[Proofreader - Kawaii]
Chapter 42: How do I deal with these stubborn fools overflowing with loyalty?
Despite the commotion, I paid little attention to this side, but I have now confirmed the suspicious intentions of those who think they are the masters of this harbour.
'So you are the masters of this harbour.'
They had no interest in fleeting young masters or others—this was a clear sign that they didn't concern themselves with small change.
But who could have known? The stray scents of money were merely a distraction from my true purpose.
I just caught a glimpse of the spider patterns tattooed on their faces, necks, or hands. They all bore the symbol of the spider.
There was an important reason for me to take note of their tattoos.
'Tattoos are symbols of underworld organizations, like the crests of noble clans.'
The variety ranged from spiders, snakes, birds, bats, owls, and foxes to various symbolic phrases.
'A spider tattoo organization, huh. If they control this harbour, then they must be at least a third-rate group.'
While first-rate organizations control an entire country, third-rate ones typically control a single city.
'I've got you pinned down.'
When I return to the city at night under the mask of Aminicrus, I plan to take over their subordinate organization.
'I don't have enough time to build everything from scratch.'
So I'll have to use a rougher, faster method.
'I can't swallow them whole, but their subordinate organization should be easy enough to seize.'
I already have the necessary power for that.
'Do they really think I came all the way here just to find some spirit medicine? How stupid.'
But to some, it will seem that way.
And those with deeper insight will suspect there is more to my seemingly aimless antics, for they know how absurd that would be.
Who could easily discern my true purpose? Unless they can read minds, it's impossible.
'If my seemingly purposeless antics manage to confuse my enemies...'
That is precisely what I desire.
The fear of not knowing my intentions, or the delusion of thinking they know my aims - whichever it is, the resulting chaos will be my weapon.
I have merely cast the bait.
Whether others get caught up in it, racking their brains, is no concern of mine.
'...I will quietly strike through the opening I have created.'
In the ways of the sword, this is called the "Illusion sword technique".
'In my homeland, they call it the "sly move".'
Regardless of the name, the essence is the same.
I will conceal my true intentions within deception.
Just as the Dark King did with me.
"You've returned early."
The coachman let out a sigh of relief at my safe return.
"I shall take you back to the castle now."
"I made you wait too much."
"Not at all, sir. There was no trouble."
As I was about to board the carriage, a rough and authoritative voice called out.
"Hold it right there!"
It was a typical back-alley thug's voice.
"Come over here. Let me take a look at your face."
I could hear Jeffrey sighing in the background.
"You vermin, how dare you."
He seems to have had a rather irritating day.
But I was actually glad.
'It should have been from the start.'
If they hadn't bothered me at all, despite my noble status, that would have been strange for the underworld.
Those scum are the types who cherish their own lives more than anything.
Moreover, they are so weak that they fail to recognize the power difference between themselves and the Royal Guards.
They mobilized a group armed with swords, just because they disliked a young master causing a ruckus? To steal some money?
No matter how unpredictable the scum of the underworld may be, they are not so carefree or reckless as to challenge a nobleman accompanied by armed escorts, just to extort a few money.
"Don't play dumb. You were hired to pick a fight, whether for pocket change or to break something, weren't you?"
The flustered leader stammered a response.
"What nonsense are you spouting?"
"I can tell, so spare me the pathetic lies."
I chuckled and pointed at him.
"It's clear you're just a bunch of pitiful street thugs from the neighborhood, not even worth being in anyone's lineage. Did your big brother who buys you meals occasionally send you?"
The leader's face turned ashen as if possessed by a ghost. He clearly understood what I was getting at.
"Hey, guys, look around and see where you can lie down. Can't you tell what the situation is? That guy has led you straight to your doom."
The boastful thugs' expressions gradually turned somber.
'Boss, can we just leave? I've got a bad feeling about this.'
'You idiots cut the crap.'
They were likely exchanging such looks.
Ah, so that "big brother" figure seems quite scary. This is a perfect example of the saying "a frog in the well".
"How pitiful. To not even know who to be more afraid of, and end up risking your lives. What a pathetic bunch you are."
"By any chance, do you recognize any of them?"
"No, the area they're from is quite distant from ours..."
"I was hoping to spare the lives of anyone my servants might know."
Sensing the mood souring, the leader's eyes grew malicious.
"Fuck it, just kill them all!"
The men flinched and reached for their sword hilts, but none dared to draw them.
"Can't you hear me, you idiots?"
Urged by their leader, one man finally mustered the courage.
His sloppy movements clearly showed no training in martial arts.
"Young master, please withdraw..."
I strode toward him with light steps. Of course, my hands were empty of any weapons.
Apparently, he didn't expect me to charge-in bare-handed. In the moment of panic, as Jeffrey was about to unleash his sword skills,
"Wait, if I get hit, my arm might get cut off!"
While Jeffrey hesitated, the courageous thug awkwardly swung his sword at me.
Observing the ominous blade hurtling towards me, I grinned.
'So they really intend to kill?'
Just for a few coins, without any grudge or stake in the matter? The slight unease I felt towards bullying the weak vanished in an instant.
Having confirmed their murderous intent, I no longer had any mercy left in me.
The attack was a simple downward slash.
I dashed to the side, evading the blade's trajectory with a large step.
My palms are still not fully healed. Therefore, I tightly clenched my fist and accurately drove it into the exposed solar plexus of the overextended opponent.
I twisted my wrist, and the sword easily fell to the ground.
I caught the sword's handle with the top of my foot and lightly flicked it up into my hand, spinning it gracefully five times before firmly grasping the hilt.
The thugs, and even the Royal Guards, let out gasps of admiration at my fluid movements.
'Even I have to admit, that looked quite impressive.'
Sometimes, a little flair can be helpful.
By the way, gripping a sword with bandaged hands is still rather painful.
"Ah, is your hand alright, sir?"
Olivier asked with a concerned expressions.
I replied, brandishing the sword proudly.
"But this is a really low-grade sword. The fruit-cutting knife we use in the castle would probably have more cutting power than this."
Another man charged at me.
I stepped forward and, with a speed invisible to the eye, extended my fist to strike his chin.
Watching the man collapse with eyes rolling back, I clicked my tongue.
"Geez, how messy. Oh dear."
Was his skull cracked? I calmly observed the retreating thugs.
"Anyone else want to try? Raise your hand."
A person with at least a modicum of intelligence would normally realize something was wrong at this point and attempt a dialogue.
But these fools were not that type.
"Just surround and kill him!"
At the leader's command, three men reacted.
It seems that seeing their friends get hit has made them angry.
"How do I deal with these loyal fools overflowing with loyalty?"
One of the three charging with butcher-like faces was swiftly subdued by Olivier's dagger, another had his chest bones broken by a kick from Jeffrey.
Amidst them, a bald man tried to break through.
I noticed the other Royal Guards were approaching, but rather slowly.
Are they trying to see my skills? They must know that with their level, they cannot stop me.
'Well, I'm fine with that.'
This is the first real combat opportunity that has come my way. I must cherish it.
During the Barclava incident, I couldn't even properly beat up my own brother. But these fools are different.
The sword imbued with mana hummed.
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