Chapter 41


    The soldiers outside the main gate still held their swords, maintaining a defensive stance, waiting for themand from inside.


    The atmosphere between the two opposing forces was stark. On one side were those barely standing with trembling hands and feet, and on the other, the Cheonrye tribe, casually chewing on mulberry leaves, waiting leisurely.


    <i>Creak</i>


    The gate soon opened. They parted on either side, allowing entrance to the strangers.


    Only Ian and the Chieftain may enter!


    Enter?


    Thats some good f***ingnguage youve got.


    The soldier belonged to the central army of Bariel, and they were considered barbarians of the frontier. His attitude and words were expected, but a warrior provocatively mocked and picked a quarrel with him.


    Other warriors joined in,ughing and creating a coborative atmosphere. It was an overwhelmingly rough disy, but this time Ian didnt stop them.


    Allow the escort toe in.


    That cannot be done.


    Are you themander, the general?


    An order has alreadye from above.


    You may want to ask again. Your lords mind might change, as ours might.


    Ians calm words turned the soldiers face pale. Though they had no intention to oppose, his tone implied that things might turn bad if provoked.


    The central army had already suffered substantial loss in the battle with Dergha, so they had to avoid further conflict at all costs.


    Moreover, their opponent was the warlike barbarian Cheonrye, threatening Bratz. Who knows what the future might hold, but for now, pushing down this mansion seemed a simple task.


    Ian turned to Kakantir and suggested,


    Lord Kakantir. Sir Nersarn, Soo and I, the four of us should go in.


    I am here! Ian, I am here too! You see Beric here?


    Fine. Do as the gentleman wishes.


    Come on. Hurry and ask again.


    IAAAAN! Are you deaf?


    Beric clung to him like a pack mule, wriggling and begging to be taken along, but the decision was made.


    Under Ians pressure, the soldier went back inside and soon returned with satisfying news.


    Pleasee in.


    Well be back. Everyone, wait here.


    Yes. Kakan!


    *Creak.*


    The gate closed slowly. Returning to the Bratz mansion after a couple of months, it had changed significantly from Ians memory. The once serene and refreshing aura was gone, reced by a heavy sense of defeat.


    In the distance, an outbuilding seemed charred as if burned entirely. Ian looked at the shapeless objects piled beside it. What could those things be?


    Are you Ian Bratz?


    Then, a woman, escorted by subordinates, walked out from the main building.


    Judging by her attire, she was the head of the investigation team. Her pink hair was tied in one ce, and her body was wrapped with bandages everywhere. It looked like there had been fierce fighting within the mansion too. She grinned, holding a cigarette.


    Ah. Since you are not yet a subject, I should just call you Ian. Ive heard from Sir Molrin. Im themander, Erica.


    Are you Sir Molrins subordinate?


    Subordinate? Well. Technically, you could say that. Now,e inside. Though shabby, its better than the ground, no?


    Erica led the way, behaving as if the mansion was hers. Ian guessed from her behavior that she was Molrins designated next lord.


    Her position as the investigation team captain and handling matters directly here made the next lords position a reasonable reward.


    What happened here?


    Upon arriving in the reception room, Ian feigned ignorance to gauge the situation. The inside of the mansion was filled with the lingering smell of blood.


    As you can see, there was some bloodshed, but its almost cleared up. Tax evasion charges have been confirmed, and evidence has been found. We just need to cut off Derghas arms and legs, then itll be done.


    Ian raised an eyebrow. The execution of rebels was usually by hanging. Death by a de was an honor for the nobility, so most used a rope. The shameful sight of dangling and struggling in the air was a hard-to-see disgrace.


    Ericaughed as if it were a joke. Since the entrance gate, she hadnt given a single nce to Kakantir. Arrogantly so.


    Well, thats just a metaphor. There are some knights and a captain with him, Dergha was it? Quite skilled. Continuously running away with various followers, cutting off his arms and legs is only natural.


    Whew, Erica blew cigarette smoke in Ians face. She then nced at Kakantir, looking perplexed, and asked,


    So what? What brings you all the way here? I heard you have a lot of grudges against Dergha. Are you curious about the execution?


    This ce was not safe for Ian to be in. Right before the Bratz family disappeared, even if they were not in conflict, everyone knew that Derghas blood was flowing in Ian.


    Or are you waiting for a letter from Sir Molrin?


    Simply by cooperating with Sir Molrin by sending a secret letter, he was receiving such friendly treatment. It was also the tolerance of those who held the victory.


    Erica smacked her lips.


    What do you want? I dont have any specific instructions.


    I would love to hear about Sir Molrins well-being, but I have other business.


    Really?


    Erica seemed not to think much of it. As if to say, what business could a son sold into very have?


    Arent the barbarian tribes on bad terms with Bratz?


    At her words, Ian burst into a sneer. An overtly dismissiveugh. Ericas face turned serious, and she rubbed out her cigarette on the table, and her subordinates standing behind immediately grasped their sword handles.


    The Bratz and the barbarian tribes have been in a friendly exchange for a long time. A rtionship even more profound than brothers.


    Brothers? Ha. The sound of dogs foraging grass and dying. Its a well-known fact in the central administration that Bratz and the barbarians cant stand not devouring each other. Arent you the evidence? A wretched body sold alive into the desert.


    Yournguage is impressive. Unexpected. Nowadays, they seem to appoint amoner as the head of the investigation team.


    What!?


    At Iansposed words, Erica screamed. It was almost as if his derogatory words had been turned back on her.


    Kakan also showed his agreement with Ians words throughughter.


    Look here, Commander.


    Look here, Commander?


    I am the center of the desert. Stop spewing crude words and quickly confirm Derghas tax evasion charges, hold the execution, and leave. We will take care of the aftermath in Bratz territory.


    What are you saying, you crazy fools!?


    Commander Erica! Theres no more to listen to!


    Ching! Ching!


    Ericas subordinates drew their swords. Kakantir, Nersarn, and others just looked on nkly. Unlike the agitated ones, it was a truly calm atmosphere.


    Where do you beasts think you are!


    Shiieek!


    A man close to a dog ran at Kakantir, swinging his sword. Kakantir caught his wrist very lightly with one hand and began to exert force calmly.


    Uh?


    <i>Crack</i>


    Aaaaah!


    He twisted a mans wrist with just one hand. Not stopping there, Kakantir grabbed the fellows hair and mmed his head down on the table. The ash from Ericas discarded cigarette stuck to the mans face.


    Thud! Thump! Thud!


    Once, twice, three times.


    Thick blood spurted with each heavy blow, and soon the carpet beneath the table became soaked. Erica, who had stumbled back, screamed in rage.


    Are you mad? Im an envoy of the Imperial Pce! This is an insult to the Imperial Pce!


    Insulting? It might be wise to speak properly. Its an honor and mercy in itself to be alive after facing my hand.


    It didnt seem wrong. In his rise to the chieftains position, Kakantir had not experienced a single defeat, and all those who faced him had met death.


    Ericas eyes looked like they would roll back any moment. She red at Ian and warned,


    Do you want to be beheaded with your father? Everyone knows that Derghas blood flows in you! If I kill you, no one can me me!


    As you said, I may have Derghas blood, but Im not of the Bratz family, am I?


    Why not try babbling that in the imperial pce? See if such trickery works!


    Well, its typical to be reduced to imperials ve, but one must read the situation carefully. Above all, am I not the only on the behalf of the empire interacting with the bordering Cheonrye tribe?


    This ce was the frontier, a fortnight away from the imperial pce.


    Whoever became the next lord, defending Bariels border from outside forces was a virtue of the lord. In this urgent situation, who was the one bearing the Cheonrye on his back?


    Ian lifted his head slightly, as if to say, look properly.


    Also, because of the alliance, I belong to Cheonrye of the desert, not Bratz of Bariel. Ah. It would be nice if you lower your sword. For your safety.


    Monsters who could easily defeat dozens. Werent their sizes very different? With Kakantirs light movement, Ericas servant fainted. If they held weapons, no one could guess what storm of blood would blow.


    And most of all, your mission, Commander Erica, is to investigate and punish Derghas tax evasion, not clean up Bratzs territory. Isnt it unpleasant to not go back after finishing your work?


    I am here to catch Dergha!


    You turned the territory into a ruin. Its too much. Just spill Derghas blood; the cries of the territorys people are filling the air.


    The one whos excessive is you! Face your status!


    Derghas bloodline, amoner, and a sacrificialmb in the desert. It was a foregone conclusion that Ian would be sold as a ve when the Counts formal trial was held. Somehow, the consumed tax from Dergha must be replenished.


    I understand. The status.


    At Ians words, Kakantir took out a letter from his pocket and threw it on the blood-smeared table.


    This is the stance of Cheonrye, our ally. Derghas matter is an internal affair of the empire, but we are allied with Bratz nheless. We want Bratzs peace more than anyone else.


    Ha! How shameless.


    Youd do well to be polite. Wouldnt you regret it most if you died here?


    A simple but certain warning. Erica bit her lips tightly and gripped her sword again. Then, she suddenly realized that the Cheonrye people hadnt even drawn their weapons. They considered their bare hands enough.


    ording to the alliance oath, we must support Dergha. But Dergha is a criminal, and Bratz is a part of Bariel. So, we intend to help you but


    Kakantir nced at Ian.


    Everything was as they had prearranged.


    I think Ian is the appropriate person to connect you and us, and Id like to entrust all authority of Bratz to him. What do you think?


    Did I mishear? It sounds like youre saying he should be the lord?


    Ian and the Cheonrye tribe just looked at Erica without answering. She felt as if her words were stuck, but it seemed too early for that. Ian smiled brightly.