Chapter 47: Ambush

As summer came to an end, I finally managed to ride a horse on my own. Life had been so busy that time seemed to fly by—sword training, horseback riding practice, managing the sake brewing, dungeon diving to level up—it was nonstop.

Today, we set out for my monthly visit to my grandmother.

Her rehabilitation efforts were paying off, and she had been regaining strength little by little. I was looking forward to seeing her in even better condition this time.

Previously, I had traveled to Axel Territory in a wagon, but today I was riding a horse.

Accompanying me were five soldiers from the domain army assigned by my father, five temple knights including Suzanna, and two scouting temple knights. That made a total of thirteen people, including me. Since everyone was on horseback, we moved faster than we would have with a wagon.

Let’s not talk about the recently modified wagon…

“Master Toma, are you tired?”

“I’m fine, Albert-san.”

Albert, at 33 years old, is the vice-captain of the domain army. Despite his C-rank, he’s a staggering level 300!

In the army hierarchy, he ranks third after my father and Captain Daniel (45 years old), but in terms of individual combat power, he’s second only to my father.

For reference, Captain Daniel is level 280, which is nothing to scoff at, but my father and Albert are simply extraordinary.

Suzanna, the temple knight, is a B-rank and level 170.

Even our youngest soldier, Simon, a 19-year-old in his second year of service, is level 150. This speaks volumes about the combat experience of the Roxfall Domain Army.

One of the scouts returned.

“There are around thirty bandits lying in wait up ahead.”

“Bandits?”

Albert tilted his head in confusion.

“There aren’t usually bandits in this area. They must have wandered in from somewhere else.”

Though I had traveled this road several times before, this was my first encounter with bandits.

“Master Toma’s safety is our top priority. Let’s take a detour,” Suzanna suggested.

While I appreciated her concern, this was still Ashud Territory. Leaving bandits unchecked here could lead to trouble within our borders.

“No, let’s deal with them.”

“But…”

“I’ll be fine. Besides, I’m sure Albert and the others can handle a few bandits, right?”

“If you expect it of me, I cannot disappoint. Kolrausch-dono, I entrust Master Toma’s safety to you.”

“There are thirty of them, you know.”

“The Roxfall Domain Army has always triumphed against greater numbers. We won’t falter against mere bandits.”

Albert’s confident smile was almost too dazzling. If I were a woman, I might’ve fallen for him. Suzanna blushed slightly too.

“Follow me!”

“Yes, sir!”

Albert and the soldiers charged forward, their horses’ hooves pounding against the earth in a deep, resonant rhythm.

Not long after, we heard the bandits’ screams.

From what I had heard from my father, Albert was a born warrior. He was merciless, whether his opponents were humans or monsters. None of the soldiers under his command had a soft approach, so there was no need to worry.

When the scout announced the end of the battle, we moved our horses toward the scene.

The stench of blood hung in the air. Three severed heads lay on the ground. It was utter carnage—over twenty corpses littered the area.

“Master Toma, we’ve captured some of them alive.”

“Thank you, Albert. Did they reveal anything?”

“No, they haven’t said a word. But they appear to be trained soldiers.”

“Soldiers? Not bandits?”

The bodies and the five prisoners were dressed in ragged, filthy clothing. They looked the part of bandits but didn’t strike me as proper soldiers.

“I’ll make them talk, but it will take some time. May I proceed?”

Although it would delay us, we couldn’t simply leave this matter unresolved. I nodded to Albert.

Then it occurred to me—I could use Information Conversion to find out.

Ah, I see. So that’s how it is…

These men were soldiers of the Lightstar Marquisate, sent to kill me on orders from Lightstar himself.

Five minutes later, the prisoners cracked. Watching their comrades have their fingers severed one by one, then their ears and noses cut off, one finally broke down and spilled everything.

I watched it all unfold but felt nothing. Having endured terrible treatment in my past life, my mental fortitude wasn’t easily shaken. Even the sight of corpses with spilled entrails didn’t faze me.

“They were sent by the Marquis of Lightstar…” Suzanna muttered in shock.

Albert, however, didn’t seem surprised. He had likely considered this possibility.

The Roxfall family had severed ties with the Lightstar Marquisate and allied with the Bayerlein Dukedom instead. It was no surprise that Lightstar would retaliate. Killing me, the creator of Horse King sake, would undoubtedly harm the Roxfall family’s position.

I understood that Lightstar would be furious after we severed ties, but sending soldiers who would easily betray him under torture was a misstep.

“This matter must be reported to Lord Dardale. I’ll assign two of my men to escort the prisoners to the Roxfall estate. Is that acceptable?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

Suzanna ordered two temple knights to deliver the prisoners to the estate and then return swiftly.

Although I doubted any enemy could defeat the elite soldiers of the Roxfall domain army, Suzanna insisted on caution.