Volume 2 Chapter 33 Defeated
"The town is starting to feel pretty tense, isn't it?"
"Yeah..."
I nod in agreement with Belle's anxious observation.
The atmosphere in the town is completely different from yesterday, and soldiers are becoming a common sight.
This is all because reports of a stampede have come in.
Belle and I are visiting the market to stock up while Lene is rushing to make gunpowder, but since the news of the stampede has officially spread through the town, it's packed with townsfolk who are hoarding supplies, and soldiers have been mobilized to restore order.
However, it seems the merchants are trying to prevent hoarding by imposing purchase limits, leading to some scuffles with dissatisfied customers, creating a chaotic situation.
"Fresh food will only last a day at most. What's the point of hoarding that?"
"I guess they just can't think straight right now."
We were having this conversation in low voices so the loud complaints from the nearby customers wouldn't reach us.
Sure, I understand that with an unprecedented crisis looming, people want to do something to survive, but I wish they'd calm down so that rational customers like us can still make our purchases.
It was only after a considerable wait that we finally managed to get everything we needed.
What a waste of time that was.
I need to hurry back and create that magic stone.
"...Oh? Your Excellency Duke Hoffman is here. Lord Reichner too."
"W-What? Really!?"
"Don't scream, please. Or should I say, Your Excellency, you must have seen the numerous soldiers brought here. We fought together at the camp the other day."
It seems that Belle has developed a fear of Your Excellency since she was previously confronted with a deadly aura (though it was me who faced it).
Well, I can understand why one would shrink back when facing such intensity.
──No, wait, those soldiers... could it be...?
"Oh? Is that you, Ryuuji?"
Ah, I've been spotted.
"Good to see you, Your Excellency Duke, Lord Reichner. Are you by any chance part of the anti-stampede force? What brings you here?"
"We're here to explain things to the townsfolk. The stampede might be approaching, but the soldiers will protect them, so they can rest easy."
It was Lord Reichner who provided this explanation.
I see, so that's why the soldiers are here.
There are quite a number of them just by being here, so they might have some persuasive power.
Such activities should never be taken lightly.
"Well, I do intend to say that those who wish to evacuate can do so, but where should they run to..."
With a look as if he had bitten into a bitter bug, Lord Reichner muttered such thoughts.
Even if we say "evacuate," how many people can really be accommodated in the nearest eastern village?
It's not realistic.
"Oh, right, Ryuuji. Where are Minori and Suzu now?"
His Excellency asked this disingenuously, as if he had just thought of it.
...This is definitely it.
"...My sisters are at home, but you don't mean for them to become volunteers, do you?"
"That's exactly it. No, I want to hire them formally, not just as volunteers. This time, I've also sent requests to the Adventurers' Guild for mercenaries to join."
"Hmm..."
As her brother, I'd rather they didn't take on such a dangerous mission.
But, if those 2 joined our ranks, they'd probably be worth ten, maybe even 30, of the elite soldiers we have here.
This is a real headache.
"Besides, it's not just your sisters. Ryuuji, I want you to fight on the front lines too."
"...Well, I kind of figured as much."
If we could have them on the front lines, our strength would increase even more.
That's true...but hey.
Mmm, thoughtful, His Excellency approached me.
Something secret, perhaps?
"If you guys agree to join the fight, I'll buy out your current dwelling."
"........."
Caught off guard by that low murmur, my train of thought stalled.
Gotcha.
Over 50 gold coins' worth of property, that's quite the gesture, His Excellency Duke.
It's probably just an expense write-off, though.
"...I'll take it back to my sisters, Lene, and we'll discuss it."
"Mu, good."
His Excellency gives my waist a couple of satisfying whacks.
This is a defeat for me.
Forgive your brother, who couldn't resist here, sisters.
Ugh, Belle's gaze is killing me.
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