How To Live As A Third Son Of A Failure [EN]: Chapter 22

Living as the Third Son of a Failed Novel – Chapter 22

Chapter 8. The Crows of the North

It was early morning, the dew still fresh on the grass.

Another departure.

The scene was quite different from when we headed to the Bolm Mountains with a small group. There were more people, and more luggage.

I was about to look around the lined-up carriages when I saw a familiar face.

“Leo.”

“Young Master!”

Leo, who had been enthusiastic about the task I gave him after treating his injuries, approached me, beads of sweat on his forehead.

“No problems, I trust?”

“Yes, I double-checked everything.”

Leo handed me a supply report detailing the items to be taken.

The list was simple: various snacks and foods, supplies requested by the Rangers, and letters to be sent to them.

There was no need to double-check.

Officially, this procession was nothing more than a supply train sent by the Count as a gesture of goodwill.

Since it wasn’t for me, I assumed they would have taken good care of it.

“Young Master.”

“Ruth.”

“Preparations for departure are complete.”

Ruth approached to report that the deployment of soldiers was finished.

“Sir Esteban.”

At my words, Gilaine, clad in silver plate mail, approached from afar.

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Take the lead. It seems like you can issue the order to depart now that preparations are complete.”

“Me, sir?”

“Well, outwardly, isn’t it the Knight Commander and the Third Son making an inspection tour of the troops?”

“That is true, but.”

“In that case, it would be more presentable for the Knight Commander to be at the forefront rather than me.”

To those who didn’t know the inside story, I would still be seen as an incompetent Third Son.

Even if I forced my way to the front, people would only scoff. Image is created naturally. Forcing it using background only creates antipathy.

Of course, things would have to change on the way back. I had to, if only to win the bet.

“Understood.”

Gilaine, understanding my words, spurred his horse to the front of the procession.

“Depart!”

Gilaine’s command was given, and the procession, including me, began to move slowly.

* * *

Rangers are the guardians of the northern mountains.

At the forefront, they use the mountains as their fortress to primarily block the invasion of monsters, and they are also scouts who send messengers to warn the Count’s territory of danger.

As such, the Rangers were composed of only the best elites, and they maintained their reputation as a kingdom-affiliated unit, not the Count’s private soldiers.

Of course, even so, the basic command authority rested with Count Lindayer.

He was in charge of their supply and management, and close cooperation was necessary in case of an emergency.

‘But the problem is that it’s just a facade.’

Even though the Count manages them, the operational control is separate. On paper, the commander is the Count, but the Count can’t just carry out operations as he pleases.

It’s a ridiculous relationship.

In this complex and subtle relationship, would I really be able to gain the cooperation of the Rangers?

‘That too must be the Count’s test.’

If I had insisted on leading the private soldiers and knights, this bet wouldn’t have been established in the first place.

If I ruined it in an instant, the family’s power would plummet. I wouldn’t lend it out either.

But.

No matter how complex and subtle the relationship may be.

Isn’t this atmosphere a bit much?

“We will have an inspection.”

Rangers in cloaks blocked the way.

Aside from the black cloaks, their uniforms and weapons were not properly unified. It seemed they were given as much freedom as possible.

Well, how much meaning would order have to those who fight in the mountains?

“Inspection? Do you not know who I am?”

“We heard from the messenger ahead. The Knight Commander of the Wind Knights and the Third Son are coming to the mountains.”

“Then why are you doubting the supplies sent by the Lord [Count Lindayer]?”

“We are doing things according to the customs we have always followed.”

“Insolent. Explain yourself.”

“We follow the will of His Majesty the King. His Majesty has ordered that nothing be brought into the mountains without certainty.”

Game over.

They’re invoking the King’s name; how can I argue with that?

Gilaine gnashed his teeth with a worm-eaten look on his face.

Ignoring him, a Ranger gestured.

“Search everything thoroughly.”

“Yes.”

At the Ranger’s command, three or four of his subordinates drew their swords and began to search the carriages one by one.

“Ruth.”

I called Ruth, who was watching the scene from a distance.

“Yes, Young Master.”

“Are the Rangers always this arrogant?”

“You have no idea. They don’t care about status or anything. No matter how strong the opponent, they think they are kings on the mountain. That’s why they have such high noses.”

They have pride, is that it?

Well, it’s good to be full of pride. But even so, we’ve brought supplies; this is a bit…

Ah, could it be because of that?

“It might be worse because Sir Esteban and I came.”

“Yes?”

“Not just a simple supply train, but the Count’s son, with the Knight Commander, visited the Rangers. They must be wondering if we have some ulterior motive, right?”

“Now that I hear it, that’s true.”

“That’s why they’re acting like this.”

“Trying to gain the upper hand, something like that?”

“Yes. At least they mean they won’t be dragged around.”

“Hmm.”

There’s a problem.

My goal is the head of the Blade Song tribe leader.

The only people who know about it are me, Gilaine, and Ruth.

Even in this situation, they are so uncooperative, what will happen if I reveal my purpose?

‘I doubt they’ll cooperate.’

I couldn’t just stand by and watch.

I had to create a situation.

A situation that could reverse this drooping atmosphere.

“Ruth.”

“Yes.”

“Lend me your ear.”

* * *

The structure of the Ranger unit was not much different from the front-line units I experienced on Earth.

It was largely divided into two units: one for rest and training, and the other for guarding the front lines for a set period.

Perhaps that’s why the barracks I found now weren’t as heavily guarded as I thought. They even held a banquet to welcome us.

“Everyone, fill your glasses, you damn brats.”

The Rangers’ ranks were largely divided into three:

The leader of a unit, Great Raven, Raven.

The squad leader, Black Raven, Black Crow.

General Ranger, Jackdaw.

“This is a gift from the Lindayer County. It means they know we’re pinching our thighs and suffering in the mountains.”

The leader, boasting a black and bushy beard befitting the title of Raven, raised his glass and shouted.

“They seem to have come to check if we are guarding the north well, so everyone just do what you usually do. Heh heh.”

The Rangers began to chuckle at Raven’s toast.

“Have you ever seen us caring about what others think?”

“Only a few people who came to monitor us have rolled off the mountain and died.”

“It’s a good thing if they can keep up with us.”

It was an extremely uncomfortable atmosphere.

The Rangers, who had clearly drawn a line between themselves and the seats where Gilaine, Ruth, and I were sitting, tore into their alcohol and meat.

The Raven, who was sitting next to me as the leader, offered me a glass.

“Kain Lindayer, Third Son. Nice to meet you. I’m Gerid Crow, the leader of these damn things, Great Raven.”

Rangers abandon their original surnames and become Crow under the belief that they will serve the kingdom for life.

“Nice to meet you, Gerid Crow.”

“I heard you like alcohol. Instead of this, let’s have a drink first.”

I could feel Ruth’s hand tightening at the tone, which was neither honorific nor informal.

But Ruth wasn’t stupid either. If he was stupid, I wouldn’t have taken him as my subordinate in the first place.

Clink!

Gerid, who had clashed glasses, drank the wine in one gulp.

“Kuh! Anyway, you’ve had a hard time coming all this way. Wasn’t the mountain climb difficult? Besides, there’s alcohol here, but no women.”

Seeing him mention alcohol and women, it seemed my rumors had spread to these mountains.

Well, there’s no way they wouldn’t have information about me. The County and the Rangers are close yet distant.

“What does that matter, as long as our hearts align.”

“Hehehe. You’re an interesting young master. Choose. I’ll put the crows you like in your bedroom.”

Gerid, who had spread his hand, pointed to the Rangers, and I smiled and nodded.

“I don’t need them in my bedroom, but I need a few hunting assistants.”

The boisterous atmosphere suddenly subsided.

The shouts that had been spitting, the sound of clashing glasses, the bursts of laughter with clapping.

Everything disappeared.

Attention was focused on me.

Excluding those who were deployed for guard duty, fifty or sixty Rangers stared at me intently.

Gulp.

I could clearly hear Ruth swallowing next to me. It must have been because he felt the hostility shown in their eyes.

It felt like crows perched on a tree were staring at me. A flock of crows that would pounce and peck out my eyes, tearing at my flesh the moment I died.

“You said you needed hunting assistance?”

Gerid was also smiling, but he was hiding a low anger inside.

“That’s right.”

“Hmm, I know that fox hunting is possible enough even in the County.”

“There are big and fierce things beyond the mountains. I want to hunt them.”

“That’s true. There are many guys beyond the mountains who can easily chew on human skulls. But can you hunt them?”

“That’s why I need the Rangers’ assistance.”

“Ha.”

Gerid lowered his head and let out a bitter laugh.

Gerid’s eyes, which had raised his head again, were filled with clear hostility, unlike what he had shown so far.

“Do you see the Rangers as seeds to be used for a noble’s hunting game?”

“A mere noble? Your words are excessive.”

“If you’re the Third Son of the Lindayer family, that’s right. Weren’t you obsessed with women and alcohol and ran away because you were afraid of marriage? I even doubt if you have that thing down there.”

After speaking, Gerid glanced at Gilaine.

Gilaine, perhaps because of the story he had shared with me before, was only observing the situation without showing any expression for the time being.

But Gerid seemed to have taken it differently.

The Third Son is a hopeless fool even the Knight Commander has abandoned.

“My lower body has nothing to do with hunting. I’ll say it again, I’m going hunting, and I need Rangers to assist me.”

“Hahahaha!”

Gerid laughed loudly and nodded.

“Well, Count Lindayer told me to actively cooperate, so there’s nothing I can’t do. But.”

Gerid shrugged, looking around at the Rangers.

“Our Rangers do not follow those who are weaker than themselves. This is a rule personally set by His Majesty so that the corruption of power does not shake the foundation. You wouldn’t even deny that, would you?”

Yes, you Rangers have a tradition of only promoting and following the strong.

Thump!

At that time, Ruth, who had been silent, kicked the table and stood up.

“Young Master! Then I will go out as a warrior!”

Gerid smiled at Ruth’s shout.

“This is not a duel, Knight Meyer.”

“Then I will carry on the Young Master’s will. Then you can give me the Rangers, right?”

“If you’re going to play such low-level word games, drink some alcohol. The active cooperation Count Lindayer spoke of is directed only at the Third Son, right?”

“Eek, doesn’t that mean you won’t give the Young Master troops?!”

“When did I say that? I said that our Rangers do not follow those who are weaker than themselves.”

Ruth pointed at Gerid with a flushed face.

“You’re nothing but despicable! Then it’s no different from saying you won’t help!”

“That’s not true either. There are servants in the barracks who are in charge of cleaning and meals, so you can take them. Even the Third Son can beat them, right?”

“Are you telling the Young Master to have a wooden sword match with mere servants? How rude!”

“Then do it with the Rangers.”

Tak.

As soon as Gerid’s words ended, Ruth sat down in his chair with a calm face, as if he had never been excited.

It wasn’t the attitude a person who had been thwarted every time he offered an opinion would show, so Gerid tilted his head.

Whatever.

Ruth took a glass of wine and sipped it, then looked at me.

“That’s what they say, Young Master.”

Attention was focused on me.

It was burdensome, but at the same time, an unspeakable joy was felt heavily.

I took a small breath and opened my mouth.

“Let me summarize what Raven [Gerid Crow] has said so far. Rangers who are weaker than me will be given as hunting assistants; the way to divide that strength is a wooden sword match, and the Rangers who are separated through that method will give me active cooperation. Sir Esteban, is that correct?”

Gilaine, who had been silent, had a momentarily embarrassed face after hearing my words.

“That’s right, Young Master.”

“Then can you put your honor on the line and certify this matter?”

“Certification… you mean.”

The honor of the leader of the Wind Knights is infinitely heavy. Is it okay to use it for this hopeless Third Son?

The hesitation was not long.

Because Gilaine was the one who had promised to be my strength that night.

Sreureung!

Gilaine, who had drawn his sword, straightened it in front of me and knelt down.

“I, Gilaine Esteban, the Knight Commander of the Wind Knights and Viscount, put my honor on the line, and the story that Gerid Crow told earlier will be kept within my presence. If not.”

Gilaine, who had stopped speaking for a moment, looked at Gerid.

“I will pay the price for the tarnished honor with my life, and with the blood of Gerid Crow.”

“Wh, what is this…”

The gazes of the embarrassed Gerid and the Rangers could not find a place to go and turned to me.

“What are you doing, Gerid Crow?”

I sprinkled the wine in the glass on the floor and slowly got up from my seat.

“Prepare the training ground with two wooden swords, and have the Rangers stand by in order of lowest rank.”

Could he really break what he had said, not what I had said?

Self-inflicted wound [a strategic move to gain an advantage by appearing vulnerable].

It was time to let Gerid know exactly what that was.