Volume 13 Chapter 15 Guard Headquarters
Baron Nicholas twisted his thick mustache while listening to Al's report. They were in the guard headquarters' meeting room in Parker, a border city. He was the commander of the guard, with ten capable men and women around the table.
At one end sat Sigmund, the son of Lord Radyard. Al stood near Sigmund and reported on the events in the northern village and Tempest's secret base. They had attacked and investigated it.
"...In this way, we captured the people from the Tempest Kingdom, and Naresh is currently heading there to restore order in the northernmost village."
After returning to Parker, Al got a report from Desmond's subordinate. He headed to guard headquarters to find Sigmund and Craig. Al planned to report to Sigmund alone, thinking that would be enough.
However, while talking to Craig in the waiting room, their conversation turned into a discussion about possible questions and answers. Before he knew it, Al ended up attending the meeting and reporting directly to the guard commanders.
"Hmm, I understand. Good work. Your name is Al, right? I have heard about you before from Naresh. He mentioned a friend of his, a magician of the same age, who defeated over a hundred barbarians, including Kilolizardmen and Goblin Slaughter, during the barbarian extermination."
After finishing the report and answering the captain's questions, Baron Nicholas smiled and said something. The guard captains in the meeting room all looked at Al.
"Did Naresh tell Baron Nicholas about that?" Al felt nervous and scratched his head.
"N-no, um, that was just a coincidence. It was like the plan worked perfectly... I was able to use 'Magic Tornado' on the spot where the Barbarians were gathered. It was lucky."
"'Magic Tornado'! There are only a few magicians in the guard team who can use it. It's amazing that you can use it at your age. I see why Naresh would want to brag about it."
Al felt uneasy and looked around. Fortunately, it seemed he hadn't upset the guard team, and he sighed in relief. It was probably because Naresh was well-liked by everyone.
A servant brought a chair for Al, and he felt more at ease as he sat down.
"Tomorrow morning, we will inspect the buildings on Alder Tree Street at sunrise. We'll stick to the original plan. According to Al, spies from the Tempest Kingdom are suspected to be hiding there.
There's also a possibility that a magician named Veil, captain of the Tempest magician squad, might be present. This magician is dangerous and could use a spell called 'Magic Tornado' in town. So, be very careful."
The captains all responded at once. Sigmund was with them. He had joined the meeting halfway, so he didn't know that the assignments had already been made. It seemed likely that Sigmund would also participate in the inspection.
"Al, can you join Mr. Sigmund as well?"
In response to Baron Russ's question, Al answered, "Yes."
"We'll handle the carriage watching Baron Zora's residence after the Alder Tree Street operation is complete. Acting carelessly might alert them. Their forces are split, so we should take advantage of that.
After the operation, we'll send some troops to manage that situation. 8th Unit, don't neglect surveillance on both sides until then. This temporary meeting is now dismissed."
Baron Nicholas's words made everyone nod, and they stood up, heading to their respective places. Al and Sigmund decided to return to the Levy merchant guild's mansion for a while.
* * *
When Al, Sigmund, and Craig returned to the Levy merchant guild's mansion, the sun had set. Al felt exhausted after visiting Alder Tree Street and Baron Zora's residence, plus the northernmost village.
He flew a long distance to the Tempest Kingdom's base using the 'Fly' spell. Al was also very hungry since he hadn't had time to eat along the way.
Naresh was running around just like him. Did he live like this every day?
"Al, thank you for your hard work today. Because you came, it seems like many problems will be solved at once."
Craig said as he approached Al, who was sitting alone in a chair and munching on an apple from the table.
"Well, we can't relax just yet. I hurried back because Lord Veil is here, but thankfully nothing happened. I wonder if Sir Naresh will be able to return... Does the city gate of Parker close at night?"
In the capital city where Al used to live, the gates opened at sunrise and closed about an hour after sunset. Once closed, only nobles above the rank of Baron or those with permission from the knight order could pass through.
In contrast, the border city of Lester had no gates, so there were no such restrictions.
"Here, the gates close at night like in the capital. However, since Sir Naresh knows the guards well, he can enter even after hours. Unlike Lester, there are rarely any Barbarians outside the city.
Once the negotiations in the northern village are done safely, Kane can handle the well restoration work and return. However, he can't fly like you, Al, and there will probably be prisoner handovers with the guards, so he'll likely return to this mansion around midnight."
"Sir Naresh really has it tough. I'm already exhausted after just one day."
Al said. Craig nodded slowly, agreeing with Al's words.
"It really is impressive how he keeps going. I admire him every day."
"New Year's is coming soon, right? What about Lester?"
Al asked. Craig thought for a moment, tilting his head.
"To be honest, I'm not sure. If this commotion settles down and we can confirm there won't be an invasion from the Tempest Kingdom, we might be able to go back."
"Still, Sir Naresh is only here to help Viscount Parker, right? He even took a leave from Advanced School for this..."
Craig smiled wryly and nodded a little.
"Of course, both Viscount Parker and Margrave Rain recognize Sir Naresh's achievements this time. Viscount Parker said that his advancement in Advanced School will be accepted without any issues, and after graduation, he should be welcomed as a knight in the Margrave's knight order."
Viscount Parker must feel a lot of gratitude as a Viscount. While talking about this, a female servant came in. She bowed deeply to Craig and Al. This was the servant they met this morning; her name was Chris.
"Excuse me. Sir Al, Baroness Tabasa would like to meet with you. Is it possible for you to spare some time?"
Both Al and Craig looked surprised. They had just delivered a letter this morning, but it seemed there was a quick response. Al glanced at Craig, who nodded repeatedly, indicating it was fine.
"Yes, is it okay if I go now?"
Al hurriedly finished the half-eaten apple, and wondered if it was alright to meet the Baroness like this. He brushed off some dirt from his clothes.
"Of course, you don't need to worry about that. Please, this way."
Al bowed to Craig and decided to follow Chris to the room where she said the Baroness was waiting.
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