"Brother Sesley," the leader asked. "How's Conrad doing?"
Now that there were no outsiders, they could talk freely without worrying about being overheard.
"No action," Sesley replied. "Our Vice-President is known for his prudence. For example, he actually refrained from participating in the selection process for the new Vice-President. It's not unusual for him to wait a year or two. After all, treasures don't grow legs. Why?"
"I'm afraid we can't wait any longer," the soldier said with a wry smile. "Although the Vice President can wait."
"what?!"
"We've received the latest news: intelligence may have been leaked," the soldier said. "We're not sure where it went, perhaps to the Grand Duke or the Emperor."
Sesley's expression changed. This matter couldn't be delayed any longer. It had to be completed quickly before other forces intervened.
The soldier picked up a lamb leg bone and took a big bite, grease dripping from the corner of his mouth.
"Then...what should we do?" Sesley asked.
"There's no other way but to speed things up. How's the progress on Catherine's side?"
"From what I've heard, she and Otto are inseparable. But relying on her to make Otto betray his father is not enough," Sesley replied. "It requires patience, not force."
"Yeah, but we really don't have time. Let's stick with the original strategy."
"Are you still going to kidnap Otto? But you failed last time."
"It's the only way. Otherwise, it won't be enough to threaten Conrad. So this is the Count's strategy. Even if there's no opportunity, we have to create one!"
"what do you mean……"
"Otto's trained!"
"Yes, although his actual combat skills are questionable. But he did train in the monastery for several months. He was trained by the best instructors."
"Today, the Earl requested assistance, requesting the monastery send personnel to assist in patrols throughout the region," the soldier said. "Not only us, but also the city garrison and various guilds. They all need to send personnel to cooperate. This presents an opportunity."
"I see. I'll arrange for Otto to join the patrol. No problem." Sesley understood. "Are we going to hire those guys like last time?"
"No, we can't rely on those losers. We need to find a professional expert. Besides, this won't be a one- or two-day job; we'll need food and drink along the way. If the expert fails, we can tamper with the food and drink. Try not to expose Catherine. If Otto refuses to comply, Catherine will be the last straw that breaks the camel's back!"
"Brilliant!" Sesley suddenly understood.
"This inspection is the best opportunity we can create in the near future. We can't miss it," the soldier said. "Any progress on that matter?"
"Not sure yet." Sesley shook his head. "Conrad was indeed known as a genius back then. He's practiced for decades and is likely capable of using high-level spells. If he were to fight to the death, it would be extremely dangerous. I'm currently gathering relevant information... Currently, I can only say with a 50% probability that he's used magic! 50% is still a bit low. But if I get any information, I'll let you know immediately."
"Understood," the soldier replied. "Unless absolutely necessary, avoid attacking Konrad directly." He took a few more bites of meat. "Also, Otto's henchman is very dangerous. If it weren't for him last time, I'm afraid he would have succeeded. He must be eliminated!"
Conrad might not know it, but they do.
It was Thomas's henchman who spotted the trap in advance, allowing Otto to escape. Not only that, he even managed to take down a bandit. He's a true dog that bites! This hidden danger must be eliminated as soon as possible.
Chapter 30: Strategy 2
At noon, Thomas received the news from Giuliano that he would join the patrol.
Not only him, but all full-time, part-time, and even those who just wanted to have fun or exercise were not missed.
Apart from anything else, Otto was also on the list.
I'm afraid this time it's serious.
Regarding the incident where the newly appointed abbot was robbed and murdered on his way to take office... although the monastery's top management never admitted it, they also never denied it.
The rumor had already spread. Everyone, not just the others, but even these novice monks knew about it.
What happened during this patrol further proves this point.
In the afternoon, Thomas received his assignment. He was headed to Žatežić, the capital of Litoměřice County. Specifically, he was headed to a small town near the capital.
This is one of the more likely choices for roving bandits.
The team was led by a man named Rostislav.
This was a knight of the monastery and also a coach. Unlike Giuliano, who was probably Italian, Rostislav was a Rus', or perhaps a Kiev.
Giuliano was from another team, but was also assigned to an adjacent area.
Otto and Thomas were assigned together, and it was obvious that the vice-president had a purpose in this.
This time, I need to stay outside for ten days.
Including the round trip, the total time is about fifteen days.
Thomas, a knight's apprentice who had only recently trained, was unexpectedly dragged into the patrol. This, it can only be said, reflected the monastery's attitude.
If you really encounter bandits, the situation will probably be bad. You will either be a bystander or be cannon fodder.
But the monastery is meant to express this attitude.
Anyway, there are only a few people in the monastery, and they are not the main force at all. The main force is the earl's guards, mercenaries, city garrisons, etc.
……
The town is located in a hilly area.
It was morning, the sky was bright, and birdsong could be heard in the mountains.
Amidst the verdant mountains, forests, and fields, there was a narrow path, not too wide. It stretched out from the town gate and stretched to the far end, like a long, winding snake.
At this time, a team of fully armed soldiers were walking towards the town along the path.
There were about thirty people in the team, four of whom were wearing monks' robes under their protective leather armor.
This outfit is really out of place, but it is very eye-catching.
Before the blink of an eye, they had arrived at the town gate. The mayor and others had already known about this and were waiting at the town entrance.
With this team stationed there, we don't have to worry about bandit attacks.
Among the four monks, the leading man looked back at the other three.
"This is our destination. We'll stay here for the next six days to inspect the surroundings. Although we're not the main force, we still need to keep an eye on it."
This person is Rostislav, the leader of Thomas' team.
It was said that this man was a mercenary with extensive battlefield experience, having weathered countless battles without missing a single scrap. He was also known to be extremely cautious. No wonder he was assigned to team up with Otto.
Only because he was there did the vice president send his son over.
Thomas stood by, looking around and observing the surroundings all the time, in case of any trouble.
But it was actually a very smooth journey.
Like all similar towns of this era, the town was small but had the most basic defensive facilities.
With so many people stationed there, plus the people in the town itself, the defense is quite strong.
At this time, the village was far away, on a hill.
Several bandits wearing ragged clothes but lined with leather armor were hiding in the bushes, looking towards this side from afar.
They can see what's happening in the village.
"The team is too strong, and the work is difficult." The bandit leader frowned.
"That's a bit too much," another bandit murmured in agreement. These people, combined with the town itself, were incredibly powerful. A head-on attack would be tantamount to suicide.
"No rush, it is said that there will be arrangements later. A professional assassin will come to help... Besides, if there is really no chance, we will retreat. At worst, we can take half of the deposit!" The bandit leader said indifferently.
They were wandering around, but suddenly someone came to them and asked them for help. If they cooperated, they would get some extra money and be able to leave the Litoměřice area smoothly.
This is something that cannot be refused.
The bandits also knew that they might be used as pawns - but this was not the first time, and the bandits had long been accustomed to it.
In other words, their ability to survive and develop to a certain extent depends entirely on being used as a gun by others, so that they can obtain equipment and supplies.
"We'll leave first and wait patiently," the leader said. "We'll have our turn after the assassin succeeds."
Thomas initially thought that this operation was extremely dangerous, but later he found that his side had a very strong military force.
Half of them have long-range weapons, including bows, crossbows and muskets. Soldiers holding melee weapons basically meet the minimum standard of "ordinary level" and are all trained and experienced soldiers.
In addition, there are defensive fortifications such as the town wall as support.
It's basically impossible to take down such a defensive force head-on, unless it's a large group of hundreds or thousands of bandits.
Everything was just as Thomas thought. A few days passed in a flash and nothing happened.
Basically, I spent my time eating, drinking, bragging and chatting.
The biggest gain was learning that the lord of Litoměřice, Count Jaromír, and Grand Duke Vladislav of Bohemia did not get along well.
As for why it’s not good...it’s simple, these two people are from the Psemex family, specifically, they are two brothers.
Two brothers fighting over the family inheritance—a standard drama seen everywhere in history and abroad.
On the afternoon of the fifth day, Thomas woke up from his nap.
Because he had nothing to do, Thomas returned to his previous life's habits and started taking naps.
"It's time to get up. Otherwise, that guy Otto will disappear again."
Otto had said he would go out tonight towards dusk.
The reason is that I’m too bored and want to go out and relax.
If anything happens to him, Thomas will definitely suffer, so whether he likes it or not, he must keep an eye on this guy.
Thomas stood up and slung over his musket, which he had borrowed from a soldier. After all, in this kind of mountainous area, "relaxing" basically meant going out hunting.
He walked all the way to the house where Otto was staying and waited. Not long after, he saw Otto come out dressed neatly.
Damn, there's a problem!
Because Otto's clothes had changed drastically and he was now dressed like a young nobleman.
His heart skipped a beat. This guy hadn't caused any trouble in the past few days, and he thought he had become obedient.
Now it seems, what are you waiting for here?
Chapter 31 The Clumsy Assassin
Seeing Otto walking in front, Thomas didn't have time to think any more and hurried to follow.
It was obvious that if Thomas stopped, Otto would never stop to wait for him.
Unfortunately, his fate was temporarily tied to Otto's. If anything happened to Otto, he would definitely not have a good ending if he returned!
This is also what makes Thomas irritated.
Although he was grateful for Conrad's help, he was now completely tied to Otto and was also at the mercy of fate.
Especially Otto, this guy is in the mood for love and is not the kind of person who will stay calm.
Otto walked very fast, and Thomas followed closely. In a blink of an eye, they were already some distance away from the town.
There is a small forest in front, and on the side of the forest is a stream and a piece of grassy grass beside the stream.
Someone was already waiting on the grass.
Thomas looked up and immediately exclaimed in his heart.
The person waiting on the grass was actually Catherine!
That’s not right. Why is this woman here?
He knew that the nuns in the convent had evacuated—the weakly defended convent was too dangerous to face those bandits who ignored God's power and dared to rob and kill even high-ranking priests. But now it seemed that they had retreated to the county capital?
Thomas looked closely but saw no danger.
Otto went straight over, and the two of them soon became affectionate and stuck together.
If there was an ambush, they could have escaped by now, but nothing happened.
In other words, it was just a simple date.
The young couple naturally had endless things to talk about. In desperation, Thomas simply found a stump in the woods to use as a stool, and patiently waited for the two to end their flirtation from a distance.
Anyway, this place is not far from the town, and it is easy to go back even if it gets dark.
I don't know how this woman is going to get back. But that's none of Thomas's business!
The sky had already turned dark, and the light in the woods had dimmed even further.
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