Merchant Noble is out (3/4 chapters for today)

 

 

Suppression (4)

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“Randal-sama, everyone is ready.” (??)

It was late at night, and the camp had fallen silent when a subordinate came to report. Randal had selected a few dozen soldiers with enough strength and in whom he had complete trust to raid the enemy’s food storage. While a larger group might improve their odds in the attack, too many would risk detection by the enemy.

“Alright, let’s move out. If we delay any longer, dawn will break.” (Randal)

“Is Laika-sama really not joining us?” (??)

“I’ve asked Laika to stay behind. We rely on her too much, and besides, she looks like she might collapse at any moment.” (Randal)

Laika had been growing weaker by the day. With hardly enough food to go around, the nightmares had taken a toll on her mental state, leaving her unable to eat. It would be a disaster if she fainted in the middle of a battle.

Guided by scouts who had been sent ahead, they made their way through the forest. The pitch-black woods were silent and full of danger, but after a while, their eyes adjusted to the dark. Moving slowly and cautiously to avoid detection, Randal and his raiding party finally approached their destination after several hours.

“There it is! I see it!” (??)

In a small clearing within the forest, numerous tents were set up. There were few soldiers around for it to be an army camp. It was undoubtedly the food storage.

“It’s true. There are barrels stacked up, just like a food storage site would have.” (??)

“There seem to be only a few dozen guards.” (??)

“The enemy probably never imagined we’d find their food storage. And there doesn’t appear to be any troops lying in ambush nearby. This is our chance.” (Randal)

Randal spoke with an eager tone, unable to contain his excitement.

“On my signal, we’ll charge.” (Randal)

He carefully observed the surroundings one last time. The enemy truly seemed unaware. There were no signs of an ambush. This was the moment to save everyone in the castle. Randal felt triumphant, as if victory was already in his grasp.

“Alright, charge!” (Randal)

All at once, the group of several dozen soldiers launched their attack. The guards at the food storage were caught completely off guard. In the darkness, it was impossible to tell how many attackers there were.

“W-Whoa! The rebels are here!” (??)

“Quick, report this!” (??)

Despite the small difference in numbers, the guards chose to flee rather than fight. Without facing much resistance, Randal and his men infiltrated the tents. Inside, rows of barrels were lined up. When they opened one, it was packed full of grains.

“We found it! It’s food!” (??)

“Yes! Everyone, grab as much food as you can carry!” (Randal)

Overjoyed, Randal and his men hurriedly filled their bags with grains. The bags filled up quickly. Whatever they couldn’t fit in their bags, they stuffed into their mouths, beginning to devour the food on the spot. One of Randal’s men tapped him on the back. When Randal turned around, he saw the man with his cheeks stuffed full of meat.

“Randal-sama, those guards who ran off—they were just regular soldiers, but they were eating meat!” (??)

“That’s outrageous. Alright, everyone, eat this meat. It’s cold, but it’s good.” (Randal)

At Randal’s words, his men, who had been rummaging through the supplies, all gathered around and started eating the meat eagerly. It had been a long time since they had meat, and everyone scrambled to get their share. Although Randal also wanted to eat more, he knew he had to set an example as their leader. He took just one bite and left the rest for his men.

“Has everyone grabbed as much food as they can carry? Let’s get out of here before the enemy forces arrive.” (Randal)

After enjoying a short meal, they began their retreat. By now, the suppression army had likely been alerted to their attack.

Randal and his men carried as much food as they could manage and moved through the forest to return to the castle. As they began their retreat, anxiety about being pursued by the enemy gripped them, causing them to quicken their pace. While adjusting their eyes to the dark night, they hurried back as fast as they could.

“Are you all keeping up?” (Randal)

After some time, Randal turned around. He had been so focused on his own footing that he hadn’t had the luxury to check on his comrades. However, when he turned, there was no one behind him.

“Did we get separated!?” (Randal)

Panic set in as Randal scanned the darkness around him, and he spotted someone crawling on the ground.

“Huff, huff… Randal, I can’t move. Leave me here and escape.” (??)

Randal rushed over, alarmed. The man’s body was rigid and unresponsive.

“What about the others?” (Randal)

“They collapsed one after another along the way. I don’t understand what’s happening.” (??)

“This can’t be… I was so focused on getting back to the castle…” (Randal)

“Forget about me, just run!” (??)

As Randal tried to lift the man, his comrade shouted. It was true. Randal wasn’t strong enough to carry a full-grown man, especially not with his current depleted strength.

“Damn it…” (Randal)

Randal groaned in frustration. Abandoning his comrade felt shameful, yet he told himself it was the only option left. He hid his comrade in the bushes and continued his escape alone. When he was about halfway back to the castle, Randal himself began to feel strange. Suddenly, his body grew heavy, and his legs refused to move.

“Why…?” (Randal)

He stumbled forward, trying to push through, but his mind was clouded.

“I… I can’t go on.” (Randal)

Clinging to a tree for support, he finally collapsed to the ground, unable to move his legs at all. Lying on his back, he tried to get up again, but his body wouldn’t obey. Above him, the sky was filled with countless stars.

“When was the last time I looked up at the stars?” (Randal)

Despite the dire situation, Randal chuckled softly at the beautiful sight. So, this is how I die, he thought. I remember hearing once that when people die, they become stars. I wonder if I’ll become one of those stars.

“La… Laika…” (Randal)

Randal reached out toward the stars. He couldn’t die yet. He couldn’t leave his sister alone.

“Hey! Over here!” (??)

A loud voice suddenly pierced through Randal’s fading consciousness, pulling him back. When he opened his eyes, he saw a figure peering down at him. It was too dark to see clearly, but from the voice and silhouette, it seemed to be a woman.

“Tyr-sama! We’ve found another one caught by the bait. Take a look! I suppose searching for people like this suits an adventurer such as myself better than fighting. He’s still conscious, and it looks like he wasn’t attacked by any beasts.” (Mia)

“Mia, how many times do I have to tell you not to shout in the middle of the night? It echoes painfully in my head.” (Tyr)

Following the woman called Mia, a man approached. He was called Tyr. If Randal remembered correctly, Tyr was the commander of the suppression forces. Tyr bent down to get a better look.

“I found you.” (Randal)

Realizing that the fallen man was Randal, the leader of the rebel force, Tyr grinned.

“Having overwhelming leadership skills is just the flip side of not trusting your subordinates, who are mostly peasants. I figured you’d come in person. It’s been a while, Randal.” (Tyr)

“T-Tyr…” (Randal)

Randal wanted to say something, but his body wouldn’t move, and he couldn’t form the words. As Mia lifted him, Randal’s last thread of consciousness snapped, and he lost awareness.

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