Chapter 242. Childhood Friend – A New Person
On a morning where darkness had yet to fully recede, the capital of the Orun Kingdom, Nevis, was gradually awakening from its outskirts.
The first to breathe life into the sleeping capital were the peddlers. At the crack of dawn, when those who had indulged in revelry were only just falling asleep, the merchants ventured out into the streets, still tinged with the chill of winter.
“Good morning. Did you have a peaceful night?” They exchanged greetings with the easy familiarity typical of traders as they bought and sold goods.
For those who had been trading daily for anywhere from ten to dozens of years, bargaining was rare. Often, they didn’t even exchange money on the spot, merely adding another mark to the ledger.
A little later than the merchants, but still early, farmers and livestock breeders began to add their presence to the still-dark city.
Farmers, with well-worn plows slung over their shoulders, headed out to till the frozen winter ground, slurping a porridge-like tea offered by a peddler.
Though the residents near the capital were inherently wary, their natural good nature made them grateful for the merchants’ efforts to attract customers. They nodded in thanks, “That was good,” before hurrying on their way.
Once the reticent hunters had departed for the mountains surrounding Nevis, the outskirts of the city were left to children, women, and the elderly. By the time the day laborers began their struggle, the middle class within the capital’s walls was waking up.
Craftsmen adept at making various goods, chefs who had met nobles, and servants and maids from noble households waited for the city gates, which had been tightly shut all night, to open. When the morning bells of Nevis Church tolled and the gates swung open, they bought the raw materials they needed from the outside peddlers.
This was when the traders, who had been amicably greeting each other, transformed.
It was commonplace to haggle down prices, and the weights on the scales they used to measure goods were as light as their consciences. Amidst the haggling, a hapless servant was duped, likely to receive a stern reprimand upon returning.
As the water carts squeaked into the city, most of Nevis’s upper class was still asleep. The sun was only just rising, and the water for washing hadn’t arrived yet. However, in a wooden building, a man who had woken from a makeshift bed was shaving dry by touch.
With practiced hands, he shaved his chin clean and trimmed his sideburns before tucking his sharp dagger into his chest. He washed his face with the water left from the previous day and deliberately stomped down the wooden stairs.
“Captain. You’re up already?”
“Yes. The water carts will be here soon, so wash up quickly and come out.”
His heavy footsteps were to wake his squire. While it was inexcusable for the squire to wake later than the captain, he didn’t scold him. The captain had made it a habit to work before breakfast.
In his office, he processed a few documents at his neatly organized desk. By the time the lazy squire brought breakfast, the captain had already finished eating.
While he ate, the squire fitted leather boots onto his feet and tightened the laces. The squire also provided salt for him to clean his teeth, and the captain meticulously scrubbed every corner of his mouth before swallowing it with the water the squire brought.
It was then time to head out.
The man, moving briskly, left the headquarters. He jogged to a somewhat distant lodging where he met ‘Mr. Brender.’ At the entrance of the lodging, filled with burly men…
“Good morning, Mr. Brender.”
“Good morning, Mr. Cesar.”
A sign read “Cesar’s Mercenary Corps.” The leader, Cesar, smiled warmly and asked,
“No trouble last night? With Mr. Brender here, I wasn’t worried. Haha.”
“No, sir. With you visiting us every day, the men’s morale is high. I’m quite humbled.”
“Oh, no! It’s thanks to you, Mr. Brender, that we’ve gotten organized. Have you had breakfast? There’s something I’d like to ask you.”
Cesar and Brender entered the lodging. The once chaotic space was now spotless, influenced by Brender, a former knight. The mercenaries greeted their leader with a respectful if slightly rough demeanor.
After inspecting the lodging, Cesar and Brender sat facing each other. Cesar opened with a question about Count Amus.
“The count’s daughter’s birthday is soon. What would be a good gift for Miss Talarin Amus that the count would appreciate?”
“Well, I don’t think he cares much… but anything related to beauty should please him. The count wants to marry her off to a prince. And… I hate to say it, but he hits her often. So makeup to cover bruises would likely be well-received. It’s unfortunate for the young lady.”
“Is there anything else?”
Brender shrugged, indicating there wasn’t much else.
Though Cesar wasn’t entirely satisfied, he nodded.
On his way back through the Nevis commercial district, he was deep in thought.
Buying rouge to cover bruises would please the count, but it would also mean the young lady would get hit more.
Brender’s advice was usually reliable.
Brender, once a knight for the Amus family, had resigned after the twin princes took the throne, disillusioned by the degraded count. He had started a small mercenary band escorting caravans before Cesar recruited him.
Few knew the inner workings of the Amus family better than Brender. Cesar usually followed his advice, but as he handled a rouge pot matching Miss Talarin Amus’s pale skin, he put it down. He bought high-heeled shoes from a nearby shoe store instead.
He stopped by the jeweler on his way. He asked them to set a jewel that would match Miss Amus’s pink hair into the shoes he had just purchased, and they complied. The shoes were prettily adorned with laces, reminiscent of the way she usually braided her hair. The jewels embedded around the shoes were small and tastefully cute, making them perfect for expressing a modest affection.
But was this the right thing to do?
Cesar felt a sense of relief mingled with the thought that he was going against his lord’s wishes. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to give her the rouge. With the well-packaged shoes tucked under his arm, he boarded a carriage and soon arrived at Count Amus’s mansion.
“This is Cesar, leader of the Cesar Mercenary Corps. I’ve been summoned by the Count.”
Having frequented the mansion, Cesar easily passed through the gate. He followed a maid to meet the Count without needing an escort…
“Hello.”
“…Captain Cesar, it’s been a while.”
He encountered the dejected young lady.
Talarin, who was growing thinner by the day, had inherited her mother’s delicate features rather than her father’s. Petite and with bright eyes, she was reaching her limit, burdened by the tasks her father imposed on her. Isolated…
“Excuse me, Miss.”
“Yes?”
“I heard your birthday is soon. I’ve brought a small gift.”
“From you, Captain?”
“Yes.”
His firm tone and the look in his eyes conveyed sincerity, despite the age difference—Cesar in his early thirties and Talarin in her late teens. She nervously fidgeted and asked shyly,
“Can I open it now?”
“Of course.”
Cesar nodded with a smile.
The maid unwrapped the gift, revealing the shoes. Talarin laughed, a rare sound, at the sight of the shoes that resembled her.
“Thank you. I don’t know if they’ll fit, but I’ll make good use of them.”
“They should fit. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
Cesar maintained his stiff, polite demeanor as he walked past her. Entering the Count’s room, he greeted with a wide, clownish grin.
“Count! I hope you’ve been well. It’s an honor to visit your mansion again. It looks splendid as always! I noticed you’ve added a new statue to the garden.”
The Count, lounging arrogantly on a sofa and flipping through a few documents, turned his yellowish eyes toward him and smiled quite cheerfully.
“You seem to have a keen interest in interior decor. Have a seat. I’ve called you because there’s something I’d like you to do.”
“Whatever you need, just say the word.”
“I need you to investigate the Kingdom of Conrad. There’s something troubling me. Specifically…”
It’s here. Finally.
Cesar fell silent, feeling a shiver at his lord’s insight, and chose the right moment to interject.
This was why he had been patiently handling the Count’s affairs all this time.
“I understand. But might I ask, is this investigation related to Duke Algeo de Lognum?”
The Count’s eyes swiveled toward Cesar. Hiding his surprise with noble decorum, he asked,
“Why do you think that?”
“Because the second prince received the southeastern coastal region as his duchy. I thought it might be too small to satisfy him.”
“Haha. You continue to amaze me. Go on. Surprise me more.”
Cesar bowed his head, rubbing his hands obsequiously.
“Hehe, thank you. Running a small mercenary band means I can’t help but stay tuned to such news.”
That level of humility was enough.
“I thought that Prince Algeo de Lognum would be very interested in the land of Conrad Kingdom. But he couldn’t handle it alone, so he would need the support of the kingdom and the help of nobles. Since you mentioned it, it means two conditions have been met… Marquis Guidan? Did he join hands with the Eastern Border Count? Ah, I’m sorry. They belong to different factions, so that wouldn’t be the case. Then, does that mean you intend to join the war? If Count Amus joins, the second prince will be overjoyed as if he gained a powerful ally.”
“Hmm… you got one thing wrong.”
Count Talarin Amus deliberately revealed something Cesar hadn’t anticipated.
“Marquis Guidan has joined hands with Duke Algeo de Lognum. This year, a war will break out. But I must say, it’s impressive. You got almost everything right except that.”
“Hehe, thank you. My humble…”
“I am in a dilemma. Should I assist the second prince and join the war, or stay in the capital and support the first prince? What do you think?”
“It’s a significant matter, so it’s hard to say, but…”
Cesar hid his lips beneath his bowed head.
“It might be best to decide on joining the war after observing the situation.”
“Why is that?”
“It’s clear that the political landscape is chaotic after Prince Leanne de Yeriel returned and killed Prince Eric. The western border, once held by Duke Tertan, has been replaced by the untested Count Ropero. You might gain an early advantage in the initial stages. However, the Conrad Kingdom isn’t an easy target. Even if you break through the borders, you will face fierce resistance, which might result in more losses than gains.”
“Hmm.”
“That’s why I suggest…”
This is the crucial part. Cesar felt his throat dry up as he recalled his lord’s old advice.
“Since Prince Algeo de Lognum became a duke, the nobles who followed the second prince have been wandering, unsure of what to do. It might be wise to build relationships with them and observe the situation. If the second prince’s expedition seems likely to succeed, you can lead a grand army with those nobles. The prince won’t be able to ignore you. If it looks like it will fail, you can draw them into the first prince’s faction…”
Cesar trailed off. He couldn’t see what expression the count wore, as his head was still bowed.
But showing a calculating face to a noble could be very dangerous. Cesar remained motionless, head bowed, as if deeply apologetic for his presumptuous advice, until the count’s voice broke the silence.
“You mean that even if the expedition succeeds, I’ll have nothing to lose since I stayed with the first prince?”
“That’s right. And there’s one more good plan.”
“What is it?”
“I’ve heard you don’t particularly like Count Geogis Jermin. If you have him join the expedition, then only you will remain here…”
“What? Hahaha!”
Cesar felt the count patting his back. He bowed his head even lower.
“I-I’m sorry.”
“Hahaha. No, that’s really funny. That guy’s arms dealer, Theovic Family, just went bankrupt, so he’s been on edge. Haha. His face would be priceless if he knew a commoner like you said this. Don’t worry, I won’t tattle. Haha. I’ll seriously consider your advice.”
Success.
“…Thank you.”
Cesar controlled his expression and raised his head. The count looked at Cesar’s face but didn’t notice the strong sense of triumph over fear.
Before leaving, Cesar had one last thing to say.
“Ah, and congratulations. I heard Lady Talarin’s birthday is coming up. I sent her a pair of shoes as a gift. I hope she likes them.”
“You shouldn’t have.”
Count Talarin Amus frowned slightly.
“She couldn’t even attract princes who are fond of women. What’s the use of shoes? She’ll be twenty next year. She’ll miss her prime marrying age. She no longer needs to spy on nobles’ parties, so I’ll have to find her a suitable match this year.”
“…I see. Well then! I’ll take my leave. Call me anytime you need anything. I’ll come running like the wind.”
This year. This year…
Even though he had successfully completed a step of his mission, Cesar did not feel joy and lingered in front of the count’s mansion for a while. He hoped Lev Bizan wouldn’t be late and boarded the carriage before it got too late.
The carriage headed toward Count Geogis Jermin’s mansion. Betrayal, instigation, and deception were his forte.
Cesar, bound by a vow of absolute loyalty, prayed that his shameful skills would aid him and his lord.
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