- Shari -

 

Just what is going on here?!

Just now, a huge troop of soldiers walked up in front of us, which Gareth passes through as he makes his way towards the stairs.
Why would the lord do this?

 

"Ahem. I-if you would now drop your weapons." (Varros)

 

Is he for real?!

 

"Did I just understand you right? You would seriously turn against the very soldiers you were officially requesting to appear here in front of you?" (Peras)

"I-I'm sorry, but the circumstances changed. I can't afford anymore to take your side. This, this wouldn't work out." (Varros)

 

I guess this also explains why we weren't attacked on the way.
After all, they intended to get us here.

 

"This is your signature and mark on this paper! Are you truly going to tell me that this is how much your word as a noble is worth?!" (Peras)

"W-we both know this document isn't worth its parchment!" (Varros)

 

While the situation turned quite problematic for us, I can't help but notice how that guy looks at me in visible recognition and almost shrinks away behind the railings of the upper floor.
Honestly, it's quite the ridiculous display under these circumstances.
Any villain would be disappointed with this man.

 

"You think I'm stupid? I know what you're trying to pull me into! We don't stand a chance against the full force of Koreso! I'm not going to die for your stupid cause! I side with the realists!" (Varros)

 

I give Liqu a sign to stay at the ready.
Once things get violent here, a decisive all-out attack will serve us better than to try keeping up our disguise.

 

"Realists?! This is ridiculous! You have to be aware that Ekoras could never survive on its own!" (Peras)

 

This is true.
Ekoras is, in the first place, a frontier town, its sole purpose being to reap the riches of the magical Evergrove.
While some particularly desperate farmers grow crops in the narrow open space between the walls of the city and the denser undergrowth, and adventurers occasionally deliver monster meat, this isn't even close to the supplies this town requires.
No, it all has to be transported from the capital.
If Ekoras now rebels, the first thing that happens will be no more food deliveries.

 

"You see, I got a better offer from another side. In the future, deliveries will arrive from Siras, which is also where the troops will arrive from to deal with the remains in front of the walls." (Varros)

 

Fascinating that he's telling us all of this.
Not sure if the Lord of Siras would be fine with him spouting that out so directly.
Yet this means we're a bit at a time limit.
If we can open the gates before that happens, we might turn this around.
Liqu and I should at least be able to make something happen.
Otherwise, the people outside are going to be slaughtered.

 

"So, is this your plan? You're doing as instructed and now hope that my troop here won't be able to break through?" (Peras)

"I'm rather sure you won't. Gareth!" (Varros)

"Yes, my liege." (Gareth)

 

At this, another row of soldiers comes running down the stairs, taking position at their end, right behind this first line, while more gather around the flanks, brandishing spears.

 

"You are already surrounded! I had every single one of my guards come here! Your troop is fifteen to one at disadvantage! You cannot win!" (Varros)

"Hah. I wouldn't be all too sure about that." (Peras)

 

That look went right towards us.
Does this mean we should go all out now?
Liqu at least looks really anticipative.

 

"Sputter all you want! Gareth, you know what you have to do!" (Varros)

 

The man in question gives me a difficult to judge look.
But something isn't right here.
Why isn't the lord more concerned about our capabilities if Gareth has betrayed us?
Wouldn't he have been fully informed?
But even Gareth doesn't seem to mind us at all.

 

"Absolutely." (Gareth)

 

He steps one step before the second row and extends his arm.

 

"Guards! Deal with these traitors!" (Gareth)

 

I hold Liqu back a little longer.
If we already have to fight, it would be better to catch them by surprise, which means it will serve us best if the distance decreases a bit, so Liqu can store up.

Yet the attack doesn't come.

 

"Wh-wha-!? What is the meaning of this?! Gareth!" (Varros)

 

Two big guys in heavy armor just took hold of the lord's arms.
Okay, now I'm confused.

 

"My lord, I'm afraid I need to relieve you of your command." (Gareth)

"Gareth!? You can't be serious! Gareth!" (Varros)

"I'm afraid I am. You should know, I don't really see your arrangements working out in the long run. They never do. So I took it upon myself to ascertain the loyalty of the troops to the right side. It was quite the effort, I tell you, but ultimately, with the help of certain individuals, I was able to pull all the required key figures to my side." (Gareth)

"Why are you doing this, Gareth?! What did they promise to you? I, I will double!" (Varros)

"Offer? Hah, this is quite funny. Seriously, they didn't offer me a thing." (Gareth)

"Then why?! (Varros)

"Because sometimes 'nothing' is the best you can get." (Gareth)

"If you aren't getting anything out of this then there's no need to go that far!" (Varros)

"You see, when I started this job, I just said farewell to my adventurer life. It just got too dangerous. All the unpredictability, the dangers that could just get you killed, no matter how much you watch out for yourself, completely outrageous events all for the chance of finding what you're looking for. I've got enough of it. I only wanted a safe and quiet job, where I could do my thing to the best of my abilities and go home on time. But would you look at that! Apparently, I was so good that I was promoted over and over and within less than a year I became guard captain!" (Gareth)

"Yes! Wasn't I good to you?" (Varros)

"I wasn't quite done yet. You should be aware that I got the position in line of succession, as there's no other way this post would ever get free otherwise. Funny enough, the guy who would've by seniority succeeded him basically shoved this job onto me! Because anyone with a bit of a brain knows you don't live for long if you don't make friends with everyone who would otherwise send their assassins after you. All of this while still doing your job in some way, as otherwise you'll be the scapegoat for the upset people if everything burns at some point!" (Gareth)

 

Okay, yeah, that can make some people reconsider their careers.

The two guards deliver the lord now right to Gareth at the stairs.
Apparently, the guards at the stairs, as well as the flanks, know what is going on here, but the ones who initially opposed us look just as confused as I am at this display.
I mean, where can you see a guard captain look so menacingly down at his lord?

 

"Whack"

 

And he slaps him.

 

"Whack, whack, whack"

 

"Do you have any idea how hard it makes my job to cater up to every single immoral noble, ganglord, and even their extended family?!" (Gareth)

"Groan!" (Varros)

 

Maybe hold a little bit back?

 

"Watch him closely. When we get the chance, we'll bring him to the dungeon. I doubt he's going to fight back, not the type for that, but make sure the palace guard isn't going to choose sides and undertake any reckless measures. Use violence if necessary. We want to put them all to finished facts." (Gareth)

"Yes, sir!" (heavy guard)

"Good." (Gareth)

 

Then he walks down the stairs again, in our direction.

 

"Then there's just one last thing to take care of." (Gareth)

 

Yeah, sure.
No reason not to sound ominous, right?