Chapter 42: Pursuit

"You're not just crazy... you're fucking crazy."

Erika couldn't hold back and took out a cigarette again.

But at the same time, her mind was racing, sensing that the situation was far from ordinary.

What could the meaning of bringing the Cherye tribe be?

It implied that he was prepared to use force if necessary. Unlike the Central Army, which was half-depleted by the battle, the Cherye warriors were fired up with fighting spirit.

'What's worse, the situation is perfect except for the fact that Ian is a dog.'

As soon as she stepped out of the mansion's front gate, the cries of the estate's residents cursing the Central Army filled the air. Those who stood against them were Derga's private soldiers, but to the residents, they were family, friends, and neighbors.

'The residents' resistance and hatred will be deep for a while. But if a descendant of Brats steps forward, it will be more efficient to command them. And most importantly, with the support of the border barbarians... damn it.'

Her head throbbed.

If additional Central Army troops were dispatched, they would certainly be able to drive away the Cherye and secure a perfect victory in Brats.

But whether Erika and her squad could be part of that glorious moment was uncertain. They would likely end up with a faded memorial, marked as sacrifices.

Erika's lips twisted.

"...The appointment of a lord is the Emperor's prerogative."

"I know. No one has the authority before the Emperor's appointment."

No one and everyone.

Erika could do it, but that also meant Ian could. She gnawed on her cigarette and glared at Kakantir. He calmly continued to elaborate on the necessity of Ian.

"Ian grew up in the Brats estate, so he will be a great help in its reconstruction. The Cherye will not give the right to negotiate to any other force in Bariel except Ian, and for peace, we will have to start from scratch."

This essentially meant a complete severance. And it was not much different from declaring war. Given that these words came from the Cherye chief, they carried significant weight.

"Damn it. If you kill me, it's the same as declaring war on Bariel."

"Oh, thank you for that. I might have had my neck wrung if you hadn't said so."

"Ugh..."

Kakantir laughed and pressed his foot on the neck of the fallen man. His subordinate instinctively gasped and wriggled away. Erika could feel cold sweat trickling down her back.

"Fine. I get what you want."

Erika pretended to step back, crossing her arms and changing the subject. She had been the estate's insider since Molin suggested her for the investigation team leader. It was clear that her name would be on the lord appointment document Ian was after.

So she couldn't back down here.

"But I haven't secured Derga, Lady Mary, and Chel yet. I also have the duty to arrest all the resisting private soldiers and uphold the Emperor's authority."

"Your words are wise."

"I can't leave the mansion until my mission is complete. If you truly want to alleviate Brats' suffering, do as you see fit. But I hope you act only for peace. Otherwise, the Emperor's sword will fly here from the Central."

Until the message of her appointment as the lord by the Central arrives. By then, she just needed to hold on. Once she had the authority, she would crush all the insolent mouths.

"Very well. Then we will assist in Derga's arrest."

Ian nodded, satisfied with the meeting. His subtle maneuver to insert himself had been successful.

"As Erika said, once Derga and the key figures in the mansion are captured, the Central Army will have a reason to garrison here."

"Moreover, we will take the lead in the cleanup. The investigation team and the Central Army have already incurred the wrath of the estate residents. Step back for the sake of efficiency."

What if this was a ruse to save Derga?

Erika narrowed her eyes at the sudden thought. She flicked the half-smoked cigarette and signaled to her subordinates.

"If you play any tricks, you'd better be prepared."

"Erika, it doesn't seem like you and Sir Molin are very close?"

"What?"

"It seems you don't know much about the relationship between me and Derga. Don't worry. I'll bring Derga and prove my sincerity to the Central."

This moment was crucial for solidifying Ian's position. Despite being of Derga's blood, he had to firmly deny him. The groundwork laid by the secret letter he gave to Molin needed to be reinforced.

"Hmph. Bring Derga? Try it if you can. The Central Army is struggling to track him in the mountains."

As the situation settled, Kakantir straightened his clothes and turned around, his voice laced with amusement.

"Leave this woman to us; hunting is our specialty."

Kakantir nodded at Erika's subordinate, whose neck was broken. Ian also nodded lightly as he followed the Cherye.

"Then, I'll see you soon."

Bang!

As soon as the door closed, Erika spat out her cigarette and rushed to her subordinate, grinding her teeth.

"Send a messenger bird immediately!"

"Yes, Lady Erika."

The subordinates moved quickly at their lord's sharp command. They needed to send an urgent message to the Central. The only thing that could protect Erika here was the lord appointment document with the Emperor's seal.

She could only hope Molin would handle things well.

* * *

The next day, in a forest not far from Brats.

The private soldiers crouched between the rocks, their swords gripped tightly as they swallowed nervously. The rustling sounds, whether from animals or enemies, echoed from all directions.

Perhaps due to the tension of an impending attack, Derga was drenched in sweat and shivering uncontrollably.

"Lord. This way."

Deo, covered in blood, led the way. His face was marked with tough grass stains from crawling and lying flat.

"Ha, ha, how much further are we going?"

"Marilof has locked the city gates, so we need to go around and enter Havon Kingdom."

Saying they were going to Havon Kingdom was like saying they were fleeing. Even if they reached there, they would have to hide their identities for safety. Their lifelong home, along with their pride and honor as nobles, was shattered.

"Damn it."

The lord glanced back at the remaining soldiers. Their numbers had been reduced by more than half, and those left were in no condition, with limbs missing.

Clank.

The lord fidgeted with the bundle hanging on his back. He could feel the emergency funds he had secretly hidden. Small and large jewels and gold coins. These were the important assets that would support Derga's future. If the gods were merciful, he could use this as a stepping stone to return to Brats.

Rustle.

"Wait. Stop."

"Stop."

"Behind! Stop!"

Deo stopped, sensing someone nearby. The soldiers, who had already tasted death, scattered and screamed. A few knights who were still in their right minds readied their bows and swords.

"From the right!"

"From the right!"

"Protect the lord!"

"Lower your heads!"

The fear that another blade might fly at any moment. Derga trembled and hid behind the knights.

"Hey, Derga."

Whoosh!

Clang!

An arrow flew at Derga, but a knight deflected it with his sword, protecting his lord.

Beams of light rained down through the leaves. On the hill, figures in sand-colored hoods began to appear.

"It's been a while. You've changed a lot."

"K, Kakantir!"

"Cherye! The Cherye tribe!"

The red pigment made them look as if they were drenched in blood. Derga couldn't understand the situation. Hadn't they rejected his help? Even sending Knight Bell to his death.

"Why, why are you here?"

"Curious?"

"Damn it! Lord, run!"

"Alex! Form a defensive line!"

The knights shouted, pulling Derga by the arm. The warriors standing next to Kakantir had all drawn their bows.

If you're curious, ask your son.

At that moment, the tension Derga and the soldiers felt snapped. They turned their heads in the direction of the strong wind.

"Father."

Whoosh.

He looked like a spirit of the forest. His golden hair, each strand shining, fluttered in the wind, and his green eyes were beautifully curved.

It's Ian. The son he had sold to the Cherye.

"I, I'm back."

"Ian...! You! You bastard!"

After a moment of shock, Derga remembered that Ian had colluded with Molin to bring him to this state. The son who had dragged him down from his honorable life as the head of the estate, a lump of flesh he cursed. Ian was his past shame and future hatred.

"I will kill you, Ian! I will cut you into pieces and feed your meat to your mother! And I will throw both of you into a blazing fire alive! I will make you feel alive in hell!"

Derga's rage echoed through the forest. Ian's expression remained unchanged. The calm smile only made Derga's blood boil more.

"You bastard!"

"Lord!"

Thud!

Derga, without thinking, gripped his sword and charged at Ian. Despite his exhausted and injured body, he leaped to strike Ian's neck. Deo followed, guarding his back.

Clang! Clang!

Sue deflected Derga's sword, and Beric blocked Deo's attack.

"Ouch."

Beric winced slightly, feeling a bit of pain from the recoil, but it was only for a moment. He grinned and waved at Deo.

"Hey, dog."

"...Dog?"

"Don't you remember me? I remember you."

Beric swung his sword widely and charged at Deo.

"At the training ground. You beat me up, remember?"