After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 172

### Chapter 172: The Rescue Operation

“F…hnn!”

In the darkness, Ayaka-san forms a familiar seal with her fingers, causing the sentries to quietly collapse. Immediately, the members of the Dark Clan disarm the soldiers and take the keys to the gate.

“Let’s move out. Mio and Kaede, take the lead. Sakura and Hotaru, keep watch in the rear. Michaela-san, stay close to Lutz-sama.”

“Understood,” “Acknowledged,” “Yes,” “Got it,” “Alright.”

At Ayaka-san’s command, the suspicious group enters through the old-fashioned gate. I follow closely behind, flanked by Michaela and Ayaka-san.

“Despite being a small border territory, the Campbell Viscount’s residence is surprisingly well-fortified.”

“Perhaps it frequently serves the role of imprisoning kidnapped individuals, as in this case. Those in power always have their dark undertakings.”

I see. In a world with limited transportation, sending kidnapped people to a border territory makes it less likely for searches from the country to reach them quickly. The Campbell family seems to have historically played this role as a sort of dark prison.

“Given the nature of this mansion, there is no one here with a pure heart; feel free to crush them.”

Wow, Ayaka-san is quite intimidating tonight. It’s rare for her to propose such an aggressive attack. She must really want to bring that priestess… Cecilia into our fold.

Our attacking force is elite and small. The Dark Clan, led by Ayaka-san, includes the four women I initially had relations with, and five men skilled in stealth and assassination, though they cannot use magic. Along with me and my bodyguard Michaela, we total twelve.

The childhood friend who usually wants to be involved in such affairs is not present. Gretel obediently stayed behind, as Ayaka-san suggested, to avoid drawing attention with her bright presence. It’s safer this way, and it prevents any unnecessary trouble.

“Let’s proceed.”

Confirming the signal from the two scouts, we quietly enter the mansion. The two men lying on the floor were put to sleep by Mio. She has since developed A-class magical power and can put several people to sleep with her dark magic.

My role is to cover her hands with mine and replenish her magic. Although she still has some reserve, this is a dangerous situation, and I want her to be fully charged if possible. I don’t want the woman who bore my child to come to harm. I observe her expression in the dim light coming through the window and, once I see her mouth curl up in a smile, I finally release her hand. I still can’t make sense of the flow of magic.

The men are exploring the walls and floor.

“There is definitely a basement in this mansion. The priestess’s family is likely down there as well.”

I see, they are searching for a passage to the basement. Eventually, one of the men removes a large portrait in the hall, revealing a hole and a staircase leading down. They descend quietly, finding a thick oak door ahead.

“Sakura, how many people are inside?”

“…Five. Two of them are enemies.”

“Mio, can you put them to sleep?”

“Leave it to me.”

After Mio forms another seal, Kaede carefully opens the door.

“It’s safe now.”

Inside, a guard lies on the floor, and another is slumped over a desk in a room that appears to be a guardroom. One of the clan members quickly binds them.

“Let’s hurry.”

Ayaka-san takes the key bundle hanging on the wall and hands it to Kaede. Kaede examines the door at the end of the hall, nods, and inserts the key.

Beyond the door is a damp, dark space. There, a middle-aged couple and a boy of about ten are present. The woman with chestnut-colored hair immediately notices our intrusion and prepares herself.

“Who are you?”

“Don’t worry. We are sent by Priestess Cecilia. We have come to rescue you, so please come with us.”

“Proof that you are allies?”

“This letter.”

Ayaka-san hands the woman a letter and lights an oil lamp beside her. The woman reads the letter with intense focus, tears welling up in her hazel eyes.

“Oh, Cecilia… such a kind child, always thinking of her family.”

“Yes, she values her family above all. Therefore, as long as you are imprisoned here, Cecilia-sama is forced to act against the teachings of the Supreme God. Now, let’s escape from here.”

“Understood, we will trust and follow you.”

At that time, the man, presumably her husband, wakes the still-sleepy boy and helps him prepare. Though, as they were only in their casual clothes, there’s no need for a change.

“Let’s move quickly and get as far away from here as possible.”

As Ayaka-san spoke quietly, a member of the clan, who had been watching the basement exit, whispered urgently.

“Milady, the mansion’s occupants have become aware of our presence. We need to hurry.”