LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 79: Intruders
Around the same time that Olivia was performing the offering dance, several hundred knights had arrived at the border between the barony of Scarletford and the marquisate of Southberry.
The leader of this group was Theodore.
Theodore stood in front of a warning sign, noticing that a new message had been added.
“…’Armed individuals will be regarded as enemies and eliminated. No guarantee of life.'”
Theodore read the new text, his expression hardening. Seeing this, Montague reluctantly asked Theodore,
“Lord Theodore, what do you intend to do?”
“Naturally, we will push forward. My lord’s command is absolute.”
“Understood…”
Montague, with clear reluctance, gave his approval.
“Listen up! Our objective is to ensure the safety of Baroness of Scarletford. Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding with our lord, the baroness currently holds hostility towards us. However, our lord wishes to resolve this misunderstanding. Understood?”
“Yes, sir!”
“Good. The baroness is a black-haired, black-eyed girl who uses unknown magic. Her magic restricts movement, so distract her from the front and capture her from behind. You may attack, but do not kill or injure her.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Then, go!”
The knights split into groups of about five and spread out. Only Theodore’s main force remained, numbering around a hundred.
“We shall proceed as well.”
“Yes, sir.”
Theodore’s group crossed the small river and intruded into Scarletford’s territory.
Some of the scattered groups advanced along the river without crossing it. Soon, a two-meter-tall dirt wall appeared on the other side.
At first glance, it looked like a levee, but it was unreinforced with stone, indicating that it would easily wash away in heavy rain.
“What is that?”
“Who knows? It’s unclear how far it goes, so let’s cross while we can.”
“Agreed.”
The knights crossed the river and maneuvered to the far side of the wall, which had a gentle incline, making it easy to climb up.
“…What is this?”
“Could it be a dam?”
“Seems strange, though, doesn’t it? Building a dam in such a remote area…”
“Maybe they planned to turn this place into farmland?”
“In the middle of a cursed forest like this—ugh!”
Suddenly, the knight leading the way groaned, looking down.
There, in the exact gap of his right knee armor, a black bone with a horn protruding from its head was lodged.
Yes, the lurking skeletons of horned rabbits had launched an attack.
“What is this!? Urgh!”
“Argh!”
“Gah!”
The other knights groaned as well, black bones of horned animals lodged in the various gaps of their armor.
Clanking sounds echoed.
Goblin skeletons emerged from behind the trees, each wielding a dagger.
“Eek!”
“W-what are those!?”
“Urgh!”
Though terrified, the knights grimaced as the horned rabbit skeletons withdrew, causing even more pain.
Taking advantage of this, the goblin skeletons approached and ruthlessly drove their daggers into the knights’ faces.
Meanwhile, another group was sprinting through the forest toward Scarletford, having crossed the river and traveling several hundred meters from the main road. They were lightly armed to prioritize mobility, moving swiftly through the brush toward their destination.
But suddenly, the ground beneath them gave way.
“What?”
“Ahhh!”
It was a pit trap, with sharpened stakes packed closely together at the bottom.
They fell, impaling themselves on the stakes one by one.
The main force led by Theodore advanced along the remnants of the old road, and by nightfall, they reached a point where they could see Scarletford’s city walls.
From here, there was a hundred-meter stretch where the trees had been cleared, leaving no place to hide.
“Lord Theodore, what shall we do? The scouts haven’t returned…”
“No matter. We will break through from the front. Our last encounter confirmed that Scarletford lacks adequate forces. Our only concern is the Baroness of Scarletford. Wait for the moon to set, then prepare to breach the moat.”
“Yes, sir!”
As preparations were underway, the moon sank below the horizon.
“Ugh. Useless fools. Not one of them made it to Scarletford.”
Theodore cursed quietly.
“Should we search for the scouts?”
“No, unnecessary. We will proceed as planned. Lord Montague, I assign you to secure the Baroness of Scarletford.”
“Understood! Leave it to me.”
“We will force our way through. Only two nobles remain in Scarletford. You may kill as many others as you wish! Move out!”
“Yes, sir!”
With this command, Theodore’s forces emerged from the forest. At the forefront, they pushed a cart carrying an unusually long, wooden plank.
They reached the moat, pushing the plank forward. It floated on the water and extended to the opposite bank.
The first lightly armored knight quickly crossed the plank, reaching the other side and securing it with practiced ease.
The temporary bridge was complete.
“Go.”
The knights began crossing the bridge, and as they did, an ear-splitting alarm rang out!
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