Chapter Two: The Difference Between a Kettle And a Brain (Pt.16)

We have just discussed how to go, and we decided to ride. I don't know why we have to ride, but Sanson insisted to do so.

So now Karl and I are riding along the main road of Renus City, between us are the eight soldiers walking in two columns. Ah, we are on the horses and the soldiers are walking on foot, although we didn't lock these soldiers up, it looks exactly like what captives transfer looks. The could be what Sanson tried to achieve.

I glimpsed that the soldiers' faces all turned red, and they are walking with their heads down, not looking up nor looking around. However, the citizens in Renus City can see us clearly. People are whispering.

"Hey, aren't those Baron Silikian's guards?"

"Really, why are they like this?"

"The lad riding on the horse is that kid this morning! He cut the troll's neck...."

Karl looked around and unwittingly blushed, he murmured:

"Ah, we are really like going to a exchange of prisoners."

"Huh? You're right! Karl! Good analogy!"

I tried hard to make an awesome expression. Although I hope Jamini can walk elegantly, but Jamini is just like walking in the fields, more like shuffling, which makes me really unhappy. Ah, forget about it.

Jamini is Jamini. Regardless it's the horse or the human.

And Sanson is at the back of the soldiers. He let Iruril to ride his horse "Meteor", and he is grabbing the reins and walking on the ground. Iruril with a very worried tone asked him to ride together, but Sanson firmly refused.

And further behind are Cherine and the servants of the hostel. We asked them not to come, but Cherine said we are their guests, so he has to be responsible in the end.

"Perhaps when that Baron saw your number, he'd do it hard. Once you enter the house, it could be difficult to come out again. Though we are unable protect you, at least when the Baron see we have so many people, he would probably not imprison you deliberately. "

Cherine said those words, and led the people to follow us. One of the few passers watching us shouted:

"You see! What've they done?"

That leader Hanster immediately shouted back:

"You stupid pig! These people killed the trolls, of course they will need to pay compensation. Now we are escorting them to the Baron."

I almost fell from my horse, Karl, Sanson and Iruil are also laughing. The passer spitted and scratched his head:

"Bah! What, you said who is escorting who?"

People began to laugh. Ah, riding a horse does have many benefits. Hanster viciously clenched his fists, but because he is empty-handed, he can't do anything. All their halberds have been broken by me.

By the way, I really feel very uncomfortable. I constantly think of that Archmage Aphnaidel. What kind of person is he? Tyburn can summon Balrog, then this Archmage might be able to summon a dragon?

"Hanster, excuse me, what kind of person is this Aphnaidel?"

Hanster looked up at me unhappily, then winced and said.

"He's not human being. He is very frightening."

"He's that scary?"

"If I were you, I would only go to deal with him when I want to die...."

Hanster hasn't finished his words yet, his body began to tremble incessantly, my whole mood turned worse. We punched the men of the horrible Archmage, and now we are bringing them back like this, uh, this isn't good.

※ ※ ※

We finally arrived Baron Silikian's mansion. It's a very majestic mansion, but there is no time to look at it. As compared to the mansion, I found a more attractive picture which drew my attention.

On the courtyard in front of the mansion, there is a shed, under the shed there is a red carpet. A very ornate chair is placed on the carpet, and someone is sitting on it, I don't know whether he's the Baron or not, but he seems to know we are coming, and is waiting here. Although he is wearing gorgeous clothes, those clothes look too expensive that make people afraid to eat as if they would dirty the clothes. A servant is kneeling and holding a bowl, something like biscuits is in it. He has been constantly eating. Really terrible!

Beside him there is a man in robe, holding a wooden stick, impatiently looking at the sky. When I saw this robe on this man, I thought of Tyburn's. Tyburn's robe is kind of a functional clothing that you can even sleep in it. But now looking at this robe, it's completely like shouting at people: "I am an Archmage!" If not, why it's all painted with stars and sparks patterns? Maybe this man is the Archmage Aphnaidel. I would like to look at this man's face, but he has been looking at the sky, so I can't have a clear look. However, he is unexpectedly young. I thought grand mages should all be elderly. On their left and right sides, they are lined with soldiers wearing chainmail and halberd, about thirty or so.

Because the main gate is opened, we can walk directly into the courtyard. Behind us are Cherine and his servants, as well as curious citizens. Once the citizens noticed that the Baron and the Archmage are there, they began to get excited. The crowd is getting louder and louder.

I sighed and talked to the soldiers:

"Well, your men are there, do you want to stand next to them?"

But those soldiers' faces are covered with fear, they hesitated to go back. What? How could this be? The leader Hanster stammered:

"We... We are dead! Aphnaidel the Archmage is there......"

At this time, the Baron sitting on the chair made a gesture to retreat the servants, he began:

"Welcome to my house, my guests!"

Karl looked at me and got down from the horse, Iruril behind also dismounted. Then Sanson and Iruruil walked over. The baron nodded.

"Three men, one elf. Right!"

"So you're the Baron Silikian, owner of the arena?"

I asked. The baron's temple twitched, he said:

"Owner of the arena? Yes, I am Baron Silikian."

"I heard that you are a fake baron?"

The baron seems to explode soon. My mouth can just tell truth, so I can't help even if it makes him unhappy. Baron Silikian didn't shout at me, but looked at someone behind me.

"Hanster!"

Hanster with a desperate look came forward, suddenly knelt down. Baron Silikian said:

"How come I can't see the compensation? What is it? Why does this guy dare to be so presumptuous here?"

"We were ambushed! Once we arrived at the hostel, they set things up with Cherine, the owner of the hostel, and ambushed us! So they got our equipment...."

I couldn't hold my laughter. So stupid! Please think about the situation before you lie, how could he be so stupid? Baron Silikian's face is twitching, looking angrily at Hanster, until Hanster couldn't stand anymore. He began desperately kowtowing.

"Are you trying to fool me?"

"I deserve death, please forgive..."

"You really deserve death."

Hanster raised his head desperately. But the baron'eyes have turned to the Archmage. I stepped back a little.

Aphnaidel's eyes which have been looking at the sky, are now looking down at Hanster. Hanster's face is already half-dead. He fell and sat on the ground and kept crawling back.

"Help ...... Please forgive me!"

Aphnaidel put his hand into his robe, and then took something out carefully. He is now holding a black rope.

"Scream. Let's see if you still have any living value, Hanster!"

Aphnaidel's voice is cold. He threw the rope to Hanster.

"Uh ah!!!"

As if seeing a snake flying over, Hanster is screaming in horror, and began waving his arms. What? He is afraid of rope? Aphnaidel began muttering. Just like those random unknown words from Tyburn, and then said quickly:

"Bind! Tie & Knot!"

The rope flying over seems to come alive, it's now crawling around Hanster's body and wrapping his neck. Hanster in order to prevent the rope from tightening around his neck, is desperately clutching both ends of it, but he can only try his best to stop it, but there is no way to rip it off.

Hanster has flushed.

Aphnaidel again took out something like powder from his robe. He sprayed it over to Hanster, and cast another  spell.

"Rope Trick!"

At that moment, one end of the rope wrapped Hanster's neck began going up towards the sky, the other end stood stiffly on the ground. Then, Hanster because of his body weight, got the rope tighten on his neck.

"Uh, uh ahhhhh!"

God, so he is going to die! Whether that guy is a scary Archmage or not, I can't stand it anymore.

"Hey, what are you doing!"

Before I yelled, Iruril had already taken action. I saw Iruril's brunette. She ran towards Hanster, and then raised her left hand dagger and cut rope. A crash.

Huh? Isn't that a rope? Iruril embarrassingly looked at Aphnaidel, she wanted to help Hanster. However the upper end and the lower end of the rope are like tightly pulled, so Hanster's body is lifted naturally, his neck is hence tightened. Aphnaidel mockied:

"That is not a normal rope, silly elf...."

Chapter Two: The Difference Between a Kettle And a Brain (Pt.14)

I really don't know how did I arrive the hostel. Anyway, after I arrived, Jusina's brother, that beardy , walked to the entrance. He saw my appearance and widened his eyes.

"Jusina told me... Sir, please wait a minute."

"Ah?"

That beardy lifted me up. What's going on?

"Well, just a little sprain! I would feel embarrassed if you do this!"

That beardy just moved me upstairs like this, Karl, Sanson, and Iruril also followed. After we entered the hostel, he brought me into a room next to the dining hall. It should be his room.

He put me on a table and checked my feet. He pressed my legs, and then asked:

"Does it hurt?"

"Well, why don't you look at my face?"

"Ha, it's swollen. The bones are not broken.... Probably cracked."

Iruril then went out. After a while, Iruril came back with something on her hand. I feel like I have seen that thing before? Ah, it looks the bottle of medicine that was given to the Urcs.

"Drink it, Huchi."

"Does it work for broken legs?"

"Well, haven't you seen that this even heals huge wounds?"

I nodded, then took the bottle and took a sip. The beardy is startled, looking at Iruril. But soon, the pain on my legs subsided completely. I jumped down from the table happily.

"Oops, I made the table dirty."

"Ah that, that doesn't matter, I'll clean it up. But how is your leg?"

"It doesn't hurt anymore. But I'd need to take a bath. I am really making a mess in this hostel."

"Jusina is preparing the bath water. Please come with me."

Oh, so she ran back to prepare for these! Very nice. I should really thank her. Strange. Impressive.

※ ※ ※

After a while, I cleaned my body and changed clothes, and then neatly sitting in the hall. Everyone else also gathered together. Each of us ordered a beer. Later that beardy also sat down at our table. His name is Cherine. I was shocked when he mentioned he is the owner of this hostel.

Beardy Cherine nodded and said:

"It was my father's, but he died last year, then I took it over and operate this hostel. Mother is living in another place in the urban area, she is not interested in business. When father was here, I was the chef, Jusina is responsible for accounting and cashier, so I usually just cook. "

"Jusina seems very capable."

Then Karl asked a question:

"But why could there be a sudden appearance of trolls?"

Cherine seriously thought.

"I am not sure as I didn't see it. They might escape from the arena. I have sent someone to ask for it."

"Arena?"

"Yes, there is an arena in this city. I've heard that there are a few trolls, so it could be them."

What is Arena? That halfing name Butter Duhon also mentioned that yesterday, but I am still looking at Sanson confusedly, Sanson also has no idea. So I asked Cherine.

"Arena, what is arena?"

"It's a place for fighting. Sometimes it could be soldiers against soldiers, and sometimes it could be soldiers against monsters."

"For what?"

Cherine looked at me with a surprised face and said.

"Of course it's for show. Also for gambling. You can bet on the result."

"What?"

We are all startled. For show? I fought against the phantom monsters summoned by Tyburn, the villagers were watching, like that right? However, those were phantoms, like acting. But those trolls just now were real.

"They fight against real monsters? They could die then?"

"Yes, they could die."

Sanson said unbelievably.

"What? People actually do crazy things like this. What kind of persons will fight there?"

"Some professional fighters.... They are usually poor.  And you can get a lot of money if you win."

"What is that, they risk their life just to make money?"

"Some people do."

Karl interrupted and said.

"But are there a lot of them? Although there should be a lot, that's why the arena can continue its business, I thought there shouldn't be many people who would give up their life to make money. And for a great warrior, regardless of how good he is, he won't define himself in this way."

Sanson made a proud expression. Karl said, like a seasoned warrior.

Cherine flashed an unhappy expression on his face. His beard obscured and we can't see clearly, but his eyes are clearly angry. Cherine said with an impatient voice.

"Have you ever heard of usury?"

Usury? That is a high interest rate loan, isn't that? But why did he suddenly mention that? Karl, however, frowned and said:

"So... The owner asks the warriors to fight in the arena, in order to cover their debts?"

"Exactly!"

"Huh! Does the Municipal Government allow this?"

"That man is very powerful. He bribed all the council staffs. Even the mayor, if he dares to do anything, he will be replaced. This is a public secret here. Even the guards of this city are like the private army of that man. He also has very powerful personal guards."

"Oh my god!"

Outrageous!

I probably know what happens here. So he would lend money to the people who need it urgently, and when they have no way to afford the extremely high interest rate, they would have to fight in the arena. He doesn't have to pay them even if they win, as they owe him the money. If they lose, of course he doesn't care. He can also make the money through the bets. Rationally I can generally understand, but I still feel incredible about that. Asking people to give up their life to pay for the debt? What is wrong with his head?


※ ※ ※

Noises suddenly came from the entrance, that's the sound of shoes stepping on the floor. Sanson tilted his head:

"What is that noise?"

Cherine looks worried, he seems to already know what the noise. After a while, eight fully armed soldiers walked into the lobby, all wearing a chain mail and holding a halberd. Nice equipment! Jusina behind tried to stop them.

"We have guests here, what are you doing?"

But those soldiers didn't even listen. Are they the guards of this city? However, Cherine said:

"They are the mercenaries I just mentioned."

What? Mercenaries are such fully armed? The Guard Captain of our thane, Sanson, looked down at his crusty armor unbelievably. Those guys looked around, and then came toward us.

"Cherine, here they are?"

Cherine gloomily nodded. Then the soldier said.

"Good. We are the soldiers of Baron Siliken. Did you guys kill the trolls?"

Baron Siliken? A nobility? Sanson nodded and said:

"What's wrong?"

"The price of a troll is 200 Purcell, so that's a total of 600 Purcell. Pay for the compensation."

I don't think I got it wrong, because Sanson is also surprised to look up at the soldiers. Karl and Iruril also did the same action. Sanson is puzzled and asked:

"Wait a minute. You asked us to pay for it?"

"Otherwise who is going to pay?"

"We helped to kill the trolls, but you didn't even say a single thank you, or give us some bonus, yet you want us to pay?"

"Scum! We use them to make money!"

The soldiers impatiently looked down, and kicked Sanson's calf bone. Sanson reluctantly kept silence, followed by fire sparks in his eyes. He angrily stood up. I stood up at the same time.

"What did you just do?"

"I told you scums to mind your behaviors."

"Scum? I am the soldier of the dignified Viscount Haltent, The Guard Captain of Fief Haltent, Sanson Percival. What did you just do to me?"

The soldiers heard the word 'dignified', issued contemptuous jeers.

"What is it so dignified about a Viscount? Which countryside village are you from? Do you know what kind of situation are you in right now?"

"Those guys from bandit villages are really troublesome. Their brains don't function properly. Pathetic. "

"He could be serving some kind of a Bandit leader deep in a mountain... Bah!"

Seems like the identity of Sanson is very funny, they are all laughing at it. This surprised Sanson that he even forgot his anger. The soldier kicked Sanson's leg again, completely treats Sanson as his own subordinates. Sanson made a groan, and bent over. The soldier is even trying to hit Sanson with the tail of his halberd.

He did not succeed. Because I grabbed the halberd. The soldier made a grim expression.

"Who is this kid?"

He tried to pull back his halberd, although I am just grabbing it with one hand, he couldn't get it back with both of his hands. Until I spin the halberd, he had to release his hands. Before he changed his face again, I held the halberd with both of my hands.

"Then how much is this?"

"What?"

I broke the halberd into two halves. The soldiers' faces are showing that they are shocked. I again held the two halves of the broken halberd in my hands, broke them into hour parts. I threw four broken parts back to the soldier, and said:

"And how much are you?"

The soldiers's surprise finally turned to fear. I said grimly:

"If I kill you all, how much do I have to pay?"

The soldier who had its halberd broken took a step back, the other soldiers are all retreating backwards. I am so angry, moved my hand to my shoulder, wanted to pull out my bastard sword. But I didn't equip my sword after shower.

Sanson drew his sword, said lowly:

"Let's go outside!"

Looks like Sanson considered about Cherine's position. The soldiers are hesitated to move backwards. They also seem to think fighting with halberd in a room is a disadvantage. They went back a few steps out and fled outside. Sanson breathlessly followed them. Karl stopped him.

"Well, Percival, what are you planning to do?"

"Our thane is insulted, insulted by the men of a Baron. We don't even know if he is a real Baron. Cherine? That Siliken, is he really a Baron?"

"How would men of a Baron behave like that?"

"I knew it, a fake Baron. We'll see!"

"But are you going to fight with so many people alone?"

"Death could occur anywhere anytime, but it's not easy to have the chance to choose when and where to die. So if I have the chance to choose, I am willing to die."

Sanson said these weird words and then walked out. I hurriedly ran to the second floor. There is no time to put the armor on, I just grabbed my sword and then rushed downstairs. Sanson and the eight men of that fake Baron are already standing outside the hostel, confronting with each other.