Chapter Thirty-Eight: Collaboration

After Andy and Allen collided, Allen stepped back several paces, dissipating the tremendous force that had surged toward him. Inwardly, he lamented his own carelessness—he hadn't expected that this apprentice-looking fellow would possess strength nearly equal to that of a Grand Knight.

Andy stood his ground, not retreating a single step, for behind him stood Jera. The impact with Allen had left his internal organs roiling; he was already injured.

Though Allen felt a bit embarrassed about stepping backward, he still looked at Andy with mocking disdain, saying flippantly, "I say, aren't you going to cough up that blood? Be careful, or you'll end up with lasting internal injuries."

Andy snorted coldly, and flames suddenly ignited upon him. As the fire burned, his wounds began to slowly heal.

Andy had cast the spell "Baptism of Flame" to mend himself. After the ritual, color returned to his cheeks. He spoke at last, "No need!"

At that moment, Andy gained a clearer understanding of his own constitution. After dozens of "Baptism of Flame" rituals the previous night, he wasn't quite at the level of a Grand Knight, but he had reached the pinnacle of a Knight's physique. If his swordsmanship could keep pace with his enhanced body, he believed his advancement to Grand Knight would soon follow.

"This is the apprentice of the wizard Stein, Andy Charles, a high-level mage apprentice," Viscount Sibecolin interjected, trying to ease the tension, though his tone was somewhat stiff, betraying his ill mood. He made no move to introduce Jera.

"Oh, so this is the wanted criminal Andy Charles," Allen's words chilled the atmosphere in the room once more.

In truth, before the Divine Wind Knights had entered the city, Captain Barton had already sent men ahead to gather information. Andy's status as a wanted man, and the city guard's sweeping search, had caused quite a stir—there was no way the knights wouldn't have heard about it.

But compared to the minor issue of a mage apprentice being wanted, Barton was far more concerned with last night's violent assault on the inner city and another wanted figure: Schmidt.

It was only after Jera's reminder that Bill explained to Captain Barton that Andy's wanted status was a misunderstanding—an enemy spy adept at transformation magic had sowed discord. With Andy's help, the spy's plot was exposed and the traitor killed, thus lifting the warrant.

After the explanation, Viscount Sibecolin clapped his hands, and a guard entered bearing an oak box. Bill handed the box to Captain Barton.

Barton examined it for threats and then gently opened it. Inside lay a severed head, the eyes wide open in death, a look of resentment forever frozen upon its face.

Barton maintained his composure as he scrutinized it.

"This is..." Barton had barely spoken when Allen, craning his neck to peer into the box, exclaimed, "Schmidt!"

Barton's expression turned grave. He stood suddenly, saluting Viscount Sibecolin with utmost formality.

"My lord Viscount, please accept the respect I offer on behalf of the soldiers at the front! And forgive my earlier impudent probing."

Witnessing this, Allen reluctantly followed suit with a salute.

Schmidt's reputation at the Silver Wing Fortress front was notorious. He had even infiltrated the fortress to steal battle plans. At least a thousand soldiers had been laid to rest because of him. Thus, when Captain Barton had heard Schmidt had been wanted here upon entering the city, he resolved to ensure the villain was eliminated.

He hadn't expected Viscount Sibecolin to have already dealt with him. This made Barton view the local nobility in a new light and strengthened his resolve to win the Viscount over for the Marshal.

Captain Barton requested permission to bring Schmidt's head to the front lines to boost morale. Viscount Sibecolin readily agreed. The conversation thereafter became much more relaxed. Barton went so far as to praise Andy for his precocious talent, though Andy found such empty compliments tiresome.

Later, recalling the Marshal's instructions, Barton hinted that he wished to speak privately with the Viscount. Bill, prepared for this, readily assented.

Andy and Jera led Grand Knight Allen out of the drawing room; as soon as they stepped outside, Andy suggested to Allen that they find a place to spar. Allen, who had long wanted to teach this youngster a lesson, agreed without hesitation, and together they headed toward the castle's training grounds.

Jera did not follow; she returned alone to her room.

Upon entering, she found Bill had already prepared a set of alchemical devices on the table. It was a square box, riddled with tiny holes, and atop it lay a rod-shaped item, one end wrapped in a layer of sponge.

Bill and Andy had named them "speaker" and "microphone."

At that moment, the speaker transmitted the conversation between Captain Barton and Bill. Jera smiled softly, picked up the microphone, and began remote command.

Captain Barton still maintained his hearty smile, but inwardly he was boiling, as if ten thousand bronze beasts were trampling through his mind.

It wasn't that his plan to win over Viscount Sibecolin was going poorly—in fact, it was going absurdly well!

He had carefully mapped it out: first, subtly hint at the Marshal’s intentions; then analyze the mutually dependent situation between Silver Wing Fortress and the Sibecolin lands; then discuss the front’s circumstances, and forecast future changes. Afterward, promise some benefits to the Viscount. If the Viscount proved uncooperative, then threaten him with the matter of misappropriated military supplies...

But Viscount Sibecolin was nothing like he’d imagined. The moment Barton hinted at the Marshal’s overtures, the Viscount declared his long-standing admiration for the Marshal and insisted that supporting the front was the duty of every kingdom subject. Money? He’d give it. Men? He’d supply them. In short, he’d sell everything, even abandon Sibecolin County, to aid the Marshal...

This left Barton utterly dumbfounded. All his prepared tactics and countless rehearsed speeches had gone unused. The Viscount had simply surrendered! Barton nearly suffered internal injuries from holding back his frustration.

Actually, Jera and the others had only just left, but Barton wasted no time in broaching the subject. Since Jera hadn’t yet returned to her room, Bill had to handle the conversation himself.

And in handling it, he all but gave away the entire Sibecolin County—without a hint of regret. He considered himself highly principled and patriotic; after all, supporting the front could never be wrong. Short on soldiers? He’d provide them! Lacking supplies? He’d give those too! Need horses? The stables at Sibecolin Castle were still full!

Later, prompted by Jera’s whispered advice, Bill realized he’d gone too far. He hastily began to reel his words back, explaining that while pledging allegiance to Marshal Vaughn was no issue, he now faced difficulties and hoped the Divine Wind Knights could help. A group of Gillian rebels had stormed the inner city last night, and with Wizard Stein now absent, they had taken up residence near the Wizard Tower. Bill said he had sent Grand Knight Cromwell and several city hall knights to deal with them, but they had yet to return...

Hearing the Viscount request assistance, Captain Barton exhaled in relief. So the Viscount had a favor to ask of the knights, which explained his eager agreement. Barton felt much less unnerved.

As for the Viscount’s request—he would agree, absolutely! The Viscount had pledged unconditional support; if Barton now quibbled and set terms, it would chill the hearts of the Marshal’s supporters. Who then would still be willing to pledge themselves to Marshal Vaughn?

Captain Barton immediately declared that, after a brief rest, the Divine Wind Knights would march at once and seize the Wizard Tower.