Dragon Knight Chronicles ~ From a mere mercenary, rise to success through tactics! A small harem with the princess and the lord's daughter!? I'll also develop my territory! ~

Chapter 105 Handmade Wooden Medal

With Lindsay and her group in tow, we headed north through the Sork region. We took a wide detour east of the bustling town of Julius, traversing the forested area, all the while making our way to the hideout of the Westbury bandit clan.

“Everyone, stay quiet!”

We took cover near the hideout, waiting until sunset. Once the night grew late, we began our operation, quietly advancing along the animal trails with Pokorina, who could see well in the dark, leading the way.

“That’s the watchtower!”

“Understood.”

A bandit group of this size had lookout towers surrounding their hideout. However, we had Lindsay, who knew the detailed layout and inner workings of the hideout.

“…Ugh!”

Using my magical sight, I took down the bandits in the watchtowers with my bow.

After taking care of the two watchtowers, the only thing left was to deal with the bandits who were sound asleep.

“Tie them up quickly!”

“Yes, sir!”

We divided the task and raided the lodgings where the bandits were resting, gagging them one by one and tying them up with rough rope.

“Now, just the traitorous leader remains, right?”

“Yes.”

Guided by Lindsay, we hurried to the leader’s lair. The lair was deep within a rocky cavern at the back of the hideout.

A door with light spilling out of a side entrance marked the leader’s room. This was the room of the treacherous bandit leader, Root. As I pressed my ear to the door, I could hear the gruff voice of a man inside.

“Stop squirming, you little brat!”

…Hmm? Is there a hostage besides the leader?

This could be troublesome. I strained my ears to gather more information.

“You really think you can do this to me?” a woman’s voice retorted defiantly.

“Shut up! We don’t owe you anything anymore. We’re sick of following your orders and cleaning up your messes!”

I heard the delicate sound of silk tearing, followed by the woman’s scream.

“…Stop it!”

“Stay quiet! I’ll make sure to enjoy that big, fat behind of yours!”

“Stop it, Root!”

Just before I could give the order to storm in, Lindsay kicked the door open and rushed inside. The leader, Root, quickly drew his sword, but I swiftly kicked his hand, disarming him.

“Don’t move!”

Adelheid pointed her rapier at Root’s throat, while Nataraja draped a warm blanket over the naked woman who had almost been assaulted.

“Now, what should we do with him?” I asked as we bound Root.

“The punishment of traitors is the leader’s prerogative. The new leader is you, Lord Reister,” Lindsay said.

“…What? Shouldn’t you be the one to take over, Lindsay?” I asked, surprised.

“No, after seeing how you fought, I’ve changed my mind. The Westbury bandit clan will serve you, Lord Reister,” she replied.

“Well now,” I said, contemplating.

The offer was tempting, but it wouldn’t look good for a baron of the kingdom to become a bandit leader. So, I decided that Lindsay should continue as the leader, at least in title.

As it turned out, the woman who had almost been assaulted was Lindsay’s sister, Laurie, who had been missing. That night, Lindsay celebrated her reunion with her sister, safe and sound.

◇◇◇◇◇

Three days later…

As planned, we continued to launch repeated attacks on Duke Chad’s army’s supply lines. Thanks to Lindsay and her men, we had a thorough understanding of the local geography and the conditions of the roads.

Additionally, we ambushed and defeated the reinforcements at Bon Gorge.

Throughout the supply line attack operation, we captured a large amount of food, military supplies, and even several hundred prisoners.

As planned, we successfully diverted Duke Chad’s fleet away from Hardy Castle and allowed the Rillburn family’s supply fleet to dock at the castle.

This should help Hardy Castle hold out for a while longer.

“Deliver this letter to the royal palace,” I instructed.

“Yes, sir,” replied the soldier.

With the operation completed, I sent a report to General Alcock. He wasn’t the best strategist, but he deeply cared about the soldiers on the front lines.

Five days later…

Due to the heavy losses, Duke Chad’s army abandoned the siege of Hardy Castle. They gathered their forces and retreated to the Ferguson region.

“Alright, let’s pull back as well,” I said.

“Understood,” my subordinate replied.

As I was about to withdraw east, I was stopped by a messenger from Hardy Castle.

“Please wait!”

The messenger came to my tent with a request from the castle. They wished to honor the benefactor who had defended Hardy Castle.

“I understand. I’ll stop by,” I said.

“Thank you. I will inform the castellan,” the messenger replied.

So, I led my men to Hardy Castle, where we were warmly welcomed by the soldiers who had been battered by the defense battles.

…And then,

“Hey, mister, take this,” said a young boy, handing me something.

“…Huh? Thank you,” I replied, accepting the gift.

A small boy who had taken refuge in the castle by chance gave me a handmade wooden medal. I gently, but firmly, patted his head.

“In exchange, take this. Next time, you be the one to save this castle!”

“Okay,” he replied.

I gave the boy a sword. Seeing his bright smile made me feel a bit homesick.

…I wonder how Opal is doing?

Later on…

I was invited to a feast by Baron Chesterton, the castellan of the castle.

“Welcome, Sir Reister! We are truly indebted to you for your help!”

“No, no, I’m honored to be invited,” I replied.

Given that the feast was held right after the battle, the meal was simple, mostly barley porridge. However, the wine stored in the castle’s cellar was of such exceptional quality that even royalty would rarely have the chance to taste it.

“Please, have a drink!” urged the Baron.

“Thank you,” I responded.

At first, I hesitated to drink something so valuable, but when Baron Chesterton remarked, “Wine should be enjoyed on such occasions,” I agreed. We all drank heartily, getting pleasantly drunk on the truly exquisite wine.

The next day…

I bid farewell to the soldiers of the castle and departed, heading back to the Duchy of Rillburn with high spirits.