I thought I would end this case with finding the wire-puller and putting him away, but the plan changed.

I decided to just talk with Gerg.

It resulted in them stopping the kidnappings for a while and falling into a wait-and-see state.

Gyan and also Zackary were made to patrol, Crescent Moon and I were also asked to do it but we said we still had some business and would join them shortly, with that being said we forcibly left.

It seems like the Princesss maid, Fraudia, will soon be delivered to Prince Armandi Rejum.

At the same time, Rejum intends to use her as a means to ensure his personal security.

I parted with Crescent Moon at the hideout then I returned to the mansion and called for F and Lunos.

Carlo-samas plan worked really well.

Lunos reported this but I obviously knew this already.

Well, I was there after all.

Looks like it, I got a report from my subordinate a few minutes ago. I know who the mastermind is.

Who is it?

As F asked Lunos who also was interested leant forward.

Dont be surprised when you hear this, its old man Gerg.

What? That Viscount Gerg is behind the kidnappings? I cant believe that. Is the information reliable?

Yeah, he seemed to have directly met him in the mansion and talked to him. He told me there was a kidnapped girl there.1

I was seriously surprised that Lunos knew of Gergs good reputation.

Thats to be expected, I wouldnt believe it either if I didnt see it with my own eyes.

Viscount Gerg was close with Carlo-sama, right? How shall we do this?

Obviously attacking him isnt possible. However, assuming that he was found out, that guy is gathering soldiers. He will soon make his move.

A raid?

I see, I will punish him with my own hands.

However, wouldnt it be bad if we start a fight with Viscount Gerg who got his peerage from the king?

Fs worry was also reasonable.

But I have a plan this time.

I thought about this point. Gather the Imperial Guard immediately. I dont care who comes. Well depart as soon as you gathered enough.

Yes!

As one would expect, those two are excellent warriors, as soon as they understood my intentions they immediately left to gather soldiers.

Ting Ting2

I rang the bell and called for Melissa.

What are your orders, Carlo-sama?

Ill shortly leave this place with some soldiers. I want to ask you to immediately prepare the equipment.

Well, this late at night? Understood, I shall immediately prepare it.

Im sorry. Additionally, I may return with some women. Theyll probably be tired. Please make preparations to accommodate them.

- Understood, I shall prepare everything for them.

For an instant, Melissa looked like she wanted to know the whole story but lowered her head without saying anything.

Melissa is a good person after all.

Are you ready? Our goal is the Viscounts house. Theres no doubt that the enemy is also armed. Dont be careless!

After Fs commands, a momentary unrest runs through the gathered knights.

However, as one would expect they were well trained and the unrest had immediately settled down.

Mount your horses, advance!

At Fs shout approximately 20 knights started to march.

Their mobility was their biggest weapon after all.

The Imperial Guard Order is passing through! Make way!

People wondered what was going on as a cavalry group was running through Braham at night.

Dangerous, dangerous.

We left Braham and rode our horses for a while before the light of Gergs mansion was visible.

To not be exposed we halted at a slightly remote place and arrange our formation.

Lunos, youll go with the knights to confront the opposing soldiers. F youll come with me, please take care of that guys guard. Ill have a man-to-man talk with Gerg. Oh, and Lunos, protect all the women kept inside. Especially the woman with a collar around her neck. Shes the key figure. Dont let her even get a single scratch.

Certainly

Everyone ties their horses together and sneaked towards the mansion on foot.

As we approached the mansion several knights went to the door with a wooden hammer in their hands.

Hes certainly the third corps Captain, give it your all (laughs).

Baaaaaam!

Well attack them, come on!

At the same time, the door got wrecked Lunos unit pulled their swords and jumped inside.

I took my Oricalcum Sword in my hand and finally entered together with F.

When we entered battles started in various places.

Even though you were able to escape with so much effort, Im disappointed, Gyan.

There were a lot of people here, the knights who were free protected the women.

Of course, the door got guarded so that no one could escape.

Seeing that Zackary isnt here hes probably on the second floor together with Gerg.

I went up the grand staircase together with F.

Different than the noisy first floor the second floor was quiet.

Zackary was guarding an especially luxurious door.

Behind it was Gergs room.

F, please distract that guy. Gerg should be on the other side of the door. Ill try to get in.

Certainly

Zackary shouted at me and F who lowered his head.

Im Greg-samas right-hand man, the knight, Zackary! No matter who you are I wont let you through!

Im Carlo-samas head of the Imperial Guard Order, Fitzgerald. He said he wishes to go through that door. Let us through.3

Zackary reacted to Fs words calmly.

Hoh, youre the bastard who defeated that pretty boy, Lunos. Then you shouldnt be lacking as an opponent!

Ehm, he also defeated me.

Are you just going to ignore me, is that so?4

Oh well, that guy isnt a match for F but I want to enter that room as soon as possible.

I cant let Gerg escape no matter what.

F, Lets both attack him to get through. Is that fine?

Certainly. Then let us go.

After hearing our conversation Zackary flew into a rage.

You guys are cowardly for attacking this Zackary with two people. Fight me one on one like a dignified knight!

Even if you say that, you wont let us through so youre bad the bad one here.

Besides, Im a villain so theres no need for me to be dignified.

I completely ignored Zackarys words and was about to hit him together with F.

You cant do anything if the Sword Fighting Competitions champion and runner-up attack you together.

F and I inexhaustibly attacked Zackary with our swords.

Its just that he doesnt receive any severe wound because hes wearing a heavy armour.

As one would expect of F, hes good.

Thanks to that a gap was created through which I could pass.

Im sorry, F. Dont let anyone enter until I say its good.

Understood.

After I just exchanged a few words with him I placed my hand on the doorknob.

W, wait!

Zackary hastily shouted but thats all he could do because he was busy blocking Fs sword so he couldnt chase after me.

Click

As I turned the doorknob the door opened.

There was no need for a key.