Viscount Arnold Keinitz, the current lord of the Keinitz Viscounty, naturally caught wind of the news that a large band of thieves was approaching the northwest of the kingdom.
Like the other nobles, he struggled with how to deal with the impending attack of the bandits.
According to information received from merchants, it was likely that within half a month, the bandits would penetrate his territory.
The Keinitz Viscounty, with a population exceeding 10,000, was a fairly large domain. However, the territorial army, composed of professional soldiers, numbered less than 200. Moreover, due to the peaceful nature of the land, it could hardly be described as a strong force.
If such a military force were to face a battle-hardened group of mercenary-turned-bandits head-on, total annihilation was a real possibility.
However, conscripting men from the populace posed its own problems. If he pulled away the farmers to fight just as they were preparing to plant wheat, it would delay farming activities, and by next year, the people would starve, drastically reducing the viscount family’s tax revenue.
It could be said that the bandits were approaching at the worst possible time.
“…I have no choice,” Arnold muttered, his face twisted as if he had swallowed something bitter.
“What will you do?” asked his elderly steward, standing nearby.
“Give money to the merchants and have them spread rumors. Let it be known that to the west of the Keinitz Viscounty lies the Earlkvist Barony, which has little military strength but holds vast wealth from its mines. Make sure this rumor reaches the bandits,” Arnold instructed.
“Is that wise? That would…” The steward hesitated, understanding that Arnold’s plan was essentially to deflect the bandits towards Earlkvist Barony, leaving them to deal with the crisis. This would place their friendly neighbor in grave danger.
“I understand, but I have no other choice. Besides, that young lord won’t be easily defeated by bandits. I’ll send reinforcements and claim that I helped in the end,” Arnold replied.
Noein Earlkvist was sharp-witted. If it came to defending in the familiar territory of the vast Bezel Forest, he would somehow manage to repel the 200 or so bandits.
Once the exhausted bandits retreated, the Keinitz army could trap them in a pincer movement. That way, the most difficult part of the battle would fall on Earlkvist, while Arnold could claim credit for helping to defeat the bandits.
“As much as it pains me, this is the best — or rather, the second-best option — to protect our land’s interests. Time is short, so act quickly,” Arnold said.
“Understood. I’ll inform the merchants immediately,” the steward replied and left the room.
“I’m sorry, Noein Earlkvist, but this is what it means to be a noble,” Arnold thought as he sighed deeply, apologizing to his young neighbor in his heart.
…
The rumor that “Earlkvist Barony is wealthy but poorly defended” spread quickly across the Keinitz Viscounty and even to the surrounding lands, just as Arnold had intended.
The extensive information network of small-time traveling merchants ensured that even the smallest villages heard the rumor.
Naturally, this rumor reached Retvik, Arnold’s home base, and soon found its way to Bart, who was responsible for transporting goods to Retvik.
“…Until now, only those we were connected with in Retvik knew about the situation, but now it’s suddenly being widely spread as a rumor,” Bart said.
“Yes, it seems like someone is deliberately spreading it,” Noein replied, frowning bitterly as he listened to Bart, who had rushed back to the capital, Noeina.
“At the same time as rumors of the bandits’ approach, this information that would appeal to the bandits is being spread so conveniently. Damn, that ungrateful old man did it,” Noein muttered, uncharacteristically letting slip some rough language in frustration.
“So, it’s Viscount Keinitz after all?” Yuri, who was present, asked.
“Without a doubt. But even if we were destroyed by the bandits, Keinitz would suffer financially due to our trade relationship. He’s probably planning to swoop in once we’ve driven the bandits off, claiming the credit for ‘delivering the finishing blow’ to the bandits,” Noein speculated.
“That’s infuriating… What should we do?” Yuri asked.
“We have no choice but to fight. There’s no way I’ll let everything we’ve built up be ravaged,” Noein said, his expression turning into a rare, wicked grin.
“Luckily, the crossbows are ready. If we ramp up production and train the villagers quickly, we can match or even exceed them in strength.”
The population of Earlkvist Barony was nearing 200, with over 100 men capable of combat. Add to that Noein’s two golems and the large number of crossbows they could produce, and they had more than enough strength to defend themselves.
“But we don’t even have 20 crossbows yet. And we don’t have nearly enough arrows for a real battle,” Yuri pointed out.
“I’ll assign as many of my slaves as possible to Damian and have them work at full speed to produce more. We’ll also recruit… no, conscript manpower from the villagers.”
“But the season for preparing to plant wheat is almost here. The villagers may be reluctant to be conscripted,” Yuri cautioned.
“I’ll reduce taxes next year to make up for the reduced harvest. Plus, we have potatoes. Even if the wheat planting is delayed a little, there’s no fear of starvation,” Noein said.
“…Understood. I’ll mobilize Bart and the other retainers to spread your orders right away.”
“I’m counting on you.”
As Yuri and Bart hurried out of the room, Noein quietly mused to himself that he had never been so cornered before.
・・・・・・
“Wa-wait! Don’t kill me! I have valuable information! I’ll tell you if you spare me!”
The villager that Gozling was about to kill in the occupied village pleaded desperately.
“Valuable information, huh?”
“Yes! You and your group would definitely be interested in it! Just hear me out!”
“…Fine, go ahead,” Gozling responded, though his face showed suspicion.
The man immediately started speaking in a rush.
“T-there’s a place west of the Keinitz Viscounty, a territory called Earlkvist. It’s run by some baronet or knight, I don’t remember, but it’s a small land with just one village. Despite that, they’ve struck it rich thanks to a gem mine they found.”
“Tch, this story again. I’ve never heard of such a territory. The northwest of the kingdom should end at the Keinitz Viscounty.”
“It’s a newly established domain! That’s why they don’t have a standing army yet. And they’re rolling in money! If you hit that place, you’ll make a huge profit!”
The villager could have been making things up just to save his life, but Gozling had heard the exact same story in the previous village. The level of detail in both accounts suggested that it was no fabrication but the truth.
“You’re not lying, are you?”
“I swear it’s true! I’ll stake my life on it!”
“…Alright. I’ll believe you. Thanks for the useful info.”
“S-so you’ll spare m— GAH!”
Gozling silenced the villager by driving his sword through the man’s torso. With his next target clear, he made up his mind to head for this so-called Earlkvist territory.
