Merchant Noble is out (1/4 chapters for today)
Retreat
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*Bang bang bang!*
Finally, the door to Yuna and the others’ hideout was violently knocked.
“Th-they’ve come.” (Bal)
Aside from Bal’s frightened voice, the other members acted as usual. They had already steeled themselves for the possibility of a fight here.
“Everyone… just like we discussed earlier. Hide the weapons.” (Yuna)
At Yuna’s command, everyone took their positions.
That said, they weren’t going to start fighting immediately. Even if there was a battle here, the difference in numbers would be overwhelming. If a commotion broke out, other squads would rush over, making victory impossible. There was only one way to win in a sword fight. They would invite the soldiers inside the house and strike when they let their guard down.
In the first place, if no one noticed the bed under which Princess Alice was hidden in the next room, there wouldn’t even be a fight.
“Alright, I’m opening it.” (Lumin)
Lumin opened the door, and around ten soldiers were standing there.
“This is a search for criminals under the orders of His Majesty the King. The representative, show your identification.” (Soldier)
They presented a forged adventurer registration card, one that Kanna had prepared just in case.
The commanding soldier looked at the identification intently and asked.
“Are you adventurers? Why are you in the slums?” (Soldier)
“The slums offer very cheap accommodation, unlike the inns in the city center. As fledgling adventurers, it’s a big help economically.” (Lumin)
“Are the others in the back also adventurers?” (Soldier)
“Yes, that’s correct.” (Lumin)
“I see.” (Soldier)
Satisfied with the explanation, the commanding soldier returned the identification to Lumin.
“We will search this house now. This is His Majesty the King’s order, so you have no right to refuse.” (Soldier)
“Understood.” (Lumin)
“Hey! Let’s go!” (Soldier)
At the commander’s order, the nearly ten soldiers rushed inside the house.
—
Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the search team near the entrance of the slums.
“What did you say?” (Subordinate)
Kario’s subordinate asked in disbelief. The messenger was from the King himself.
“We’ve been ordered to immediately cease the search of the slums and return to the palace.” (Messenger)
Why had the King suddenly changed his mind?
Kario was sure that Boris had meddled again. That fat minister must have done something clever.
Various thoughts whirled in Kario’s head.
“Once something has started, it can’t be stopped.” (Kario)
Kario muttered quietly to himself, so no one could hear, then spoke to the messenger.
“Messenger-san, could you wait somewhere for 30 minutes and come back then?” (Kario)
“That will not do. His Majesty ordered us to do this ‘immediately’.” (Messenger)
“The search of the slums will be completed in 30 minutes. You can wait until then, right?” (Kario)
“I am merely a messenger. I cannot make decisions.” (Messenger)
“…” (Kario)
The messenger was a stubborn person. Or maybe he just wasn’t interested in rescuing the princess. He was merely doing the job given to him. There was no point in trying to appeal to his emotions. His heart wouldn’t be moved. There was no way to persuade such a person.
“Then, I will inform the Captain of the Royal Guard.” (Messenger)
The messenger hurried to leave, but Kario couldn’t let him go.
He knew it was a major crime, but Kario reacted instinctively and called out.
“Surround him!” (Kario)
“Eeek…” (Subordinate)
For the Royal Guard, Captain Kario’s orders were absolute.
The soldiers quickly surrounded the messenger.
“You will not leave. Once the search is complete, we’ll hear your orders again. Until then, please relax right here.” (Kario)
“Captain… he’s a messenger…” (Subordinate)
One of Kario’s subordinates snapped back to his senses and realized how dangerous their actions were, but it was too late.
“I’ve learned that pressure was applied somewhere to halt the search of the slums. Now I’m certain. They are in the slums.” (Kario)
Kario had crossed a line.
Now, there was no turning back.
“I will take responsibility. Continue the search until the end.” (Kario)
—
The soldiers were flipping tables and tearing up the floor one after another. Since this was just a temporary residence for Yuna and the others, they didn’t mind too much, but for the residents of the slums, this kind of search would be intolerable.
(If they are searching this thoroughly, they’ll likely flip the bed as well.) (Yuna)
Yuna, who was calmly observing the soldiers’ movements, was sweating unusually. However, at the same time, she also saw hope. The soldiers outside were armed, but the ones searching inside were unarmed. If they attacked all at once, maybe they could win.
“How about this room?” (Soldier)
“It’s the bedroom.” (Lumin)
“We’ll search this room too.” (Soldier)
“Understood.” (Lumin)
Finally, the soldiers entered the next room where Princess Alice was hidden.
(If one of them even touches the bed, we’ll strike all at once.) (Yuna)
Yuna signaled to everyone with her eyes.
Yulia, Martina, Bal, and Lumin nodded, quietly moving to the walls and getting into position to avoid being caught from behind.
*Waaaaaah!*
Suddenly, the screams of people echoed, and both the soldiers and Yuna’s group turned to look outside. Outside, the slum residents were clashing with the soldiers. The residents of the slums, armed with sickles and knives, were engaged in a real battle with the soldiers.
“What happened…?” (Soldier)
The soldiers stood dumbfounded for a moment before snapping out of it and rushing outside.
“Dammit! Cease the search here. We’ll protect the Captain!” (Soldier)
The house, now empty of soldiers, was quiet.
“…Did we get saved?” (Yuna)
Yuna and the others didn’t fully understand the sudden change in circumstances.
Everyone sat down weakly as if their strength had been drained. They understood that there had been a clash between the residents and the soldiers outside.
“I’m sure Kanna and the other did it!” (Lumin)
Lumin said with a smile.
“…We’ll escape the slums during this chaos. We’ll disguise Princess Alice.” (Yuna)
Yuna wasted no time and moved quickly to act on this opportunity.
—
“Destroying our homes like they own the place!!” (Resident)
“Don’t allow the soldiers’ tyranny!!” (Resident)
The angry shouts of the residents were getting closer.
A stone, apparently thrown by a resident, hit one of the soldiers’ armor.
“Protect the Captain!” (Soldier)
The soldiers were desperately trying to restrain the now-violent crowd, but they were having difficulty.
“Why is this happening!?” (Kario)
Confused, Kario’s subordinate reported.
“The blockade at the slums’ entrance has been lifted! It seems the residents who had been pushed outside are now swarming back in!” (Subordinate)
“…” (Kario)
The Royal Guard here were under Kario’s command. Even though it was the King’s order, if Kario decided to ignore it, his subordinates would follow. On the other hand, the city guard responsible for the entrance were a royal organization. They must have obeyed the King’s command and lifted the blockade.
“The enemy is many, and even though they are amateurs, we are outnumbered. At this rate, things will get out of control.” (Subordinate)
“Captain! Let’s retreat.” (Subordinate)
Subordinates spoke out in unison, urging Kario to retreat. The slum residents were armed with sickles and knives as best they could. Continuing the search was impossible, and Kario’s life was in danger. It was clear that all options were exhausted.
“We were so close… so close…” (Kario)
Surrounded on all sides by his loyal Royal Guards, Kario realized he could no longer carry out his mission. With frustrated tears, he ordered a retreat.
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