Chapter 59

"Alus! Is Kyle alright?"

"It's the part-timer... He's fine, just unconscious."

As I laid the unconscious Kyle on the bed, the part-timer came in with heavy footsteps. It seemed he had rushed over after hearing the news. Despite being out of breath, he checked on Kyle's condition.

Kyle was lying on the ground in a pool of blood. When I saw this, I thought he had been cut by the soldier's sword. However, it turned out to be different. There were no cuts or stab wounds on Kyle's body. It seemed the Valkyrie had protected him. Probably, Kyle had tried to stop the soldier who was attempting to mount the Valkyrie without permission. The soldier, angered by this, drew his sword and attacked Kyle. But the Valkyrie stepped in to stop the attack, pushing Kyle away and placing itself between Kyle and the soldier. The impact caused Kyle to fall to the ground with a loud noise, and the Valkyrie sustained a wound on its forehead. The blood on the floor was the Valkyrie's.

"Got it, but are you okay, Alus?"

"I'm starting to calm down a bit. Anyway, we can't just leave this problem alone. I'm calling others to get their opinions."

"...Got it, then it's fine."

When the part-timer asked if I was okay, he was probably referring to my mental state. However, I deliberately avoided answering that question directly. The soldier I had attacked with shotguns had died instantly. I didn't want to think about that too much.

After a while, the people I had called gathered.

* * *

"...So, I ended up killing one of the soldiers who came to collect taxes. Naturally, I didn't respond to their demands and sent them away. What do you think will happen next?"

"Of course, there's no way they'll let this go. I think they'll report to the Fontana family, and they'll send troops here."

I gathered people to discuss what to do next and started the conversation. The traveling merchant answered my question.

"...We might have to consider abandoning this place and fleeing?"

"That's one option. I think there's a good chance we could manage if we flee to a territory ruled by another noble who doesn't get along with the Fontana family."

"Wouldn't the Fontana family demand our extradition?"

"They probably will. However, a noble who doesn't get along with the Fontana family might not accept such a demand. After all, you, Alus, can hatch valuable serval beasts. You'd be in high demand."

"That's how it works. Then, we should consider fleeing as a last resort."

"I'll guide you if it comes to that. However, if we seek protection, we'll ultimately be 'protected' by that noble."

That's true.

Fleeing might save our lives, but it would mean losing our freedom. I think a life without freedom is the same as being dead, even if we don't die.

"What are you talking about? Now that it's come to this, we have to fight. Are you okay with losing this place? What have you been working so hard for?!"

"Part-timer..."

"Besides, you killed a soldier. The next time they come, they'll definitely capture all of us, including our relatives. Kyle might be killed this time. What else can we do but fight?!"

"Part-timer, that's easy to say, but how do we fight? No matter how much magic I use, I can't win against a large number of soldiers."

"Don't underestimate us. I'll fight with you. Protecting my brother is my job!"

"...Alus, if you decide to stand up, I'll help you too."

"Huh, Madoc? I called you, but you're not involved in this, right?"

"I've watched you grow up since you were a child. You're like a grandson to me. The idea of you being killed by nobles is not something I can accept. Is it so strange that I want to help you?"

I didn't realize you cared so much about me. But would you really go against the authorities just for that?

"Besides, our life as loggers has become more fulfilling thanks to you. You've organized the forest, stored wood in safe places, and started making furniture and charcoal. People no longer struggle to find food. Now, we don't want to return to our old way of life. In a sense, you are the center of our logging community. If that's the case, I have to risk my life to help you."

"Thank you, Madoc."

"Damn it. Since everyone else is willing to help, I can't just stand by as your father. Alus, I've made up my mind. I'll fight with you. You have to take care of yourself, but I have to protect your mother and the others."

"Father... Are you sure?"

"Yes, a man stands by his word."

Wow.

I called people who I thought might support me, but I didn't expect this much support. However, it might be for the best. I feel bad for everyone, but I don't want to live a life where my freedom is taken away by nobles. I've been able to live a relatively happy life as a poor farmer because I've been free to do as I please. It seems that to continue living this way, I have to fight.

In that case, I have to make a decision.

To gain freedom and protect my family, I have to fight the nobles.

Thus, I began to take urgent action to repel the troops that would surely come.

Thank you for reading.

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