69 - Preparation
There had been little preparation time to begin with.
Furthermore, the village under attack by monsters seemed to have been suffering damages for quite some time.
A knight order expedition to exterminate monsters.
Having been requested to participate as a volunteer, I was in the meeting room within the orb, holding a conference with six of my ancestors.
How to survive? And how to protect the targets of the escort?
I was considering these two points.
For me, who had only a little experience as an adventurer, a request like this was a first-time experience.
Above all, the fact that I was not in a position to command made the problem more complicated.
The Fourth, acting as the facilitator, summarized the information gathered so far on the blackboard.
"The knights' departure is set for tomorrow. Assuming the equipment for the two escort targets is more or less ready, the problem is our own equipment. We have absolutely no armor or weapons. Even if we have plenty of consumables like food, this is truly severe."
I raised my hand slightly.
The Fourth, who pushed up his glasses with the middle finger of his right hand to correct their position, glared at me.
"No, no, useless Lyell-kun."
"Useless!? Isn't that a bit harsh? Uh, how should I put it... I do have equipment and weapons."
As I said that, the Third burst into loud laughter.
While I was surprised, the Seventh cleared his throat and glared at the Third.
With an expression that said "good grief," the Third explained.
"There are enemies that fly in the sky, but there's very little equipment suited for that. I've fought hippogriffs many times, but I think it's quite difficult to aim with magic."
To me, who had been thinking about attacking flying enemies with magic, the Second said:
"Bows and arrows are difficult too. It might be okay if you hit them in the eye, but I wonder how many skilled people there are... You're not thinking of managing somehow with a saber, are you?"
I explained to the two of them that I intended to manage with magic.
"I was thinking of using magic for area-of-effect attacks rather than single-point attacks..."
As with hippogriffs, single-point attacks are hard to land against enemies flying in the sky. If so, what should be done?
One should either push with numbers or perform area-of-effect attacks.
Hearing this, the Second said:
"Idiot! Where is the location? And what about coordination? We don't even know if the commander is competent, and there's a high possibility we'll be pushed to the front and ground down, so why are you being so carefree?"
When using magic, it's necessary to ensure that allies aren't caught in it.
If allies are present, magic cannot be used.
Of course, if I intended to use allies as decoys, that would be a different story.
The Fifth let out a sigh.
"You checked the knights' equipment through Ralph, right? I wonder what they intend to exterminate with just swords and spears."
The knights' equipment was indeed primarily swords and spears.
The knights of Central did not possess ranged weapons such as bows and arrows or crossbows.
No, it was just a tendency not to have them; they likely possessed them as equipment.
Since there was the convenient ranged weapon of magic, there was a trend that such weapons were not befitting of a knight.
The Sixth snorted.
"Big game rarely appears around the royal capital. The evaluation of hippogriffs is probably low. Certainly, they are likely weaker than ogres... but they've underestimated the threat of flying too much."
The Seventh agreed.
"For skilled folk, hippogriffs are nothing more than prey. It's common to request the extermination of bandits or monsters from the territorial lords."
I felt the atmosphere in the room becoming tense.
(The royal capital's nobility and the territorial nobility get along poorly, or rather...)
I asked everyone.
"The court nobility and knights of the royal capital... do you ancestors—"
As I said that, starting from the Second:
"I hate them."
"I hate the King too."
"I don't like them."
"Noisy rats."
"I absolutely hate them."
"It's not a matter of liking or hating. I feel a murderous intent toward them."
However, the First was originally a court knight.
As the third son, he had no court rank to inherit, but the Walt family had relationships with the court nobility.
"Eh, but Mireia-san married into it, and there are various other relationships..."
At that, the Third said with a smile:
"Shall I teach Lyell a useful phrase... That's one thing, and this is another!"
As my cheek twitched, the Fifth also spoke.
"Well, the other side probably doesn't think highly of the territorial lords either. After all, they are in positions where they sometimes kill each other."
The Seventh had a serious expression.
"The person you were drinking with until yesterday becomes an enemy starting today... it's not uncommon. But the world isn't one where you can just compartmentalize things like that. Therefore..."
"That's one thing, and this is another... is it?"
While I was exasperated, everyone nodded.
The Fifth taught me.
"Even if they're fighting factional battles, a territorial lord will cooperate if there's a profit. If it's for the benefit of both, that is. In fact, one should move flexibly in those matters. Now, returning to the topic, equipment and manpower cannot be gathered in a few days. It's not solely Lyell's responsibility."
While thanking the Fifth for the subtle support, I listened to everyone's opinions.
In expeditions like this, the Second and Third were the reliable ones.
The Fifth and Sixth seemed to have done similar things, but they didn't seem to have much experience fighting under someone else.
The Third said:
"I wish we knew the preferences of the knight in command so we could send bribes."
The Second agreed.
"True. If we could have Marcus or someone take them, it would speed things up and be a help."
"Eh? Bribes?"
While I was wondering if that was really okay, the two of them spoke with serious expressions.
"You really are that, aren't you. Too much of a good boy."
To the exasperated Second, the agreeing Third said while laughing:
"It's fine to be able to think that way. However..."
However, the Third stopped laughing and took on a serious expression.
"I think it's a cheap price to pay if it saves your life. Moreover, it's not just us this time. Two useless extras are coming along. And we've even accepted an escort request."
Neither Marcus-san nor Bread-san had experience camping outdoors or defeating monsters.
The only thing was that Marcus-san had once done security work on a temporary basis.
The Second said:
"If it's absolutely impossible, prioritize your comrades and abandon those two. If Novem-chan dies, she'll haunt you for the rest of your life."
I gulped at their threats, and thinking the threats had worked, the two of them relaxed their expressions.
The Third said while laughing.
For the two of them, bribes were just one of the means.
To put it harshly, they were bribes. In reality, they would say it's a means to make human relationships proceed smoothly.
"It's just one of the means. Like giving a souvenir and saying 'please take care of us.' You don't have to think deeply about it. We'll do what needs to be done. However, the opponent this time might be tricky. They're the type who wants credit."
The Second seemed to be of the same opinion.
"They exist. The type who works others to the bone and monopolizes the credit. Well, usually they end up earning the resentment of those around them and don't have a good end."
The Fourth interrupted.
"Was it a knight who isn't even twenty yet? They likely lack experience, and if they have no experience commanding a scale like this, it's worrying."
I had looked into the female knight, Norma Arnett, a little.
She was a person who had a strong desire for promotion and had pushed herself too hard, resulting in endless bad rumors.
When I thought about why such a person was chosen as the person in charge, the conclusion I arrived at was—
"She's probably a knight who's fine whether she's there or not. Or maybe she's excellent but disrupts the harmony."
When the Third said that, everyone nodded.
The Seventh said:
"They exist. That sort of crowd. They often do unnecessary things and earn the resentment of those around them."
The Fourth clapped her hands.
"Alright, the conversation has drifted. Now then, let's think about how Lyell and the others can increase their probability of survival."
The Second scratched his head.
"We can't carelessly increase the manpower. If only we had a little more time..."
This time, anticipating the participation of volunteers, supplies had been gathered with a certain amount of leeway.
However, we had few acquaintances here.
Since I hadn't been working as an adventurer, I didn't know what kind of people were in the same profession.
It was a situation where I couldn't take useless people along, but if I tried to search properly, there wasn't enough time.
The Third said:
"It might be good to have Marcus or Bread gather their acquaintances, but they probably don't even have equipment. Besides, they'd likely be a hindrance."
The Fifth said:
"If we had a little more time, we could have hired experienced folk with money. Well, this time the request is to protect those two, so we don't necessarily have to defeat monsters."
The Sixth said:
"Those two wouldn't be satisfied with that. They might be impatient to gain credit, and I wonder if they can move instinctively."
When I opened my mouth, the atmosphere in the room became awkward.
"Um, if they've been training, they should be able to move to some extent, right? I don't think it's completely hopeless. Besides, since they're knights, their training should be thorough..."
The Second put a hand to his face and said:
"Yeah. That's right. If everyone had done it thoroughly, there would be no problem... 'if they were thorough'."
The Seventh followed up for me.
"...Lyell is a capable child. Look, besides, it hasn't even been a year since he entered society. It's only natural he can't understand that part."
The Fifth looked at me with a dubious expression.
"No, well. I think you're capable. In fact, you've handled everything so far and produced results beyond imagination. However..."
The Fourth said:
"This is a case of a child who is too capable for their own good. He doesn't understand those around him."
The Third also said:
"Starting with Novem-chan, everyone around him is a capable child. As for incapable children, maybe just Shannon-chan?"
The Sixth countered that opinion.
"That girl is incapable, but isn't she cute!"
The Sixth favored Miranda-san and Shannon.
While I was troubled, the Second said:
"In short. What we're trying to say is that the people around you aren't all as clever as you think."
I couldn't quite understand those words.
With the departure set for tomorrow, we checked everyone's equipment.
Bread-san, who had bought chainmail and weapons, looked more confident than before.
Marcus-san's sword hanging at his waist had also been changed to a new one.
As for us, we wore fur-lined robes over the equipment we had at Alamsars.
My equipment consisted of a saber and a bow, while everyone else had their usual equipment.
I had considered giving everyone bows, arrows, or crossbows, but I concluded that since there was no time for training, and even if this many people had means of long-range attack, it would be useless if the superiors didn't use them well.
Besides, the numbers were small.
If there were more people, I would have considered buying and gathering crossbows.
However, since the numbers were small and there was a high possibility that those around us couldn't be trusted, the flow led to the conclusion that usual equipment capable of self-defense was safer—
(Even though we're going to defeat monsters, I have to pay attention to my own allies too)
This time, the content of the request was to protect Marcus-san and Bread-san.
I wanted to ensure there was no danger to the two of them, but if they couldn't play an active role, there was a possibility they would run wild.
Bread-san thanked me.
"Thank you, Lyell-kun. Now I can finally stand at the starting line."
As I gave a wry smile to the rejoicing Bread-san, Miranda-san had become displeased.
While I didn't know the reason, Marcus-san was also happy.
"Now the appearance is sorted. Now then, about the leader of this group."
Leader.
Yes, the leader of this group was not me.
There were status-related reasons, but I was in a position where I had been requested by House Sarcly to protect Marcus-san and Bread-san.
Formally, I was participating in a form where I was hired by Marcus-san.
Bread-san's expression changed instantly from a smile to one of displeasure.
"Status-wise, it would be you. However, I have no intention of serving under you."
"...Hey, do you intend to act alone?"
As Marcus-san's expression also became serious, the pair in dresses who were watching—
Doris-san and Lucy-san interrupted.
"If it's the leader, it should be Bread! You people, who did you intend to serve under! It must be Father's instruction. If so, obey Bread, who is a member of House Sarcly!"
Doris-san glared at us.
And Lucy-san said:
"Why should Marcus obey a servant who isn't even a knight! If you're going to obey, obey Marcus!"
If I may say so, both of them were inexperienced and unreliable.
(No, if we don't cooperate, we can't even gain credit)
It seemed that "cooperating" was not possible in this place.
Then, Miranda-san clapped her hands.
As the surrounding gazes gathered, she gave instructions briskly.
"On the surface, Marcus-san will be the leader, and in reality, you will move according to Lyell's instructions. If you don't like it, you won't be allowed to participate."
At that, Bread-san stepped in front of Miranda-san.
"My lady, that is not acceptable—"
Not acceptable.
Was it because he was younger, or did he want to be the leader himself?
However, Miranda-san glared at him.
"You can't even gather your own armaments. You've never fought. Moreover, this is your first time leaving the royal capital, isn't it? I cannot follow the instructions of such a person."
Novem agreed.
"That's true. I think it's best to make Marcus-san the leader on the surface, and have Bread-san under him. As long as Marcus-san, who is a knight, leads, there is no problem. The reverse is a bit..."
The people around them probably wouldn't be satisfied with a servant leading a knight.
They lived in such a society, and in reality, there were many knights in the same position as Marcus-san.
Bread-san said with a determined expression.
"In that case, I will—"
"Who paid for those armaments? I'm saying this because it would be troublesome if you died on your own. The guarantor for the debt is Father. And Father... the head of House Sarcly has asked for your escort. If you act on your own, you'll have to stop participating altogether. If you hate that, leave your equipment and participate with nothing but your own body."
At Miranda-san's harsh words, Marcus-san's expression also twitched.
He whispered to me.
"Hey, I heard the eldest daughter of House Sarcly was kind?"
I scratched my cheek and said:
"Eh, no... she, she is kind."
From inside the orb, the Third's voice could be heard.
"She's certainly kind. In the sense of 'to Lyell and Shannon-chan,' though."
Doris-san and Lucy-san were equally dissatisfied.
To those two, Miranda-san said:
"If you're going to say such arrogant things, say them after you've paid the full amount. Understand that you're driving your lover to a place of death."
Doris-san talked back.
"What! It's a knight order expedition. Besides, Bread wouldn't even be able to become a knight for a single generation if he didn't do this! He's different from that delinquent-looking guy over there!"
Marcus-san scratched his head, looking awkward.
He probably realized that his appearance looked like a delinquent.
Somehow, the atmosphere felt light.
Lucy-san also joined in.
"Marcus is a splendid knight! Don't lump him together with a mere servant!"
And then, Lucy-san looked at me and said:
"I know. That man over there was originally the heir to a count's house, but he was kicked out because he was incompetent. He's a perfect match for my sister. Both fallen people."
While thinking she hit a sore spot, I looked at Bread-san's gaze.
There, I felt something dark that hadn't been there before.
(I have to go monster hunting with this group. The difficulty is high)
In this case, it would be much better to participate by ourselves.
But since I had accepted the request, it couldn't be helped.
(My thinking was naive)
Then, Miranda-san slapped Lucy-san's cheek.
A voice was heard from the orb.
It was the Third.
"Lyell is well-loved, isn't he?"
Miranda-san approached Lucy-san, who had fallen to the ground.
The servants watching nearby were flustered.
Even if she had been kicked out of the house, she was originally the eldest daughter of House Sarcly.
As one of them ran toward the mansion, a voice trying to stop her could be heard.
"M-my lady, please, no more."
"Shut up! Lucy, I no longer have any connection with House Sarcly. Because I was kicked out. But can't you judge what's right and wrong to say to the escort of your lover who is heading to a place of death?"
Doris-san was hiding behind Bread-san.
They probably had never seen an angry Miranda-san.
Lucy-san was also frightened.
"B-but, it's a knight order expedition—"
"...Go ask Father. If it were safe, he wouldn't have made a request to us."
And so, Miranda-san turned back to us.
"Our representative will be Marcus on the surface. Since he's a knight, there's no problem, and Bread probably has no experience fighting. If you don't like it, I'll leave you behind. I'll also confiscate your armaments."
As Marcus-san and Bread-san reluctantly nodded, Miranda-san continued to manage the situation.
"Now, you two are in the way, so go somewhere else."
After sending the two younger sisters back, we decided to discuss the expedition starting tomorrow.
The Fourth said:
"Lyell, in reality, you're the one who has to manage things."
I knew that myself, but I had been overwhelmed by Miranda-san's momentum and couldn't speak up.
(I-I'll be careful from next time)
—The day of departure.
In the royal capital, the expedition force was preparing for departure.
The knight, Norma Arnett, looked at the gathering volunteers with blue eyes.
Her smooth brown hair, cut just above the shoulders, swayed in the wind.
"It really is cold."
The knight who was her adjutant agreed with Norma.
"More people have gathered than expected. Food is one thing, but we might not have enough firewood. Let's have them gather some along the way."
She looked at the adjutant, a middle-aged man with a small mustache.
"The movement speed will drop. There's no problem if we economize."
"B-but, in this cold, surely..."
The man who was her adjutant was older than her, yet unable to be promoted.
His name was Clark Usher.
His forehead was wide, and he had grown his bangs long to hide it. He was a small, slightly plump knight with brown hair and black eyes.
(That's why you can't be promoted, you... What were the superiors thinking, making a knight like this my adjutant)
The weapon he possessed was a crossbow.
He had a sword hanging at his waist, but upon hearing that the monsters were hippogriffs, he had brought a crossbow out of the warehouse managed by the knight order.
Norma hated an adjutant who took such arbitrary actions.
"Do you think I have time to care about volunteers? They were only suggested because the numbers were insufficient."
Being told that, Clark's shoulders slumped.
"...I'll go confirm the number of volunteers."
Watching Clark leave the scene, Norma snorted.
Standing there in armor, she looked the part, but she was a woman who gave a somewhat prickly impression.
She looked at the surrounding soldiers.
(I must somehow gain credit in this expedition. But there are many volunteers. I don't think there are people who can gain credit among them)
Norma, who belonged to the knight order and was confident in her skill.
As she waited for the departure time to come, it suddenly became noisy.
"What is it. What on earth... is that."
At the end of her gaze, a mass of iron was coming toward them.
In the front were two people with complete equipment and a lightly equipped man and woman.
Pushing through the noisy soldiers and volunteers, Clark came running.
"Captain Norma, this is Marcus Canning, who applied for participation. It seems he hired adventurers, and that is something like the adventurers' baggage wagon."
Norma was exasperated with Clark.
"Where is the horse? Didn't you confirm properly!"
"No, they just said that that is a golem, and they call it a porter, and while there is actually no horse, it is undoubtedly being used for carrying luggage..."
Norma wanted to avoid confusion at this stage.
However, even if they were in a hurry, their appearance was tidy, and if she sent them back, she would become anxious about the combat strength.
Among the volunteers, there were people who didn't even have decent equipment.
"Tch, enough! If confirmation is complete, we depart. As for those applying to participate now, if their armaments aren't complete, send them back!"
Clark said sarcastically.
"Captain Norma, normally one must confirm in advance. I also suddenly became a participant as an adjutant, but if I had known beforehand, I would have prepared more—"
"I can't be bothered with such trivial matters! Hurry up and start the departure preparations."
After brushing Clark aside, Norma headed toward where her horse was.
There, the knights were talking with their subordinates.
When Norma arrived, the conversation stopped.
(Too lax. Why are there only people like this among my subordinates...)
Having become the person in command for this mission, Norma had tried to take various measures in her own way.
She had even gone to the mansion of a higher-ranking viscount and consulted on whether something could be done about the budget.
As a result, although she could increase it slightly, the number of volunteers increased and she was in a state of struggling with supplies.
(I've gathered knights who can use magic. Now I just have to manage the hippogriffs over there)
She had often worked under someone else, but today she was the commander.
After a while, Clark came running.
"Captain Norma. There are too many people without complete equipment. We should send them back and prepare—"
"You're too persistent, Clark!"
Seeing Clark being yelled at by a younger female knight, the surrounding young knights were smirking.
Clark, deciding to obey in silence, headed toward his horse.
After confirming that preparations were complete, Norma said:
"From here, we head to Gioni Village to exterminate the hippogriffs!"
Norma led the way through the large gates of the royal capital, carrying a group that couldn't even properly gather their equipment—.