Chapter 338: I’ll Handle It for You. (2)
Ghislain’s familiarity with the Drake Mercenary Corps and Martin stemmed from the fact that he, too, had been a mercenary during that time.
The Drake Mercenary Corps had fought remarkably well. Its commander, Dominic, had been an even more formidable warrior then than he was now.
His talent was undeniable, but even taking that into account, his skills had been extraordinary. Ghislain could roughly guess the reason behind Dominic’s remarkable growth.
‘He probably wanted to save his family no matter what.’
During the civil war, the ducal family had secured an easy victory. The Marquis of Roderick’s faction grew stronger, allowing the mercenary corps to avoid immediate ruin.
Still, they remained little more than pawns under the thumb of the Marquis of Roderick. Dominic had likely quit drinking and dedicated himself to training to break free from that yoke.
Perhaps he also wanted to escape from reality in some way.
‘And that’s when he met me.’
The Kingdom had never seen anything like the army led by the King of Mercenaries during the civil war.
It was a force commanded by one of the Seven Strongest on the Continent, strong enough to capture the capital within a week of the war’s outbreak and annihilate every force they clashed with.
When the King of Mercenaries’ army invaded the western regions, the Marquis of Roderick naturally sent the Drake Mercenary Corps to the front lines.
Dominic and the other members of the corps had to survive and return at all costs to protect their hostages.
So, they fought with all their might against the King of Mercenaries’ army.
After capturing and killing the Marquis of Roderick and Martin, Ghislain came to learn about the Drake Mercenary Corps’ plight.
“What a pity.”
They had been strong enough to attract the attention of the King of Mercenaries. If not for the hostages, they might have followed him instead.
As a fellow mercenary, Ghislain couldn’t help but feel regret and sorrow over the situation. That lingering emotion had etched the Drake Mercenary Corps into his memory.
The information he remembered from back then was now proving invaluable.
‘In this life, you’ll follow me.’
Though he couldn’t save them in his past life, he intended to let them live as true mercenaries now.
Using the knowledge he had gained in his past life, Ghislain knew the hostages had remained hidden in this location all along.
From Martin’s perspective, the Drake Mercenary Corps was an invaluable asset. Thus, he would have ensured the hostages were kept in the safest place possible.
A location where he could monitor them at all times and where no one could easily take them away.
“Anyway, the target is this building, so keep that in mind. Just prepare exactly what I tell you to.”
The building in question was the only one on the estate connected to the mansion by an underground passage. It is also linked to another building equipped with a secret escape route.
Being a coward by nature, Martin had modified the mansion to include multiple escape routes.
Because this was a top-secret matter, only a few of Martin’s closest confidants knew about the secret passage. He had used it to thoroughly hide the hostages.
Ghislain hadn’t explained the details, so it was hard for Dominic to trust him. Still, the Chronicles of the Count of Fenris stated that Ghislain always succeeded after insisting he knew everything. Dominic had no choice but to believe him.
In truth, Dominic also felt a bit of the “whatever happens, happens” attitude by this point.
“So, how do you plan to infiltrate the place?” Dominic asked.
“We’ll need the help of infiltration specialists.”
“Pardon?”
“The Drake Mercenary Corps can avoid the city’s checkpoints, right?”
“Yes.”
As Martin’s pawns, they weren’t subject to inspections. They were afforded that level of convenience, especially since they couldn’t risk any reckless behavior with hostages in play.
“Prepare a wagon. I have people to bring in. Don’t use your own members disguise my subordinates and send them.”
Ghislain issued his orders without hesitation, like someone who had already devised a perfect plan.
Dominic followed his instructions without resistance, partly because he was curious and partly because Ghislain’s busy demeanor left him no time to argue.
The knights who had accompanied Ghislain adopted the guise of Drake Mercenary Corps members and secured carriages bearing the group’s seal.
It was late at night when the wagons Dominic had sent out returned. Several people stepped out from them, and Dominic was stunned at the sight.
Although they were short in stature, their bodies were solidly built and muscular.
“Dwarves?” Dominic exclaimed.
The people Ghislain had brought were dwarves no fewer than fifty of them.
The dwarf at the forefront stepped forward, extending his hand to Dominic.
“Greetings. My name is Galbarik.”
“Gasp! The Great Blacksmith?”
“Oh? You know of me?”
“I’ve read about you in the Chronicles of the Count of Fenris.”
“What? There’s something like that? Why didn’t I know about it? My lord, if you wrote something like that, you should have informed me! I can’t believe I’m unaware of something that includes me. I’m curious about what’s written.”
“…I didn’t know either.”
It was only natural that no one knew, as it was being secretly crafted and sold.
Although dwarves were officially slaves, Dominic treated them with utmost respect and used honorifics when addressing them.
This was because, as a fan of the Count of Fenris, he cherished everyone mentioned in the chronicles of his life. It was a sentiment only true followers could understand.
Avoiding Dominic’s unsettling gaze, Galbarik turned to Ghislain and asked.
“So, where do we dig the tunnel?”
Dominic was startled by the question.
“A tunnel? Are you saying we’re going to dig our way in?”
Ghislain nodded.
“Yes. There’s no way to approach from the outside, so we’ll secretly dig our way in.”
“That’s impossible. Digging a tunnel within the city? We’ve considered it before, but it’ll definitely make noise and draw attention.”
“Don’t worry. The Dwarves will never be caught.”
Galbarik chimed in confidently.
“For us, digging a tunnel this distance is easier than sipping soup. Using precise surveying to install supports will eliminate noise…”
Galbarik began to explain in a verbose manner, much like Vanessa often did.
To him, Vanessa appeared exceedingly intelligent. From what he observed while working alongside her, it was probably because she explained things so well.
Thus, Galbarik never missed an opportunity to imitate Vanessa when the chance arose.
If Ghislain hadn’t interrupted, he might have continued explaining all day.
“Save the explanation for later and focus on preparing the work. Use the pretext of internal renovations to bring in all the necessary materials here.”
Dominic asked again, his expression uneasy.
“Are you sure this will really work?”
Galbarik studied the blueprint carefully, pointed to one section, and replied.
“We can make an opening here. Judging by the building’s layout, there shouldn’t be any security in this area.”
The spot Galbarik pointed to was a gap between the target building and an adjacent structure. Indeed, it was unlikely to have additional personnel stationed there, aside from occasional patrols.
The inner area of the estate was bound to have more relaxed security compared to its perimeter. Given the vast space, there seemed to be a way to enter undetected.
“But even if we get inside, we’ll ultimately have to infiltrate the building to rescue the hostages. Combat will be unavoidable.”
Ghislain nodded as if that was obvious.
“Once we secure the hostages, it becomes a race against time. We’ll need to neutralize the people inside as quickly as possible and move. Then we’ll return through the tunnel.”
“And then…”
“Yes, prepare a carriage here to make a quick escape from the city. Also…”
Ghislain’s gaze turned icy as he looked at Dominic.
“Gather all available forces outside the city. Make sure anyone pursuing us gives up and retreats. Understood?”
“…”
Dominic swallowed hard. He had heard Ghislain was impulsive, but he hadn’t expected things to move this quickly.
He couldn’t shake the feeling that the plan was reckless relying on blind trust rather than presenting solid reasoning.
Reading about something in a book and experiencing it firsthand truly felt worlds apart.
But what choice did he have now that the wheels were in motion?
“…Understood.”
If they failed, Dominic decided he would storm Martin’s mansion and kill the bastard before he died.
Thus, preparations unfolded as Ghislain directed.
Dominic mobilized all the mercenary corps’ resources to assist. He procured materials and ensured the dwarves could focus entirely on their work.
He didn’t recruit laborers. Maintaining secrecy was crucial, so only the dwarves handled the tunneling.
Simultaneously, he began quietly siphoning off the mercenary corps’ assets.
Although they couldn’t take everything, they planned to secure the most valuable items.
Of course, not everyone in the mercenary corps followed orders without question. Some executives and heads of subordinate mercenary groups confronted Dominic.
“What on earth is going on?”
“…”
“Please explain. Why are we suddenly mobilizing troops and moving supplies? And what’s with the warehouse renovations?”
“…We’ve received a commission.”
“What kind of commission?”
“It’s a very important one. I can’t share the details yet because it’s not finalized.”
“Commander!”
Dominic, not being skilled at lying, wore a troubled expression as he responded.
“It’s truly a critical matter. Can you trust me and wait for a bit? I’ll explain everything soon, but I need your support this time.”
“Hmm…”
It was clear Dominic was hiding something, but everyone nodded in agreement.
The people confronting him were mostly those whose families were being held hostage by Martin. Some had no families, but even they were longtime companions who had stood by Dominic for years.
Dominic was a man who had led the mercenary corps excellently thus far. For him to ask for such a favor was nearly unprecedented.
Being straightforward and bold, they decided to trust Dominic.
“All right, Commander. If you say so.”
“You wouldn’t do anything to harm us, after all.”
“Just let us know when it’s all done.”
They laughed it off, and Dominic smiled back in gratitude.
However, his feelings were more complicated, thanks to what Ghislain had said before the operation began.
* * *
“Martin has a spy within the mercenary corps. He’s been here for a long time.”
“Th-then what should I do? Won’t they catch on? What should I say?”
“Just keep it hidden.”
“But then they’ll suspect me and keep watching me.”
“That’s the point. Let them. That way, they won’t focus on the tunnel. Keep yourself busy and draw all of Martin’s attention. As for me, only say what I told you to.”
This arrangement was fortunate for Dominic. It meant he didn’t need to tell any elaborate lies, which he wasn’t good at. As long as he fumbled his way through, the spy would remain suspicious and watch him closely.
Sure enough, one person cautiously approached Dominic to probe.
“Didn’t someone called the Count of Fenris visit recently? That’s what the men are saying.”
When Ghislain had stormed in, many had heard his name. Rumors were already spreading.
“Oh, that? Just some impostor who was good at fighting. As if the Count of Fenris would come here. Someone was just using his name.”
The mercenaries nodded. It didn’t make sense for someone of that stature to show up with only a few subordinates.
Still, there were those who cared about who that impostor was.
“Then who was he? Why did he come? I heard he gave our men a serious beating.”
“He was sent by another noble.”
“Another noble?”
“Word must have gotten out about our plans to strike the Campbell Merchant Guild. It looks like they sent him as a warning not to act rashly.”
“Hmm. So what are you planning to do?”
“That’s why I’m preparing. Once everything is ready, I’ll explain the situation.”
Though the man looked slightly suspicious, he nodded reluctantly. There wasn’t much he could do to uncover the truth at this point.
While Dominic worked to reassure his subordinates, the construction proceeded smoothly. As specialists in their craft, the dwarves worked quickly and quietly, digging the tunnel.
At this pace, they would have a path to the interior within days.
Ghislain, along with the knights, waited in a nearby inn for the tunnel to be completed.
During this time, Dominic couldn’t rest for even a single day. His nerves kept him pacing his office, filled with unease.
Following Ghislain’s instructions, he blatantly moved supplies and gathered troops to draw attention. But even so…
‘Is this really going to work?’
If they failed, the hostages Dominic had worked so hard to protect would be doomed.
The only reason Martin hadn’t ousted Dominic from his position as commander was because the mercenary corps itself was Dominic’s creation. Without him, the corps would collapse, and that was the only reason he’d retained his authority so far. However, it was unlikely Martin would tolerate Dominic baring his fangs for long.
Still, Ghislain’s plan was proving effective in some ways.
‘The city guard’s forces are focusing more outside.’
It seemed Martin was becoming suspicious. The city’s guards, who should have been stationed within, were patrolling more frequently.
In particular, there were now more people loitering near the warehouse under construction.
‘They’re suspicious. They’re definitely suspicious.’
The only thing keeping the situation from boiling over was Dominic’s authority as commander of the Drake Mercenary Corps. But there was no guarantee they wouldn’t storm in under the pretense of an inspection.
And so, Dominic spent every day consumed by anxiety.
The dwarves, on the other hand, worked joyfully, unfazed by Dominic’s worries.
“Ha! Following the lord around brings us some real excitement.”
By now, the dwarves had grown utterly fearless, emboldened by their time with Ghislain. Everything Ghislain undertook seemed destined for success, after all.
Though their sense of tension had diminished somewhat, there was no problem. Construction was second nature to them just another routine task.
“Almost there. I think we’ve nearly made it.”
The dwarves’ surveying skills were top-notch. They meticulously cross-referenced the map and blueprints to calculate the exact distance.
All that remained was to dig upward. They wouldn’t break through entirely until Ghislain arrived, but they needed to check if they had the position correct.
That night, Galbarik waited patiently before creating a small hole just big enough for someone to peek through.
As he slowly poked his head up, his eyes widened in shock.
“…What?”
Galbarik couldn’t believe what he was seeing. They had checked the location multiple times and had been confident it was a place without guards.
But what he saw now was completely unexpected.
Countless soldiers stood before him, their expressions menacing, weapons trained directly on him.