Chapter 75

We, aiming to escape to a safe area, had abandoned the carriage and were moving along a mountain route leading to the Kingdom of Eobenia.

The mountain path was wide enough for two infantrymen to walk side by side, which helped to prevent the formation from stretching too much. It was also helpful that horses and cannons could pass through.

Among us were Roz's family and the aunts from the restaurant and workshop, among others, who were non-combatants.

“Even when I scouted this route, I thought it was a fine path. Thank you, Lance Corporal Ranya.”

When I addressed the drum and fife captain from the distant land of Finis, she nodded slightly.

“It is an honor to be of service, Staff Officer.”

Back when the Duke of Litraeu, Minshiana, was still alive, I had planned an evacuation route through these mountains in case the Mildor family defected. I had even scouted part of it.

Of course, I had considered many other evacuation plans. As a staff officer, it was my job to come up with numerous plans and have the commander choose which one to use. It was a mundane task, but it suited my nature.

In any case, let's think about what to do next.

This path was originally a steep mountain trail used by pilgrims and ascetics, but eventually, some traders noticed it. They could bypass the toll gates on the main road, which offered them no benefits.

These traders, who did not shy away from smuggling, gradually improved the path, making it passable for horses, though not for carriages.

Of course, the local lords soon noticed, but they chose to turn a blind eye and make a quick profit rather than report it to their superiors.

In the mountainous territories with few sources of income, it was natural for lords to take advantage of the shady cargo being smuggled in, extracting as much money as possible while providing a certain level of convenience.

“Those we’ve been passing are either pilgrims or smugglers, I suppose.”

“Yes, I suppose so...”

There are quite a few of them. Even if only half are smugglers, a significant amount of goods must be crossing the border.

Without a clear understanding of the situation, unexpected miscalculations can occur when planning a war. Thanks to this, wars are full of miscalculations.

Moreover, since they have seen us, if the Bruges army conducts a thorough investigation, we will be caught immediately.

“We should hurry. Lance Corporal Ranya, could you slightly increase the rhythm of the drum and fife corps?”

“Yes, I’ll make sure it’s not too strenuous.”

The Bruges army has many elite mountain rangers, originally hunters and specialists in firearms and outdoor activities.

While they didn’t perform well in the siege of Zepher Fort, this is their ideal terrain. If we are attacked during the march, we will be in a dire situation. It’s a race against time.

I sighed and stopped thinking. In any case, there’s no turning back now.

“Anyway, it’s a good path. Thank you for telling me, Ranya.”

“No problem.”

Our drum and fife captain smiled with a slightly embarrassed expression.

This path, used by smugglers carrying goods, naturally has places for camping. While we haven’t explored the Eobenia side, we have a good grasp of the imperial side.

“Which campsite do you plan to use tonight?”

When Colonel Altsa asked, I looked at the map I had prepared in advance.

“I think the next campsite is too early, but the one after that is far and narrow. Do you prioritize giving the troops a good rest or covering more distance?”

“It’s a tough decision. What do you think?”

Recalling the condition of everyone on the march, I reported to my superior.

“Everyone is internally shaken by the abandonment of the base. In past training, the first day often saw frequent issues like sleep deprivation and blisters. I think it’s better not to push them too hard.”

“You’re right. I agree. If we force a march and it affects our actions tomorrow, it would be counterproductive. Let’s camp early and wake up at dawn tomorrow.”

“Yes, sir.”

So, we secured a campsite while it was still light and quickly set up the tents.

There were a few other travelers, so we provided them with some convenience to maintain a good impression. If they bear a grudge, they might report us to the Bruges army.

“Alright then.”

After munching on black bread, I drank the precious boiled water. Cooking smoke could attract the enemy, so we couldn’t boil much water.

This time, we prepared porridge for those who were feeling unwell, so I allowed myself a little luxury with the leftover water. I’ll have to say goodbye to coffee for a while.

As the mountain scenery gradually darkened, I was thinking about the next day’s march when someone approached. It seemed to be a man.

He looked like a traveler, but something felt off. What is it?

These minor feelings of unease often turn out to be significant later.

So, I didn’t ignore the feeling and decided to be cautious.

“Stop there. Don’t come any closer.”

At that moment, the man stopped abruptly. He didn’t seem flustered, as if he knew I would say that.

The next instant, he laughed in a low voice.

“Still as sharp as ever, Yui.”

“That voice... Could it be, old man!?”

No way, man.

When I was around ten, I couldn’t bear the abuse from my current father and left home. To be precise, I was in a semi-wandering state, going in and out of home, and my partner at the time was an old soldier.

He had a wide network but used different names in different places, so I never knew his real name.

After I passed the entrance exam for the military academy, he suddenly disappeared. I started living in the dormitory and was eventually commissioned as a second lieutenant and sent to the Litraeu territory, so I hadn’t seen him since.

I thought he was probably doing fine somewhere, and it’s nice to see he’s still doing well, which makes me a bit happy.

He was always tough and reliable, but I never expected to meet him here.

However, he’s not the type to go on a pilgrimage or do penance.

If he were involved in smuggling, it would make more sense, but even that seems different. He usually buys the goods and launders the source to make a profit. After returning from the battlefield, he avoids unnecessary risks.

If he’s not a pilgrim or a smuggler, he must be a bandit or something similar.

It’s a reunion, but I didn’t let my guard down. This old man would probably appreciate that.

Sure enough, the old man was in a good mood.

“You haven’t become dull, even after becoming an officer. I’m glad you’ve become a top-notch officer, just as I expected.”

“Thanks. It’s all thanks to you. Want some boiled water?”

I smiled while keeping my center of gravity low, ready to draw my sword at any moment. The old man waved his hand and chuckled.

“With that much hostility, it won’t go down. Don’t worry, I don’t intend to fight today.”

“Really?”

We were longtime partners, but I couldn’t fully trust this old man.

He never lied to me, but he often evaded questions.

He never betrayed me, but I think it was because he valued me and saw my potential.

He’s a person I can’t let my guard down around.

The old man, who I couldn’t let my guard down around, was standing still, cracking his neck without any tension.

“Do you remember when we went fishing together?”

“That was when we sneaked into a noble’s lover’s house to fish for ornamental fish. We almost died.”

We committed various crimes together, but each time, we faced numerous troubles and crossed dangerous bridges. Without the power of the “Scythe of Death,” we would have died at least ten times. It was a chaotic time.

But when I think back, it’s nostalgic. It was much more fun than scavenging for food and shivering from the cold while being beaten by my drunk father.

Wait, I can’t let my guard down. This is all part of his plan.

“I’m on duty now. Depending on the situation, I might have to shoot you.”

I tried to intimidate him, but the old man didn’t flinch.

“Yeah, that might happen. Actually, I’ve been leading a mercenary group recently. It’s about re-employing soldiers who have nowhere to go. It’s a decent job. I’m currently employed by the Duke of Bruges.”

“Come on.”

I threw my mug and put my hand on the hilt of my saber, but I didn’t intend to draw it. I just wanted to show I was ready.

By revealing this much, the old man is unlikely to attack here. If he intended to, he wouldn’t have mentioned leading mercenaries or being employed by the Duke of Bruges.

“Do you think I’ll let you live after hearing that?”

“I do. The Yui I know isn’t a reckless person. You’re a principled guy. Right?”

The old man leaned against a tree trunk and puffed on his pipe. Wait, where did he hide the fire? When did he light it? And where did he get the pipe from?

That’s right. This old man is full of mysteries. He has knowledge and skills I don’t know about.

That’s why I can’t let my guard down.

The tobacco in his pipe seemed to be of high quality, similar to the brand favored by noble officers.

It seems he’s doing well lately.

After exhaling the smoke, the old man continued, almost to himself.

“My current contract is to capture the female general of the Medilen family. The Duke of Bruges wants to gain an advantage in future negotiations. You’re not the target, Yui. Neither are the other soldiers. So, I can let you go.”

He’s probably never lied to me in situations like this.

But I don’t necessarily believe him this time, so I pretend not to.

“Do you believe the words of an enemy mercenary?”

“Not really. I’d just hit you without listening.”

The old man smiled, clearly enjoying the conversation.

“But you’re different. You listen before shooting. Even though you’re called the ‘Scythe of Death,’ you’re a kind person. That’s why I came to see you. I have a request for such a kind person.”

The old man’s expression turned serious.

“Convince your superior to surrender. I know it’s a difficult request, but I’ve already deployed mountain rangers in the area. If we fight, both sides will suffer casualties. What do you think?”

Oh, so that’s his plan...