NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 95: Being Manipulated
Upon returning to Spade Castle, Tarton Legrack, the captain of the Second Division of the Spade Knights, felt an odd sense of clarity.
The castle had suffered severe damage from the beastfolk’s assault. Despite this, Tarton couldn't shake the feeling deep inside that this outcome was somehow for the best. Reflecting on the attack by the mage Regalo and his followers on Gaeriko Village made it clear—there were too many incompetent higher-ups.
The beastfolk seemed to target the "arrogant ones" and those who "fought back fervently," resulting in relatively few non-combatant casualties. While there were indeed losses, including humble and good-natured individuals like household servants and cooks, Tarton found it difficult to openly express his relief.
It was impossible to voice such feelings aloud.
Even Tarton, who was minimally involved in governance, felt this way. It was no surprise then that Lord Soltice Sol Spade, whom he was scheduled to report to, might share similar sentiments.
"It's been quite a while since we've had a direct report," Lord Soltice Sol remarked, glancing at Tarton as he entered the office. He moved a pile of documents off his desk with a wry smile. Several scribes working at their desks nodded in agreement, though they refrained from smiling.
"We lost the captain, commander, and overseer all at once," Tarton noted.
"Those with high positions are hard to discipline even when they're incompetent. Imagine the waste... but let's not dwell on it. Give me your report. How did the meeting with the beastfolk unfold?"
The meeting in Gaeriko Village was, in essence, a display of mutual intent. Neither side wanted another assault, nor did they wish to fight to the death. The logical step was to show goodwill. The beastfolk understood this as well.
If they launched a full-scale attack, they could likely conquer Spade Castle and devastate the region. However, such an action would escalate into a kingdom-wide issue, prompting the Louisse Kingdom to retaliate in force against the beastfolk territories.
The beastfolk had no desire for such extensive conflict. The matter of the knights' raid on Gaeriko Village had already been resolved diplomatically.
Ultimately, the root of the issue was a lack of understanding between the two sides. The first step was to get to know each other.
"Tarton Legrack, we will eventually form a unit dedicated to interacting with the beastfolk. For now, you'll have a scribe assigned to assist you. Coordinate with them for any necessary supplies and personnel."
"Understood," Tarton responded, saluting without surprise, having anticipated this outcome. Lord Soltice Sol's weary smile returned as he continued.
"...That girl, Euphemia, wasn't she? Did you learn anything about her while you were with the beastfolk?"
"No..." Tarton admitted.
Who was she, really? How could he possibly know?
Euphemia had seemed close to the Beast King, speaking to him without fear and commanding the respect of the demon members. Her demeanor in front of Lord Soltice Sol Spade had been nothing short of regal. Yet she appeared to be no older than fourteen or fifteen. One might almost believe she was a witch who had lived for a hundred years.
"One of our mages mentioned defecting to her side. Was that the middle-aged mage present at the meeting?"
"His name is Regalo. He was acting as the deputy during the Gaeriko Village raid, but he got caught up in the captain’s reckless actions..."
"So, he abandoned us," Soltice Sol sighed, more in disappointment with himself than in anger or sorrow.
"Tarton Legrack, there's something I need you to keep in mind while dealing with the beastfolk—other nobles' movements."
"Do you suspect outsiders of contacting the beastfolk?"
"Not just suspect. It would be strange if they weren't."
The certainty in Soltice Sol's voice was unexpected. Tarton raised an eyebrow slightly, and Soltice Sol continued, his tone bitter.
"This incident couldn't have happened without someone inciting the beastfolk. We don’t know their motive yet, but their machinations led to the deaths of our people."
His expression conveyed his unforgiving resolve. The animosity he felt towards whoever instigated the attack was stronger than any he felt toward the beastfolk themselves.
"Tarton Legrack, I believe we should build a friendly relationship with the beastfolk. It would be foolish to make enemies of them without good reason. However, those who sparked this tragedy in our Spade territory... I have no intention of letting them profit. As we begin this exchange with the beastfolk, watch for the right moment. I believe it will reveal itself."
Tarton nodded, understanding the gravity of his new mission. The future of Spade and its people depended on forging these new alliances and uncovering the true culprits behind the recent chaos.
They must be watching closely, aiming for their own gain—someone, somewhere.
They were being manipulated for that purpose.
"It's fine to use the beastfolk's help. On the contrary, they hesitate to lend us a hand. We're being underestimated like roadside pebbles," came the voice, accompanied by the grinding of teeth.
Tarton felt it was a justified anger.
"We've been robbed, injured, and damaged. But that girl, Euphemia, threw us a lifeline. We grabbed onto it. Whatever that girl may be, I don't believe she's the mastermind. She was simply there," Tarton asserted.
Tarton couldn't comprehend what Lord Soltice Sol felt about Euphemia. Not being at the center of the chaos, he didn't know what words Euphemia uttered at that moment. But he had a conjecture that resembled conviction: she must have been smiling gleefully.
With trembling hands clenched on the desk, Soltice Sol showed a challenging smile and declared, "Cooperate with the beastfolk. If necessary, support Euphemia. Make those who underestimated us regret it. It's hard to believe that whoever plotted this had Euphemia in mind. She is the variable they didn't anticipated. Probably, that's where their plan falls apart."
There was no evidence, just speculation.
But the meaning behind his words was clear enough.
Wasn't it true? Without Euphemia, the nobles and people of Spade Castle could have been massacred. If Euphemia hadn't told the Beast King that it would be more fun to have exchanges than to kill everyone, what would have happened?
Originally, it should have happened that way, but it didn't.
The presence of a single girl changed the course of events.
Disrupt it.
Just like we were damaged due to our own carelessness.
Throw off someone's calculations and cause them great loss.
That proposal was very appealing.
So Tarton straightened his heels and saluted.
"Understood, my Lord!"
