Chapter 113

I had figured it out. The strength of the Treno Family.

It was so pathetic I wanted to die.

The fact that Rhom was the mercenary company's power level scanner was an open secret.

But to be unable to even face him and get utterly crushed? That meant they were extremely insignificant.

Though they were already collapsing, once their commander was captured, the Treno Family's forces scattered in an instant.

“Should we capture the fleeing ones?”

“Just give the order!”

Seeing a golden opportunity to annihilate the enemy, Eleonor and Cavaldi were overflowing with motivation.

The problem with our mercenaries was that they were all excessively aggressive.

However, I couldn't just ignore their passion. I gladly gave my permission.

“Take it easy. Take it easy. They say even a cornered rat will bite a cat. There's no need to push them too hard.”

“Understood.”

Having received permission, Eleonor and Cavaldi excitedly led their troops out, annihilating all the fleeing enemies and taking them prisoner. It was a complete victory for the Black Company.

Later, after cleaning up the battlefield and receiving the report, it turned out to be such a dull battle that there were hardly any casualties on either side.

“Rhom is returning over there.”

Rhom returned with a triumphant look on his face. Behind him, prisoners were tied together with ropes like a string of dried fish, walking along. Most of them were knights.

“They are valuable people, so escort them carefully.”

“Understood.”

When I thought about the ransoms I would get, all of them were money. Since they were all nobles, even if they were low-ranking, I could get a hefty sum. If not, I'd make them pay with their bodies.

“First, let’s interrogate them to find out information about Ratio.”

Intelligence gathering was always an important issue. It was an even bigger problem, especially if Ratio had decided to be hostile to the Black Company.

We conducted a simple interrogation of the prisoners and found out some key information.

“First, it is true that the Treno Family moved to prevent the Black Company from joining the Pope.”

“And?”

“The enemy we faced was not Ratio's standing army, but private soldiers gathered by families who support Elance.”

“No wonder they collapsed so easily. It was because they weren't united.”

Then it was natural that they couldn't stand against the Black Company. This side was an elite unit that Theo had rigorously trained.

“Then, at a low estimate, half of Ratio's defense force is gone. From now on, they won't be able to interfere like they just did. But man, it’s incredibly hard to go on a pilgrimage.”

“I know, right. How could they not recognize such devout believers? Isn't that too much?”

“I’ll have to make sure to get my compensation back later, with hefty interest.”

Of course, a truly devout believer would not have entered the mercenary business. What we were doing was just a play on words.

“Now that the Treno Family has been defeated, Ratio will probably feel like welcoming us. Now, shall we go?”

***

I had expected that since the Treno Family was crushed to pieces, there would be no more resistance.

That expectation was wrong.

What welcomed us in Ratio was a firmly shut city gate.

“What did they say?”

“They say they will never surrender.”

Even after hearing the news of the Treno Family's defeat, Ratio was prepared to fight to the death.

We even sent an envoy to identify ourselves and request entry, but only a reply of refusal came back.

Thus, we came to face the city walls of the ancient capital, Ratio.

Though old, a wall was a wall. It could be a sufficient obstacle. Moreover, with troops stationed there, it was enough to be a danger to us pilgrims who had set out lightly.

“Bishop Ceras, it seems Ratio has no intention of opening its gates willingly. What should we do about this?”

“I am truly ashamed, Duke Gryph. I never imagined that Ratio of all places would act like this.”

Beyond those walls was the Holy See. By now, the area around the Holy See was probably surrounded by the pro-Elance faction’s army.

Ceras also seemed to be dizzy from the current situation.

Of course, I was too. I couldn't lose a valuable contract like this.

“Isn’t the master of Ratio His Holiness the Pope? How can this be?”

“Nominally, His Holiness rules Ratio, but in reality, his words do not reach everywhere. Much has changed since it was usurped by the Fairy King of Elance.”

The more I thought about it, the more absurd it was.

It was a problem that the noble families of Ratio had fought against a mercenary company hired by the Pope himself, but it was a much more serious problem that no one in Ratio had put a stop to the rebellion.

At the very least, there should have been someone to warn us of the rebellion. The fact that there wasn't pointed to only one thing.

The Pope’s authority had been considerably precarious for some time.

To think he had the idea of hiring a mercenary company in such a situation. Then again, looking at it the other way, it was because he was in such a predicament that he had no choice but to hire one.

“The noble families of Ratio who support Elance seem to have already conspired to oppose the Holy See. In other words, this operation will be the rescue of His Holiness who is in danger. How long can the Holy See last in a situation where its supplies are cut off?”

“For now, there are Holy Knights inside, so they should be able to resist for a few days.”

“They’ll be short on food. There’s a time limit. What would you like to do, Bishop Ceras?”

“Ratio is the base of the Holy See and a holy land of the Church. I would like to avoid bloodshed as much as possible.”

“I feel the same way.”

Ratio was a religious holy land. If I were to have a pillaging and massacre party in such a place, my reputation would drop to something worse than a beast's the next day.

If I didn't have much life left, I could do that, but I didn't want to gamble my still bright future.

But to be told to occupy that large city without bloodshed, and even to secure the Pope's safety in the meantime, was an unreasonable demand.

It was like being told to take out a heart without making an incision with a knife. If I succeeded, I would have to charge an extra fee.

“Is there any way to contact someone inside the Holy See?”

“It is difficult. By now, all the city gates will have been closed.”

“Do you know of any secret passages or hidden doors?”

“Unfortunately, as far as I know, nothing of the sort exists in Ratio. There is a dog hole in the wall of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith building, but…”

It was all unhelpful information.

Ceras, who had been pacing with a serious face for a while, spoke.

“Do you have any good ideas, Duke Gryph?”

“Me?”

“Yes. I’ve heard that you have defeated enemies with your strategies several times. Perhaps you know a method I haven’t thought of.”

Hmm. Hearing that, I think I might have a good idea.

Since I just happened to have captured some prisoners.

How about using them?

“How about something like this?”

I explained the plan that had come to my mind.

After hearing the explanation, Ceras clapped her hands in admiration.

“That is an excellent idea! Indeed, Duke Gryph. Let’s proceed with that!”

***

The commander of the Treno Family, who was brought forward, spoke with a very humiliated expression.

“Kuh, kill me.”

No, what was he saying?

I need to get a ransom, so why would I kill him carelessly? You shouldn't say things like that so casually.

I looked at Rhom with a dumbfounded expression. Could it be that he hit him too hard and he hurt his head somewhere? Rhom, receiving my gaze, was startled and quickly shook his head.

‘Then why is he like this?’

‘I don’t know either. I really didn’t do anything.’

An exchange of glances with roughly this meaning took place.

Of course, since I had captured him, I could do as I pleased. I could just execute him, demand a ransom, or just throw him in prison.

But that was for me to decide, not the prisoner. I was a bit annoyed that the prisoner was asserting himself.

“Deciding whether to kill you or not is my job. More importantly, what is your name?”

“Trevor Treno. A knight of the Treno Family.”

“What a peculiar name. Do you share a generational name?”

“What nonsense is that? Who are you to say such things? You look too young to be in a place like this.”

“Leon Gryph. The commander of this mercenary company.”

“What? A kid like this is the commander?”

Trevor was astonished. My eyes met Theo’s.

“Am I that small?”

“You’re not small enough to be called a kid, Young Master.”

It was always like this.

I wasn’t that short, but because I was always with the big and lanky Theo, I was often misunderstood. But it couldn't be helped. Anyone would look small next to Theo.

“Yes. I’m that kid. And you’re the one who was captured by that kid. It would be wise to think carefully before you speak from now on. Aren’t you the one in danger right now?”

“What.”

Reminded of his situation as a prisoner, Trevor looked like he was about to lunge forward. But he flinched when Theo made a threatening gesture by clenching his fist.

Trevor, seeming to realize that close combat wouldn't work, changed his method.

“Are you bastards trying to attack Ratio, where the Pope resides? What kind of crazy act is this!”

“Of course not. We were strictly on our way for a pilgrimage with pure intentions. You were the ones who attacked us with impure motives.”

“Who would believe that? Who goes on a pilgrimage heavily armed!”

“Really? Thanks to that, we’ve proven that we could protect our safety from the Treno Family’s attack, haven't we? And it has also been revealed that the Treno Family robs pilgrims.”

As I retorted sarcastically, Trevor's eyes grew so wide they looked like they would pop out.

“What! How can you say that! Are you guys trying to fabricate the facts?”

“Isn’t it far more absurd for the people of Ratio to attack their brothers of the same faith in front of the Holy See? You should be ashamed.”

“Kuh.”

Perhaps having a shred of conscience left, Trevor lowered his head. Then, Theo whispered in my ear.

“But we are believers of the Eastern Dualism.”

“Shh. Be quiet.”

Not me.

If I ever met God, I would be the one to grab him by the collar first.

After cautioning Theo, I spoke to Trevor again.

“Never mind that. Sir Trevor. Are you the master of the Treno Family?”

“No. I am not.”

“A pity. We could have finished this quickly.”

Just small fry then.

Trevor gnashed his teeth as if he wanted to object to my assessment.

“I don’t know what kind of trick you’re planning, but I will never cooperate with you.”

“Really? You really think so?”

“Yes! No matter what happens, I will—, huh?”

“Look here.”

I snapped my fingers to draw Trevor’s attention. Trevor inadvertently looked at me and his body stiffened.

From the tip of my finger, a purple magical light flickered along the edge of my ring.

Like an unmelting flame evaporating, it shot up towards the sky. Trevor had a mesmerized expression.

“A mage? Were you a mage? How?”

“Shh. Be quiet. Listen to me.”

I cut him off. Trevor shut his mouth.

The key to the operation was to make this uncooperative individual switch sides. And persuading Trevor was my role in this operation.

“Sir Trevor. You don’t actually want to die.”

“What nonsense.”

“If you truly wanted to die, you would have refused all conversation with me. But you conversed with me without hesitation. That means somewhere in your heart, you wish to survive.”

Trevor's eyes wavered.

It seemed I had hit the mark.

“That is…”

“Am I wrong?”

“…”

“You can’t speak. It seems you’ve realized your true feelings. But wanting to live is not something to be ashamed of. It’s a human instinct.”

The flickering purple flame gradually grew in size. The light spread over Trevor’s pupils and soon filled them completely.

I read the desire glittering in his pupils, the duty of life, the craving for survival.

「Trait Activated: Descendant of a Demon You jest with people with a serpent-like tongue.」

“I’ll make you an offer. If you cooperate obediently, I promise not only to let you live but also to release you safely.”

“Hmm.”

“What do you say? Will you accept?”

Soon, Trevor lowered his head with a dejected face.

“…I accept the offer.”

“Good. I will notify you when we are ready, so for now, step back and rest.”

The soldiers who received the order took Trevor away.

I was worried he might resist for a long time, but seeing him accept right away, it seemed he really did want to live.

Things were going well.

Suddenly, I felt a sharp gaze.

When I turned my head, Ceras was looking at me.

“That was a sharp turn of phrase that pierced Sir Trevor’s heart.”

“You praise me too highly. It’s just a small trick.”

“You are too modest. It was not such a trivial skill. Especially since it was magic. By the way, when did you learn magic? I hope that magic isn't a dangerous kind.”

It seemed the little trick I had shown was quite impressive.

The magic flame I created was just a device to make him pay attention to my words.

In fact, from Ceras' perspective, it was understandable.

The Western Church extremely rejected black magic. If she judged that I had the ability to brainwash others, summon demons, or corrupt minds, she would eliminate me without hesitation.

And at the forefront of that would surely be Inquisitor Ceras.

This was why traveling with Ceras was burdensome.

But who was I? Wasn’t I Leon Gryph, who had grown by overcoming life-threatening crises several times? I could easily solve such problems with just my tongue.

“I did not bewitch Sir Trevor with magic. I merely summoned a small flame to draw his attention.”

“Then what I witnessed was merely argument and persuasion?”

“That is correct. I simply encouraged Sir Trevor's will to survive.”

“But.”

Before she could say more, I struck first. That is, I sold Petrarch's name.

“If you're concerned about that, please ask Petrarch. I learned magic from him.”

I didn’t lie. I didn't.

Petrarch visited, gave me a magic book, and I self-studied with it. This was clearly a fact. So, couldn't I say I learned from Petrarch anywhere I went?

“Ah. The head of the Apennine Mage Guild branch. If you studied under him, there would be no problem.”

As soon as I sold Petrarch's name, Ceras was convinced and let it go. That was how renowned Petrarch's name was.

“Now, then, the only remaining problem is how to successfully cross that gate.”

I looked at the city with its firmly shut gate.