Chapter 35

* * *

Beep.

- Name: Monmither

- Age: 42

- Gender: Male

- Race: Human

- Title: Hines Manor Vigilante Captain, Practical Deputy

- Abnormal Status: Severe Fatigue

- Special Notes:

- Proficient Swordsman

- Knightly Talent

- Current Psychological State:

- Confusion

- Surprise

- Distrust of the Initiator

- Concern for the captured manor residents

- Worry about the declining manor

- That damned worry and concern

- Although his basic education only involved learning to read and write, he has led this mentally deranged manor with experience and wisdom.

- This is enough to be considered a talent worth promoting.

"Traces on the way, signs of goblins infiltrating the castle, right?"

"Y-Yes, I saw it myself."

"Why did the defenses fail?"

It's not that the goblins are numerous; even if they are, we still have a fortress. How could it be breached?

Not a scolding, but a calm question. Yet, for some reason, he seems to find me very difficult to deal with.

"It's not a scolding. We will solve the manor's problems one by one based on your experience and memories."

He looked surprised at my words.

After all, newly appointed lords usually place their loyal followers in key positions. While this is common, such people are often dismissed as dangerous.

"That... That is... Due to the continuous raids, the vigilantes are exhausted and injured..."

"What about the casualties?"

"Several dozen houses were burned, and many residents were kidnapped..."

I stroked my chin at his resentful muttering.

"What about the internal state of the manor?"

This was the crucial part.

If there were no goblin attacks, he would have focused on this before reinforcing the vigilantes. A precarious manor must be handled carefully.

"That... We have enough food to last until this winter... but the harvest this year was poor..."

- Even if the royal funds are used to repair the walls, the lord's castle, and the facilities, it would only be enough to last for about two years.

Perseus quickly smiled, having quickly grasped what I was trying to find out.

Kya, I like you. Just be my secretary.

- I decline.

She lay on my thigh on the chair, smiling calmly.

- Then my sleep time... *yawn*...

I chuckled at her sleeping behavior.

"We should go there ourselves."

I muttered, looking at Monmither, who still didn't trust me.

I took a small pouch from my pocket and handed it to him.

He took it hastily, his eyes widening at the heavy weight, and was shocked again by its contents.

"Gold! Platinum coins!!"

Platinum coins.

Each one is worth about 50 gold coins, the highest denomination. The amount isn't much, but the coins are much larger than regular gold coins.

"Have Sir Pallas and Sir Holton escort him. If you wish, you can take some vigilantes. Mention my name to the merchant and buy food and necessary supplies. This should be enough to buy enough food and supplies to last for a while."

With only about 200 residents, it's possible.

"Your Highness... How can you have such a large amount of money..."

Not only Monmither but also the others who were here to assist me looked surprised. They knew I didn't have such a large sum of money.

"Don't ask where I got it. I obtained it legitimately."

I obtained it legitimately.

As a righteous thief, I plundered the information guild.

- There is no righteousness in theft... *mumble*...

'Shut up.'

You can still answer even when you're sleeping.

They probably went wild when they realized they had been robbed of both information and money.

But it was too late.

They looked troubled at my words but soon bowed, seemingly dismissing their doubts.

"I will go with him."

It was Bernil, the steward of the prince's palace.

He is from the same family as Vesper, the king's steward and confidant, and they look similar.

"Right, if Steward Bernil goes, it will be more certain."

"I will return with the items you requested within four days."

With that, I stood up.

"Let's get organized now. The faster we rescue the people, the better. Gather all the knights and vigilantes, leaving only the minimum number to guard the manor. Amy, organize the maids to clean the lord's castle."

I will clean up the outside.

They stared at me for a while, then seemed to realize the situation and followed me out.

* * *

Indeed, a face full of distrust.

The number of vigilantes gathered, excluding the minimum defense force, was only 20.

It's a remarkable achievement that there are nearly 30 vigilantes in a manor where most young people have left.

With 8 regular knights, who are much stronger than ordinary people, added, they are a considerable force against goblins, but considering the vigilantes' level, it's almost suicidal.

The goblins they have to face number exactly 150.

A frontal attack is a dangerous disparity in strength.

- Hmm... You are trying to save the world too easily. Numbers can change. Given the current situation, even 200 goblins wouldn't be surprising...

'No, it's 150.'

I will block any additional goblins.

Did she understand my intention? Perseus, who looked very sleepy, closed her mouth.

- Sometimes you are fiery, and I like that.

"Thank you all for gathering. You don't know me, but I am the newly appointed lord, [David All Round]."

I calmly ascended the platform and looked at them.

As the information analysis quickly activated, their information was listed, but none seemed to hide exceptional qualities like Monmither.

"You already know, but the goblins raided the manor last night and kidnapped the residents."

Murmurs began to spread.

"Some of you may want to go and find them immediately. Some may be afraid and want to hide."

Silence continued.

"But no matter what, if we do nothing, those green little bastards will continue to raid the manor."

Everyone fell silent at my calm voice.

Their faces were full of distrust, but no one spoke easily.

After all, I was putting considerable pressure on them.

"Although I just arrived, I am the lord, and that won't change."

"..."

"I don't know you, but I won't tolerate intruders in my manor. I'm not kind enough to let those who think they can wield a sword and leave unscathed."

Their faces showed difficulty at my words.

They know that even if they go to seek revenge and find their families, it will be dangerous.

The forest where the goblins hide is not easy to search, and it's their territory.

Even a dog can bite when cornered in its own home; how much more so for goblins.

"But with this number, dealing with them is..."

"A suicide mission!"

Naturally, they shouted in distrust.

There were young boys and old men who looked dangerous with swords.

The lack of a consistent age range means they are short-handed.

"So, are we just going to let them keep invading?"

They fell silent at my words.

Then they looked at each other.

"Your Highness, we understand, but we are the last vigilantes left in the manor... If we all die, who will protect the manor?"

"Right! Goblins have a strong grudge. If we fail, they will attack again out of revenge!"

"I will go too. Don't worry."

Their faces showed disappointment at my words.

Some looked at me with disdain.

Naturally, they think I'm a prince with little experience, relying on my blood.

Even without saying it, the status window in front of them clearly shows extreme distrust.

They whispered to each other, thinking they were all going to die.

The knights were about to intervene in their disrespectful behavior, but I stopped them with a gesture.

"I understand your concerns, but let me correct one thing."

Their confused gazes focused on me.

"I am not a prince but the lord of Hines Manor. You are the manor residents, and we are now one family. Do you think I would let my family die?"

The room fell silent at my words.

"I swear on my scar. Trust me and follow me. I will root out the goblins without losing a single person."

I could go alone and wipe them out, but I can't.

I need to see their resolve and basic skills.

"Can't you trust me? If not, trust the divine mark, the scar, bestowed upon me. If you still can't, think of me as a tyrannical lord and follow me."

Everyone fell silent. Even those who were ignorant of outside news seemed to realize I was the prince with the scar.

"My life is the most important. And so are those who protect me. No one should die without my permission!"

An overwhelming aura was released, momentarily intimidating everyone.

People tend to mistake the oppressive air for charisma.

My firm declaration surprised them.

* * *

Nearby Forest.

The large forest near Hines Manor was originally a quiet place where only wild animals lived.

It was a forest where the manor residents used to hunt.

Although a few orcs were found in the past, they had little interest in humans, and it was a long time ago.

But something happened recently, and goblins started to appear, leading to the current situation.

The forest has become so dangerous that hunting is impossible.

"The goblin village has already been identified."

The oldest vigilante, Coris, bowed and said, replacing Monmither.

"Once we pass this ridge, we will find a large number of goblins."

As he said, we moved quietly, and a small village became visible not far away.