Chapter 71

From the window of his study on the third floor of the mansion, Count Mondo stared in shock at the state of his territory. He had just sent his private army, led by Grasco, to suppress and investigate the mysterious riot that had broken out in the central part of the city of Baraila, and not much time had passed since then. Yet now, smoke was rising from various parts of the city, the bodies of the citizens were left exposed, and the adventurers, who had clearly lost their sanity, were carrying out massacres.

"So, the true nature of the mysterious riot was a horde of undead... If that's the case, then the one who caused this incident is the 'Pied Piper Demon'... I had heard rumors, but I didn't expect them to move so quickly."

Count Mondo clenched his fist, trembling as he gazed at his territory, now turned into a hell. Beside him, Yunos, the silver-haired, elegant man and Guild Master of 'Dancing Sword,' lowered his gaze to the city. With his narrow eyes slightly open, he glared at the rampaging undead, his face twisted as if he had bitten into a bitter bug.

Yunos had repeatedly given precise advice to Count Mondo during this crisis, earning the count's trust. Yunos, who had more practical experience and a sharper mind than the count's vassals, had risen through the ranks in the harsh world of adventurers by leveraging his natural talent and ambition. In times of crisis, it was Yunos, not the vassals who considered status and bloodline, who proved useful.

Because of this, Yunos was allowed to visit Count Mondo's study freely.

Yunos had initially smiled at this unexpected situation. However, the damage caused by the 'Pied Piper Demon' far exceeded his expectations.

Yunos had been focusing his activities on the city of Baraila, a hub for adventurers. But with this, the number of adventurers in the city would likely be halved. It would take at least a decade for the city to focus on reconstruction, and it was uncertain whether it would ever recover to its former glory. Moreover, it was unclear whether this disturbance could even be suppressed. He was beginning to feel that staying in this city had no value.

"I have sent messengers to each adventurer guild to call for their cooperation in dealing with the 'Pied Piper Demon' incident... However, the scale of the damage is far too great. I have also called for assistance from neighboring territories, but it is uncertain when they will arrive. The enemy's actions are far too swift."

"Indeed," Yunos replied to Count Mondo's lament with a bored tone.

"I am considering sending your 'Dancing Sword' to combat the undead and the 'Pied Piper Demon' mages... What do you think, Yunos?"

What Count Mondo was suggesting was to abandon the mansion's guard. Originally, Count Mondo had hired 'Dancing Sword' to protect himself from the revenge of Robin Hood, who had gone mad after a failed execution. The start of the 'Pied Piper Demon' attack on the entire city could have been considered fortunate timing for the count.

However, in this situation, it might be unwise to continue to tie down a major force like 'Dancing Sword' to guard the mansion, given the scale of the damage was far beyond expectations.

When asked for his opinion, Yunos scanned the area immediately below the window, where the walls of the mansion were surrounded. 'Dancing Sword' members and a portion of Count Mondo's private army were fighting off the undead trying to invade.

For now, the battle was stable. While the private army was holding its own, the 'Dancing Sword' adventurers, with their refined combat skills, were performing well and had not yet suffered any casualties.

But it was uncertain how long this would last. The enemy included not only undead adventurers but also 'Pied Piper Demon' mages.

Count Mondo had received information that the top-tier adventurer guild 'Silver Will' had been completely annihilated. Yunos, upon hearing this, was convinced that 'Silver Will' would not be outmatched by mere undead adventurers. He concluded that 'Silver Will' had been destroyed by the 'Pied Piper Demon' mages. While his own 'Dancing Sword' members were currently handling the undead with ease, if the 'Pied Piper Demon' mages directly attacked, the situation here would become precarious.

Yunos closed his eyes and, after a moment of thought, spoke.

"...My Lord Count Mondo, let us leave the city of Baraila. We, 'Dancing Sword,' will escort you to another city."

This was Yunos's best move. It would allow him to escape this dangerous city and earn a great favor with Count Mondo.

"What!?"

Count Mondo was shocked by Yunos's words.

"Are you telling me to abandon my territory and flee!? If I do that, this city will be doomed. If the lord flees, the private army and adventurers will abandon this land and scatter. That would be exactly what the 'Pied Piper Demon' wants!"

For a lord to abandon his territory was tantamount to declaring its destruction. The adventurers fighting for the territory would likely throw down their swords and flee. Moreover, Count Mondo had just sent messengers to the adventurer guilds to call for their assistance. Fleeing alone would be a despicable act, lacking in integrity.

"Let's be realistic, My Lord Count Mondo. Your presence or absence will not significantly affect the crisis in this territory. Indeed, if it becomes known, morale will drop. It might lead to chaos and additional deaths. Therefore, let's inform only a few trusted vassals that 'Count Mondo is still in the mansion' as a cover. For your safety..."

"...Are you telling me to deceive the citizens and flee alone? I never thought Yunos would be so shameless!"

Yunos fell silent.

Yunos was skilled at reading others' thoughts and guiding them to his own ends. This skill, however, was one he had developed growing up in a poor, crime-ridden neighborhood. In such an environment, one had to sacrifice others to survive. Those who couldn't do so would die early. As a result, Yunos tended to strongly believe that people were inherently selfish and rational. This belief often came to the forefront when he tried to guide others' thoughts, leading to his previous rejection by Lambert.

"...I apologize. I seem to have been a bit agitated. I should not have lashed out at you, Yunos. We each have our own thoughts. Indeed, I might be better off fleeing. But I do not wish to leave this city now."

"...No, not at all. I spoke out of turn. Please forgive my rudeness."

Yunos bowed and left the study on his own. As he left, he glanced back at the tired-looking Count Mondo, who was staring at the closing door.

Yunos, outside the study, let out a small sigh.

(Count Mondo, don't die. Perhaps I should leave this place alone.)

As Yunos descended the stairs, an explosion was heard from the upper floor. It didn't seem to be from Count Mondo's study, but it appeared that magic had been used. The servants' screams continued. It seemed that the 'Pied Piper Demon' mage's attack, which Yunos had anticipated, had started earlier than expected.