Chapter 51

A scream echoed through the Kleinserdt mansion.

Gorge and the other hundred demons realized that their attempt to be considerate by entering through the back gate had backfired, but there was nothing they could do about it now.

They smiled politely at the lord's guards, who were appearing one after another to secure the mansion, but due to Gorge's appearance, it only looked as if they were intimidating them.

The lord's guards, who were so pale that they looked like they had seen a ghost, raised their weapons, thinking that a vengeful spirit had returned from the dead to haunt the Kleinserdt family. Even they, who were used to seeing the inhuman faces of the pig lord and his wife, were shaken, leading Gorge and the others to laugh with joy, thinking that Sora Kleinserdt must be the real deal. This only made the guards more wary, creating a vicious cycle.

If Sora, who had leaned out of the window, hadn't calmed the situation, the lord's guards might have drawn their weapons and made a serious situation.

"So, what brings you here?"

Sora asked Gorge and the others, looking at them as if the heat was bothering him.

The location was the backyard, unlike the lord's mansion in the Kleinserdt territory, which was meticulously maintained to avoid prying eyes. Gorge and the other thirteen, along with Sora and Lazette, were gathered there.

The lord's guards, who could not ignore the unusual group despite their lack of hostility or weapons, watched them from a distance.

"Well, we came to see if you might make use of us."

"Is this about the duel?"

"Indeed."

Caught off guard by Gorge's purpose, Sora asked for confirmation.

"This isn't the Trinen residence, you know?"

"We are aware."

"Challenging the Trinens could affect your career, you know?"

"We don't mind. You are the first to recognize our efforts. We can't just let you die without a fight."

Gorge, who was smirking at Sora, caused a few of the lord's guards to scream from a distance.

Sora glanced at the guards, looking annoyed.

"If you're prepared, I have nothing to say. I'll count on you."

Sora extended his hand to Gorge.

Gorge, looking pleased, shook it.

Sora also shook hands with the other members. Some tried to refuse, showing their burn scars, but Sora ignored them and took their hands.

The lord's guards, who found the friendly atmosphere created by the group of monsters unsettling, were left behind as the conversation progressed.

"We know that the Chaf Trinen side has secured twenty elite soldiers, including the deputy commander of the royal guard."

Sora instructed the lord's guards to bring chairs before explaining the situation.

The information about Chaf was gathered by acquaintances in the capital and by Zess and the others.

The captain of the royal guard was not included because his absence would leave the guard without a leader. This indicated the popularity of the Trinen family, as they managed to secure the deputy commander.

"Chaf seems to be getting new equipment. While the details are unclear, his weapon is likely a broadsword about a meter long, and his armor will be light, made of leather, with no head protection."

"That's quite a definitive prediction."

Gorge interjected, sensing something off about Sora's explanation.

"From eyewitness accounts, we identified the store, and based on the items they sell, we made an educated guess. Considering the Trinen family's reputation, it's likely custom-made. The materials and quantities delivered to the store helped us predict the weapons and armor. So, it's still just a guess."

"...I understand the logic, but what kind of information network do you have?"

Gorge and the others' cheeks twitched.

Sora had made connections all over the capital, so he was aware of all the rumors discussed at the well. The duel was a hot topic, and Sora and Chaf's actions were perfect fodder for conversation.

Moreover, the Wooddora Trading Company was cooperating with Sora, providing information on materials and other details.

"Anyway, I have a question for you, Gorge and the others."

Sora said this formally, pausing before continuing.

"Can you fight on equal terms with Chaf using the same equipment?"

"I'd like to say yes, but it's impossible."

Gorge said this awkwardly.

Originally, they were part of the capital's defense force, a lower-level organization of the royal guard, which already put them at a disadvantage.

Additionally, the healing of their burns consumed a lot of protein, significantly reducing their strength, which led to their demotion to the capital's police force.

They were recovering through rehabilitation but were still not on par with active defense force members.

"You're at a disadvantage in skill and endurance. Do you think Chaf will notice this?"

"Most likely. He is a Trinen, after all."

"I see. That's convenient."

"Sorry—what?"

Gorge asked, surprised by the unexpected response, expecting disappointment.

"Maybe we should go with that... ."

However, Sora mumbled to himself, not answering the question.

After a while, Sora broke into a wide, innocent smile.

Despite the overwhelming disadvantage, even with the addition of Gorge and the others, Sora, whose life was on the line, smiled like a child. It was as if he was imagining the flustered reaction of someone who had fallen for a prank.

"Lord Sora, do you have a plan?"

"I do. A strategy to even the odds."

Before Gorge could ask for details, Sora turned to Lazette and whispered in her ear.

"Meet with Zess and the others tomorrow and adjust your schedule. Also, use Cole to contact the Wooddora Trading Company and have them prepare thick wooden boards, any kind. Make sure everything is done in secret."

Lazette, used to such requests, nodded without hesitation.

Turning back to Gorge and the others, Sora said with a sardonic smile.

"I'll provide the weapons. They might confuse you at first, but you'll understand once you use them."

Leaving the nature of the weapons a mystery, Sora stood firm in the middle of the group.

Seeing his composed yet gentle stance, Gorge and the others thought that their leader, who was not a monster, might be something more.

"I need your cooperation. The operation is called 'The High Jump of the Katsura Tree.' I'll explain the details."

Sora's plan was truly characteristic of him.

The final key to the plan could only be filled by Sora.

That's why, when he took on that role, Gorge and the others believed he was the right commander for their group of monsters.

– It was the embodiment of unshakable pride.