Volume 6 Chapter 26 The Messenger
The day after Wade was captured, Clay headed to Lord's mansion.
"Oh, it's Clay-dono. I'm sorry, but unless it's something extremely important, I would prefer that you speak to one of the other commanders--"
"Lord, please hear me out. I need some of your time."
Pushing his way into the private office that was usually off-limits, Clay demanded a direct audience with Lord. Sensing that something was amiss, Lord instructed, "I understand. Everyone except Shadowmira, leave."
And so, only Clay, Lord, and Shadowmira, the gold-ranked maid, remained in Lord's office.
"Now, what business do you have?"
Lord's voice held a hint of tension. Clay calmly explained,
"The leader of my party, Wade the Slow, was defeated by the Fist of the Dragon and taken prisoner."
"What?!"
"That's..."
Both Lord and Shadowmira were momentarily speechless, shaken by the news.
But Lord quickly regained his composure and sharply ordered Shadowmira,
"Issue a gag order to all the commanders. Make sure no word of this gets out to the soldiers or the mercenary adventurers."
"Understood."
Shadowmira vanished into the shadows. With her gone, Lord's safety was at least assured. But still, Lord couldn't hide his agitation.
Seizing the opportunity, Clay pressed on,
"I would like to request your assistance in his rescue. Specifically, I ask for the continued freedom of action for my party in the war. Financial aid. And the right to interrogate the prisoners 'Wrath' and 'Narcissistic Bard'."
"Well, hold on there. We haven't fully processed this yet. And some of your demands are unacceptable."
Clay had expected this. Nine out of ten, it was probably about the freedom of action for Wade's party. But if they were completely under command, it would hinder Wade's rescue.
"...Is it true that Wade-dono has been captured?"
"Yes. In yesterday's battle, he was defeated in a direct confrontation with the Fist of the Dragon and taken prisoner. I believe the reason for his defeat was that it was too early to clash."
"From the standpoint of his comrades, you think he could have won if he had more time?"
"Yes. To begin with, our leader is that kind of adventurer. He gets stronger at a visible rate, triggered by simple events. At least, he grew and won despite being weaker than 'Narcissistic Bard' before the battle."
"True. I've heard stories about his remarkable growth, and that's even the origin of his nickname. So, this isn't the time to give up hope just because there was no hope from the start."
That's why the lord lets out a frustrated groan. Clay interjects with a word.
"Depending on the situation, there is also the option of exchanging for a ransom, I believe."
"No, that would be difficult. Aside from Wade-dono, there is no one in Karditsa who has a chance of defeating the Fist of the Dragon. A mere ransom would not be enough to secure his release."
That's probably right. Clay thought about it yesterday and came to the same conclusion. It would also be difficult to exchange prisoners. The Fist of the Dragon is not an enemy that they can defeat if they all work together.
"If only 'Handless' were here, things would be different..."
For a rare time, Lord's expression is clearly distorted in pain. Clay feels the same way inside. The shock is too great to show on his face.
Then, they must calmly do what must be done.
"Then, there is no other option but a rescue operation. My party is already proceeding with that plan. Please understand and lend us your support."
"Ugh, fine... I will make as many concessions as possible."
He has secured a verbal promise. Clay bows his head and smirks inwardly.
"But I still can't meet all your demands. In particular, I'd like to put an end to your party's free movement, effective yesterday."
"Please elaborate."
"Simply put, the impact you have on the battlefield is too great. If you show up, the enemy army will surely be annihilated, but Karditsa's army will also have to retreat because they can't read your moves. Even if just a few of you move, it's honestly overkill. If possible, I would like to split you up and have you assist the commanders."
This was the request they had expected. Clay nodded.
"Understood. You are ordering us to come under the command of the army. However, if all of us come under the command of the army, we will not be able to secure the personnel we need to focus on the rescue operation."
"...I see. So, Clay-dono, you are saying that the Wade Party's members are indispensable for the rescue operation?"
"That is correct."
The lord groaned in thought for a moment. He was probably weighing various possibilities.
If Fist of the Dragon never showed up again, they could win the battle by reducing their forces with the Wade Party. If their forces were decisively lacking, even Fist of the Dragon's army would not be able to occupy the city properly. They could push them back until a temporary retreat.
On the other hand, if Fist of the Dragon moved around, it would be a repeat of Wade's predicament. They would be gradually cornered. The possibility of this happening was higher, depending on the extent of Wade's restraints.
The only thing that was certain was that the Wade rescue operation had to be successful. And then they had to strengthen Wade's forces so that Wade could defeat Fist of the Dragon.
The lord opened his mouth.
"Then, half of you. I would like 2 of you to always be under the command of Karditsa's army. In particular, it would be helpful if you could lend me you and Toxy-dono first, what do you say, Clay-dono?"
"...Understood. Then, let's go with that condition."
"Thank you. I'm sorry, but after seeing how much the situation changes on the battlefield depending on whether or not you guys are there, I couldn't let you be as free as Rebellion Flame."
Clay was satisfied that he had been able to stage a situation where he had made a concession and the lord had won a concession.
From here on, it was Clay's turn to make demands. Clay looked at the lord and repeated,
"Then, I would like you to consider my request. It is for the necessary financial assistance and the right to interrogate the captive 'Wrath' 'Narcissistic Bard'?"
"I can allow the interrogation under the supervision of Karditsa's interrogators. But how much money do you need?"
"Two platinum coins, if possible."
The lord freezes slightly at Clay's request.
"One coin might be enough."
"Well, alright. Then, we would greatly appreciate your assistance of one platinum coin."
The lord looks 'taken' by Clay's frankness. Honestly, Clay has enough money, so he doesn't really need the lord's financial help. But he figured he'd ask just in case he'd be willing to part with some extra.
The results are excellent. Money is never too much. Clay tells the lord that the first task has been completed.
"Very well. Then, as you requested, Toxy and I will be placed under the command of the Karditsa army. Await your orders."
"...Ah. Then, please follow Shadowmira's instructions and serve under each commander. Shadowmira"
"Yes, here I am."
Shadowmira appears in the shadows and turns to Clay. Then she says, "You did well. Now, come this way." Clay feigns innocence and asks, "What for?"
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