Chapter 63

Captain Grasco of the private army under the command of Count Mondo, acting on the orders of the count to suppress the riot, led the majority of the private army to the central part of the city of Baraila. The number of troops was nearly a hundred.

The central part of the city of Baraila was not a place where it made much sense to send private troops to suppress a riot. This was because the headquarters of the powerful guild 'Silver Will,' which is considered one of the top three in the city known as the city of adventurers, was located there. The area around it was also dotted with mid-level guilds.

Mikaela, the guild master of 'Silver Will,' was known to be the most skilled adventurer in the city of Baraila, and she was also a person of excellent character, with a strong sense of justice and self-respect. She was not the type to ignore a commotion in front of the headquarters.

However, Count Mondo, who had heightened his vigilance against the 'Flute Devil,' took the situation seriously. Although the information was still uncertain, he believed that the group had moved and decided to send a large number of troops. Fortunately, the adventurers of 'Dancing Sword,' who were there to deal with the war god Robin Hood, were in the mansion. He believed that they would help to bolster the thinning defenses of the mansion in the face of the enemy.

"Damn it! Is the count sending us far away and leaving them here?"

Grasco cursed as he led his subordinates toward the center of the city. To Grasco, this was a boring job. The idea that a group of misfit magicians could somehow affect the Kingdom of Legios, which had enjoyed a long peace after the Eight Nations Unification War, was too unrealistic.

The riot would probably have been suppressed by 'Silver Will' by now. It would have been better to send the external 'Dancing Sword' as insurance. Could Count Mondo be planning to make them the main force of the private army, bypassing us? The thought made Grasco even more irritable. Grasco knew he was inferior to Yunos in terms of strength.

However, as he approached the scene and saw the screams of people and the mad laughter, and the people running around, even Grasco changed his mind.

"Thank goodness...! It's Count Mondo's private army... Thank goodness...!"

The citizens, who usually only avoided the private army from a distance, now broke down in tears at the sight of Grasco.

"What the hell! What's going on here!"

Grasco, leading the private army, approached a kneeling female citizen and asked her. The woman, exhausted, kept her head down and looked at the ground as she answered Grasco's question.

"T-the 'Silver Will' people... are attacking the citizens around here!"

Grasco was stunned upon hearing this. The ones causing the riot were the top-tier adventurer guild, 'Silver Will' itself.

If this were true, Grasco would not be a match for them. There was a clear difference in individual training between the private army, which favored blood relations, and 'Silver Will,' which had advanced in a world of meritocracy.

"Don't talk nonsense! If you're trying to plot against me, you'll pay for it!"

Grasco's large body grabbed the woman by the collar and lifted her up. However, there was no fear in her eyes, only exhaustion.

"My husband... my husband was killed... by Lady Mikaela..."

There was no trace of deceit in her demeanor. Sweat dripped from Grasco's forehead.

After the war god Robin Hood caused a major incident and disappeared from the city of Baraila, the most popular adventurer in the city was said to be Mikaela, the guild master of 'Silver Will,' known as the goddess of the sword. Her popularity was undoubtedly boosted by her striking appearance and strong character, but the root of her popularity was undoubtedly her strength.

He had to turn back. Although he had not yet seen 'Silver Will,' the fact that the commotion had not subsided at all was already an abnormal situation. To counter them, the strength of 'Dancing Sword' waiting in the mansion was essential. He was not about to die in vain.

"......Damn. Hey, you guys!"

Grasco rolled the woman on the ground and turned to his subordinates.

"Y-You, sir...!"

The female citizen called out to Grasco desperately. However, Grasco did not turn back. He understood what she wanted. To stop them, or at least to buy time for other citizens to escape.

Are you crazy? Grasco thought. Life was on the line. Who would willingly sacrifice themselves?

At that moment, the image of the man in the great armor who had knocked him down flashed in his mind.

"...Let me tell you, the meaning of adventurers and private soldiers is completely different. If it comes to war, many adventurers will leave this land. The difference between adventurers hired on the spot and private soldiers kept on hand is significant. When this land is truly in danger, how many will risk their lives?"

"I don't think those private soldiers will be of any use when it matters."

He knew this without being told. He knew he was not fulfilling his duties as a private soldier.

If he fled back immediately, how many deaths would there be?

"...How pitiful. If you are a soldier, why do you disgrace your master?"

Grinding his teeth, Grasco's left side of his teeth, which had been broken in a private duel with Rambert, were mostly filled.

(If you're as strong as him, it's fine. You can push through with your ideals...)

No matter how much he trained, there was a difference in talent. Grasco had confidence that he was much better than the second-rate guilds. However, this city of Baraila was a place where many adventurers gathered. It was impossible to match the strength of a top-tier guild. There were dozens of exceptional talents lined up.

However, it was a position that could not be acknowledged that there were stronger adventurers around than his direct subordinates. Grasco thought he might have been rotting in this predicament.

In the past, Grasco, as the eldest son, was practically exiled from his home and sent to Count Mondo. He was a troublemaker wherever he went. However, Count Mondo warmly welcomed him. At that time, he had indeed sworn to dedicate his life to the count.

"...You guys! From here on, it's dangerous. We don't know what's happening! We might all be wiped out! Only those who are prepared to fight should follow me! I don't want to be held back!"

Grasco's voice was slightly trembling. He forced himself to shout loudly, trying to boost his own morale and numb his fear.

"Mr. Grasco...!"

His subordinates were not without loyalty. They were also worried about their current situation. After looking at each other, they raised their weapons and declared their intention to fight.

"Mr. Private soldier...!"

The female citizen looked up at Grasco.

"My name is Mr. Grasco! Don't forget it!"

Raising his voice, Grasco headed toward the center of the commotion. Not a single member of the team left.