71 - Gioni Village
I had underestimated them.
I didn't think it would be this bad.
Looking at the arguing group, that was the impression I had.
Morning—.
Clark-san accepted my proposal and organized the volunteers into several groups.
Up to that point, it had been fine.
However, the problem was the groups themselves.
It would have been better if a knight had been placed in each group of about ten people.
But, the captain had decided that if they were divided into several groups, there was no need to assign a monitoring knight to each group.
It would be enough to have monitoring knights on horseback with soldiers at the rear or middle of the moving groups—.
Certainly, if it were just for travel, that would be the case.
However, when it came to deciding who would be the person in charge, a dispute broke out.
By "person in charge," I mean someone entrusted with tasks like headcounts and reporting.
They were fighting over such a job.
"My official rank is higher!"
"Don't talk big, you bastard who can't even get decent equipment!"
"I'm not letting this chance slip away!"
Among those fighting, they were convinced that a platoon leader was being decided, which led to the major conflict.
Those who had participated as a group from the start decided their leader by sheer numbers.
Watching this, I could only feel exasperated.
"...Why, over something like this?"
As I said that, Marcus-san spoke to me.
"I get the feeling. If you're in a position to lead people here, your chances of getting credit increase. It's not strange to think that."
I thought it was a simple request.
Certainly, Hippogriffs might be dangerous.
But they aren't enemies we can't defeat.
That's what I thought, but I never imagined my allies would be this pathetic.
I thought their movement was poor on the first day, but now I've started to wonder if we can even fight with a group like this.
From inside the jewel, the Third Generation started laughing.
'What is this? Terrible.'
The Second Generation felt the same. However, he seemed composed.
'They always fight. Moreover, because they think their lives depend on it, they fight even more. If they just looked at the people leading the units, they'd realize we don't think anything of them.'
The Fifth Generation said.
'I'd hate to lead a group like this.'
The Sixth Generation said.
'If I had three months, I could probably cut them by more than half and make them somewhat usable.'
As I made a strained expression, Miranda-san spoke to me.
"Come now, let's finish our meal quickly and prepare for departure. Monica has finished preparing the food."
While gazing at the arguing group, I headed toward my companions who were eating near the porters.
During the move, I rode in the cargo area of a porter to take a break.
The cargo area was full of luggage, but since Monica and Shannon had climbed in, space had been made for people.
Blankets were laid out, and a relatively comfortable environment had been arranged.
"What are you doing?"
Looking at Shannon, she and Monica were taking turns exchanging something made of knitted yarn.
Every time the yarn was passed, it went through the fingers, and the shape changed.
Other things, like items wrapped in cloth that made rattling sounds and toys, were spread across the cargo area.
"I'm bored! All we do is move, which basically means just sitting. If I go outside and walk, it's cold, and the stares cling to me, which feels unpleasant!"
An angry Shannon received the yarn from Monica, but she must have failed, as the shape collapsed.
"Aaaah!! What are you going to do about this! Do you know how many times in a row I've lost now!"
As Shannon looked frustrated, Monica gave a smirk.
"You're soft, little girl. I, Monica, am well-versed in a wide variety of ways to kill time. To think you could win a game against a specialist is laughable. Oh, I'll let the chicken coward win occasionally. Otherwise, it would be boring."
If I had known it was a game played with such hospitality, I wouldn't have wanted to do it.
"Che, if I can't win, then whatever. I'll just do some knitting."
The blind Shannon took out some unfinished knitting and began to knit meticulously.
Seeing that, Monica began tidying up.
"You can knit well even though you can't see."
As I expressed my admiration, Shannon proudly arched her back, making a gesture as if showing off her non-existent chest.
"I just can't see normally, I recognize the information properly. I'm different from you."
I grabbed the cheek of the snickering Shannon and pulled it to the side.
"It's soft."
"It hurts! I said it hurts! It's going to rip! Stop it! It hurts!"
Hearing that, Monica began to act restless. She kept glancing at the door at the rear of the porter, as if waiting for something.
"What are you doing?"
When I asked, Shannon clicked her tongue because I had let go of her cheek.
"Tch! I thought some people who misunderstood the situation would barge in at this scene! I thought so! Why won't you follow the tropes? ...Read the room."
Setting aside the misunderstanding, isn't Monica the one who can't read the room? While I was thinking that, the porter stopped.
Since it was too early for a break, I stood up and immediately jumped outside.
After getting off the porter, I closed the door and checked the surroundings.
"What happened?"
Aria, who had been walking behind me, explained to me.
"Monsters. The knights are dealing with them. Still, I wonder if they have no intention of sending them our way."
Looking where Aria was gazing, knights were surrounding and dealing with an Orc.
They were well-equipped, but they were simply surrounding it without a decisive blow.
The one who rushed in was Clark-san.
Firing a crossbow while remaining mounted, an arrow pierced the Orc's head.
A voice came from the jewel.
'Heh, not bad skill.'
It was the Second Generation's voice.
However, as the Orc fell to its knees from the arrow in its head, a female knight galloped her horse and leaped straight up.
As she fell toward the Orc, she swung her sword, and just as magic seemed to dwell within the blade, she cut the Orc down.
It was flashy, so it was likely a convenient magic to use.
However, my impression was different.
Aria whistled.
"Impressive. It's blazing up."
The Orc burst into flames before my eyes, and the female knight sheathed her sword.
However, Aria wasn't just praising her.
"But, did she really need to go that far at the end? It was basically over already."
An arrow had pierced its head.
Just surrounding it would have been enough. Even if a finishing blow was necessary, there was no need to go that far.
(Did she deliver the finishing blow just to stand out at the end?)
While I was thinking that, the young man Novem had treated raised his voice.
After saving him, we negotiated for him to follow our instructions, and he was now under Marcus-san.
"As expected, real knights are different, huh? She's a Ten-Knight Leader, right?"
Another young man, who similarly had poor equipment, looked on with admiration.
"I wonder if I can become like that."
The older youth who was with those two said, sounding a bit exasperated.
"You guys aren't usually serious, yet at times like this..."
They didn't seem to notice.
Aria also looked at the trio with a slightly disappointed feeling.
(If they weren't dealing with monsters outside, I guess it would be like this.)
Seeing the knights' abilities, I understood that the female knight, who was a Ten-Knight Leader, did have a certain level of skill.
However, the one with the best movement was Clark-san.
I didn't feel like I wanted to fight alongside the female knight named Norma, who had forced her way in to deliver the finishing blow, if possible.
Soldiers brought by the knights were stripping materials and magic stones from the Orc, whose fire had gone out.
During that time, Clark-san was carrying out the surveillance of the surroundings while giving instructions.
He was a person who moved efficiently.
Yet, Norma-san returned to the front on her horse.
The Seventh Generation said in exasperation.
'Why doesn't she leave the work to her subordinates? She's supposed to be the one commanding the unit.'
The Third Generation was laughing.
'As a single knight, she's excellent, but as someone in a position to use people, she's a failure. Well, she's young, so she probably wants credit. Is there something like a "kill score" for defeating monsters?'
For the knights of the royal palace, the number of monsters defeated is highly valued as a sign that they have fulfilled their duty as knights.
This is because it is also proof of strength.
Small fry like Goblins don't count toward the number, but Orcs or Ogres would be sufficient achievements.
In particular, the number of monsters defeated one-on-one seems to be important.
Aria saw Norma return and the group began to walk, so I looked at the group still recovering magic stones from the monster.
"Moving already? They could have waited for them."
I said to Aria.
"They're in a hurry. Since they encounter monsters frequently, the movement stops every time. They might be arriving later than planned."
Aria looked dissatisfied.
"Liel... why did you take a request like this? You're the leader, so I don't want to interfere with those kinds of decisions, but since it's Miranda's father, you could have just declined."
I started walking and looked up at the sky.
Then, I muttered the reason I accepted.
"...I think I probably thought about it a bit too lightly."
As I said that, Aria gave me a judging look.
"Why are you so carefree sometimes? Our lives are on the line, you know?"
Being told that, I scratched my head.
I wondered if I should tell her the real reason, but since it was undoubtedly a naive thought, I decided to stay silent.
(Even if I said it's because my ancestors hated the idea of sacrificing a village, it wouldn't get across.)
In particular, the Second Generation had been considerably angry when he heard about this request.
It was a fact that I also felt that if I thought about it lightly, I might be able to save them.
As a result, we have this terrible situation now.
(Yeah, I should have investigated thoroughly before accepting. I really am naive.)
The sky was cloudy, and the breath coming from my mouth was white.
It was on the fifth day that we arrived at Gioni Village.
By that point, the effect of finally dividing into groups had appeared.
They had become capable of preparing camp, keeping watch, and acting as a group.
Even so, the ancestors were saying it was no good.
When the unit arrived, they were greeted by a man with long, messy white hair.
The man, who served as the village chief, looked older than his actual age because of his exhausted expression.
There were houses where parts of the buildings were destroyed, and there were places where the log walls meant to protect the village had fallen.
Perhaps they had been attacked many times, as the villagers also had exhausted expressions.
And they looked at us as if they were afraid.
Receiving gazes as if they were looking at enemies, Novem, who was near me, spoke.
"...They are afraid of us."
"I thought we came to rescue them, though."
As I said that, Novem informed me.
"Since it seems to be a small village, just the arrival of an armed group of over a hundred people is terrifying. Besides, they must have been attacked many times."
It seemed that monsters had settled nearby and repeatedly attacked the village as if it were a feeding ground.
The frightened villagers were looking at me from the windows of their houses.
When I turned my gaze toward them, they shut the windows tightly.
Marcus-san saw that and said.
"They have a bad attitude. Even though we went through the trouble of coming here."
Bread-san agreed while making a sarcastic comment.
"Perhaps it's because there were knights with bad dispositions? Regardless, I don't feel good about this either. To be treated with such an attitude."
From our perspective, that was certainly the case.
However, Novem said to those two.
"...Please don't say those words out loud to the villagers, even if you think them."
The two looked puzzled.
I felt the same, but in my case, the Second Generation taught me.
'Went through the trouble of coming to help? That's exactly why it's no good, that mindset! This is a direct territory of the royal family! You Court Knights have an obligation to protect it! Who do you think provides the food you eat! For someone who doesn't understand that to come here acting all high and mighty...'
To the complaining Second Generation, the Seventh Generation spoke.
'The organization has grown too large, and roles have become fragmented. That's why they don't feel that kind of responsibility. The royal palace is the same. Whether a small village is destroyed or saved is a minor event.'
It wasn't their responsibility.
Certainly, they hadn't been given a specific role, and it wasn't Marcus-san's job. If asked if they had a responsibility, it was questionable.
Marcus-san was a knight who didn't even want work.
However, as long as they are knights, it means they have an obligation to protect.
(It's tough, being a Court Knight or a noble.)
Novem looked at the trio acting together.
"That goes for you as well."
Then, the foul-mouthed man nodded to Novem, perhaps because he had been saved.
"No, I'll follow since I was saved, but aren't the people of this village acting poorly?"
His companion, the flashy man, felt the same.
"Right? Even though we rushed here from Central."
The youth who seemed to be the leader of the two let out a sigh.
"You were treated and given food, and yet you talk back? Sorry. I'll warn them from my end too."
The youth was relatively sensible.
I looked at the village chief, who was interacting with Norma-san.
With a pale expression, he was pleading desperately.
"The attack happened this morning? Then it should be safe for a while."
"No! Please defeat them immediately. There are villagers who are too afraid to sleep at night. Those things, leading Goblins from around here, kidnap villagers... the damage has already exceeded forty people!"
"We've only just arrived. I'll let the soldiers rest. Prepare the meals."
"B-but..."
"If they attack again, we will handle it! You move as instructed!"
Seeing Norma's attitude, even I understood that this was bad.
A strict attitude might be necessary to move people, but wasn't there a better way to say it?
I looked at the village.
I certainly felt that the number of villagers was small.
When I used my skill, there were several houses where no one lived.
And—.
"...This is bad. Novem, gather everyone. I'll go tell Clark-san."
"What happened, Liel-sama?"
Novem looked at me and tilted his head.
The ancestors inside the jewel were also obtaining information through me.
The Second Generation said.
'What Hippogriff? A big shot was hiding.'
The Third Generation agreed.
'Certainly, if there's a Hippogriff, it makes sense that...'
The Fourth Generation said.
'They sell for a high price. But at this rate, it'll be more like a slow death.'
The Fifth Generation said.
'It's certainly in a position like the boss of the Hippogriffs.'
The Sixth Generation said.
'Most likely, the Hippogriffs were playing the role of subordinates.'
The Seventh Generation said the name of that monster.
'I was worried about whether we could defeat it, but now I'm certain. At this rate, we'll lose. To think—there's a Griffon.'
The head and wings of an eagle, and the body of a lion.
A monster larger and more ferocious than a Hippogriff.
Considered a threat of the skies, it's a monster that can wipe out multiple villages if it attacks while leading Hippogriffs.
To avoid inciting fear, I said to Novem.
"I'll go inform them first. Gather everyone. If we're going to take a break, we'll need to stop the porters in an appropriate place... so we'll have to negotiate with some residential house. I'll leave that negotiation to you."
Novem smiled, perhaps thinking he had been entrusted with something.
"Yes. Then, Miranda-san and I will go negotiate first. If we go in a large group, it'll look like we're threatening them."
(True. Even if there are many women, if there are a lot of people, it'll look like we're threatening them.)
"Sorry. I'll leave it to you."
I left the scene with a quick pace to look for Clark-san.
Finding Clark-san giving instructions to his subordinates, I decided to tell him the facts.
I didn't have an acquaintance in Norma-san, and Clark-san was the only one who seemed reliable.
And he widened his eyes upon hearing my information.
We spoke behind a small residential house.
That I have a skill.
And that I discovered a Griffon with that skill.
"A Griffon... that's an opponent for an elite force. There's no way a ragtag group like us could..."
Clark-san, with a pained expression, had turned pale.
I decided to ask, though it was rude.
"The skill of the captain and the knights is, uh..."
Clark-san shook his head.
"It's true that we belong to the knight order, so we've had training. But, other than Captain Norma, I'm among the lowest in terms of ability as a knight. I wondered why the unit was formed this way, but to think it would come to this... I think it's rude to ask, but does your skill ever miss?"
Clark-san's gaze was on my blue jewel.
"...It doesn't miss. There is definitely a Griffon."
"I see. I certainly thought you were quite calm and reliable for this group... I think there's a possibility you're lying, but you don't have that kind of atmosphere. Besides, there are things that come to mind."
Clark-san had thought that an expedition with this lineup was suspicious.
He had the impression that Norma-san was chosen as captain and that people who usually had problems were gathered.
And—.
"There were rumors. That Central was in financial difficulty and might reduce the number of nobles that had increased too much. I see... recently I heard that the higher-ups were letting second and third sons have houses, but that it was difficult..."
I supported Clark-san, who looked like he was about to collapse in depression.
I wasn't familiar with the royal palace or Central, but it seemed there was some ulterior motive.
The Fifth Generation said in a low voice.
'That bastard... he might have known.'
By "that bastard," he probably meant Ralph-san.
The Seventh Generation said.
'He intentionally let the daughters hear about the expedition and guided them? Well, palace rats are good at that sort of thing. He intended to eliminate Liel and Marcus and others, and return the well-educated Miranda to her family to take a husband... well, either way, he wouldn't lose. If Liel didn't accept, two would die. If Liel accepted and Miranda remained with him, Liel would die and the daughter would return to him. It feels like we've been played in the palm of his hand.'
The Sixth Generation, while exasperated, said.
'But the one who accepted the request was Liel... however.'
I felt as if the Sixth Generation inside the jewel had smirked.
The Third Generation was also laughing.
'He's underestimating us. If he thought he could kill us with this level of difficulty, he's far too naive.'
The Fourth Generation felt the same.
'We should definitely make this a huge achievement and return to Central. The people at the royal palace will surely be overjoyed! After all, the group that defeated a Griffon! A peerage might even be born! I wonder how many will be promoted? It'll surely put even more pressure on the finances!'
The Second Generation agreed.
'There must be people who would be happy if one village and this many people disappeared... but you know, seeing the disgusted faces of those kinds of people is fun!'
I wonder why.
My ancestors were happy.
Clark-san, seeing my ambiguous expression, probably thought I was blaming my own inadequacy.
He apologized.
"I'm sorry. I'm just a perennial Plain Knight, but it would be shameful as a knight to give up here. Liel-kun, I won't force you. But if you're going to flee, if possible, take the women and children with you—"
I smiled.
And I said.
"What are you talking about, Clark-san? This is a chance."
"...A chance? No, Liel-kun, I hate to say it, but a Griffon is a monster that knights with high ability in the knight order deal with. Even Captain Norma barely reaches the middle rank. I'll buy time here, so you young people—"
Clark-san told me to flee, but the voices of the noisy ancestors were so loud that it was distracting.
Starting from the Second Generation.
'Now, first let's get the cooperation of the villagers. I thought this was Liel's social study, but this is interesting in its own way—'
'It's easier once you can seize control of the unit... well, if they don't obey, they're just monster feed. If half of them remain, we'll manage the rest with the villagers' cooperation.'
'Liel, let's teach them about the power of money. It's a good social study.'
'I wonder... this is getting exciting. Grasp the terrain, deploy personnel... do we intercept, or do we attack?'
'A big one. In our day, we competed over who would take it down. One vote for attacking.'
'I wonder if a taxidermied head would be good. If things go well, we can get a full-body taxidermy. The unfortunate part is that there's no place to display it.'
(Wait... no one feels a sense of tragedy. A Griffon is a strong enemy, right? I mean, it's stronger than a labyrinth boss, isn't it?)
Only the Seventh Generation was depressed because there was no place to display the taxidermy.
In the first place, the point of depression was off.
"It's okay, Clark-san..."
' ' 'This is starting to get fun!!' ' '
I probably had a complex expression.
Clark-san looked at me with a pale expression in a different sense.
Being fussed over by my ancestors, the words I uttered to reassure Clark-san were—.
"Let's enjoy this."
Clark-san nodded up and down quickly several times.