New chapter of May Our Village be Happy is out (2/2 chapters)

Plunderers

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It was the middle of July. From the northern neighboring territory of Meldars, the lord Lorenz Meldars came to visit.

He said that he had come for an important consultation, and after offering words of congratulations regarding Mika’s engagement to the young lady Ayla of the Hewitt Household, he promptly moved to the main subject.

“Lord Valentine, you are probably aware of the civil war that occurred in the Mortimer territory, are you not.” (Lorenz)

“Yes, I have heard about it from our merchant in service. If I remember correctly, the younger brother of the previous head, who would be the current lord’s uncle, raised a rebellion, and in the end, the current lord emerged victorious, is that right.” (Mika)

The Mortimer territory was a large territory located further northwest beyond the small hill territories on the northern side, said to have a population approaching five thousand. Because it was situated outside the economic sphere of Eltpoli, there was no connection whatsoever with the Valentine territory. Although its population was large, it was merely a collective of a small city and over ten villages, and thus not an economically important area. However, it was still without doubt a large territory situated not too far away, and Mika at least knew its location, name, and outline.

Mika had already heard from Ernest, as mere rumor, that a civil war had occurred in the Mortimer territory around late spring.

“Ah, that is exactly right. Concerning that civil war, a rather troublesome, no, quite troublesome matter has arisen for us small lords of the northern hills. I have come to ask if I might borrow your strength in that matter.” (Lorenz)

“I have been indebted to you, Lord Meldars. If there is anything I can do to be of assistance, I would be glad to cooperate.” (Mika)

When Mika said this with a pleasant smile, Lorenz also laughed cheerfully.

“I am glad to hear you say that. Actually, the army of plunderers that advanced from the Mortimer territory has destroyed the Teregio territory. It seems they were struck by a sudden assault of about two hundred plunderers and could not withstand it. It was just a few days ago.” (Lorenz)

“What.” (Mika)

Hearing Lorenz’s words, Mika involuntarily displayed a startled expression.

The Teregio territory was located to the northwest of the Howellz territory, which itself lay to the northwest of the Meldars territory. Originally, it had been nothing more than a small territory with a single village of fewer than two hundred inhabitants, but last year, when Lorenz called upon others to take advantage of the confusion in the Howellz territory and seize nearby villages, the Teregio lord had responded and captured a small frontier village, slightly expanding the territory’s scale.

From the Valentine territory’s point of view, it was technically within the same general region. The Teregio lord had responded to Lorenz’s invitation and declared recognition of the Valentine Household’s position as the ruling house, so Mika had some degree of connection to them.

That such a Teregio Household’s territory had been destroyed was indeed a shocking matter.

“The Teregio Household possessed no castle and lived in the lord’s mansion. They could not withstand the surprise attack and were slain to the last by the plunderers. Truly, what a pitiful tale. It is said that both villages in the territory were ravaged, and the villagers were either slaughtered or scattered in flight.” (Lorenz)

“That is so very tragic. For so many plunderers to have come from the Mortimer territory, could it be that the civil war caused such great destruction that the local society fell into crisis.” (Mika)

“Oh, as expected of the wise Lord Valentine, you perceive well. That seems to be precisely the case. The uncle who was defeated by the current Lord Mortimer apparently set fire to the farmlands within the territory during the rebellion. It is said that a considerable quantity of wheat was lost. I myself only learned of this earlier this month.” (Lorenz)

In this world and in this era, where commerce was underdeveloped and travel between territories was infrequent, the transmission of information was slow. Events in neighboring territories or those one territory further might be known, but happenings in regions with little exchange were rarely communicated in detail, especially not within a mere month or two.

To have learned the particulars of events from another region within about a month of their occurrence demonstrated that the Meldars Household’s capacity for gathering information was, for a small lordly house, rather exceptional.

“The army of plunderers was apparently led personally by Lord Mortimer himself. It is likely that, with many of his people facing starvation, he resolved to undertake plundering on the scale of his entire territory. In the period right after a civil war, when money is urgently needed, to import the vast amount of wheat required from outside the territory would be impractical. To seize it from some suitable nearby region instead is, well, an understandable choice.” (Lorenz)

“If the target of plunder is a somewhat distant territory, then it would not cause much trouble to one’s relations with neighboring lords.” (Mika)

When Lorenz said that with a wry smile, Mika returned a stiff smile in response.

In this world and in this age, to take because one lacked or to take because one desired was a choice that could easily exist.

Of course, if one were to attack a neighboring territory without just cause, relations with that lord would sour, and being regarded with suspicion by one’s surrounding neighbors would have a harmful influence on the management of one’s own territory. However, if one plundered a territory distant enough not to be considered a neighbor, the effect upon those relationships would be minimal. Depending on circumstances, one might even gain favor, being regarded as a lord who would not take from his neighbors.

From the viewpoint of the Mortimer Household, the Teregio territory was near enough not to be inconvenient for a plundering expedition, yet distant enough not to interfere with neighboring relations. Mika thought that, as a hunting ground for plunder, it must have been an ideal choice.

“The problem begins from here. It seems that the army led by Lord Mortimer has no intention of ending their plunder with the destruction of the Teregio territory. Instead of retreating northwest, they appear to be using the ruined villages of Teregio as a base and increasing their numbers.” (Lorenz)

“In other words, the vast stomach of the great Mortimer territory is still unsatisfied with the wheat of merely two small villages.” (Mika)

“Ah, that seems to be the case. For now, they are focusing on transporting the wheat seized in the Teregio territory, allowing their soldiers to rest, and strengthening their forces, but once that is complete, there is no doubt they will resume plundering within a few days. Which territory they will target next is unknown, but whichever one it is, things will not end quietly. Their military strength appears to be exceeding three hundred men.” (Lorenz)

Upon hearing those words, Mika widened his eyes.

“T-three hundred. I have heard that the Mortimer territory’s population is about five thousand. To send that many men out on an expedition is an extraordinary number.” (Mika)

“The core of their force consists of Mortimer’s own people, and if they fail in this plundering, they may starve to death. They are likely joining the raid to feed themselves and their families. Furthermore, it seems there are mercenaries among their number, probably those hired during the previous succession dispute who have continued to take part in the plundering. For large-scale raids on entire villages, even if each person’s share decreases, having more men increases the chance of success. Were I in Lord Mortimer’s position, I too would welcome the participation of mercenaries.” (Lorenz)

Even counting mercenaries, a force exceeding three hundred was formidable. In this region, where small territories with populations of only a few hundred were scattered, there was no lordly house capable of opposing such a force head-on. Thinking so, Mika’s expression turned grim.

“What a troublesome band to be coming this way of all directions. It would have been better if they had gone elsewhere.” (Mika)

“Indeed. From the Mortimer Household’s point of view, this area is filled with small territories that seem easy to attack, making it a tempting target. Moreover, since it is a region with little connection to them, the political loss from plundering here is minor. Were I in Lord Mortimer’s position, I would likely attack joyfully as well.” (Lorenz)

Lorenz said that with a self-deprecating smile.

“Nevertheless, we who hold territories on the northern side of the hills do not intend to simply sit and wait for the horde of plunderers to arrive. There is a plan for us to unite our forces and repel the army led by Lord Mortimer. To be more precise, it was I who proposed it. Many of the lords in the region have answered my call, but the more troops we can gather, the better. Therefore, I have come to seek your aid.” (Lorenz)

Having already guessed the purpose of Lorenz’s visit midway through the conversation, Mika was not surprised by the conclusion.

“With your psychokinesis magic, you would be as a hundred men, and I have heard rumors that over the past year you have prepared powerful equipment such as ballistae and have established a system for combat through magic. If you were to bring such equipment and support us in battle, our chances of victory would greatly increase. If we drive off the plunderers before they can march south across the hills, that would also be beneficial to you. Of course, I cannot compel you, but I hope you will consider it positively. I, too, am desperate to protect my house and my land.” (Lorenz)

Lorenz spoke with his usual gentle smile.

“If you can participate, it would help if you could come to the Meldars territory by tomorrow. I apologize for the sudden request, but we do not have much time. I beg your cooperation.” (Lorenz)

“Understood. I shall discuss it with my retainers at once and make a prompt decision.” (Mika)

Mika gave that reply and watched Lorenz, who left in haste, depart.

 

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