How To Live As A Third Son Of A Failure [EN]: Chapter 42

Living as the Third Son of a Failed Novel – Chapter 42

Chapter 15. Midpoint

“Young Lord!”

At the very front of the Knights, Ruth was shouting my name as if spitting out blood.

“Knights, advance! Repel the enemy!”

Behind him, Beylern Barangka commanded, wielding a massive two-handed sword.

Thud, thud, thud!

The Knights, positioned between Ilia and me, parted like a wave and surged forward.

Soon after, about a hundred densely packed infantrymen appeared behind the Knights. They formed a square formation around Ilia and me.

“Third Son!”

And among those infantrymen, a middle-aged man on horseback appeared.

I saw the emblem on his chest. I had a feeling. It must be Baron Tanneris, the lord of Midpoint and the owner of the nearby territories.

“I heard the news and rushed here in haste.”

“You’re not late. Thank you for the support, Baron Tanneris.”

As I recognized him and showed my respect without formal introductions, the Baron wore a very pleased expression.

“It’s my duty! I also served Count Lindayer in the past. I followed him through quite a few battlefields.”

Baron Tanneris, laughing heartily, raised his sword.

As if proving he was also a knight, a blue aura rose and enveloped the sword.

“I don’t know what kind of thugs they are, but I will definitely pursue and defeat them.”

“No. Please withdraw the Knights.”

“…What did you just say?”

The Baron narrowed his brows as if wondering what kind of nonsense I was spouting.

“The enemy leader’s skill is extraordinary. At least Expert high-rank, possibly even higher.”

“What?”

The Baron didn’t hesitate for long. He quickly signaled a soldier to send a signal to the Knights to stop the pursuit.

It was the obvious course of action. Against such a strong opponent, even if they won, they would suffer irreparable damage.

A powerful knight is countered by a knight of equal caliber.

It was a story that had been passed down as an unwritten rule for a long time.

Knights are high-value resources that are difficult to cultivate, and the Baron, knowing this, couldn’t recklessly throw them away.

Of course, the same went for me.

What if Ruth or Sir Barangka were to die?

It would be a pyrrhic victory. Capturing them could be postponed to a later date. I already had the key to them in my hands.

“The enemies are signaling that they’re retreating!”

A soldier reported after seeing the flag raised in the distance.

The pursuers were also avoiding a fight. Rather than fighting a fifty or sixty-strong knight order whose strength they didn’t know, they probably intended to plan for the future.

‘Is this enough?’

As I realized that the grueling chase was over, the fatigue I had been holding back washed over me. I focused until the very end, fearing I might lose consciousness.

Thud.

But Ilia couldn’t do that. The soldiers hurriedly rushed to support her as she fell roughly from her horse.

“Her condition looks very bad. Sound the signal! We’re turning back!”

Finally, we were heading to a safe place.

I closed my eyes and let out a deep sigh.

* * *

Baron Tanneris of Midpoint.

He was a man who respected and followed Count Lindayer, as we had discussed earlier.

Thanks to that, Ilia, Fleta, and I were assigned the most luxurious bedrooms in the lord’s castle, where we could recover our battered bodies.

The next day.

Fleta and I met again in the castle’s hall, which had been prepared to sort out the situation.

Few people attended the massive hall. Only Fleta, Baron Tanneris, and I were present. It was a gathering of the families’ representatives involved in the incident.

“Third Son, how is your body?”

Baron Tanneris was a noble knight as well as a lord, and he was greatly impressed by my exploits.

“I’m much better thanks to the Baron’s kindness. I thank you once again.”

“A hero deserves proper treatment. Don’t mention it.”

A hero.

The rumors would spread quickly.

The attacked princess, and the desperate escape that followed.

The third son of the Lindayer family played a significant role in that process.

Even if I didn’t exaggerate, gossips and bards would take it upon themselves to embellish and spread tales of my heroic deeds.

“How is the princess’s health?”

“I am the same as the Third Son.”

Fleta was haggard from the hardships she had endured, but she made an effort to maintain her composure.

She must have been well aware of her position.

Certainly, her straight back, confident shoulders, and relaxed hand gestures conveyed a considerable amount of power.

“Shall we get down to business?”

I indirectly suggested that we skip the pleasantries.

Baron Tanneris and Fleta nodded in response.

“The group that ambushed the princess and me is presumed to be an unidentified organization. The leader’s skill was at least Expert high-rank, and he had an unfamiliar appearance.”

“That means it’s not related to the incident in the West. I’ve never heard of a knight with that level of skill and black hair.”

“Yes. Of course, their intention was to make it seem related.”

“Then I have a question. If it’s not related to the uprising in the West, who are they to ambush the heirs of two powerful families?”

I knew the truth.

But I needed to think more about whether I could reveal that truth now.

It was a simple statement.

But when you break down that story, it’s not so simple.

How did I eliminate the aura of the magic stones, how did I obtain information about the spirit stones, and why did I keep that information to myself after the subjugation instead of reporting it?

It was a complex issue.

I couldn’t reveal everything.

Even if I did, there was no guarantee that this story wouldn’t reach the enemy’s ears.

Right now, I had more information than they did. There was no need to abandon my advantageous position and reveal my cards.

So.

I needed to divert the topic in another direction.

“Wouldn’t it be to incite a war?”

“A war…?”

“By exploiting and provoking the conflict between the Bashrun family and the southern Rodokius family, they could benefit from the war and ambushed the princess.”

“So you’re saying it’s a force openly hostile to the Bashrun Duchy.”

Fleta, who had been listening silently to the Baron’s words, stepped forward.

“There aren’t many forces in conflict with the Duchy. At most, the Rodokius family. Even then, the Rodokius family has long been pushed back by our power.”

What family would dare to oppose the Duchy?

It was an expression of confidence.

But it wasn’t arrogant. In fact, the Bashrun Duchy’s power was among the strongest on the continent.

Instead of the Baron, who was pondering, I opened my mouth.

“Even if there’s no outwardly expressed conflict, there are many who harbor sinister intentions. That’s probably why we were attacked.”

“I agree with that. There are many sewer rats who would cowardly attempt assassinations.”

“Then, Princess, if you had to narrow it down, who would it be?”

Fleta raised the corners of her mouth.

“Are you talking about those who want our family to perish? There are many. So many that I can’t count them. Even if they don’t show it, probably every noble on the continent wants it. What family, besides the royal family, would like to be ruled by someone above them?”

Even if they pretend to be allies and put on a friendly show, the truth is that everyone wants each other to fall.

A moment of silence fell in the hall.

It was a blunt statement. But because it was true, no one could refute it. The position of being second to none was a truly sweet fruit.

“So it’s better to postpone the war for now.”

Fleta nodded at my words, which broke the silence.

“Of course. Starting a war with the Rodokius family in this situation? It’s no different from feeding the dirty sewer rats.”

“Can I assume that the princess’s intentions are the same as the Duke of Bashrun’s?”

“My father is a wise man.”

Good.

I was glad that Fleta was more sensible than I thought.

I was worried that she might act like a warmonger and start a war right away.

The war could be started after revealing the identity and background of the black-haired man.

Right now, the Rodokius family might become our allies in the future, so we should refrain from shedding blood in an uncertain situation.

Now that we knew that the power of the devil was involved, it would be self-destructive for the mainstays of the kingdom to wage war.

Baron Tanneris, who had been nodding at the conversation between Fleta and me, opened his mouth.

“So, what are you two planning to do from now on?”

“I plan to attend the founding anniversary as scheduled. Even to dispel the rumors that have spread differently from the truth. Even if it’s a little late, I plan to thoroughly investigate the identity of the attackers. After properly reporting to Count Lindayer first.”

“I also agree with the Third Son’s opinion. If I were to run away to my territory from here, it would be giving those sewer rats what they want.”

Fleta paused and looked at me.

“The escort mission to the capital is still valid, right?”

Hmm, she’s going to hitch a ride on our procession.

Well, it’s not like we’ll lose anything.

However.

“Since the escort unit has been changed to the Lindayer family’s, I’m willing to do anything if you pay the additional cost.”

“…Seriously.”

Fleta looked at me as if to say, ‘Do you like money that much?’ and I shrugged my shoulders.

What can I do?

I’m in a position to raise a money-eating parasite.

“Then, Third Son.”

“Yes, Baron.”

“For your safety, I will give you twenty knights to help you on your journey to the capital.”

“The Baron’s knights?”

“Their skills may not match the reputation of the Wind Knights, but they are people I have raised with care, so they won’t be lacking.”

“May I ask the reason?”

“There is no other intention. It’s just my goodwill in hoping that your journey will be a little safer.”

Half of it was sincere, and half of it was a lie.

He wanted to get in on the story of Fleta and me surviving the attack.

Even so, I had no intention of refusing.

It was perfectly normal politics. In fact, I had received the Baron’s help.

In fact, it was only natural that I gratefully accept and repay him.

“I thank you for the Baron’s goodwill.”

“Goodwill? As a knight who pursues justice, I have only done what I should have done.”

I also bowed my head at the Baron’s words, which conveyed his goodwill with a firm gaze.

* * *

I left the hall and headed straight to the bedroom where Ilia was resting.

I was just going to ask how she was doing, but when I went inside, Barangka and Ruth were already there.

“Young Lord!”

Ruth, who saw me, jumped up and ran to my side.

His appearance was so much like a loyal German Shepherd that I chuckled.

“What are you two doing in a woman’s room?”

“…Isn’t it natural for a senior to take care of the youngest member of the Knights?”

I left Ruth, who was scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, and approached Barangka.

Beylern Barangka.

The vice-captain of the Wind Knights and a person with whom I had little connection.

But Sir Barangka bowed his head lightly when he saw me, then sent me a look of respect.

“Sir Barangka, thank you for rushing here.”

“I heard the whole story from Ilia. Third Son, you have done a great thing.”

“I was just being faithful to my duty to protect you.”

“No. The courage and will that you have shown are not something that anyone can easily follow. I mean that sincerely.”

It was quite burdensome to be praised by a muscular man.

But it wasn’t bad. Barangka was also the vice-captain of the Wind Knights, so there was no harm in scoring points.

“Ilia’s help was great. She deserves to be called a member of the Wind Knights.”

“Y-Young Lord…”

Ilia, who was barely raising herself up, blushed at my words.

“I know. I will not let Ilia Frost’s merits be forgotten, I swear on my name.”

“Of course, you shouldn’t.”

I nodded and approached Ilia, patting her on the shoulder.

“I thank you for your service. And Ilia, you can go back to the territory and recover. I’m not saying this with any other intention, I’m just worried about you, so don’t misunderstand.”

“No. I will carry out my assigned mission to the end.”

“If that’s the case.”

Ilia smiled brightly as I expressed my permission.

“By the way, Ilia. I’m sorry, but can I borrow Ruth for a while?”

“Yes? O-Of course…”

Ilia covered her flushed face at my words, and Ruth tilted his head as if wondering what I meant.

“I’m just kidding. Ruth, follow me. I’ll see you later, Sir Barangka.”

“Yes. I’ll stay here a little longer.”

I left Barangka and Ilia behind and began to walk inside the castle with Ruth.

“Thank you. Your help was great.”

“No. As I said, I decided to give my life to you, Third Son. It was my duty.”

Ruth was truly showing the unwavering and blind loyalty of a man.

I was grateful. I certainly was, but what was this burdensome feeling I felt in the corner of my heart?

Anyway.

“What about the task I gave you? Did you bring him?”

“Yes. He’s staying at a nearby inn.”

“What about our identities?”

“I haven’t revealed them yet.”

Jess Orlean.

The master of the collapsing Bluewind Merchant Guild.

He was said to be in this city.

“Good. Let’s meet him tonight.”

“Wouldn’t you like to rest? The founding anniversary is a banquet that lasts a very long time. There’s no need to rush like this…”

“There’s no need to postpone what needs to be done.”

“I understand. I’ll guide you.”

“Okay. Oh, and Leo came with you, right?”

“Yes. As the Young Lord’s exclusive attendant, he naturally came with the escort.”

“Bring Leo too. We’ll go together.”

“Leo as well?”

“Yes. Let’s get this done as quickly as possible and head to the capital.”

Ruth seemed to have doubts at my words, but he didn’t ask any further.

Well, there was a reason for taking Leo with me.

When starting a business, the most important thing is not vision or items, but trustworthy people.

“But Young Lord, what’s that in your hand? Are you going to eat it?”

Ruth tilted his head as he saw the spirit stone I was rolling around in my hand.

I had been pouring mana into it whenever I had the chance.

Of course, in places where others couldn’t see me, for fear of being caught.

There was no need to tell him the truth, so I shrugged my shoulders.

“This?”

“Yes. It looks like candy… Is that the rare chocolate or something?”

No. You can’t eat this, Ruth.

Ruth’s eyes were shining with gluttony, and I wondered if I should have shown it to him.

“It’s not candy, it’s more like a glutton.”

“Yes? A glutton?”

“Yeah. There is such a thing.”

Aphen or spirit stone.

I sighed at the thought that there were now two gluttons.