Chapter 22

When I registered, it was just the deadline, and by then, most of the mercenaries around me had already left the lobby to head to the site.

Fortunately, there was no sign of the Priliera siblings.

Relieved by this, I was approached by Uncle Loanz.

"Despite how hard that brother and sister worked, there were more on the side of the count. It's a good thing there were some who made sound judgments."

"Did you happen to know a lot of information?"

"It's a mercenary's job to thoroughly investigate such things. Isn't that right?"

"Indeed, that's very true..."

The person who issued the request should have done that much research.

It's quite a mean-spirited thing, but this is probably the guild's way of respecting the will of the mercenaries and maintaining neutrality.

Well, I would have gone to the information brokers (my friend and the old lady) anyway.

In any case, since the procedures are complete and the preparations are finished, it's time to head to the combat zone.

The Nagan combat zone, where this battle will take place, is right in the middle of the Rosello Count's territory and the Grient Baron's territory.

Currently, no enemy forces have been confirmed, and we are undergoing checks and refueling.

In the camp of the count's side, mercenaries and the count's private soldiers who had heard of the exploits of him—more accurately, Rosvaize—were treating Lambert Liagras, also known as "Iki-kun," like a hero over the open channel.

Incidentally, his rank had been promoted to castle soldier.

Normally, it wouldn't be strange for him to have left the ship, but...

"Until someone suitable for me is found, if he were to leave the ship, we wouldn't be able to resupply. They're flattering him by saying things like, 'When he faints, he goes into a super awakening—amazing, isn't it?' And he hasn't wet himself since the first time."

Because of Rosvaize's words, he still hasn't left the ship.

In other words, he's like a puppet, isn't he? That's scary.

"By the way, there was a woman of the bishop class and her brother. Aren't you going to recruit them?"

I quietly asked about the Priliera siblings.

In terms of appearance and ability, they should fit Rosvaize's criteria.

Rosvaize's expression clearly turned unpleasant.

"No, that embodiment of female superiority and male inferiority. I'm sure only sympathizers are around her. It's better not to get involved with such people.

Her brother is a feminist to an extreme and too self-centered!

The person suitable for me must possess both ability and character."

I agree with everything except the last part.

They are probably on the other side, no doubt.

I hope I don't run into them...

At that moment, a plump middle-aged man appeared on the monitor over the open channel.

"Ah, soldiers and mercenaries participating in this battle.

I am Tradam Rosello, your lord and employer, and I hold the title of count.

As you all know, the cause of this battle is a single oil painting.

It originally belonged to my mansion, but it was stolen by someone.

If the Grient Baroness had happened to acquire it, I intended to buy it back for the same price or a premium.

Or if she thought it should be donated to the national museum, that would have been fine too.

Or if she simply liked the painting and bought it, there should have been some room for negotiation.

However, I did not expect her to claim from the beginning that it belonged to our family and to start a war.

When I offered to give her the old oil painting, she accused me, so for the sake of honor, I absolutely cannot back down.

Furthermore, she demanded that I hand over everything, including the territory, as an apology for the suspicion.

There are also bad rumors about the baroness.

I cannot allow that!

Soldiers and mercenaries, I ask you to do your best for the sake of our people! I look forward to your success and safe return!"

Indeed, he looks like someone who wouldn't be popular with women, just like me.

However, his attempts to avoid war and his hope for the safe return of mercenaries suggest that his reputation is not unfounded.

After that, the commander of the count's private army gave instructions on deployment and confirmed the chain of command, and the order to advance was given to the entire army.

Thus, the curtain of the war of interests, which began with a single oil painting, was raised.

**Baroness's Side: Third-Person Perspective**

In the Grient Baron's mansion on the planet Yabion, Elizaria Grient, the Grient Baroness, was in one of the rooms.

She sat shallowly in her office chair with her feet neatly aligned and her back straight.

Her worried expression made her look like the epitome of a virtuous baroness.

She was looking at the holographic phone screen, talking to Fadilna Priliera on the other side.

"Are you really sure it's okay?"

"Yes, a wicked count's army trying to take a national treasure from a weak woman is nothing to fear!"

"I see... Then, please do your best."

"Leave it to me!"

The baroness bowed her head apologetically, and Priliera replied confidently.

When the conversation ended, the baroness raised her head and looked away from the screen.

Her demeanor changed completely from the calm and composed one.

She stood up from her office chair, sat down on a luxurious sofa, crossed her legs, and leaned on the armrest.

"Really, it's so easy to handle such simple-minded people.

Because she acts like a heroine, she easily misunderstands when I act meek.

If I can get not only that oil painting but also the territory, I can live even more luxuriously.

The wealth I've acquired so far has been dwindling, so I should have sealed off the planet earlier to prevent the citizens from escaping to other stars..."

The meek and virtuous facade was completely gone, revealing her true arrogant and frivolous nature.

"I have brought you some wine."

A maid appeared, holding a glass of red wine on a tray at a position where she could simply extend her hand and close her fingers.

The baroness took the glass, looked at its contents, and then threw it at the maid holding the tray.

The wine glass shattered, and the maid's cheek bled, her clothes soaked in wine.

"Who told you to bring red?"

"But you said to prepare red just a moment ago..."

"I changed my mind! You really are trash if you can't even understand that!"

"I'm very sorry..."

The maid just bowed her head and apologized.

If she tried to argue further, she might be subjected to the whims of the private soldiers.

The baroness, understanding this, smiled with a sense of superiority.

"I'm going to rest a bit. In the meantime, replace the carpet with a new one. By yourself."

"Yes..."

The baroness laughed mockingly at the maid's weak response and left the nominal office,

"In just a few hours, that wealthy count's territory will be mine! I'm really looking forward to it! New jewels, furs, cosmetics... Yes! I'll turn the planet Yabion into a wasteland and build a new home!

I'll sell all the residents and turn them into pocket money."

As she headed to her bedroom, she began to calculate the wealth she would soon acquire.

**Baroness's Side: End**

The fact that the battle has not yet begun...

The model for the baroness is a secret.

Thank you for your comments, opinions, and any corrections.