Volume 5 Chapter 32 (1/2)

Editor: barbequechar

That night, Earl Salzberg was sitting inside his study room, while outside, the noise had grown louder.. He now wore the armor that he had not worn for many years, besides his chair, his beloved sword leaned Numerous bottles of alcohol scattered around the room.

If he was an ordinary man, he would have been drunk and then fallen asleep by now. However, Earl Salzberg mind was still clear, his eyes were like a beast staring at the ceiling..

(It has been a long time since I felt this burning heart…)

The same feeling he felt every day until the day he robbed the household from his own father. It was an instinct akin to that of a sixth sense. An intuition which human beings would have after going through life and death situations many times.

(At that time, I hated this kind of feeling, but…)

Earl Salzberg's father was a man of virtue and loyalty. He was also intelligent and had personality liked by other people. As a lord, and as a warrior, Earl Salzberg could not deny that his father's competence was above the standard. However, for Earl Salzberg, his father was not someone he would respect. That day, the admiration he held toward his father for many years was shattered.

(Fumu… Finally, you come…)

Earl Salzberg felt that his guest had finally come. He didn't feel the anger he had since the war broke. Only a sense of preparedness, and acceptance of his destiny.

“Come in. The door is not locked.”

After the door being opened, Earl Salzberg immediately opened his mouth.

“Hoo… I thought you would be hesitating for a bit but… I wonder if that is because you're being bold or not thinking?”

Looking at the man who appeared in front of him, Earl Salzberg smiled. Certainly, just like Earl Salzberg said, this place was supposedly the enemy stronghold. It would be natural for him to use surprise attack instead. From that point of view, it was indeed foolish of him to enter from the front door normally.

“Well, I guess you're not someone that foolish. Since I believe that you're not a boring man that would perform such cheap trick.”

Hitting the mark, Ryouma scratched his head looking embarra.s.sed.

“Well, I guess after being told that much, I have nothing to say in return…”

Earl Salzberg laughed after hearing Ryouma's reply.

“Long time no see. Baron Mikos.h.i.+ba. The last time we meet, was it during the time you were about to head towards the Zalda Kingdom as a reinforcement? What happened to those two sisters who always followed you around? I don't see them…”

“That is right. At that time, I've received a great favor from you. Those two are currently doing some errands I've ordered them to do…”

Responding Earl Salzberg question Ryouma lowered his head and answering with a smile. Although he had paid a huge amount of money toward the Earl as intermediate, Ryouma who had no connection at all was without a doubt greatly benefited from his relations.h.i.+p with the Earl. In a sense, Earl Salzberg was a benefactor of Ryouma. While looking happy at Ryouma's att.i.tude, Earl Salzberg opened his mouth.

“I see, you seem to have some trouble of your own too huh?”

“Indeed. I'm currently struggling with all of my might.”

“Good, Good. As expected of a young people. One needs to do their best.”

Saying that Earl Salzberg directed his eyes at Ryouma.

“By the way, let me change the topic a little bit, tonights riot, was it instigated by you?”

“That is right, after considering the security around the city…”

The content of the words that came out of both men were dangerous.

However, they keep talking as if they were drinking buddies.

“Fumu, it seems your aims have succeeded. Most of the guards are currently trying to suppress the riot. Although it is splendid, don't you think it was a bit cowardly? After the first battle, I heard from Signiz and Roberto, your army seems to be quite a marvelous one. I heard there were many young boys and girls among them… But to be honest, I never thought they could fight on equal terms against my forces.”

“I did this because the death rate would increase if I naively wage a war from the front.”

Hearing Ryouma's response, Earl Salzberg showed a bitter smile. Certainly, there was no reason for the soldiers to die if there was a way. A soldier was akin to a p.a.w.n in a chess, they were many, but one should not wastefully spend them. Much less, when talking about people, not a chess piece, an aspect one could not just brush over.