Chapter 199 Pro-War Faction
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
My name is Rex. In the underworld, my reputation precedes me as a skilled assassin. This time, my client is a minor noble, and the target—once a wandering commoner who clawed his way up to high nobility—is now firmly established. Heh… maybe he shouldn’t have been so conspicuous; human resentment is dangerous.
Poor noble, now marked by me. With My monstrous beasts set loose, he’s about to be flattened…
* * *
Three days into the pilgrimage, I’m attending the Pro-War Faction’s hunting party as planned.
Of course, leaving for this journey meant a little protest from Sashima: “I want to stay with you more…” Convincing her took some work, explaining that Keldan is safe and that the journey could be dangerous—but, of course, I told her it was out of concern for her.
Now, Duke Merizaev’s booming laughter echoes through the forest, “Gahaha!!!” Surrounded by his entourage, he’s clearly in high spirits.
Honestly, I just want to eat some meat, but—of all people—I run into someone I hoped to avoid: Lord Doll.
This twisted noble, a Marquis granted territory in Ertzook after wresting it from the beastmen during Yugan’s rise, had previously been the superior of Knight Yoluminette. He once demanded bedchamber service while half-naked, only to get kicked in the groin. Delightful!
And earlier, when we escorted Sarasa to Lake Vaecar for the water purification facility, his people, guarding against discrimination from the locals, ended up brutally thrashing them. Apologies and reparations were demanded. Ugh… he always seems to cross paths with me! (Honestly, I’d have preferred a beautiful girl instead!)
Lately, perhaps jealous of my favor with Emperor Rai and Keldan’s booming trade profits, he’s been hounding me with remarks like:
“Seems the Emperor favors you—don’t get cocky, kid!”
“Don’t let your eyes wander to me every time…”
Annoying, persistent, and intrusive—he’s a Pro-War Faction member. No wonder I had to sidle into the corner to avoid him. It’s unfair!
And no, I can’t just burn him down like the Minor Nobles’ League. He’s a high-ranking noble, responsible for defending the northeastern border, and commands a surprisingly strong force. Plus, he’s skilled in martial arts. Arrogant little brat! Honestly, his patron, Lord Merizaev, is terrifying.
Rumor has it, some Minor Nobles’ League members, upset with my interference, petitioned Emperor Rai, begging him to punish me. Of course, they received no response—completely ignored. Even I, a high-level noble (sort of), couldn’t get special treatment, so why did they expect anything?
Thanks to Keldan Domain Army granting me autonomy, the Minor Nobles’ League apparently panics whenever our patrols near their lands, screaming in terror at our approach.
Lost in thoughts of the League’s antics, Duke Merizaev’s warning cuts through the air: “Danger!!”
”Eeek!!!”
A thrown spear grazes my cheek! One more step, and I’d have been crushed by the rampaging beast!
I freeze, staring in awe. The quarry—a Gigant Boar, estimated at three tons—is impaled perfectly by the spear through its skull.
Hunting is way more dangerous than I imagined! I’d been careless, and it nearly cost me my life. Next time? I’m sitting this one out.
Wait… something moved in the bushes! Prey, maybe? Better take a shot with my crossbow!
“Thwack! Gyaaaaah!!!”
”What… what was that? A scream?! Someone’s down!”
…Oh no. It’s a human.
(Later, it would be revealed—the accidental shot hit a notorious assassin from the underworld!)
Salt-grilled Boar Skewer—amazing! Simple really is best!
(Okay… maybe I’ll join the next hunt after all!)
Before long, Ayumu was already enjoying the roasted boar, savoring every bite, tongue dancing over the rich, smoky flavors…
Notes:
• Sashima – Family name of Hiyori. A quiet, caring girl from the library committee, empathetic toward Sanai. She followed as a Barrier Technique Adept.
• Yoluminette – Elandric warrior from Keldan, tall and sharp-eyed; first in Ch.146; master swordswoman using Ten-Man Slash; no family known; fought and slew bandits before Ayumu arrived, then joined his forces; stoic yet prideful, often escalates fights over petty things like cream puffs. takes “senpai” pride very seriously
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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