Merchant Noble is out (4/4 chapters for today)
Suppression (1)
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“Randal… our food supplies are gradually running out.” (??)
“Yeah, I know. Keep provoking them. We need to take action soon.” (Randal)
Randal sighed as he repeated the same orders he had given before. Though he maintained the same outward appearance, the truth was that the rebellion was cornered. Only a few of the top leaders in the rebellion, including Randal, were aware of this.
One month had passed since their last victory, and the commander of the suppression forces had changed again. It was Tyr from the House of Baron Warden. When Randal learned of this appointment, he felt a sense of relief. A baron as the commander. The kingdom must not be taking this rebellion seriously. This meant that Randal and his forces had managed to hold out.
Indeed, the punitive force under Tyr had done nothing for weeks. Randal, thinking of them as mere showpieces, had relaxed the rebel force and taken some much-needed rest himself. This complacency proved to be a fatal mistake.
Upon receiving the news that food supplies weren’t arriving, Randal hurriedly investigated and discovered that all supply lines had been captured by the punitive force. The secret escape routes and hidden paths that had allowed the siege to continue were all exposed by Tyr, and while the rebellion rested, these routes were completely sealed off.
If they’re strong in battle, then we should win without fighting them.
Against a rebellion largely composed of peasants, with no regard for pride or stubbornness, Tyr was a man who simply aimed for the best outcome. His methods were pragmatic, as if he were a merchant by blood.
“Hey, government lapdogs! Are you so scared of us peasants? Come out and fight!” (??)
“If you don’t come out, we’ll just take a nap right here!” (??)
“Scaredy-cats hiding from peasants!” (??)
The rebels hurled insults at the besieging punitive force from outside the castle. They continued their provocation from close enough to be heard, but the punitive force remained immobile, maintaining their encirclement. Occasionally, a young soldier would rush out, unable to tolerate the taunts, but they were quickly subdued by others and disappeared back into the encirclement. It seemed there was a strict order not to engage.
Although the rebels felt relieved not to be fighting for their lives, Randal was feeling the pressure. Without the ability to fight, they couldn’t seize the enemy’s food supplies, break the siege, or transport supplies into the castle. Escaping through any gaps was also difficult. The usual methods were entirely ineffective.
Isolated in his room, Randal wore a troubled expression when he was suddenly embraced from behind.
“Nii-chan…” (Laika)
“Hmm? Laika?” (Randal)
Worried about her brother, who had been eating less, Laika came to check on him.
“Are you okay? You’ve been looking so grim lately. Since the enemy isn’t attacking, you should rest.” (Laika)
“Ah, it’s a bit of a tricky situation.” (Randal)
“I see. I’ll go prepare.” (Laika)
Laika responded instantly, making Randal quickly call out to her.
“Wait. It’s not your turn yet.” (Randal)
“If you’re troubled, then it’s my turn.” (Laika)
Seeing his sister, who offered such words of encouragement in his time of trouble, made Randal’s heart lighten a bit. Just her presence was a great comfort. However, he wanted to change the situation where the entire rebellion depended on his sister and, more importantly, he couldn’t force her to endure more.
“You haven’t been sleeping well lately either. You look terrible.” (Randal)
“Hmph. How rude to a girl. I’m sleeping just fine.” (Laika)
Laika puffed up her cheeks slightly, showing some irritation. However, despite her efforts, she had become thin and developed dark circles under her eyes due to insufficient food and frequent nightmares.
Randal embraced his sister as a brother should. He didn’t want to send her to the battlefield any further.
“Someday, your strength will be needed. So, until then, please rest.” (Randal)
“Well, if the leader is asking me so earnestly, I guess I have no choice but to rest. Alright, I’ll take a break.” (Laika)
Laika nodded with a hint of humor in response to her brother’s sincere request.
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