Chapter 16. Belrus Barony
"Father, I've brought our guests," Rohan announced.
"Come in," came the reply.
Led by Rohan, Caron and Leo entered the chamber of Baron Belrus. As they stepped inside, they smelled disinfectant in the air. They saw an elderly man lying in bed, wrapped in bandages.
The man struggled to sit up as they approached. His white hair and frail physique stood out, and his abdomen was heavily bandaged, which indicated that he had a serious injury.
Caron and Leo bowed respectfully.
"Pleasure to meet you. I am Caron Leston," said Caron.
"And I am Leo Leston," Leo added.
The old man smiled faintly with a nod and said, "I am Baron Belrus, the lord of this land. It is an honor to meet the young wolves of the great Ducal Family of Leston. I apologize for not being able to give you a grand welcome, given my condition."
"How are your injuries? Are they healing well?" Caron asked.
"I've been told I've passed the worst of it. Thank you for your concern," Baron Belrus replied.
"That is a relief," Caron said as he slowly approached the baron's bedside and took a seat in a nearby chair. He studied the baron closely. Despite his severe abdominal wound, the old man's eyes were clear and focused.
Baron Belrus examined Caron as well, then smiled approvingly and said, "You've grown into a fine young man. Your father, Master Fayle, must be very proud."
"Do you know my father?" Caron asked.
"I visited Master Fayle's estate about ten years ago, when you were very young," the baron explained.
"Please, just call me by my name. Formal titles make me uncomfortable. I'm not that familiar with etiquette," Caron said.
The baron chuckled softly and shook his head, saying, "It would be burdensome for me to address a member of such a prestigious family informally. But if it makes you uncomfortable, I will call you Mister Caron."
"That is much better, thank you. And I apologize for not remembering our previous encounter," Caron said.
Father had so many guests over the years, Caron thought.
Fayle had established extensive connections across various fields, as he frequently showed off his son to numerous visitors. It wasn't surprising that Caron couldn't remember all of them. Belrus Barony bordered his father's estate, which made it natural that they would have some relationship.
Caron smiled softly at the baron and said, "Today, I am not here as the son of Fayle Leston, but as an Azure Wolf of Azureocean Castle. This is my first mission as an Azure Wolf. I look forward to your kind cooperation."
"Your first mission… Then, Mister Caron, does that mean you've already reached 4-Star?" the baron asked.
"Yes, I did," Caron confirmed.
"A new prodigy has emerged at Azureocean Castle," Baron Belrus murmured.
He knew Caron was only thirteen years old. It was extraordinary to reach 4-Star at such a young age. If Caron had been entrusted with a mission, it was likely he had mastered the fourth form of the Ocean Dominance Arts as well.
A true monster, the baron thought.
Though Baron Belrus wasn't a martial artist himself, he wasn't ignorant of martial arts. He recognized the brilliance of Caron's potential. If this boy continued to grow, he could become a formidable person within Azureocean Castle.
That was why Baron Belrus quickly made a decision and said, "While the support from Azureocean Castle is greatly appreciated, this is a matter we must resolve on our own."
"Father!" Rohan exclaimed.
"I cannot send such promising young men into such a deadly situation," the baron insisted.
Those who were plaguing his barony were not mere bandits, but rather trained soldiers. Their tactics during the first skirmish indicated that they specialized in mountain warfare. It didn't matter that these young wolves were of the Leston bloodline. They couldn't be sent into such a perilous place, as they were destined to become great leaders.
"Baron Belrus," Caron said, smiling as he listened to the baron's concerns before continuing, "I appreciate your concern, but we must carry out our mission. If we fled in fear on our first task, it would bring great shame to the Leston family. Isn't that right, Leo?"
"Y-Yes… That's right," Leo stuttered.
"I intend to complete my first mission successfully. And no one can hinder my plan," Caron declared. He then gripped the hilt of his sheathed sword as he stood up from his chair. "So, Baron Belrus, don't worry, and focus on your recovery. We'll handle everything smoothly."
"Mister Caron," the baron started.
"Oh, by the way, one of my dreams is to live a long life, until I'm old and gray. Longevity is my goal," Caron added with a grin.
"Well…" Baron Belrus sighed as he quickly abandoned the thought of convincing Caron otherwise. There was a fierce determination in the boy's eyes. Based on his long experience, it was impossible to persuade someone with that kind of look in their eyes.
"Young Baron of Belrus," Caron addressed Rohan.
"Yes, Young Master Caron," Rohan responded immediately.
"Please assign us a guide. We'll take care of the rest," said Caron.
"I'll assign someone from the estate who knows the mountains well," Rohan assured him.
"Thank you. We'll complete the mission and return. Both of you, please rest easy. Let's go, Leo," Caron said.
"Okay," Leo replied, though he looked hesitant as he followed Caron outside.
With the two boys gone, Baron Belrus and Rohan were left alone. Baron Belrus looked at the closed door and chuckled wearily.
"Haha… I've been in this position for too long. I've become too fearful… It's time for me to step down," the baron admitted.
"Father," Rohan said.
"I never imagined that Fayle's son would grow up like this," Baron Belrus remarked as he coughed a few times before lying back down in his bed.
He reminds me so much of Duke Halo in his younger days, he thought.
That stubbornness and that disregard for noble etiquette… He was just like his grandfather.
***
Rohan assigned a guide named Sven to guide Caron and Leo. Sven was a local herb gatherer.
"Young Masters! Just follow me. I've been gathering herbs here for nearly twenty years. No matter how skilled those bandits are, they can't keep up with me," Sven boasted.
"Sure. Just don't stray too far away by yourself," Caron replied.
"Of course not!" Sven said.
Caron and Leo kept a slight distance from Sven as they went up the mountain. Leo watched Sven walking ahead and sighed deeply.
"Caron, isn't it foolish to charge in without a plan?" Leo asked.
"Why do you think that?" Caron replied.
"Well, if they're trained men and have been occupying this mountain for a while, who knows how many ambushes or traps they've set up?" Leo asked.
"Wow, my dear brother has studied a lot. You're right in theory," Caron said, stepping on some fallen leaves as he moved forward. He continued, "But how do you propose we formulate a plan?"
"Well… Research beforehand, and come up with a strategy that fits the enemy…" Leo trailed off.
"But do you have a better strategy than this? If so, we'll go with your plan," Caron said.
"Are you saying that charging ahead like this is a strategy?" Leo asked.
"Yes, it is," Caron confirmed.
"You're crazy," Leo said.
Leo's concern was valid, but Caron had a reason behind his apparent recklessness. Without knowing the bandits' exact location, an unexpected approach could be surprisingly effective.
"Think about it. Two young kids have entered the mountain carrying swords that look very expensive. How do you think the bandits would react?" Caron asked.
"Wait, so we're the bait?" Leo asked in surprise.
"Exactly. What better bait than two noble kids who look easy and valuable? We should use everything we have to our advantage," explained Caron.
Caron and Leo did indeed look like noble children. Although they didn't have the Azure Wolves crest of the Ducal Family of Leston, their clothes and swords definitely looked high-quality. Desperate bandits who were selling drugs and enslaving peasants would find them irresistible.
"If they can kidnap some noble kids, they'll fetch a hefty ransom," said Caron.
"But Caron, what if their goal isn't money?" Leo countered.
"Even so, we'll at least draw their attention. We look like easy targets, don't we? It's one of the few privileges of being young. And take a look at Sven," Caron said.
Leo turned to observe Sven walking ahead of them. Sven had been introduced as an herb gatherer, but he had given Leo an uneasy feeling from the start. As Sven walked ahead, he kept glancing around, as if he was searching for something.
"What do you think of him?" Caron asked.
"I didn't think he'd be that obvious… Do you think the young baron deliberately assigned him to us? Could he be in on it too?" Leo speculated.
"You've got quite an imagination. I'm impressed." Caron chuckled and gave Leo a light punch on the shoulder before continuing, "But the young baron isn't that type of person. If he were, he wouldn't have come to Azureocean Castle in the first place."
"So, the young baron didn't know that he was a traitor?" Leo asked.
"No, he knew. He gave him to us because, as a traitor, he would lead us to our enemies," Caron clarified.
Rohan was not incompetent. He was brave and perceptive. The fact that he had kept a traitor by his side to use him against the enemy showed who he truly was.
"It looks like we're almost there," Caron noted as he spotted Sven approaching from a distance with a sly smile.
As Sven got closer, he scratched his head and said, "Young Masters, you must be tired. How about a little rest? It's been a while since I climbed this mountain, and my memory is a bit hazy. Here, let me carry those heavy swords for you."
"Hand over our swords? Are you out of your mind…?" Leo began to protest.
"Oh, I've been finding my sword a bit heavy. Here you go," Caron said as he handed over his sheathed sword to Sven without hesitation.
"Hey! Caron!" Leo shouted as he glared at Caron in anger.
"Well, mine was heavy. You keep holding onto yours. Sven, is that okay with you?" Caron responded calmly.
"Of course, Young Master. It's my fault for not earning your trust. I only wish to ease your journey," Sven said, bowing repeatedly as he took the sword.
At that moment, however, he flinched and dropped the sword. The mere touch of the scabbard sent chills through him. However, greed often dulled human reasoning. Sven clenched his teeth and picked up the sword again. He believed that this sword could change his life. It was obvious that a noble's sword was special.
"There's a perfect resting spot up ahead. Please, follow me!" Sven exclaimed, sprinting ahead as if someone was chasing him.
Leo scowled at Caron as they watched Sven run frantically.
"What were you thinking?" Leo asked.
"Why not? It's fun. If he wants to carry it, that's fine by me. By the way, are you ready?" Caron responded.
"Ready for what?" Leo asked.
"Ready to kill people," Caron said bluntly.
Leo found himself gripping the handle of his sword, Sylphid. Caron's words meant that a fight was imminent. Though he had mentally prepared himself since the train ride, the reality of an impending battle brought a wave of tension upon him.
"Lady Sabina must be watching from somewhere, but she won't intervene easily," Leo noted.
"I never expected her help in the first place," Caron replied.
"Good determination," Leo remarked.
With a smile, Caron stepped forward. They continued their ascent until they reached a relatively flat area. Just as Sven had described, it looked like an ideal resting spot.
However, they were not alone. There were thirteen men, dressed in various outfits, occupying the area.
Sven, who had run ahead with Caron's sword, was bowing to them. The man who seemed to be their leader patted Sven on the back and remarked, "Such esteemed guests in our humble abode. So, these kids are guests of Baron Belrus?"
"Yes, yes, that's right. The foolish young baron asked me to guide them, so I brought them straight to you," Sven replied.
"Sven, you're quite useful. We like greedy men like you. Here's your reward," the leader said, then tossed Sven a pouch that seemed to be filled with gold coins.
Sven caught it with a bright smile and said, "Thank you! I'll always do my best."
"It's enough for the afterlife, right?" the leader asked casually.
"Pardon?" Sven responded, confused.
"Spend it well in the underworld," the leader said coldly. Then, with a swift motion, he swung his sword and beheaded Sven. Sven clutched his severed neck as he collapsed to the ground. His blood seeped into the pouch of coins, but the leader picked it up and tucked it back into his coat without hesitation. Then he turned to Caron and Leo, spreading his arms wide.
"Our young guests must be shocked. But don't worry, you're far more valuable than that bug. We don't kill those who are worth money," the leader said.
"They really aren't ordinary bandits," Caron observed.
The precision of the leader's strike had been flawless. Unlike common bandits who swung their swords wildly, the leader had executed Sven with just the right amount of force needed to take his life.
Caron looked at Sven with a smile before speaking in a smooth, almost mocking tone. "The guy you just killed was carrying my sword for me. Could I get it back?"
"Oh, really? Well, of course we should return it to its rightful owner. Hey, youngest," the leader called out.
"Yes, sir?" the youngest member of the group responded.
"Draw the sword from its scabbard. I'd love to see the fine sword our esteemed guest carries. You don't mind, do you?" the leader asked Caron with a smirk, while the others chuckled, enjoying the situation. Their contempt was blatant.
Caron shrugged and said, "I guess a little show and tell won't hurt."
"Such generosity from someone who grew up so nicely," said the leader.
"Boss, this scabbard looks expensive. I think it has a mana stone in it," the youngest commented.
"Shut up and just draw the sword. If the scabbard is this fancy, the sword itself must be even better," the leader snapped.
"Yes, sir," the youngest said as he drew the sword from Caron's scabbard. The blade gleamed with a dark blue sheen as it was revealed.
At that moment, despite his burly figure, the youngest bandit's legs trembled as he held onto Guillotine. He stuttered, "S-Sir…?"
It wasn't just him. Every man present froze in terror at the sight of the dark blue sword.
Caron calmly walked forward without a trace of fear, placing a hand on the youngest man's shoulder before asking, "Do you like my sword?"
The man couldn't respond, his mind blank with terror. He felt as if the sword he held could cut him to pieces at any moment.
"Let me introduce you to my sword. Its name is Guillotine, and it's also known as the Execution Sword," Caron said.
"S-Spare… me… please…" the young man pleaded.
"Oh, by the way," Caron continued. With a swift motion, he seized Guillotine from the young man's grasp and slashed his neck without hesitation.
"Congratulations, you're Guillotine's first customer," Caron added with a sly grin.
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