196
Flying Baron
Fullfoot started by first setting goals.
‘You need strength. Strength that no one can treat lightly.’
Knock, knock. Pulpouts’ fingers tapped the table.
First of all, the first thought that came to mind was rebels.
Pulpouts hesitated for a moment and then shook his head.
‘If I join the rebels now, I will have no influence.’
Before joining the rebel army, he needed to gain some more size. Fullfoot continued to worry about this.
How will a baron in the eastern frontier swell in size?
‘···There was a way.’
Fullfoot sighed as he thought of the proper way.
No one can avoid this method. That’s something that Fullputz, who has experienced it, can guarantee.
“Nova, can you help me find the letters from Count Behart and Viscount Bonita?”
“yes.”
Nova answered briefly and quickly disappeared.
Next was the question of funding.
To begin with, there was no place to indulge in luxury in the remote area, and Pulpouts did not enjoy spending much in the first place.
That’s why I had quite a bit of money saved. Thanks to the spoils I received from Bolt Castle and the rewards I received from the church, I could say that I had quite a lot of money.
Money was soon a weapon.
“Sheriff, I will increase the number of soldiers to wartime levels from now on. Return all but the minimum necessary personnel to the soldiers. It is winter, so many will be resting.”
“·········yes.”
The sheriff’s response was somewhat slow. It was clear that he did not understand Pulpouts’ orders. However, Pulpouts did not explain.
The sheriff disappeared, leaving the three knights behind. Pulpouts narrowed his eyes and looked at the three of them.
There was nothing to hide now.
No, I had to take out everything I had.
I could use it when I needed to.
“You’re getting swordsmanship training from Aaron.”
“···yes?”
The three people’s reactions to Pulpouts’ assertion were all different.
Adela raised her head proudly, Delphine hiccupped in surprise, and Adolf questioned.
It was a fact that they had already noticed. They said they were hiding it, but how well could those three hide it?
‘Aaron is the most important.’
Judging from his recent return, it seemed like he wouldn’t be leaving Cassidy, but he wanted to tie things up a little tighter.
“I will make Aaron a swordsman instructor. I will speak to him separately, so you don’t have to hide like before.”
The three of them let out a deep sigh. It was somewhat incomprehensible why they were reacting in such a way, since it was an official approval of something they had been doing in secret.
Nova returned a while later.
He was holding a wad of paper in his hand.
Pulpouts looked over the letters carefully.
Letters from the second and third Counts of the Bechard family, a letter requesting support from Viscount Bonita… As befitting a nobleman, it had his seal on it.
This was clearly a public request.
“Do you have enough spare cash?”
“Yes, that’s enough.”
Nova nodded without asking where she would use it.
She was a woman with a truly quick wit.
Pulpouts tapped the table with his fingers.
“Send a letter of support and alliance to the second son of Count Behart. Also, send the goods that Viscount Bonita requested. In exchange for sending them at a low price, I received a letter of support asking for a solid alliance…”
Fullfoot quickly spouted out his plan without stopping.
When he finished speaking, everyone except Nova looked surprised. Only Nova, who had caught on, had a complicated expression on his face.
Originally, Pulpouts had no interest in alliances or unions. Furthermore, since they were located in the outskirts, other nobles did not show much interest either.
The previously unstoppable Pulptu suddenly started throwing resources at the alliance like crazy. Everyone looked surprised.
Seeing their reactions, Pulpouts felt a small sense of relief.
The other nobles probably think so too. They would gladly sign a letter of alliance. It was a deal they had nothing to lose.
The second son of Count Behart was primarily concerned with stabilizing the family, while Viscount Bonita was desperate to end the territorial war he had waged.
It was obvious that they would think, “It’s just a castle and an alliance in the frontier.”
I don’t think you can ever imagine that the person you’re rejecting would be a traitor.
‘This was quite a headache.’
I was confident because I had personally experienced it.
That they wouldn’t even think of refusing.
‘A relationship tied with money is an alliance that can easily be broken, but it’s a different story when it comes to treason.’
If you had even one document related to treason, it was no different from being on the same ship.
Fullfoot turned his gaze to the next one. There must be more guys who will be tied up together.
“How was the connection with the Karzan side? Of course, they must have given a bribe as a reward?”
“We spent quite a bit of money to fill the spot at the top of the Garot with Karzan. It should be enough.”
‘Enough···.’
Fullfoot raised the corners of his mouth at Nova’s answer.
“Good. Add more.”
“Yes, ···then I think it would be okay to include Baron Grucias or Baron Arina. According to recent information, they have not yet recovered from the damage they suffered during the heresy incident.”
Pulpouts felt a small exclamation of admiration at Nova’s words. Even though she hadn’t explained it, she had sensed his intentions and advised him on what to do next… She was an amazing woman.
“Then put it in there too. Just as much as possible.”
Pulpouts’ head spun violently.
Because Cassidy’s image was so peaceful and modest, there were plenty of people who would bundle up with him if you just gave them supplies.
The idea was to tie up as many of these people as possible to increase their size.
Suddenly, the habitual worry about whether he was opening the board too wide crossed his mind, but Pulpouts tried to suppress it.
This was a water fight for survival.
The water bottle had to be big.
It continued like that. Nova scratched the part that Fullfoot hadn’t thought of, and the plan gradually became more visible.
The expressions of the three knights listening to him from the side became increasingly ambiguous. As simple knights, they seemed not to have noticed Pulpouts’ intentions.
It seemed as if Fullfoot was crazy and throwing money around. Adela, who had been shaking, raised her hand.
“I, Akdelgu! I pledge allegiance to Lord Pulpouts···!”
Adela suddenly tried to negotiate wages.
Originally, a knight’s wages were not raised unless he had performed a meritorious deed, but now there was no need to save.
There, the three knights were the best swords that Fullfoot could handle.
Fullfoot nodded quickly, and recorded the feat of having the wages of the three knights more than double.
Nova shook his head as he watched Adela, who was snickering, and the other two, who were applauding and praising him.
They didn’t seem to care why wages had gone up.
***
The meeting, which started suddenly, lasted a very long time.
It didn’t end until the moon set and the sun rose again.
Although he didn’t say it out loud, Nova could tell what Baron Pulpouts was thinking.
It was clear why the passive lord suddenly became obsessed with forming an alliance.
‘···I’m thinking of rebelling.’
Nova chewed her lip.
First of all, since it was the lord’s opinion, a plan was sought in accordance with it, but the rebellion was not a simple matter such as budget management.
Of course, if a baron from the frontier joins the rebels, they won’t immediately storm the capital.
Still, treason was treason. If it was said wrongly, all the heads in the castle would surely be blown off.
‘Is it because of Vivian?’
Probably. The face of the Balhar Khan enemy has not been happy since he demanded Aaron and Vivian.
It wasn’t a bad idea, but it was a bit too bold of a move.
Having stayed up all night, Nova left the conference room feeling extremely tired.
‘···I plan to tie up the East.’
Fullfoot’s intentions were clear. He wanted to clear up everything before the news of what had happened at Cassidy spread. That must be why he brought up the contract.
There was no way Fullfoot would lead the rebellion. Simply standing at the forefront with a sword in hand was not treason.
Plus, considering that Frederick Guild was a rebel, it was obvious that they had their own way.
‘First, let’s make the top bigger···.’
Nova quickly calculated in his head. If Aaron’s top could fill the space of Gyarrot’s top, it would probably be a good match.
Novado had the same idea as Fullfoot. The bigger he gets, the heavier his steps will become.
As I returned to my room with those thoughts in mind, a familiar face was sitting there.
“orange.”
“···what?”
Her voice naturally sharpened at the calm greeting. At that moment, her eyes met with Aaron’s, who had turned his head. Nova’s eyes widened as if they were going to tear apart.
“What’s wrong with your eyes?!”
Aaron’s black eyes had turned a bright yellow. They were so bright that it felt like they were emitting light.
Nova, startled, grabbed Aaron’s face and checked his eyes.
“I ate the wrong mushroom.” “What nonsense… Look!”
Nova slapped Aaron’s hand away and looked again. Aaron frowned.
“What are you doing that changes the color of your eyes? How many of these?”
Nova opened her eyes wide and spread her fingers.
“two.”
“What is this?”
“Three.”
“Then what about this?”
“How do you know what’s hidden behind your back?”
Nova felt a small sense of relief at the sound of Aaron’s annoyed voice.
Only then did Nova realize how close the distance was and she fell down in surprise.
“Active Orange.”
“What are you saying?”
You must look terrible after staying up all night. Nova hurriedly tied her hair back up. There must be dark circles under her eyes too.
When I think of him, my eyes naturally sharpen. What’s the problem if I tell him I’ll come in advance and come to see him?
“so?”
“I came to keep my promise.”
Nova narrowed her eyes at the curious answer that seemed to be a challenge to a duel.
‘If it’s a promise…’
A moment later, Nova’s face crumpled as she remembered that the promise was actually a date.
“I can just go right now.”
Before Nova could answer, Aaron had already left the room.
Nova patted her cheek as she watched the tired back of her head.
I was planning to eat breakfast today anyway.
Nova didn’t usually eat breakfast, so Blossom wouldn’t bring her food, and she was also a bit tired of her own food.
It was just an extension of those things.
Nova quickly adjusted her clothes and followed him.
“But you’re late for work. You’re not even in the office after the sun rises.”
“You haven’t finished work yet?”
Aaron’s eyes widened. At his exaggerated reaction, Nova forced the corners of his lips upward.
“He was a very wicked lord.”
“It’s because I have a lot of work to do.”
“You’ve got a lot of work to do?”
At Aaron’s question, Nova looked at him. His scar showed no expression, but his expression was no different than usual.
“It seems that an imperial knight has gone missing around Cassidy.”
“Hmm······. This is a big problem.”
Nova’s eyes sharpened at the indifferent voice that was different from the content.
“You came down from the Kirton Mountains with Inquisitor Joanna Ethan. Do you really not know anything?”
“I just got lost.”
He was covered in black blood and in a mess, you say-. Nova tried hard to swallow the words that were on the tip of her tongue. She held them in because saying those words would make it seem like she was investigating him.
I was able to escape my introversion by having such a small talk. The road that usually felt quite long felt very short.
Even though I didn’t sleep, my mind became clearer and clearer.
“orange.”
Aaron immediately held something out.
It was an orange I had picked up from the stand next to me. Beyond it, a fruit vendor was smiling awkwardly.
Nova took out money and paid for what Aaron had eaten. The fruit vendor looked at Aaron and expressed his gratitude.
“There are more than a few people who got stomachaches after eating the fruit you sold last time. Shouldn’t you do it right?”
“No, since then I’ve been managing it more thoroughly···.”
Nova bit into an orange while watching Aaron, who was longing for a fruit vendor.
The sour taste brought back her appetite. Nova, who suddenly felt hungry, grabbed Aaron’s arm as he nagged her.
Aaron kept nagging the fruit vendor as he was being dragged in.
Nova was thinking of going to her favorite restaurant in Cassady.
“Why are you doing this······.”
As they arrived at the restaurant, Aaron’s face crumpled.
Nova burst into laughter when she saw him.
“I tried it and it was delicious.”
Nova grabbed Aaron by the scruff of his neck and led him into the restaurant. The distinctive sour smell whetted his appetite even more.
“Oh, it’s Aaron. This is… Nova. Sit comfortably.”
Nova dragged Aaron to sit at the table in the center. There was no one else there, perhaps because the door had just opened.
It was strangely amusing to look at Aaron’s shit-chewing face sitting across from me.
“Why did it have to be like this···. From the morning··· it’s so horrible···.”
Aaron continued to grumble. Nova tried to keep the corners of her lips from twitching.
A few moments later, two fish buns arrived. Aaron, who had been grumbling until just now, forced a smile and thanked Marsha.
As Marsha stepped back, Aaron grumbled again.
“It’s obvious that he’s cursed. Orange, let’s go to the synagogue. There’s a brave abbot there…”
Nova ignored Aaron’s mutterings and picked up the fish bread to eat.
The sour taste and the sweet taste that followed were excellent. It was an incredible taste that woke me up with a start.
“···A terrible orange.”
Aaron, who was grumbling, also took a bite of the fish bread. His expression became even more crumpled as he chewed on the fish head that was sticking out.
The scars were about to merge into one. Nova laughed out loud at the sight of her eating with difficulty.
Soon, Aaron, whose face resembled that of a soldier who had been in battle, patted my stomach and muttered something. When I listened closely, I saw that it was a harsh curse aimed at no one.
“Aaron, you eat well. This was specially made…”
“Ah! Seriously. I told you not to give me things like this!”
Aaron’s voice grew louder as Marsha brought out the new fish bread. It was a tone that seemed to indicate anger at the sibijo, but Aaron took it and put it in his mouth.
Masha and Nova laughed out loud at the sight of him. Masha patted Aaron on the shoulder and went back inside.
Aaron rinsed his mouth with beer while muttering a compliment mixed with insults. Nova watched him and pushed Aaron’s share of the fish bread that had been brought out for him.
“It’s a late punishment.”
Aaron’s face immediately crumpled. Aaron muttered something, sighed deeply, and took a bite of the fish bread.
I laughed out loud again at the sight of Aaron eating until the end while staring at me.
Aaron grumbled, but he still managed to finish three fish loaves.
Nova paused for a moment, watching Aaron sip his beer and mutter a curse.
“···Are you going to rebel?”
Aaron’s brow furrowed. It was the reaction he got when he was caught. Nova let out a small sigh at that.
Aaron coughed for a moment and raised his eyebrows slightly.
Accordingly, the eyes grew wide.
It was Aaron’s signature sly smile, but his eyes were yellow, so they looked like blemished lemons.
“Then you want to help me?”
The yellow eyes sparkled like jewels. Nova stared at Aaron’s eyes for a long time. They were truly bewitching eyes.
“Why are you so serious… I’m just joking.”
Aaron’s grumbling brought Nova back to her senses.
Aaron had an embarrassed look on his face.
Nova nodded vigorously, raising the corners of her lips at Aaron’s incongruous expression.
“I told you last time. Just say the word and I’ll help you.”
“···I said I was joking.”
Then Aaron, with an uncomfortable expression on his face, grumbled softly.
“···lemon.”
“what?”
“lemon-.”
Nova spoke at length, pointing to Aaron’s eyes with both fingers.
It was closer to a jewel than a lemon, but it still tasted like a lemon.
Aaron’s face was scrunched up and he was quite funny. I think I know why Aaron teased me by calling me an orange.
“Can I have that? A lemon?”
Nova called out, his voice nasally, like Aaron used to when he was teasing himself.
“Don’t call me by my nickname. It’s annoying.”
“Yeah, lemon.”
Nova continued humming Lemon for a long time after that, and Aaron frowned every time.
As we finished our meal and went outside, a cool breeze greeted us.
Aaron’s subsequent grumbling was somehow pleasant to hear.
At that time, there was a familiar figure next to me.
“······!!”
It was Inquisitor Joanna Ethan, her eyes wide. Her face was astonished, as if she had seen the devil.
Nova was startled by Joanna’s intense reaction and checked behind her, but there was nothing.
Joanna suddenly grabbed Nova and Aaron’s hands. Nova was taken aback by her rough manner, as if she was dragging him away, but Joanna’s evil power was great.
So I was caught by Joanna and taken somewhere-.
When I came to, I was eating the cake Joanna was handing me.
‘Why with your hands······.’
Nova was suspicious, but tried to hold back because Joanna’s face was so serious.
“The cake is definitely delicious.”
Inquisitor Joanna Ethan nodded furiously at Aaron’s muttering.
Afterwards, he was able to be released after receiving Joanna’s blessing.
Although the ending was a bit strange, it was a satisfying date.
***
‘Flying Baron… malignant baldness group.’
I clicked my tongue as I looked at the Flying Baron across from me.
His forehead was wider than the last time I saw him. His eyes were also sunken, so he looked like he was suffering from some kind of illness.
As I looked at him, a worry suddenly rose in my mind. If the Flying Baron died, it was certain that Park Dae-gari would take his place.
If that happened, it was clear that my Cassadic coins would crash.
I felt dizzy for a moment as I saw the bright smile of Park’s head, happily sharing his wealth with the residents.
“Have a seat.”
The Flying Baron’s voice broke my thoughts. I nodded deeply and sat down at a distance.
Originally, the Flying Baron’s chair was a bit higher, but now it was the same height.
‘Get well soon. Should I bring you some garlic? Oh, I should have brought some garlic this time.’
I clicked my tongue slightly. I didn’t even have the presence of mind to think about garlic.
I guess I’ll have to give him some garlic juice.
“Even if you don’t have manners···.”
The Flying Baron muttered. I put down the apple I was holding.
The Flying Baron, who had coughed, stared at me. His eagle-like eyes were sharper than before. Although there were dark circles under his eyes, his eyes were clearer.
The Flying Baron opened his mouth for a long time.
It looked as if he was confessing, so I held the knife handle with one hand and ate the apple with the other.
It seemed even more delicious because it was an apple eaten by nobles.
After eating about five apples, the hesitant Flying Baron finally opened his mouth.
“I’m thinking of joining the rebels.”
The remarks that followed were somewhat shocking, but within the expected range.
‘The rebels would be the best option for the Flying Baron.’
With the chaos that had broken out, there was no way the Empire would give in easily. It would be best for the Flying Baron to join hands with the rebels.
I had already guessed at the Flying Baron’s greed, but now he was looking down on the Empire… He was the embodiment of ambition.
‘By the way, this guy and that guy… Do you think the empire is some kind of hole-in-the-wall shop?’
Even the baron of the frontier is talking about rebellion…
It seemed like the empire was about to fall.
I guessed why the Flying Baron brought up such a dangerous story that could cost me my life.
‘···Are you telling me to become completely my own person?’
It was an unusual action for a noble. Usually, when a noble needs a commoner, he would raise his chin and arrogantly accept them, but this was the opposite of that.
“···What are you planning to do?”
When I didn’t answer, the Flying Baron looked at me with serious eyes and asked.
I thought about it for a moment, but I was in the middle of making plans and it wasn’t something I should be talking about with the Flying Baron.
“I plan to do it like this.”
“I see.”
The Flying Baron nodded at my answer.
He looked satisfied.
I finished the apple and then picked up some bread. I ate quite a bit, but the fishy smell of the bread didn’t go away.
After a while, the Flying Baron spoke again.
“Do you have any plans to go to the capital?”
It was a random question. I might go there someday, but I had no plans to go right now.
“doesn’t exist.”
A strange look of regret appeared on the Flying Baron’s face.
‘···Were you trying to guide me?’
Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was also a boring guide.
“Oh, I’m thinking of forming a few new units in the Foreign Guard. Then, we’ll have more room than before, so I’ll organize your unit separately as a supplementary unit.”
It was an unexpected proposal for a flexible work schedule. In addition, seeing as they were going to completely exclude supplementary work, it seemed like they were trying to provide maximum convenience.
It was a noticeable change, considering that before it felt like I was being forced to turn away.
I wanted to draw the Flying Baron towards me. I scratched my neck for no reason.
‘···They’ll like it.’
I think everyone except Brick would like it.
Since I wouldn’t be doing any extra work, I could continue my little hobby of beating up medieval guys.
It was a much more impactful offer than a wad of gold coins.
Knock knock. I tapped the chair with my finger. The Flying Baron stared at me with his clear eyes. His gaze was somewhat burdensome.
“I have a proposition for you.”
The Flying Baron’s soft voice broke my thoughts.
“yes.”
I nodded at the Flying Baron who used the word suggestion even though the hierarchy was clear.
“First, I would like to ask Adela, Adolf, and Delfran to be your swordsmanship instructors. I will pay you handsomely for it.”
It was an unexpected request. First of all, it was surprising that he asked the captain of the guards to be the instructor for his knights.
No matter how much you know about their power, it’s not easy to ignore their status. Especially not if you’re a noble.
And yet, you asked me directly… I was quietly impressed.
‘This isn’t an attempt to pull me to their side… It’s about joining hands as equals.’
From the height of the chair to the attitude of the Flying Baron, it was clear.
My head is getting a bit complicated.
Apart from that, it was an offer that there was no reason to refuse. The three Bori brothers had originally been training occasionally, and they were talking about paying for it.
Nodding, the Flying Baron let out a small breath.
The Flying Baron, with a much more relaxed expression, rose from his seat and approached.
As the distance narrowed, I habitually fiddled with the handle of my knife.
The Flying Baron, with an incongruous smile, extended his hand to me.
I looked at the hand and thought for a moment.
Anyway, since I was living in Cassidy, there was no reason to bother.
If you look at it broadly, the goals were similar.
Of course, the Flying Baron won’t be that aggressive.
After a brief moment of reflection, they held hands.
The Flying Baron’s hands were rough for a nobleman, but soft for a commoner.
The Flying Baron nodded.
It was a pretty useful look.
“······What is that?”
At that moment, the Flying Baron pointed to the sword on my waist and asked.
‘They told a secret too···.’
In a way, it was a situation where an alliance was formed.
Since the Flying Baron turned over the Rebellion card first, I had to show something in return.
“It’s the sword of the master. Isn’t it cool?”
He showed off his magnificent royal emblem and bragged about it.
“Kikigigi-.”
The Flying Baron made a strange noise.
***
Gesher Wind of the Eastern Bureau looked down at the envelope as he filled his pipe with tobacco.
The envelope had the word ‘Avery’ written on it in fancy letters.
Sending this to him was what Selena wanted. It was a decision she had reached after much thought.
“Phew···. Why did it have to be me···.”
Gesher Wind grumbled softly. Gesher Wind had been investigating for quite some time, starting from the last incident.
Gesher Wind was confident that he had a lot of courage, since the job of the management was to do and manage crazy things.
However, my thoughts changed after experiencing this incident.
The focus of Gesher Wind was a man named Aaron. Information about him was listed in considerable detail before he was marked as dead.
The wizard Gesher Wind was confident that he had had his fair share of hardships, but he couldn’t bring himself to tell the tale in front of the man.
It was just a small impression I got from reading the paper.
Anyway, it was clear that he was a great person.
He survived by striking the back of the empire’s head with pure force and cunning without any demons, so he deserves to be recorded in the history of criminals.
Of course, he had Selena’s help, but even considering that, it was clearly a ‘great’ achievement.
‘Selena… She must have been the one who brought out the demons.’
Gesher Wind lit his pipe with a snap of his fingers.
This incident has led to a major inspection of the demons underground.
Originally, the deepest part was neglected because there were few accessible objects.
There was a high possibility that if a person with insufficient skills went down, there would be danger, and since they did not die even if they were not managed, it was a structure that could not be helped but neglected.
As such a place was brought back into the spotlight due to this incident, it was belatedly revealed that the main demons had disappeared.
The disappearance of the demons wasn’t much of a problem. It was the job of the management bureau to release the demons and then capture them again.
However, the problem was that even the ones that shouldn’t have disappeared disappeared.
Although there was no hard evidence, Gesher Wind was convinced that it was Selena’s doing. He had a feeling.
Even Selena wouldn’t be able to get over this easily… As if they had been waiting for it, problems occurred one after another, and the issue became controversial.
The biggest one of them is-.
‘······The prophecy is starting to go wrong.’
Gesher Wind blew out a long puff of smoke.
I nodded in excitement.
‘What does that have to do with me?’
Anyway, he was in the East, the graveyard of the management office.
Gesher Wind put an envelope in the hole, thinking of dealing with the troubling matter.
An envelope labeled Avery disappeared through the hole.
It will be passed on to some stupid information guild that thinks it is their ability without even knowing the source.
Maybe this is what Selena meant.
