Chapter 18: Kind and Cruel
After we arrived at the guard post, I handed the documents Abel had given me to the guard. These documents granted me temporary authority to manage the soldiers in place of the lord. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Is this authentic?” The captain of the guard scrutinized the letter of authority and then me, clearly suspicious. It was understandable; not many people would believe that a formidable duke would grant such significant authority to a girl who looked about ten years old.
“The Duke’s seal is stamped on it.”
“…”
At the fourth wall, few people knew me since I frequently worked at the second wall. Naturally, there was some dissatisfaction. They had requested the lord of the north to resolve the problem, yet an unknown girl had arrived as his representative. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“You’re a child.”
“This is absurd.”
“Kid, go home and stop talking nonsense.”
Some of the soldiers lounging at the guard post laughed at me, and some even threatened me.
This arrogance was nothing new for me. However, I was also considering putting my skills to use.
“Believe it or not, it’s up to you. But of course, you’re aware of the consequences, right?”
After I said that to the captain, he examined the document more closely. It seemed he realized the document was genuine.
“Yes, this is definitely authentic… My lady.”
The quick change in behavior was awkward.
I didn’t care much, so I adjusted my skirt and gave a polite noblewoman’s greeting.
“I’m Fiona Green. I am here under Duke Heilon’s orders to address the issues at the Fourth Wall. I appreciate your cooperation.”
The guard responded with a disheartened expression. “Yes… May I call you Lady Fiona?”
First impressions in social situations are important, so I smiled and said, “Please call me whatever you’re comfortable with.”
“Do you know what the issue is?”
What was he thinking? I had been sent by his superior and was prepared to do the job. I had even organized everything perfectly. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Of course I know. I’m familiar with everything in the document. If you doubt me, I can recite it all—”
The guard captain quickly waved his hand. “No, no, please don’t. My lady. What can I do for you?”
I listed my requirements.
“First, we need the soldiers’ assistance to arrest the criminals. Second, please gather the people in the village square. I’ll handle the situation there. Third…”
I turned to Sigren.
“Sigren, do you know where the mercenaries I’m talking about usually gather?”
I named the five people listed in Abel’s documents, hoping Sigren might recognize them.
Sigren sighed lightly. “I know. They always gather at a tavern near the wall.”
“I see.”
I informed the soldiers of the mercenaries’ location. They left the guard post with disgruntled expressions. Even though they were unhappy with my orders, they had no choice but to comply, as I was sent by the Duke.
I anticipated that my age would cause mistrust from the beginning, but it was still challenging. Would they carry out the orders and bring the criminals to the square?
Turning to Sigren, I noticed he was watching me with suspicion. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“What… did the Duke ask you to do?”
Abel had commissioned it, but the decision was mine, and I felt it would have a significant impact. Nevertheless, I had no intention of being lenient. The actions taken against the people of the Fourth Wall and Sigren were quite severe. There was no room for leniency. Furthermore, Abel’s gesture suggested that the punishment might involve severe consequences, like beheading.
However, Sigren was only 14, so I decided not to reveal too much. Besides, it wasn’t part of my plan to have him accompany me during this process. Therefore, a brief explanation would suffice. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“It’s nothing. He asked me to make a fair judgment.”
…”
Sigren looked at me with a very suspicious gaze.
‘What? Why are you looking at me like that?’
“Well, anyway, you’re not coming with me.”
“Let’s go together.”
“It’s cold outside. So listen carefully—huh?”
“I’m going with you. What? Is there something I can’t see?”
“That… it’s not that,” I replied, surprised.
“Okay then, it’s decided.”
Wait, if something went wrong, wouldn’t there be scenes that minors shouldn’t witness? Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
So I made a small gap with my thumb and index finger. “It might be a little cruel.”
Sigren made a very displeased face.
“Didn’t you forget that I’ve been through battles?”
“I know, but…”
Sigren sighed heavily at my hesitation.
“Just so you know, the scars on my body are old. They’re not from recent wounds. You might not trust me because of our first meeting, but I’m not weak.”
“Yes, I know. But it’s another thing to accompany me, isn’t it? It has nothing to do with you.”
Of course, he was not weak. He was one of the most talented individuals and a main character in this world. Even though he was young, he had significant potential and would be very strong in a few years. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Fiona… That’s not what I meant…”
Sigren hesitated before speaking quickly, a slight blush on his cheeks.
“So what I want to say is, I could be a shield while we’re traveling. Also, most people here are favorable to you. And two are better than one, right? If you understand, let’s hurry up and go.”
“Huh? O… Okay.”
I wasn’t entirely sure what he meant, but he seemed concerned. Or maybe not? Either way, it didn’t matter.
I hurried after Sigren, who had already taken a few steps ahead of me.
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