Badlands Saga: Reincarnation in a Different World with Extreme Charisma - Chapter 18

Chapter 18   Emerald Sword 12

After the Makiano tribe had left, the wilderness erupted in the frenzy of victory.

The fortress built in front of the castle was demolished, and the people who had taken refuge at the port returned to the castle and town, lining up with smiles at the food distribution held at the castle.

It seemed that the enemy warships stationed at sea had also withdrawn, as ships laden with supplies from the Folk Kingdom’s Neyakashi Trading Company soon arrived, ensuring that the Tanukan territory could survive the winter.

Amidst all this, a man came from the direction of the wilderness.

A bearded man, leaning on a staff, dressed in tattered clothes, and carrying a large backpack. He was a merchant of the Tanuki race from the Siscata Trading Company, who had not shown himself even once during the war.

Who knows how much time it took him to get here—filthy and covered in grime, he knelt before the castle.

Surrounded by knights, he drew a short sword from his pocket and, with tears in his eyes, said:

“In the midst of the war when supplies were most needed, I could not dispatch a ship due to orders from the main office, and I have come in utter disgrace. I intend to atone with my life.”

“Now, now, hold on. Let’s calm down and talk.”

I managed to stop the Tanuki merchant from stabbing himself in the neck and somehow got him into the castle’s reception room.

Isara took the short sword away from him when he entered the castle, so I was at least reassured.

The two of us sat on facing sofas, but with Isara by my side and Kintman, who had hardly left my side since returning from the port, standing behind me, it felt like a rather intimidating situation.

I smiled at the merchant, who kept his gloomy expression, trying to convey that I wasn’t angry.

“Listen, Medubal, as you can see, we won the battle and survived. I understand that it was difficult to send out a ship when there were so many warships out there. Besides, whether or not to send a ship was a decision made by those above you, right? It’s not something worth you dying over.”

“Victory and defeat are common in the military, but merchants have their own obligations and resolve. Especially for someone like me, who once wished to serve as Lord Fushanklan’s merchant…”

Though I meant to reassure him, his expression only grew more determined.

If I were to chase him out of the castle now, he might end up dying somewhere. He seemed like someone too loyal to let die just like that, especially after having walked through the wilderness alone to fulfill his duty.

“Medubal, if you feel that strongly about it… then repay me with your work. You see, our castle’s coffers have become quite empty because of this war. I need someone who can sell the things I create to the right places.”

When I said that, Medubal looked at me with surprise, his mouth opening and closing as if struggling to find words.

“But… is that… really alright?”

“Of course, I can’t just employ you to serve the entire Tanukan territory on my own decision. You’d be a personal merchant hired by me. But if you’re okay with that…”

There might be some complications with the Neyakashi Trading Company, but employing a merchant for a third son shouldn’t be a problem. I’m already supporting Kintman and his group; one more shouldn’t make a difference.

“No… I am most grateful… Truly, this Medubal will serve with every bone and sinew…”

He muttered, as if unable to find his voice, and soon he was crying openly, without concern for who might see.

Well, just as nobles and mercenaries have their pride, merchants have theirs, too.

I’ve heard many times, even in my previous life, about deals that were ruined by decisions from higher up… But in this harsh world where life is cheap, for those who live by contracts and reputation, the weight of dishonor is far heavier than in my past life.

Fortunately, I had plans to make alcohol from potatoes next year, so there would be things to sell. For now, I’ll have him make some steady profits with trades like liquor and cosmetics.

“Oh, that’s right. There was something I wanted to ask you when you arrived.”

“What… what might that be?”

“Do you understand the language of the Makiano tribe?”

“I can speak a bit.”

“I want to know the reason for the war this time. Could you serve as an interpreter with the captives?”

Medubal enthusiastically agreed with a “Certainly!” and stood up, but I made him clean up first.

It was winter, but still… well, he smelled pretty bad.

“Fusha-sama, hello.”

“Oh, a member of the Makiano tribe speaking Tadra’s common language?”

Medubal seemed surprised at the man who greeted us in Folk’s language from behind the bars.

I had already thought it was fine to let the prisoners return to their country, but it was fortunate that we now had this opportunity to clarify their true intentions.

“We taught each other a bit of our languages. I’ve also started to understand some of what they’re saying.”

“Oh, that’s wonderful. All relationships begin with dialogue…”

“Well then, let’s get right to it… Can you ask them why they attacked us this time? That old lady over there seems to be the wise one. Ask ‘grandmother Loos, Ura Hesa, to speak with this merchant Poliken.’”

When I said that, the Logos grandmother emerged from the back, looking at Medubal with a suspicious expression.

“Alright, I’ll try talking to her for a bit…”

What began with Medubal’s casual suggestion ended up being a conversation that continued late into the night.

The next day, in the castle’s large hall, where the main figures had been gathered by my father, Medubal presented the summary of the war’s purpose.

“First, I understand that some may not feel comfortable with a newcomer like myself speaking in such a setting, but given the urgency of the situation, I ask for your understanding…”

“It’s fine, Medubal. I have given my permission.”

“Yes, sir.”

Urgency, yes, it was urgent.

I had been listening next to them yesterday, and even I was surprised by what I heard.

Even after driving away 500 Makiano, the threat had not been eliminated.

“The purpose of the Makiano tribe was treasure hunting. According to an old legend passed down among them, ‘A great treasure lies in the land of demons.’ It seems that their recent military action was to search for this treasure in this area.”

“Why did they suddenly come treasure hunting?”

“That is because…”

My father asked that question, and Medubal hesitated, glancing over at me.

I had instructed him to speak openly without hiding anything, but it seemed he still felt guilty.

“It’s fine, tell them everything.”

“Understood… The Makiano tribe saw the crops growing in Fushanklan’s fields and noticed potions being distributed from Tanukan. They assumed that the Tanukan frontier family had obtained the treasure.”

“I see.”

So, it was indeed my actions that had drawn their army here.

“But we have driven them away. They won’t be coming back.”

“I’m afraid, Lord Margrave, that the 500 soldiers were only their vanguard…”

I patted Medubal on the shoulder and took his place.

From here on, it was my responsibility to speak.

“Listen, everyone. The Makiano will likely come again. This time, their force could be a thousand, or even more—two thousand soldiers. Because I showed them this sword. I made them take this seriously.”

As I spoke, I drew the Emerald Sword from my waist.

I could feel every gaze in the room fixed on the blade, which gleamed with a faint green light.

“This sword that Fusha-sama holds… resembles the one described as belonging to the Makiano tribe’s ancestor, King Laokan. They likely won’t leave it alone…”

“Yes, this sword is a treasure. I was foolish; I created a treasure that shouldn’t exist and flaunted it to them… So, if they come again, I will take responsibility by going to them and offering my life alone to make them withdraw their army!”

As soon as I said this, the room erupted with cries of frantic denial.

“That’s foolish!”

“Impossible!”

“We’ll just drive them away again!”

“Don’t worry; I still have strategies in mind!”

“Rather than surrender Fusha-sama, we will fight to the death, using the castle as our final stand!”

“That’s right! The Makiano tribe is nothing to fear!”

“Fusha-sama! Please reconsider!”

But I didn’t nod in agreement.

This was a life that should have ended back at that fortress; for me, this was merely a continuation of that story.

“Fortunately, I understand a little of the Makiano language. If it comes to that, I will explain that everything up to now has been for me and this sword. This is something my father has already agreed to.”

“Lord Dentra!?”

“Why?! Surely there are plenty of others who could die instead!”

I’m sorry, but taking responsibility is also part of a noble’s duty.

There may be plenty who can die, but only a handful of people can make that death meaningful.

As I was thinking about this, my father stood from his chair and, making sure everyone could hear, asked me:

“Fushanklan, I’ll ask one last time… are you truly okay with this? You could leave the sword behind and flee to the capital, to Liebens protection; no one would criticize you.”

“Father, I’m already a man. I’ll do what needs to be done; that’s all there is to it.”

“I see…”

After a moment’s hesitation, my father roughly ruffled my hair and embraced me tightly against his chest.

Indeed, before the end of winter, the Makiano tribe came once more.

This time, they arrived with a grand musical band playing military tunes, leading a great expedition of over twenty thousand soldiers.