Preparation
Translated by GXYRU
Edited by GXYRU
After finishing the cleanup, we resumed our journey. Zeke’s guards ride on the no-corns that are keeping an eye on Blast. Well, we can’t borrow Barn or the female guards, so it’s only natural that we choose Zeke’s guards, even if it’s not an intentional choice.
With a speed of 80 km/h, we arrive at the villa before 2 PM. It would normally take a full day on regular horses, but these no-corns are truly impressive.
The royal villa is situated by a lake surrounded by a forest. It’s more like a castle than a villa, considering it’s used by the royal family. Jeffrey Valentine, an elderly knight, is in charge of managing the villa. There are also around ten maids and servants who welcome us. Of course, they’re not just ordinary maids and servants; they serve as guards for the royal family too. Although they’re not specialized in combat, they have decent levels.
I forgot to mention that the two maids accompanying Erik are of the same type. Vera with blue hair and Isha with flaxen hair. They give off the vibe of capable women and are like Erik’s personal aides.
After having a late lunch at the villa, we all go for a stroll. My purpose is to assess the surroundings. The only things around the villa are the lake and the forest. There’s no one else here since it’s a territory directly managed by the royal family, inaccessible to the general public.
“Hey, look! There’s a squirrel over there!”
“Really? Where?”
“Over by that big tree trunk.”
“Oh, I see it… How adorable!”
The three girls from the capital enjoy their forest walk. My ‘Search’ skill detected some monster responses nearby, but they’re all at a level that anyone here could easily defeat. It seems there are no ferocious monsters suddenly attacking us.
Anyway, putting aside the monsters. The environment of this villa is practically inviting attackers. The forest provides cover for lurking, and since there’s no one else around, any attack wouldn’t be detected by the general public. Moreover, since one side of the villa faces the lake, the retreat options are limited.
If I were to launch an attack, how would I do it? I simulate all possible scenarios in my mind. Erik and the intelligence department have probably already considered various possibilities, but I’ve been an adventurer for eight years, not just focused on dungeon conquests. As we finish our stroll and return to the villa, I decide to have a mock battle with Barn, as I had promised.
I’ve considered all potential situations and I’m prepared for anything. Now, I just have to wait for them to make their move. Barn said to fight him with enough force that he won’t die, but of course, that was just a joke.
After our mock battle, Barn looks satisfied and says, “Hey, best friend… You’re quite something. That’s the Arius I know.”
Well, that’s because I’m not even close to giving my all.
Chapter 53: Preparation
“Barn, you should take your training more seriously. You’re wasting your impressive physical abilities,” I say to Barn, who is one of the target characters in ‘Love Studies Koigaku.’ His stats are high, but he seems content with just his physical prowess and lacks the necessary technique.
“If you train seriously, I think you can become stronger. How about we go to the Academy’s dungeon together once we return to the capital? You can apply to enter the dungeon even outside of training sessions,” I suggest, knowing that Barn isn’t the type to be dedicated to strict training. First, he needs to experience the importance of skill in actual combat.
“Hey, best friend… Are you doing all this for me?” Barn tries to hug my shoulder with an intense look, but I naturally dodge it.
“Well, I can accompany you to the dungeon occasionally,” I reply.
I considered personally training Barn, but if he loses to me in a mock battle and learns nothing from it, then there’s no point. It’s better to let him experience defeat against an opponent he believes he can beat. The academy’s dungeon even has monsters in their 50s on the lowest floor, which should be enough to teach him a lesson.
Before going to the academy’s dungeon, we have to stop Duke Jordan’s attack. The intelligence department interrogated Blast but didn’t find any information about other attackers. Blast seems like the type to charge in alone, not even considering cooperating with others.
I didn’t expect much information from Blast, so I was prepared for the lack of it. I’ll do what I can.
While the attacking side can choose their timing to strike, we have to be prepared for an attack at all times, which gives them an advantage. However, that doesn’t mean we should stay awake all the time, waiting for them. That would be exhausting and play into their hands.
Erik confirmed that his guards and members of the intelligence department take turns for night watch duty, allowing everyone else to rest. I can stay awake for about two days without any issues. I’ll pretend to be sleeping, though, to avoid worrying others. As long as I can protect everyone, it’ll be fine.
But Erik’s main goal is to crush Duke Jordan. “I think the Duke himself will participate in the attack. He’s that kind of person,” Erik said.
Duke Jordan isn’t the type to show off his martial prowess, so participating in the attack won’t add much to their strength. It seems more like an emotionally driven decision, showing how much Erik has cornered him. Dealing with emotionally unpredictable opponents can be troublesome, but I’ve dealt with such people before.
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