The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 88

Chapter 88: Current Situation of the Kingdom

“First of all, I want to express my gratitude for saving my subjects, including Bardle Grantos. And although it may be audacious, could I ask for a little more of your assistance?”

“…Could you specify how much assistance you require? Our agreement will depend on that information.”

As I replied, those who were not in battle attire, likely civilians, seemed uneasy. Nonetheless, the king continued his explanation without paying much attention to their discomfort.

“The catalyst for this rebellion was the exposure and crackdown on individuals connected to an organization plotting to assassinate the emperor. While half of them have been captured and their magical tools confiscated, Earl Orshiron, who invited them, manipulated a horde of monsters to attack the surrounding areas. Currently, the monster horde is sporadically assaulting from Blasia Duchy to the capital.”

“Blasia Duchy has already been invaded?”

“We believe so. Currently, we are using the kingdom’s stationed army to counter, but as you can see, without Bardle and the leaders of the knights, we can barely manage even a defense.”

Upon reconfirmation, it was a situation so dire that I couldn’t help but sigh. Considering the ratio of knights and soldiers in defense, the main forces of the knights and soldiers had likely been defeated during the attacks that occurred during the encirclement.

Given the strength of the monsters, if my brother were not present, the capital would have fallen long ago. We literally arrived in the nick of time due to the sacrifices my brother made.

…Honestly, my negative feelings towards this country haven’t disappeared. However, as I spoke with the king, it became clear that he was a decent person.

Even if I abandoned this country, I wouldn’t face any consequences. However, that would render the efforts of my brother and honorable people like the king useless. Considering that, the answer naturally presented itself.

“I understand. We will lend our assistance.”

“…! Thank you.”

“However, there are two conditions.”

Saying that, I raised two fingers and immediately stated the conditions.

The first is the complete transfer of command until the situation is resolved. In other words, they must strictly follow our instructions from now on. The second is an additional half of the reward promised for the assistance, to be given to the Empire.

“W-What?! We can’t afford such a thing…”

As one of the civilians tried to stand up, the king’s magic blasted him away before I could react.

“Lord Berg is speaking with me. I make the decisions, and I will take responsibility. So, do not interfere unnecessarily.”

Announcing this with a cold gaze at the collapsed civilian, the other civilians who had intended to speak lowered their heads simultaneously.

“…Is the reward being paid from the royal treasury?”

“Yes, I intended to provide as much as possible, but…”

“In that case, please collect the possessions owned by each noble. Additionally, when suppressing this rebellion, confiscate the property of the nobles who participated in the rebellion. Combined, that should cover the expenses.”

“…I see.”

The king pondered with his hand on his bearded chin. After a moment, he lifted his head and answered firmly.

“Understood. Until the situation is resolved, I will transfer command to Lord Berg… and upon the resolution of this incident, I promise to pay an additional reward.”

“Understood. Then, first…”

Acknowledging the king’s response with the courtesy of the Empire, I gathered the defensive commanders, including the leader of the knights, and began to take action.