The Founding Monarch Became the Mastermind

Chapter 22

“Is this really going to be okay?”

“I have no idea.”

Robin, 31 years old, and Miska, 21 years old, were sitting in the supply wagon, chatting quietly.

“Damn it. I should’ve worked harder on learning mounted combat. If I had, I would’ve gone with Captain Stelman.”

“Robin, you should be grateful that the employer even accepted you this time, right? And fighting on horseback isn’t exactly easy, you know?”

“You’ve got a point. But still, Miska, what have you been doing all this time? You’ve been at it for five years.”

“It’s been six years, actually. Besides, I don’t even have a horse, you know? Do you think buying a decent warhorse comes cheap?”

“Tch. Yeah, that’s true.”

Robin, who looked ten years older than his actual age, scratched his head roughly, making the other mercenaries walking behind the wagon snicker.

“Just from their looks, you’d think this guy’s the veteran and the other’s just a rookie who can barely swing a sword.”

“The old one’s only been at it three years, and the rookie’s been in for six. What a twist.”

Robin, 31 years old, used to be a farmer who plowed fields and tended sheep until monsters ruined his life a few years ago.

He found his calling late and became a mercenary.

On the other hand, Miska was an orphan who had been doing odd jobs for the Janstrick Mercenary Group since childhood.

Right after his coming-of-age ceremony at fifteen, he passed the formal test and officially joined, being a true member of Janstrick from the bone.

Despite having nothing in common, the two became close, sticking together like uncle and nephew after discovering they were born in the same hometown by chance.

“Anyway, what do you guys think? Do you think it’s really okay to be separated from the captain and fight under the employer’s command?”

Though Robin had been with Janstrick Mercenary Group for three years, he only had one experience of “troops versus troops” combat, having mostly done monster hunts, escort missions, and small-scale confrontations with bandits and highwaymen.

That’s why he was uneasy.

Of all things, he feared his first proper experience might be under this young employer who, despite his imposing build and equipment, had uncertain experience and skills—not with Stelman, who was practically Janstrick himself.

And failing this type of first experience often had life-or-death consequences.

“I think it’s fine. Captain Stelman isn’t just anybody. I’ve never seen him treat anyone with such respect as he does the employer.”

“Yeah. It’s like he’d lick his toes if he could.”

“Maybe he’s being so respectful because the employer paid such a hefty compensation?”

“Right? If I got half of what the employer spent on compensation, I’d be licking more than his toes.”

Miska’s comment made the other mercenaries burst into laughter.

“That’s an insane amount of money that’d make Miska lick anything, but our captain isn’t someone who’d suck up just for cash. Also, this is something I heard from the young master.”

The mercenary continued, mentioning the noble young man who always accompanied their young employer.

“I heard our employer spent several years exploring the Dragon Wasteland. And he did it alone.”

“What!?”

“That’s impossible, nobody just walks out of the Dragon Wasteland.”

Seeing Miska not even considering the possibility, the mercenary continued with frustration.

“I’m serious! According to the young master, the two horses our employer rides were bought as a birthday present for him. But as it turns out…”

As the mercenary excitedly revealed the story between Si-on and Piotr, Miska’s expression slowly transformed into one of surprise.

“…So when they asked the Information Guild, it turns out he really had been in the Dragon Wasteland for several years before coming back. Our employer isn’t just any ordinary person.”

“Wow…”

“Even if that’s true, combat is a whole different story, right? The guys who went with the captain trained like hell, but even they don’t have much experience fighting against an organized army.”

“So, do you think they’ll lose?”

“No way.”

Miska’s nonchalant gaze instantly sharpened.

Having spent half his 21 years with Janstrick, Miska’s trust in Stelman and the mercenary group was absolute.

“That’s why I’m saying it. If Captain Stelman believes in him, then we should, too. And when’s the most embarrassing time for us?”

“When we don’t earn our pay.”

The words came out simultaneously.

“That’s right. So, let’s make sure we earn our pay.”

Though they weren’t participating in a territorial battle, the mercenaries reignited their fighting spirit, recalling the ironclad rule that had sustained Janstrick’s reputation as one of the top mercenary groups in Alphmarine.

At that moment, the wagon slowed down, signaling that they had arrived at their destination.

“We’re here.”

“Everyone disembark! Line up!”

At the command of the most senior mercenary, those on the three wagons and those following behind quickly gathered in formation.

Si-on was satisfied with the discipline that even most regular troops didn’t possess.

“Listen up, everyone. We’re going to park the wagons here, there, and over there. Make sure the horses are tied securely behind the wagons so they don’t run off.”

Though they weren’t sure of the reason, the mercenaries diligently followed the orders.

In just a few minutes, the three wagons were positioned to form a circle, and Si-on leaped onto the wagon in the center.

“I know you’re probably wondering why you’ve been separated from Captain Stelman and what the hell is going on. More than anything, you’re probably annoyed and puzzled about why the already small force was divided.”

A few veteran mercenaries flinched and averted their gazes at Si-on’s words.

“However! Despite that, you didn’t express your displeasure and followed orders. That’s why Janstrick stands out as the best among the men of the Northeast. I’m impressed.”

Just like those who bore the same name and banner decades ago, the men now standing before Si-on were also responsible Northeastern men of the highest caliber.

Si-on continued, speaking to the mercenaries whose chests puffed up with pride from their employer’s praise.

“So, let’s get straight to the point since time is of the essence. Here, you’ll serve as the bait and the anvil.”

“…!?”

What did he just say?

They were to act as bait with fewer than twenty men against an incoming force of 200?

“You’re probably thinking your employer’s lost his mind. But don’t worry. The ones you’ll be luring in as bait are Jetman’s cavalry.”

‘Isn’t that the same thing?’

‘Wait, is he asking us to go up against cavalry? Is this some kind of new suicide method?’

“You there.”

“Yes? Y-Yes, sir!”

Miska, who had been staring at Si-on as if he were crazy, flinched when he was singled out and quickly responded.

“Go in front of the wagon. Run.”

“Yes, sir.”

Cursing inwardly, Miska ran quickly toward the area surrounded by the three wagons.

“Huh?”

But once he got there, Miska found himself stumbling as he frowned and tried to steady himself.

“How is it? Easy to move?”

“Well… not really, but if I put in some effort, it’s manageable.”

“Right. Now, what if you were told to fight there?”

“It’s a bit uncomfortable, but I think I could manage since the enemy would be in the same situation.”

“What if a tired horse were to enter?”

“A horse? It’d be… oh?”

Si-on turned his gaze from Miska, who seemed to have realized something, to the other mercenaries, who appeared to have also figured it out.

“Jetman’s cavalry numbers fewer than 20. If they’re out of the picture, the rest of their troops are ones your captain and comrades can easily handle. What? Two hundred men, you say? Does it matter if they have 200 or 300 of those ragtag, ill-trained Jetman scum who were rounded up from who-knows-where?”

“No, it doesn’t!”

“Those bastards couldn’t even handle the village stray dogs; they’ve probably just been messing around under women’s skirts!”

As laughter spread among the group, Si-on let out a chuckle and continued.

“Honestly, I bet they couldn’t even handle that. They’d be lucky if they haven’t been slapped around. Who knows, some of them might’ve already gotten their balls smashed.”

Hahaha!

The mercenaries roared with laughter at the royal’s dirty joke.

Once the laughter died down, Si-on jumped down from the wagon, mounted his horse, and shouted.

“The cavalry will be lured by me and this guy! The rest is up to you. Oh, and set up some ropes or obstacles at the entrance over there. They should be effective against the first few that come in.”

“Yes, sir!”

“Good. I trust you won’t have trouble dealing with men on horses that can’t even charge or run properly.”

With that, Si-on turned his horse and rode back in the direction they had come from, Piotr following closely behind.

“Lances! Get your lances ready!”

“Set up some ropes over there. Cut some grass to cover them so they won’t be seen.”

“There’ll be knights among them, so use maces instead of swords!”

Behind Si-on, the shouts of mercenaries preparing for battle echoed.

***

“Sir Erwin, my men

are exhausted. Can’t we rest for a bit?”

“Our brothers are the same. Let’s take a break.”

“It’s been over three hours without rest. This is ridiculous. Don’t you think you’re pushing it too hard?”

Led by three captains of sizable mercenary groups and joined by leaders of smaller groups, a dozen mercenaries approached Sir Erwin, the knight of Jetman Estate, raising their voices.

‘Filthy mercenary scum…’

Truthfully, Erwin didn’t even want to speak to mercenaries.

However, these were mercenaries hired for the territorial battle, and since they were now being used for the unplanned pursuit of Janstrick, he had to appease them, at least for the moment.

“Just hold on a little longer. If we go a few more kilometers, we’ll catch up to them.”

“I’m telling you, our men are all exhausted. Even if we catch them, it’ll be tough to fight immediately.”

“Do you really think we need all these people to catch those bastards?”

“What?”

“They’re not even 50 strong, right? Plus, they split into two groups to evade us. So when we catch up, there’ll be at most 30 of them. Do you really think we need all our men for that?”

“Well…”

“No, not really…”

As the mercenary captains fell silent, looking around at each other, Sir Erwin drove his point home.

“One thousand Dien per person. First 30 to get there.”

“…?”

“I’ll pay an extra thousand Dien to the first 30 who engage Janstrick alongside my cavalry. And of course, after the battle, we split the loot fifty-fifty.”

The Janstrick Mercenary Group was not only known for its many warhorses but also for being equipped with the finest gear in Alphmarine.

Even claiming half the spoils would be worth as much as an average mercenary group’s income for an entire year.

“…!”

The mercenary captains and leaders, who had widened their eyes momentarily, quickly turned red with greed and began shouting at each other.

“I’ll do it!”

“What are you talking about! To make it work, we have to charge on horseback together! My men and I are practically one with our horses…”

“I’ll go!”

The mercenaries shoved and jostled each other, breaking into a brawl in an instant.

‘Money-hungry scum.’

Erwin sneered internally.

But that made things easier.

‘Even if we had the full force we contracted initially, Janstrick’s a toothless tiger now.’

Why had so many mercenaries joined the pursuit of Janstrick?

When Janstrick disbanded, losing about half its force, everyone calculated that they could manage now.

And Erwin was no different.

“They’ve got about 30 cavalry, right? Then we’ll win for sure. Stelman Janstrick? I’ll take down that arrogant bastard myself.”

It had annoyed Erwin that that brute of a mercenary had the nerve to act so high and mighty during the contract negotiations, and now, a perfect opportunity had presented itself.

As Erwin entertained such thoughts while taking names from the volunteers, a scout, whom he had sent about 500-600 meters ahead, turned a corner on the hill and rode swiftly toward them.

“Sir Erwin! They’ve appeared! Two mounted men turned and fled the moment they saw me! I think they’re Janstrick’s scouts!”

“Good! All mounted units, follow me! Anyone else who has the energy and wants to make some money, come along!”

Erwin’s bold shout echoed in the ears of the mercenaries.

Tududududu! Hurrah!

A few knights from Jetman Estate, mounted soldiers, and mercenaries blinded by the promise of loot and wealth chased madly after Erwin.

It wasn’t long before Erwin caught sight of the two horses.

They were moving at a pace between a canter and a trot.

‘They didn’t expect us to be right on their tails. What fools!’

Erwin’s grin stretched wide.

These cowards hadn’t even participated in the territorial war out of fear.

Having only fought dumb bandits and filthy monsters, they had no clue what real combat was.

It was evident just by watching how those so-called scouts fumbled and panicked.

“Keep chasing! The main group is just ahead! It’s obvious they haven’t prepared for anything! Just crash into them!”

Woo-ha! Hiyah!

The knights and mounted mercenaries who responded to Erwin shouted back enthusiastically.

Some impatient ones had already drawn their lances and swords.

Soon, in Erwin’s and his troops’ sights were three wagons set up as if for a rest stop and the mercenaries loitering around between them in small groups.

Seeing the Janstrick mercenaries fluster and scatter upon spotting them, Erwin let out a confident laugh.

“See! I was right! Kill them all! Charge!”

Riding at high speed narrows one’s vision.

Combined with the intense excitement and killing intent right before a battle, the two scouts they had been pursuing moments ago were now completely out of sight.

Erwin and his men’s eyes and focus were solely on the enemies they were about to clash with.

So, they didn’t notice the awkwardly positioned grass around 30 meters ahead, in the path of their charge, where Janstrick’s mercenaries and wagons were.

It was a fatal oversight.

Had they not recklessly pushed their horses to a full gallop without any caution, or if they’d paid even a little attention to their surroundings, they would have avoided this deadly mistake.

And the cost of that fatal mistake was high.