Chapter 43: (2)
Haa.
Uncharacteristically for him, Murgai was lost in thought. He wondered if he was really the wrong one.
He thought that while he did say that he acknowledged the Baron, maybe he was being swept away by his jealousy toward him. He wondered if that was the reason why he had been steadfast in opposition to the idea. However, no matter how much he thought about it, he couldnte up with an answer.
The matter of cooperation this time. As expected, he was still unable to ept it somehow.
Its so not like me. It has been decided, so it cant be helped. Oh, crap. Its already about time to begin, huh I have to pull myself together. Now that things havee this, Ill just do what I have to do.
He stood up briskly, as if to blow away his worries. And then headed to the za once again.
What in the world is.
The horned tribe members gathered in the za were in a tizzy. In the midst of this, Baron Almond, who was participating in the event, spoke to the Patriarch.
Patriarch. The air has be somewhat unusual here, is there something the matter?
The air among the horned tribe was filled with anxiety. The Baron, who looked no different from usual, asked as such.
Normally, the new barrier should be erected right away, but.
Hmm, you mean the barrier isnt erected again? I see, it seems that everything went smoothly.
The baron smiled broadly, while the patriarch looked at him suspiciously.
What do you mean by that?
Actually, once were done with this event, I thought about offering you avish congrattion. As a treat, Ive ordered arge amount of wine and food to be brought over for you to enjoy.
What on earth are you talking about? To begin with, I heard nothing about it.
The Baron continued his exnation with a rxed expression.
Worry not. Its not something worthy of the trouble of telling the patriarch. At least, I believed that was the case. However, Ive properly asked her to lend me a hand.
The barons gaze turned toward Shijimi, who was showing aplicated expression.
U, umm I thought about giving you all a surprise, so. Ehehe..
Shijimi smiled awkwardly.
What have you done so deliberately, Shijimi? No, lets leave this matter aside for the time being. Baron-sama, now isnt the time for this, we can discuss about this matter againter.
Even as the patriarch harbored some suspicions toward the baron, who brought up such an unrted matter out of the blue, he tried to end the discussion. However, the baron continued to speak without being concerned about it in the slightest.
The story isnt over yet, you know? Moreover, I think this has a lot to do with the urrence that is happening right now. That because the contents of the goods I ordered to be brought here, it has for some reason been switched with my soldiers.
What did you say?
Then the Barons soldiers arrived.
Sir, weve intercepted the one who was trying to set up the barrier. Also, please ept this.
The objects the soldier was handing over to the baron were several horns. Those were the source of the powerful barrier that protected the vige. The horns were left behind by the deceased members of the horned tribe. So it could be said that the horned tribe had been indirectly watched over by their predecessors.
I see. So this is the true nature of the barrier. But still, since they can erect such a powerful barrier with these, it looks that the horns of the horned tribe would be able to generate an enormous amount of wealth, after all.
With the horns in his hand, the Baron smiled ear to ear. Seeing such a reaction of his, perhaps finally realizing the situation, the Patriarch fell into rage.
You you tricked us, didnt you?! Return the ns treasure at once!
He was about to jump at the Baron, but a soldier, who had appeared before he noticed it, stood in his way.
As the barrier has vanished, the soldiers that had been on standby at the forest are already on the move. Its only a matter of time before they encircle this area.
The Barons smile turned into a crooked grin.
Its okay, theres nothing to worry about. All youll have to do is move into the housing Ive prepared for you. Well, we normally call it a ranch, though.
With the Patriarch as the beginning, one after another, the rest of the n members assembled there realized it. There was nothing they could do about it. However, there was one person who didnt realize, no, didnt want to realize what was going on.
Its a lie. Its a lie, isnt it, Baron-sama? You said you wanted to get along with the n. You said you wanted to enrich the n.
Shijimi tottered unsteadily toward the baron. Still with an ugly smile on his face, the Baron said to her.
Oh, yes, I did. Lets get along, shall we? Ill be sure to manage, raise, and breed you with care.
No! Thats not it! Thats not it, isnt it?! I wont agree with something like that!
The Barons eyes were filled with contempt.
Yeah, I bet you wont. Thats why Ill have you to help me for thest time. To convince your n, Ill have you die here.
Wha, what are you talking about.?
Still with a smile on his face, the Baron turned to the Patriarch.
Patriarch. I know you and your n are not convinced with this. However, we cant just let you go either. But putting our longsting rtionship from now on into consideration, I dont feelfortable simply forcing the matter to you. Thats why, as unworthy as it may be, let me help easing your spirits a little.
The soldiers surrounded Shijimi.
By executing the traitor who has sold out your n.
The patriarch was about to speak up and stop them, but restrained himself in the end. The current predicament was undoubtedly the result of her indiscretion.
And then, he also realized that he had been no less foolish. Because he had forcefully pushed the event ahead of the scheduled time due to his wish to make his son his sessor. In the end, however, his son himself was opposed to the idea, and as his wish was left unfulfilled, he had no choice but to do what he could do, but everything wound up with the current situation. He realized that he too was another fool who deserved to be executed. Before he knew it, tears were trickling down his face.
Are you certain about this? She has been very obedient to you, Baron-sama. So I thought there might still be some use of her.
One of the attendants whispered to the Baron.
Hmm. A traitor you see, you have to first treat them well until they aplish their purpose, but then they have to be promptly dealt with right after, thats the basics. Such a dim witted thing. Id rather avoid her being taken advantage of by someone, and stab me in the backter.
The attendant bowed his head and quietly stepped back. He was simply asking to make sure, as the attendant himself appeared to be not too concerned about her.
After all, to them, the horned tribe was merely an object of value. That was all there was to it.
Do it!
At the Baronsmand, the soldiers surrounding Shijimi set up theirnces. Quite a lot of soldiers had already gathered and restrained the n members there. There was no one who could do anything to stop it now. And then, just as the execution was about to take ce