Chapter 119 - Episode 118: Waiting for the Return ③
Bart and Dant, having parted ways with Radley, hurried their horses toward the capital city of Noeina.
Seeing the two return along the forest road while radiating an unusual aura, Edgar, who happened to be supervising the farmers in the agricultural lands north of Noeina, called out to them.
"Bart-dono, did something happen?"
"Edgar-san... actually, it seems Orcs have appeared on the forest road."
"What!? Since the last time Orcs appeared..."
"Yes, it's only been about two years. The frequency is a bit too high, but since they've appeared, it can't be helped; we have to deal with it."
"True... I'll have the farmers stop their work and evacuate everyone inside the capital city of Noeina."
"Yes, please. Dant, help Edgar-san."
"Understood."
Leaving the evacuation of the farmers to the two of them, Bart spurred his horse again and rushed back into the capital city of Noeina.
He rode straight through the city center and headed for the school. At this time, Clara should be here rather than at the manor.
"Wow, it's Bart-sama!"
Children cheered as they saw Bart from the school building windows. It seemed that Bart, who was already handsome, was an object of admiration when seen riding a horse and carrying a sword.
On the other hand, Clara, who looked out the window with the children, stiffened her expression. The fact that Bart entered the school grounds in such a formal and imposing manner likely meant that an emergency had occurred that needed to be conveyed to her.
"Everyone, the teacher has important business to discuss with Retainer Bart-san. Please wait quietly in the classroom for a little while."
""Yes, Clara-sensei!""
At the school, Clara had the children call her "sensei." Seeing the children reply obediently, she hurried out of the classroom and called Bart into the reception room.
.....
Bart, who was shown into the reception room, sat on the sofa with a brief greeting as prompted by Clara.
"Bart-san, judging by your appearance, I believe some grave situation has occurred..."
Clara's face as she asked this looked somewhat tired, and there were slight dark circles under her eyes. Since it was a time when it wouldn't be strange for Noein to have returned already, yet no contact had come, it was clear even to the retainers that she had been mentally exhausted recently.
However, since they had to deal with the situation at hand now, Bart immediately entered into practical talk.
"It seems a mining resource transport convoy was victimized by monsters on the forest road. Judging by the situation at the scene, they are likely Orcs. According to Acting Captain Radley's assessment, there seem to be multiple individuals."
"My, what a terrible thing... And, what were the damages to the transport convoy?"
"Fortunately, it seems they evacuated before encountering the Orcs. As far as I saw at the scene, there were no human casualties, and they had enough leeway to let the horses escape."
Hearing Bart's report, Clara breathed a sigh of relief.
"As it stands, the forest road cannot be used, making it impossible to transport resources here or send food and supplies from here to the mining village. Furthermore, there is a danger that the Orcs may directly attack the capital city of Noeina or the mining village."
"That is true... Both in terms of security and economy, the losses would be immeasurable if we leave the Orcs alone like this."
Beyond the direct damage caused by the Orcs, they had to consider the losses from being unable to perform farm work safely outside the capital, and the losses from being unable to transport mining resources.
If they could not deliver the mining resources to Philip, the commissioned merchant, as scheduled, it would cause trouble for his Skinner Company and its trading partner, the Miles Company. They wouldn't lose their trust immediately over a few delayed deliveries, but if it piled up, it would result in owing them a favor.
"That said, if there are multiple Orcs..."
Bart muttered with a grim expression. The thought that it would be different if Noein had returned crossed his mind, but he refrained from saying it aloud.
If Noein's golems and two more Ballistas were present, they could have dealt with multiple Orcs with ease. However, it couldn't be helped that he wasn't here.
He couldn't believe that the members of the Arqvist territory army who had gone to war would die so easily, but it was certainly the time when they had to consider the worst-case scenario. In the midst of a grave situation, he had to avoid words or actions that would stir Clara's anxiety.
"Bart-san... no, Retainer Bart. I command you as the Acting Lord. I know it is a difficult situation, but please somehow think of a way to deal with the Orc crisis."
Bart, who had begun to be trapped in dark thoughts with his face cast down, looked up at Clara's powerful voice.
"I imagine how reassuring it would be if Noein-sama were here, but that person is currently absent. If that is the case, the only ones who can protect this Arqvist territory are you and Retainer Radley. To implement the measures you devise, I will provide all possible assistance as the Acting Lord."
"...Clara-sama."
Bart had thought that Clara might lose her composure, being struck by the misfortune of an Orc invasion while Noein's safety was unknown. However, contrary to that expectation, she was looking steadily at reality.
"Until Noein-sama returns, I must protect that person's territory and people. That said, I myself am nothing more than a powerless woman. You are my only reliance. In exchange, I will help you with all my authority. I will arrange for necessary items, and if you need collaborators, I will put in a word... Please, I beg of you."
"N-no, please raise your head!"
Bart said in fluster. To have Clara, the Lord's wife, bow to him was far too overwhelming.
"...Radley-dono and I serve the Arqvist Baronet house as retainers for times like this. Please leave it to us. We will surely hunt the Orcs and protect the Arqvist territory."
It was impossible that Clara wasn't anxious. Even so, as the Lord's wife, and now as the Acting Lord, she maintained a dignified presence before her subordinates. As a retainer, he could not fail to meet her expectations. Thinking this, Bart nodded.
.....
"Well then, Liris, please convey the details of the matter to Selfers-sensei as well. I'm counting on you."
"Yes, leave it to me."
"Priest Hasel, I apologize for the trouble, but I ask for your help as well."
"Since we are those who serve God, it is only natural that we cooperate in such a situation."
"I am grateful you say so. Thank you."
Bart, who had been devising the Orc hunt plan with Radley at the manor, explained the situation to Liris, the apprentice doctor called to the manor by Clara, and Priest Hasel, who operated the church.
In an Orc hunt, there was a possibility of many injured persons. To prepare for such a situation, he had to have them get ready to receive and treat the wounded.
After seeing them off as they returned from the manor following the explanation, Bart returned to the retainer's office and thought about future responses with Radley.
"Now, next... the explanation for you, Henrik."
"I've already heard the detailed story from Radley-sama. I want you to let me do it, ya."
When Bart called out, Henrik, the stable hand in charge of horse management at the manor, nodded and spoke. He would be playing an important role in this Orc hunt.
"I'll ask one more time, are you really okay with this? Your job is stable hand and driver. You have no obligation to risk your life by force, you know?"
When Radley asked, Henrik smiled, showing his teeth. It was a smile that felt charming because of the gap where one tooth was missing.
"Noein-sama hired a country bumpkin like me, whose only merit is handling horses, with a high salary, ya. If there's something I can do, I want to do it gladly, ya."
"I see... thanks. I can't guarantee that you'll definitely be safe if you run into an Orc, but at the very least, I'll let myself be eaten before you."
"Hehehe, it's a piece of cake for me to handle a supply wagon without getting caught by Orcs, ya. I'll go get ready so I can leave at any time, ya."
Saying so, Henrik left the room.
Henrik's cooperation was secured. Next, they had to secure those who could assist in combat. To execute an Orc hunt in the forest while protecting the capital city of Noeina, the territorial army, with half its force away, lacked sufficient numbers.
Just then, the person who requested permission to enter was an unexpected individual.
"Excuse me. I am Zadrek, serving as the coordinator for Noein-sama's labor slaves."
The large tiger-beastman who entered after receiving permission was the head of the serfs entrusted with the management of the Lord's fields. Radley and Bart, who entered and exited the manor as retainers, saw him often.
"Ah, it's you... what is it? You might have heard, but we're busy thinking about the response to the Orcs appearing in the territory."
"Regarding that Orc hunt... I have heard that half of the territorial army soldiers have gone to war with Noein-sama. If manpower for fighting is needed, we would also like to help."
"What? You lot aren't combat slaves. You won't be scolded even if you don't go out of your way to join a dangerous battle, you know?"
When Radley spoke with a surprised expression, Zadrek nodded and continued.
"We understand that as well. However, we have received great generosity from Noein-sama. Especially for a beastman slave like me, generosity that I originally would never have dreamed of. To repay that kindness and protect Noein-sama's territory, I thought I wanted to do my utmost."
"...Noein-sama is loved by both the citizens and the slaves, isn't he."
Hearing Zadrek's words, Bart spoke with a faint smile. Radley also sighed as if slightly amazed.
"...If you say so, I'll have you participate. However, your role will be to use Crossbows to keep the Orcs in check. Stepping forward to fight is the job of us retainers and the territorial army soldiers. The probability of dying is lower than ours, so rest easy."
"Thank you. The other slaves will surely be glad—"
While Zadrek was speaking, someone entered the room noisily with thumping footsteps.
"Radley-san! I heard Orcs appeared! Can I come along to the fight too!? I want to see Crossbows and Ballistas being used against Orcs!"
"I-I also, is there anything I can help with!? I want to tell Noein-sama later that I was able to be useful to the territory!"
It was the workaholic duo of Damian and Christy.
"...Ah, first, Damian. You don't come along. With multiple Orcs as opponents, it can't be said that you're absolutely safe even in the rear. If you accidentally die, it would be a huge loss for this territory."
Damian was one of the most important people in the Arqvist territory. It would be no joke if he died during an Orc hunt observation out of curiosity.
"No way! Please, somehow!"
"No. We will properly utilize the Crossbows and Ballistas you made and we'll report back, so endure it this time."
"...Understood."
Damian nodded with a reluctant expression.
"And Christy. You're smart, but there's really no part for you in a battle... let's see, please help out at Selfers-sensei's place in case there are injured. Since you graduated from High School, you must have some medical knowledge, right?"
"U-understood!"
Whether she knew her place well, Christy nodded obediently.
Furthermore, another entrant appeared. It was Rick, one of the coordinators for the territorial army soldiers.
"Excuse me. The mobilization of soldiers, including those off-duty, has been completed."
"Understood, good work... Well then, shall we start moving soon."
Nodding to Rick, who reported while saluting, Radley rose from the chair in the office.