33.Overjoyed 【騎士たちの狙い】
王都に戻り、イメラリアへの献策を終えたあとも、パジョーには休む暇もなく仕事が山積みだった。多くの報告書を王城の管理部門へ提出せねばならなかったし、第三騎士隊の他の騎士たちとのすり合わせも必要だったためだ。
王城傍にある第三騎士隊詰所。以前パジョーがティータイムを楽しんでいるところに一二三が乗り込んできた、死んだゴデスラスが一二三に絡んできた場所だ。
今はパジョーの他にサブナクやミダスなど、一二三を多少なり知る隊員が集まっていた。
「危険な賭けだと俺は思う。少なくともヴィシーが一万や二万の兵を集められなければ成立しないし、よしんば数は揃ったとして、あの男を抑え込めるかどうかは未知数だ」
パジョーが提案し、イメラリアが採用した策を聞いたミダスは、腕を組んでしばらく考え込んでから、はっきりと危険だと言った。
「ミダス先輩の不安もわかりますが、ぼくは良い策だと思いますよ。フォカロルの兵力なんて、住民から募兵しても二百いきません。いくら個人が強くても数の差はどうしようもないでしょう。それに、ヴィシーと戦う事自体は最初の既定路線から外れていませんから、一二三さんと敵対したことにはならないという部分が良いですね」
ミダスの意見に反論するのはサブナクだった。
一二三に言われた通り、一二三が侵略した通称“新領地”の担当となることが内定しているが、それは今回の戦争が落ち着いてからという事になり、丸一日の休暇を夢の住人として過ごした為、今はすっかり元気になっていた。
二人の意見に賛否両論、意見は百出したものの、これといって全員が納得できる意見は出ず、結局はイメラリアが採用したのだから、それに従うのが我々の役目だという事で状況を見守る事になった。
「というか、既に動き出した事に関してここで色々言っても仕方がないだろう」
「そうでもありませんよ。それに、ここに集まっていただいたのはこれからの事を相談したかったからです」
「これから?」
一通り状況が理解されたと見て、パジョーはこの集まりの目的を語り始めた。
「これはまだ未定であり予測ではありますが、イメラリア様とヴィシー代表による講和の舞台は、おそらくフォカロルもしくはアロセールになると思われます」
パジョーの予測は、騎士隊員たちに概ね理解された。
まさかどちらかの王都近くまで行くわけにも行かず、多少優位の状況での講話である以上は、国境近くの勝者側が会談場所となるのが慣習だからだ。今回の場合は、新しい国境か旧国境かの違いであり、戦後の状況によってどちらかになるだろうことは、誰でも納得できた。
「今回の講和に護衛としてついて行くのは第一騎士隊ではなくわたしたち第三騎士隊になる見込みです」
「第一でも第二でもなく、ぼくたちが?」
「そう。第一騎士隊は一二三さんに忌避感があるし、余計な刺激を与えかねない。それに王子殿下を含めて王城の警備から離れられない......という言い訳をしてくるだろうということね。第二騎士隊は王都警備があるし、こういう会談の警備は民衆に紛れてやる部分もあるから、苦手な分野でしょうしね」
なるほど、と全員に納得の雰囲気と、大舞台が用意された興奮が湧き上がってくる。陰ながら王都王城を守護してきた自負があるが、大仕事をおおっぴらにやれる機会は少なく、実力を見せるチャンスだと意気込む気持ちがあるのも仕方がない。
だが、その跡に続くパジョーの言葉で、全員が一気に興奮から冷めた。
「国境での王族による会談だから、念のためということで数千の戦力は連れて行くことになるわ。そして、状況によっては......一二三さんを討つことになる」
「なっ......どういう事だ?」
「もちろんこの場にいる者以外には他言無用よ。これはイメラリア様のお考えだからね。もし、うまくヴィシーの攻撃で彼が怪我などで危機的状況にでも陥った状況にあれば、国内側からわたしたちが率いる兵力が援軍と称して彼を背後から攻撃する」
黙り込んでしまった室内で、パジョーは湿らせる程度、紅茶に口をつけた。
「彼のところに乗り込むのはここにいる隊員だけで、全てが終わったあとは、彼は追い詰められて自害したという形を取ることになるでしょうね」
「む、無茶を言うな。数人程度で彼を殺せるわけがないだろう」
ミダスは一二三が十人の刺客を簡単に返り討ちにした姿を見ているだけに、その目の前に立つ事は想像すらできなかった。
「もちろん、彼がそれほどの状態で無ければ、表向きの理由通りに和平の為の会談をしてから、一二三さんは国境近くの領地を安堵されて終わりだけれど。もし機会があれば、彼をどうにかしたいとイメラリア様はお考えだし、わたしもそれに賛成だわ」
助けられた事もあるし、何日も行動を共にした、同じ国の貴族ではあるものの、イメラリアもパジョーも、仲間意識以上に一二三を危険視していた。
「そんな......」
「......それがイメラリア様のお考えなら従おう。私としては、彼には子爵領で落ち着いてくれる結果になることを祈るしかないな」
少なからず一二三に魅力を感じていたサブナクは絶句し、ミダスは淡々と受け入れることを選択した。
「だが、彼がどのような状況にあるかをどうやって知るんだ? 見える距離に近づく前に察知されてしまうのがオチだろう」
「それには、一人協力してもらおうと思っている人物がいるの。彼女なら、一二三さんの傍に居ても問題ないはず」
「それって......」
思い当たる人物がいるのか、サブナクは信じられないという目でパジョーを見た。
る行為だという事は重々承知しているから、そんな目で見ないで。でも、これ以上の策はわたしも思いつかなかった」
誰も、パジョーに賛同することも反論することもできないまま、第三騎士隊のミーティングは終わった。
一二三と彼の軍勢が新国境となったローヌへ到着してから、10日程が経った。
この間に、ローヌは新設された国境の砦と兵たちの宿舎を残して街中は大改造がされていった。住民は全滅しており、建物はほぼ無傷なので何かを作るには資材は山ほどあるし、数名連れてきたドワーフと、工兵隊他人手は充分ある。
これを活かさない手は無いと、一二三は王都から派遣された国境警備兵の訝しむ視線を無視して、あちこちの造り変えを指示していった。
いくつもの家が解体され、ドワーフたちも兵たちも、不明瞭な説明で良くわからないものをアレコレと作り続ける日々だった。
その日常が十一日目で終わる。
ボロボロに汚れたデボルドが馬にしがみつくようにしてローヌへ逃げ込んできたのだ。
国境警備兵に保護され、街にいる最上位の者である一二三へ即時報告が舞い込んできた。
「おう、帰ってこられたか」
見送った時の予測は外れたか、と笑いながら、報告に来た兵の肩を叩いた。
「確か、デボルドは和平の講和準備に派遣されたはずでは?」
「和平か。ヴィシー中央委員会が、自分たちの国にかけらも愛着が無ければ、和平の講和が進められたかもな」
デボルドが持っていた親書を透かして見たとき、内容の一部を盗み読む事ができた一二三は、その中身がヴィシーへの挑発と言ってもまだ表現が柔らかいと判断できるような内容だった事を知っている。
「あの書面を受け取っても仲良くしようと思うなら、そいつは破滅願望でもあるんだろう」
疑問顔のオリガを従え、アリッサには兵への準戦時配備令を出すように伝えた一二三は、
報告に来た兵について足早に部屋を出た。
ベッドの上で腕に包帯を巻かれていたデボルドは、入ってきた一二三の顔を見るなり食って掛かってきた。
「き、貴様のせいだ! 貴様のせいで俺はこんな目にあったのだ!」
掴みかかってくるデボルドの腹を蹴飛ばしてベッドに戻した一二三は、冷静な声で言った。
「報告は順を追って簡潔に。対応するにも状況がわからんではな。ヴィシーで何があった。ぞろぞろついていった護衛はどうした」
渋々とデボルドが語るには、護衛はどうやら全滅したらしい。
使者として堂々とヴィシー中央委員会が集まる都市エピナルへと入ったデボルド一行は、その日のうちに委員会と会う約束を取り付け、翌日には委員会の面々と会談を行うことができた。
委員会の一人に親書を渡し、委員が読んでいる間、如何にオーソングランデのイメラリア王女が慈悲深い人物であるか、そのあり方に心酔している自分が忠臣として赴いたのは必然であると語っていると、無礼にも親書を投げ返され、会場にいた兵達に襲われたという。
「ヴィシーの委員たちは、貴様がこの街で行った虐殺を非難し、貴様を討つかオーソングランデで処刑されない限りは戦いを続けると言っていた! 王女殿下のお気持ちを踏みにじり......がっ?!」
一二三は、鼻息荒くしゃべり続けるデボルドの頭を掴んで壁に押し付けた。
「別にこの街が滅んだのを俺のせいにするのは勝手だけどな。護衛は全部死んだんだろう。侍従たちはどうした?」
「わ、わからん......。宿に待たせて、そのまま委員会に会いに行ったから......。それより、は、離せ!」
ジタバタと暴れようとするが、一二三の親指と小指がギリギリとこめかみに食い込み、痛みで力が入らない。
その間に、デボルドの懐からはみ出していた書類を抜き取る。それは投げ返されたというクシャクシャになった親書だった。片手でさっと開いて確認すると、間違いなくイメラリアの署名が入っており、内容は透かし見た時の文面もあった。
「これは今から利用価値があるかもな。俺がもらっておこう」
「貴様、それは王女殿下からお預かりした、ああぁぁぁ......」
「お前の役目は終わったんだよ。俺は今からお前がおびき寄せたヴィシーの連中と遊ぶから、出番が終わった役者はさっさと舞台を降りないとな」
言いながら、一二三が手に込める力はどんどんあがり、既に指先はこめかみを割ってめり込んでいる。
「まさか......や、やめろ、いやだっ、やめてくださ......ぐぎっ」
ぐしゅっと湿った音がして、デボルドは永遠に黙り込んだ。
「オリガ。間もなく敵は来る。アリッサのところに言って作戦開始を伝えて持ち場につけ」
デボルドの死に様を冷静に見届けたオリガは、素早く部屋を出ていった。
一二三が後から部屋を出たときには、既に国境警備の兵も一二三の兵に指示されて、砦から退避していた。
「さあ、イメラリア。どうやらヴィシーにいる間だけ、あの馬鹿には幸運の女神がついていたらしいぞ。計算が狂ったのか、ここまで見越していたのか。少なくとも、親書がここにあるのは予定外だろう」
親書を懐に納めながら、一二三は笑った。
デボルドを追ってきたヴィシー兵は300人に達する。
これは工作員からの情報で一二三の私兵が100人程度である事を知っていたからの数字であり、直ぐに動かせる兵力としては最大だったためだ。
委員たちが私兵を集めて組織した軍であり、統率は今ひとつではあったが、一人の敵を追うには充分すぎる数だった。
「間もなく、ローヌの街です」
副官の言葉に、隊長として軍を率いる男は無言で頷いた。
馬を進めながら、男はこの機会にローヌの街を取り戻す事を狙っていた。命令としてはオーソングランデの逃げた使者の追跡と捕縛だったが、獲物がローヌへ逃げ込んだとしたら、致し方ないという言い訳もできる。
その言い訳のために、多少追跡速度が遅くなったのも、デボルドがローヌまでは生還できた理由だった。
「街が見えてきましたが......見張りがいないようですね」
「国境と言い張っている場所だ。あの門を抜けた向こうにいるんだろう。全員、剣を抜いて戦闘準備! 門を一気に抜けて敵を屠る!」
掛け声に兵たちが呼応するのを聞きながら、ここでローヌ奪還に成功すれば、自分もどこかの都市国家の代表になれるかもしれないという期待が膨らむ。
期待は、男の背中を押した。
先頭部隊を先頭に、300名は列をなしてローヌへ突入していく。
半分ほどが駆け出したところで、隊長も馬を進めようとしたが、先頭集団から悲鳴があがり始めた。
「どうした!」
前方から伝令が駆け寄り、通路にロープが張られ、足を取られた数名が後続に踏まれて犠牲が出ていると言ってきた。
「馬鹿どもが! 足元もろくに見えんのか! 速度を落として侵入しろと伝えろ!」
怒声を張り上げながら、隊長は自分が先陣を切らずに良かったと思っていた。馬の足を取られて落馬したら、恥どころか大怪我、下手すると死にかねない。
出鼻をくじかれ、もたもたと大人数を街へ入れたところで、ヴィシー兵達は街の様子をみて呆気にとられた。
遅れて入場した隊長も、目の前の異様な光景に呆然としている。
街は入口から真っ直ぐに大通りが続いており、街に人がいた頃は多くの店が並んで賑わっていただろう。そこに人がおらず、閑散としているところまでは理解できた。しかし、建物全ての出入り口が板を打ち付けられており、建物のあいだの通路にも、腰の高さまで木材で封鎖されていた。
まるで、道は目の前の一本のみだというように。
そしてその道の向こう、先頭部隊から500mほど先に一人立つ異装の男。
男は剣にしては細い武器を右手に持ち、適度にリラックスした自然体で佇む男は、ゆっくりと手招きをした。
「よく来たな追跡者諸君。名乗りは無用だ。さっさとかかって来い。殺してやるから」
たった一人で無謀にも300の兵を挑発する男を、隊長は鼻で笑って号令をかけた。
「大馬鹿者が一人いるだけだ! さっさと殺して我が国の反撃の契機とする! かかれ!」
先頭集団が剣を構えて駆け出した。
これが、ローヌで行われた第二の虐殺の始まりだった。
Chapter 33: Overjoyed
Returning to the capital and also after completing Imeria's proposal, there was a huge pile of work waiting for Pajou without giving her the chance to take a day off.
It was the place where Hifumi had come previously to enjoy teatime with Pajou and where the dead Gothras had picked a fight with Hifumi.
Currently, besides Sabnak and Midas, Pajou had assembled the unit members who more or less knew about Hifumi.
"I think that it is a dangerous gamble. At least Vichy hasn't managed to gather 10.000 to 20.000 soldiers. If they assemble such an amount, it will be unknown whether that man would be able to stop them." (Midas)
Midas listened to the Imeria's adopted plan following Pajou's suggestion. After folding his arms and brooding over it for a short while, he clearly stated that it would be dangerous.
"Although I understand your anxiety, Midas-senpai, I believe it is a good plan. Even if the military of Fokalore did such a thing like recruiting from the citizens, they won't surpass 200 either way. No matter how powerful the individual may be, it is pointless with the difference in numbers. Besides, because it isn't wrong to say that the war was established by Vichy to begin with, it can be said that the part of not particularly antagonizing Hifumi-san is good." (Sabnak)
Sabnak rebutted Midas' opinion.
Going by what was talked about Hifumi, even though the area Hifumi had invaded became unofficially known as "New Territory", it was decided to call it like that until the current war was settled. As consequence of fulfilling the inhabitants dream of a full day of holiday, they had now become completely full of spirit.
Since the plan had been accepted by Imeria in the end, in addition to us having to abide to our duty, it could be said that due to our work we have to watch over the state of affairs.
"Rather, I guess no matter the various things said here in relation to the situation, since the plan has already started it's now too late anyway." (Sabnak)
"That's not quite so. Besides, we have gathered here to discuss about the work from here on." (Pajou)
"From here on?" (Midas)
Seeing that they understood the general state of affairs, Pajou began to talk about the purpose of this gathering.
"Although this a not yet fixed prediction, I think that the stage of the peace talks between Imeria-sama and the Vichy representative will likely become Fokalore or Arosel." (Pajou)
The knight unit's members mostly understood Pajou's prediction.
By no means would either side travel as far as to be close to the other side's capital. Apart from talking about what they will do about the one in the superior situation, it was custom for the peace talks to be held at a place on the winners' side close to the border.
"This time the Knight Unit planned to accompany as guards for the peace talks isn't the First Knight Unit, but us, the Third Knight Unit." (Pajou)
"Us? Not the First or Second?"
"Yes. The First Knight Unit feels like challenging Hifumi. We don't want to unnecessarily provoke him. Furthermore they can't leave from guarding the royal castle which harbors His Highness the prince... something like that will likely put forth as excuse. The Second Knight Unit has the duty of defending the capital. Since there are also some people among the populace using the cover of guarding such conference to incite something, I think the realm would be weakened if they left." (Pajou)
Even though they were all proud of protecting the royal capital and castle from the shadows, there were only few chances to openly partake in such a big job. Thus it couldn't be helped that they felt enthusiastic about the chance to display their competency either.
But, due to the Pajou's words following afterwards, everyone's excitement instantly subsided.
"Because royalty will join the conference held by the border, it has been decided that a war potential of several thousands will be taken along, as precaution so to say. And, depending on the circumstances... Hifumi-san will be subjugated." (Pajou)
"Na... what kind of circumstances?"
"Of course you are not to tell a word about this to anyone except those gathered in this place. Those are the plans of Imeria-sama. If he is in a situation of having fallen or a critical condition due to being injured after having successfully attacked Vichy, we are to pretend leading military forces from our side as reinforcements and attack him from the rear." (Pajou)
In the room that ended up sinking into silence, Pajou tasted some black tea to moisten her mouth.
"Only those members present here will march to that area. After everything is finished, it will be announced that he committed suicide due to being driven into a corner." (Pajou)
"D-Don't say such absurd things. There is no way that an amount of several people will be able to kill him." (Midas)
Only Midas had seen his appearance as he simply turned the tables on 10 assassins. Even in his imagination he couldn't see himself standing up to that in front of his eyes.
"Of course, if he isn't in a condition to that degree, since the conference is held for the sake of peace according to the ostensible reason, it will come to a close with the recognition of right to own the territory close to the national border for Hifumi-san. But if the chance presents itself to somehow deal with him as intended by Imeria-sama's plan, I will also support it." (Pajou)
Although having also been helped during crisis, having participated in joint operations for several days and being nobles of the same country, Imeria and Pajou, rather than seeing him as companion, they regarded Hifumi as dangerous.
"Such a..." (Sabnak)
"... If that's Imeria-sama's wish, then I will obey to it. As for myself, I can only pray that the result will be him settling down in the Viscount territory." (Midas)
Sabnak became speechless due to his considerable feeling of fascination towards Hifumi. Whereas Midas chose to indifferently accept matters.
"But, how will you know in what kind of situation he is? We will end up being sensed before we can approach a visible distance, don't you agree?" (Midas)
"As for that, there is a person I thought of asking for cooperation. If it's her, I don't expect any problems for her being close to Hifumi-san." (Pajou)
"That is..." (Sabnak)
As if he suddenly understood who that person was, Sabnak looked at Pajou with eyes of disbelief.
"Because I am quite aware of something like this being called an act going against humanity, don't look at me with such eyes. But, there was no other plan I could think of either." (Pajou)
No one was able to agree or disagree with Pajou in this situation. The meeting of the Third Knight Unit ended.
After Hifumi and the troops arrived at the new border close to Rhone, ten days had passed.
During that time large parts of the city Rhone had been restructured leaving only the lodging for the soldiers and the fortress at the newly established border.
There was no way that he wouldn't make use of that. Disregarding the border guards dispatched by the capital with a look of suspicion, Hifumi instructed to make changes all over.
No matter how many houses they dismantled, the dwarves and soldiers continued to produce one thing after the other every day even though they didn't quite understand the unclear explanations.
This daily life came to an end on the eleventh day.
Worn-out and sullied Debold came to take refuge in Rhone making sure to cling to his horse.magic
As he was sheltered by the border guard, immediately a report came in to the person with the highest rank in town, Hifumi.
"Ou, you made it back, huh?" (Hifumi)
While laughing he clapped the shoulders of the soldier who came to report.
"If I remember correctly, wasn't Debold dispatched to prepare the peace talks?"
"Peace? As the central committee of Vichy has no attachment to their fragmented country either, it may be possible to advance the peace talks." (Hifumi)
At the time he held up the the handwritten letter Debold possessed against the sun, Hifumi managed to steal a peek at a part of the contents. He understood that the contents in this situation could be still judged as lukewarm even though one might call them a provocation towards Vichy.
"If you thought of that letter being received as means to get along with, I guess that person would have their aspirations being destroyed now." (Hifumi)
Accompanied by Origa, who wore a face full of questions, Hifumi conveyed to Alyssa to start deploying the soldiers for a quasi-war.
The soldier who came to report departed the room at a quick pace.
Debold, whose arms were coiled in bandages, rested on top of a bed. He flared up as soon as he saw the face of Hifumi entering the room.
"I-It's your fault! Because of you I had to suffer like that!" (Debold)
Returning Debold to the bed after having grabbed him and kicking him in the belly, Hifumi said in a calm voice.
"Concisely report from the start to the end. Since we have to deal with the situation on this side as well. What happened in Vichy? What about the guards that accompanied you?" (Hifumi)
Relucantly Debold began to talk. Apparently the guards had been completely annihilated.
Debold boldly entered the city Epinaru, where the central committee of Vichy assembled, as messenger. The very same day he obtained the permission to meet with the committee. The next day he was able to talk with each and every member of the committee.
He passed the handwritten letter to a member of the committee. During the time while the committee members read it, he talked about what a deeply benevolent person Princess Imeria of Orsongrande was making it inevitable for him to obey as loyal retainer bearing such adoration for her. Rudely throwing back the handwritten letter, they were attacked by the soldiers in the assembly hall, he said.
"The committee members of Vichy blamed you, bastard, for coming to this town and slaughtering everyone. No matter whether it was you, son of a bitch, who attacked this town or not, the war will continue as long as Orsongrande doesn't execute you! You trampled on the kindness of Her Highness... ga?!" (Debold)
Hifumi grabbed the head of Debold, who continued running his mouth in wild agitation, and pressed it against the wall.
"It is particularly convenient for them to lay the blame on me for destroying this town. I guess all of the guards have been killed. What happened to the chamberlains?" (Hifumi)
"I-I don't know... They remained waiting at the inn because I went to meet the committee... Leaving that aside, r-release me!" (Debold)
As he tried to act violently by struggling, Hifumi's thumb and little finger dug into the temple of the forehead making a grinding sound. Debold didn't have any strength left due to the pain.
Quickly opening it with one hand and checking it, it contained Imeria's signature without a doubt. Looking through the content it matched with what he had seen when he held it against the sun.
"This may have usable value from now on. I will keep it." (Hifumi)
"Bastard, this was entrusted to me by Her Highness... ah... aaahhh!" (Debold)
"Your role has come to an end. Since I will play with the guys you lured in from Vichy from now on, an actor who has finished his turn has to promptly leave the stage." (Hifumi)
While saying this, Hifumi steadily raised the strength he put into his hand. His fingers already broke the temple and sank in.
"Never! ... St-Stop it, don't, please sto... gu gi" (Debold)
Releasing a wet sound of *gushu* Debold sank into eternal silence.
"Origa. The enemy will be here soon. Go to Alyssa's place and tell her to begin the military operations and to take their stations." (Hifumi)
Origa, who watched Debold's manner of death calmly, left the room quickly.
At the time Hifumi turned his back on the room and left, the soldiers of the border security had already been instructed by Hifumi's soldiers to take refuge in the fortress.
"Well then, Imeria. It appears that during the time I was in Vichy, Lady Luck has visited that fool. Did my calculations go amiss? Or did you foresee until here? At least, the handwritten letter being here must have been unexpected, I guess." (Hifumi)
While storing the handwritten letter in his breast pocket, Hifumi laughed.
The Vichy soldiers chasing after Debold reached a number of 300.
Knowing the numerical figures of Hifumi's private army being around 100 soldiers, as they had received the intelligence from a spy, the objective was to move the maximum amount of military forces available to immediately move out.
The troops organised and assembled from the committee member's private armies, although they were lacking leadership, the amount of them was quite excessive for chasing a single enemy.
"Soon we will be at the town Rhone."
To the adjutant's words, the man leading the troops as commanding officer silently nodded.
Even though his order was to chase and arrest the fleeing messenger from Orsongrande, if it happens that his prey takes refuge in Rhone, it was also possible to give the excuse that there was no other way but to retake it.
For the sake of this excuse, he also kept the speed of the pursuit low, which was the reason why Debold was able to return to Rhone alive.
"Though the town has come into view, there don't seem to be any guards on watch..."
"It's the place they insist on being their national border. I guess they will come out from the other side of that gate. Everyone, draw your swords in preparation for combat! We will slaughter the enemies coming out of the gate in one go!"
While listening to the shouts of the soldiers agreeing to his instructions, his expectations got big as he imagined the possibility of him becoming the feudal lord of some city-state if he were to successfully recapture Rhone here.
Those expectations pushed the man's back.
The 300 soldiers formed a line and the first of the vanguard rushed into Rhone.
When about half of them started running, just as the commanding officer decided to advance on his horse, screams began to arise from the leading group.
"What is it!"
A messenger ran up from the front. Because of a rope being stretched across the pathway, several soldiers were tripped up and tread on by those following them resulting in casualties.
"What foolishness! Don't they watch what's below their feet! Tell them to drop the speed of invasion!"
Falling from the horse to get buried beneath the horse's feet, letting alone the disgrace, he would receive serious injuries and in worst case it wouldn't be unlikely to be killed.
Having the wind taken out of their sails, as they slowly advanced into the city with a large number of people, the Vichy soldiers were dumbfounded when they saw the state of the town.
Even the commanding officer, who was late in entering, was overcome with surprise seeing the strange scene in front of him.
Continuing straight on the main street from the town's gate, there should have been many flourishing stores when the town was filled with people.
It was almost as if telling them that there was only one road in front of them to take.
And, far down the road a single man in unusual clothing was standing about 500 meters ahead of the vanguard.
The man held a thin weapon you could consider to be a sword in his right hand. The man, standing in a relatively relaxed posture, slowly beckoned them.
"Gentlemen of the pursuit party, it's nice of you to arrive here. It is unnecessary for you to introduce yourselves. Hurry up and come. Since you will be killed anyway." (Hifumi)
Merely a single man recklessly provoking 300 soldiers, the commanding officer gave the order to advance as he laughed scornfully.
"There is only a single great utter fool! Kill him immediately and use it as chance for our country to counterattack! Go!"
The leading group set up their swords and broke into a run.
This was the beginning of the second massacre carried out at the town of Rhone.
Summoned Slaughterer
呼び出された殺戮者
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/summoned-slaughterer/
Action Adventure Fantasy Martial Arts Mature Psychological Romance Shounen
Adapted to Manga Aristocracy Arrogant Characters Average-looking Protagonist Beastkin Beautiful Female Lead Betrayal Calm Protagonist Clever Protagonist Cunning Protagonist Dark Demi-Humans Demons Determined Protagonist Different Social Status Dwarfs Elemental Magic Elves Enemies Become Allies Enemies Become Lovers Evil Protagonist Fantasy Creatures Fantasy World Fearless Protagonist God-human Relationship Gods Kingdom Building Kingdoms Knights Love Interest Falls in Love First Magic Beasts Magical Space Male Protagonist Marriage Monsters Nobles Obsessive Love Overpowered Protagonist Politics Power Struggle Protagonist Strong from the Start R-15 Royalty Ruthless Protagonist Samurai Schemes And Conspiracies S*aves Strong Love Interests Strong to Stronger Summoning Magic Sword And Magic Sword Wielder Transported to Another World Underestimated Protagonist Unique Weapon User Unique Weapons Wars Yandere
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n4399ci/
井戸正善／ido