was impressive, but her reasoning made sense.
For someone in her position, appearances are crucial. As the acting head of the Oversta family, using a hidden base deep within the prison doesn’t look good. Plus, it would be strange for the Crimson Knights and us to be coming and going from the prison, and we can’t risk turning the children’s hideout into a battlefield.
She needs a new base. The Oversta family’s main residence is where the ailing Count is, and they don’t want any disturbances. Setting up a new base would cost too much time and money.
If she could use this fortified fortress, it would save resources and make coordination with the Kikyo Society easier. It’s spacious enough to accommodate the reinforcements that will join them, and it’s incredibly secure.
Indeed, using this fortress as the base for her counterattack is a logical move.
This isn’t a temporary arrangement; it’s a transfer. The Kikyo emblem will come down, and the Oversta family’s banner will go up.
While it’s a logical request, it’s hard to part with something we’ve worked so hard to build. However, once we’re done with our business, we’ll be leaving the Royal Capital. We have plenty to do in Exembra, and leaving a few people here to guard an empty fortress doesn’t make sense. We don’t know what could happen, and it’s risky to leave a small group to protect it. Without a specific purpose, we can’t afford to allocate resources to such a task.
So, the Kikyo Society will eventually leave this place. When we do, we’ll transfer it to someone else, but Rosmerta is the best candidate.
Still, I can’t just give it away for free. This fortress has cost us a lot of labor. If we can recoup some of that cost, that would be ideal. If I can sell it, I’ll try.
But then, dealing with a countess over money seems like a waste. Besides, this fortress isn’t cheap.
As I pondered, she made another suggestion. "Yukarinowe, you seem to understand but are a bit hesitant. Of course, I am prepared to pay a fair price. If this base can be acquired for money, no amount would be too high."
Recreating this fortress would be nearly impossible for any ordinary contractor. The exterior alone, let alone the interior, is built with rare magical minerals and requires advanced refining techniques. The cost would be astronomical. Any estimate would likely be dismissed as unrealistic.
Especially the main keep and the central warehouse. They appear to be made of stone, but they’re fortified with composite armor that can withstand both magical and physical attacks. Even high-level magic would bounce off, and regular siege weapons would do nothing. The stone surface, crafted by Priene and her team, is incredibly hard and aesthetically pleasing.
The interior has been renovated, and there are plenty of furnishings.
To be honest, it’s priceless.
I don’t know how much Rosmerta is willing to pay, but I doubt she could match the true value.
Few people know the full extent of this fortress’s defenses, so it’s understandable.
This isn’t just about money. The Kikyo Society will agree to the transfer, and even those who put in a lot of effort, like Priene, will understand. There’s no need to argue over it.
Alright, I’ve decided. I’ll give it to her, but not for money.
Of course, nothing in life is free. A woman like Rosmerta will understand the implications.
This is an unwritten contract. Betray me, and you’ll have an enemy. There will be no mercy.
"Money isn’t necessary. I’ll lend it to you."
"I can offer a reasonable amount."
"It’s not enough. This fortress is impregnable, more so than you realize. With the right personnel, it could withstand any attack. Except from me, of course."
I built the core myself, so I can breach it.
"Consider this a test. Rosmerta, I’ll give you a chance. If you can break through, you can have it for free. No strings attached. But once you accept, there’s no turning back. You can either get it for free or owe us a favor."
This isn’t really a gamble. I know I’ll win.
But Rosmerta will still gain this base one way or another. It’s not a bad deal for her.
She looked back at me with a challenging smile and responded immediately. "Of course, I’ll take the bet. I’m quite good at gambling. What’s the test?"
"Simple. Have the Crimson Knights attack the outer walls. How long will it take to break through?"
The outer walls are my masterpiece. They’re not some makeshift shield thrown together in the heat of battle. Break through if you can.
"About an hour, without interference."
"Let’s make it three hours. If they can create a breach within that time, you can have it for free."
My statement was almost a taunt of her proud knights.
But if they can’t break through in that time, she’ll have to admit the fortress’s strength.
And she’ll understand the massive favor we’ve done her. This fortress is that powerful.
Hah, creating a huge debt for the Oversta family, which will soon control the Royal Capital, is better than any amount of money. This place, which we planned to abandon, will be a bargain.
We’ll also make sure they owe us more than they can ever repay.
"Yukarinowe, I accept. I’ll take you up on this challenge. I know the capabilities of my knights."
Her eyes had a fierce glint, but I need her to take this seriously.
This will give Flannel and the others a good challenge.
"The location doesn’t matter. If we start now, it will be around sunset in three hours. The deadline will be when the sun sets. Is that agreeable?"
"Of course. I don’t expect it to take that long, but if you’re fine with it..."
"I’ll explain it to the Kikyo Society. You should inform your knights. Once that’s done, you can start."
"Hehehe, Yukarinowe. I’ll take it for free. Don’t say I didn’t warn you."
The noble Rosmerta left with a composed stride, though there was a hint of agitation in her demeanor.
I explained to the gathered Kikyo Society members, minus the intelligence unit and the lookouts, that I was transferring the fortress to Rosmerta. Naturally, there was an uproar.
Well, they’d be surprised to hear the conclusion without the context.
Some, like Josephine, had considered the possibility of abandoning this place eventually.
But once I explained the reasons, they understood. Exembra is our true base, and this was always a temporary setup. The Kikyo Society has no plans to conquer the Royal Capital.
The makeshift architecture team was a bit sad, but they’ll have other opportunities to shine.
When I told them about the conditions of the transfer and the bet with Rosmerta, they got excited. They’re quick to adapt.
Just then, a loud explosion echoed through the air. It must be the Crimson Knights.
"Let’s go check it out!"
"Yukari built and Priene fortified this wall. It’s going to be interesting!"
"There’s no way they can break through Onee-sama’s wall."
"Yeah, let’s see what they can do. They’ll probably get frustrated and try everything they’ve got. It’ll be entertaining to watch."
The outcome is clear, but it might be fun to watch.
They might even show their ace, as Rosmerta will push them to their limits.
"Watch closely. The Crimson Knights are the countess’s elite. See what they’re made of."
I’ve already seen their strength firsthand, but the others haven’t. This is a good opportunity to see what our allies are capable of.
I watched as everyone headed toward the attack site.
I decided to observe from atop the outer wall. I didn’t want to make it seem like we were challenging them by having everyone up there.
"Yukarinowe?"
"Let’s go."
I took Valeria, who looked curious, with me as we climbed to the top of the outer wall.
We’re gradually moving toward the climax of the Royal Capital arc. Stay tuned for more.