Chapter 103: Garrison in Gantz part2
「Your Excellency, about the prisoners—you’ve taken some. What if they escape?」
Captain Guido looked up to ask, clearly uneasy. No doubt some high-ranking men of the Gantz household are among the captives—perhaps his own superiors. Messy.
「Tell anyone concerned you’re following the Lord Protector’s orders. We don’t intend to bind the prisoners for its own sake. We simply safeguarded the wounded from the forest’s monsters. If they leave Gantz, let them. That should keep things smooth.」
「Yes, that will suffice.」
He all but sagged with relief.
「Lord Corinth, you slew the Count of Gantz—our lord. Some among the freed prisoners or the guard may try to take your head.」
One of the guards spoke up—a hard-faced man.
「That’s fine. Anyone who challenges us, we’ll put down. But think it through—your lord moved his troops to attack us unprovoked.」
I waited to let that settle in.
「The Count of Gantz attacked me, the Lord Protector, and died in my counterattack. That’s the whole story. It’s clear enough who stands against the kingdom. I won’t tell you not to bear a grudge, but I’ll warn you: challenging those who smashed the count’s army head-on is unwise. We won’t stir the pot if there’s no trouble.」
The hard-faced man looked oddly moved. No one else spoke up. I swept the line; no obvious dissenters.
「I’ll go remind the Adventurers’ Guild and the Commercial Guild of the same. I’m counting on you.」
Ah—introductions.
「Nearly forgot. This is Captain Heinz—the eleventh Satellite squad’s leader. Remember the face. And this is our ally, Lord Werner Leister. You’ve heard the name; he served as former Prime Minister.」
At that, the guards prostrated themselves. Hey now—you are showing more deference than for the Lord Protector himself. Well, the title of former Prime Minister is no joke.
「If our intent came across, good. We won’t treat you as enemies unless you get in our way. Carry on.」
That was our cue to move on to the Adventurers’ Guild.
「Is it all right to reveal my identity so openly?」
Riding side by side toward the Commercial Guild, Lord Leister drew closer to ask.
「Gantz is now a city beyond Burke’s reach. For you to work to the fullest, Lord Leister, we’ll reveal your identity and rally allies openly.」
They attacked us in daylight. Now that we hold Gantz in fact, there’s no reason to hide Lord Leister. Judging from yesterday and today, I’m already considering using his name recognition to grow our circle.
「I see. I never thought I’d be able to show my face and name this soon.」
While he savored the moment, we arrived at the Adventurers’ Guild.
「His Excellency the Lord Protector is here!」
Dismounting, Captain Heinz strode to the counter with Julian bearing the shield. Second time around and he had the rhythm. As a former royal guard, he’s used to staging the monarch’s authority.
Guildmaster Kevin came hurrying out.
「Your Excellency—my apologies for not greeting you at the door.」
I handed my reins to a Satellite member and waved lightly.
「Don’t worry about it—we didn’t send heralds. That’s on us.」
「Then please—this way to the VIP room.」
Too many of us to cram into a VIP room.
「Just the three of us—myself, Lord Leister, and Captain Heinz. The others will wait with the horses.」
Kevin led us through.
「To what do we owe the visit, my lord?」
「To confirm our agreement. We’ve spoken with the City Guard as well: until a royal order arrives, Gantz will be under the three—Guard, Adventurers’ Guild, Commercial Guild. Keep doing your normal jobs. Only on defense will I issue orders as Lord Protector. My people will obey the law and pay fair value. Citizens and adventurers can come and go as before—but if the city is under attack, we may seal the gates. Also, due to the great number of corpses the monsters are currently in an excited state, so I don’t recommend going outside the walls in the next days. Questions?」
「None. We will follow your directives, Your Excellency.」
「We’ll head to the Commercial Guild next. Quite a few people will likely leave Gantz; I’d like you to prioritize escort requests. We don’t want adventurers going hungry. If it looks dire, consult us—I’ll consider posting simple jobs. In any case, this situation will end in a few days at most.」
「Your generosity is appreciated, my lord.」
「Lastly, allow me to present Captain Heinz of the eleventh Satellite squad, and Lord Werner Leister, who served as former Prime Minister. You may be dealing with them—know their faces. Any request from Lord Leister, treat it as coming from me.」
「T-to behold such a visage—this is an honor beyond words…」
The guild staff pressed their foreheads to the floor. Poor Kevin—even a guildmaster quails when standing before a former Prime Minister.
「If anything comes up, send a messenger to our base. Now—shall we, Lord Leister? The Commercial Guild awaits.」
「Yes, Lord Corinth.」
We called at the Commercial Guild. Inside went just me, Captain Heinz, Lord Leister and his son, and Julian with the shield.
「Make way—His Excellency the Lord Protector!」
With practiced gravitas, Captain Heinz swept to the counter. Karina-san rushed out from the back.
「Alan-sama—no, Your Excellency.」
「Sorry for dropping in unannounced. Is Guildmaster Silas in?」
「I’ll fetch him at once. Please wait in the VIP room.」
Good—Silas-san was nearby. We took seats, and Karina-san brought tea, a little stiff in the different atmosphere.
「Well, well—Lord Corinth—no, Your Excellency. What an honor.」
Silas-san shuffled in, rubbing his hands. I caught Heinz’s look and stopped him from barking.
「Guildmaster, let me introduce Captain Heinz, leader of the eleventh Satellite squad, and Lord Werner Leister, former Prime Minister.」
「…You’re kidding me.」
You don’t often get to see Silas-san that shocked.
「Today’s visit is simple—confirming our understanding from the other day.」
「Yes. You will leave Gantz’s routine to the Commercial Guild, the Adventurers’ Guild, and the City Guard.」
「Exactly—until the royal order. Once the Count of Gantz’s successor is named, governance passes to them. The king’s decision will take time, so this situation will continue for a while. I’ll direct city defense.」
「We understand.」
「I won’t act in a disgraceful manner, nor will I allow my people to do as they please. We’ll obey the law and pay fair value for what we want. We’re guests; I’d like the guilds to ensure citizens can live as usual. Any issues?」
「We’re grateful for the consideration. None at present.」
「Have you confirmed the count’s remains?」
「Steward Dennis-sama and other notables have verified the body. The Commercial Guild has a duty to report; we’ve already sent notice to the capital.」
Right—the guilds have Artifact-based comms between branches.
「If it’s not sensitive, may I see the text?」
「Of course—if Your Excellency requests it.」
Silas nodded to Karina, who brought a written copy.
『The Count of Gantz invaded Baron Corinth’s domain with 3,000 men and fell in battle. Until succession of the title, Gantz will be administered by the City Guard and the guilds under the Lord Protector’s aegis.』
Perfectly factual.
「Good thing we struck our deal with Silas-san first.」
Self-preservation played a part, I’m sure, but a neutral report like this also means we’ve earned some goodwill—and their hopes. I passed the note to Lord Leister.
「About the prisoners—do you have candidates for inns?」
「Yes. We can place them. If you’re in a bind, we can begin taking them tonight.」
「Tonight already? That helps. I’ll speak with the prisoners’ representatives when I return; we may move the women first. If so, we’ll send a runner—does that work?」
「Yes. We won’t manage meals at this hour, but we’ll be ready to receive them. If we hear from you promptly, we can start tonight.」
「Much appreciated.」
Maybe the toilets and tents will end up redundant. Or not—depends on how the prisoners behave.
「Looking ahead, we’re scouting properties that could serve as barracks, just in case.」
「Barracks. Likely needed, yes. Your help would be welcome.」
「It’s an honor to be of help to Your Excellency.」
Karina-san looked genuinely pleased. The city of Gantz meant to back me.
「Then I’ll leave it in your hands. If there’s nothing else, we’ll keep it brief.」
「If I may—we’d like to host you all for a banquet soon.」
No need for Silas-san to put himself out like that.
「Right, the one we talked about some time ago. We’re a bit tied up with the prisoners for the moment. Once things settle—gladly.」
「We’ll await Your Excellency’s visit.」
Silas-san and Karina-san saw us out, and we left the Commercial Guild.
「You seem rather friendly with that guild lady, Lord Corinth.」
Lord Leister sounded amused. Fair—the way I spoke with Karina was probably too casual.
「I’m an ex-adventurer—when you’ve traveled together, you slip back into that tone. I once escorted Silas-san’s daughter, too.」
「Ah—so that’s it. She seems quite devoted to you.」
From Lord Leister’s angle, it looked like I had Karina neatly wrapped around my finger.
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