"Rowan, have the soldiers finished their preparations?"
"Yes, my Lord. We’ve moved the supply carts as you instructed, and everyone is waiting near the settlement entrance."
Ashveil nodded before examining the defensive arrangements one last time.
Two empty carts had been positioned beside the main road, leaving enough space for ordinary traffic while preventing a large group of soldiers from advancing together.
Several stacks of timber had also been moved near the cottages, providing his spearmen with additional cover if fighting broke out.
It wasn’t much, but Ashen Hollow hardly possessed the resources to construct proper fortifications overnight.
More importantly, Ashveil hoped they wouldn’t have to use any of it.
Adrian had given him until this morning to reconsider his proposal concerning the northern iron mine. Unfortunately, after examining the man’s attitude yesterday, Ashveil suspected that another peaceful conversation was unlikely.
"How’s our injured soldier doing?" he asked.
"Still resting, my Lord. His condition hasn’t worsened, but the burns will take time to heal."
"Keep him away from the fighting. We only have nine healthy spearmen left, and I don’t intend to lose another one because some rich bastard can’t accept rejection."
Rowan nodded and hurried away to finish his preparations.
Beside Ashveil, Ria was watching the activity with mild amusement. The succubus had recovered some of her magical energy overnight, although she was still far from possessing enough strength to fight freely.
"You’re preparing quite thoroughly, little lord. Do you intend to welcome your guests with a military parade?"
"I was thinking of offering them breakfast, but we’re still having trouble feeding our own soldiers."
"How unfortunate. Perhaps I could entertain them instead."
Ashveil glanced at her crimson eyes and immediately imagined what that might involve.
"Please don’t. I’d rather not explain why our visitors suddenly started murdering each other."
Ria chuckled, apparently entertained by the suggestion.
Before Ashveil could continue, a spearman hurried toward them and announced that Silvercrest’s soldiers had arrived.
"Well, here we go."
He adjusted the sword at his waist and headed toward the settlement entrance.
Adrian appeared shortly afterward, accompanied by his five swordsmen and Seraphina.
Unlike yesterday, the Lord of Silvercrest was wearing polished armor beneath his traveling coat. A steel longsword hung at his waist, and his soldiers carried their weapons openly as they approached the settlement.
Ashveil noticed the change immediately.
Apparently, Adrian had come prepared for something other than negotiations.
"Good morning, Lord Ashveil," Adrian greeted him with a polite smile. "I trust you’ve had enough time to consider my proposal?"
"I have, actually. Unfortunately, I still don’t particularly like it."
"Then perhaps we should discuss the matter more carefully. After all, I’m not an unreasonable man."
Ashveil nearly laughed.
That was a rather generous assessment of himself.
Nevertheless, he gestured toward the nearby table, which Rowan had prepared for their discussion. Adrian accepted the invitation, and the two Lords sat opposite each other while their soldiers remained nearby.
Seraphina stood behind Adrian, her expression composed as she observed the conversation.
"I’ve reconsidered yesterday’s arrangement," Adrian began. "Perhaps asking you to surrender the entire mining operation was somewhat excessive."
"Oh? Glad we agree on something."
"Instead, Silvercrest will reclaim the equipment and materials that originally belonged to us. Once those have been returned, we can negotiate the mine’s future operation."
That sounded considerably more reasonable.
At least until Adrian produced a document.
[Silvercrest Property Reclamation]
[Mining Equipment ×12]
[Iron Ore ×200]
[Compensation for Interrupted Operations: 300 Gold Coins]
Ashveil examined the document for several seconds before looking up.
"Two hundred iron ore?"
"That is our estimated production loss."
"And the three hundred Gold Coins?"
"Compensation for the disruption of Silvercrest’s mining operations."
Ashveil placed the document on the table.
"Adrian, I recovered forty units of iron ore from that mine. Where exactly am I supposed to get another hundred and sixty?"
"That isn’t my concern. Silvercrest invested considerable resources into establishing the operation before the kobolds occupied it."
"Then you should’ve recovered it before someone else did. I lost blood and nearly got one of my soldiers killed clearing out those monsters."
Adrian’s expression tightened.
"You’re suggesting Silvercrest should simply abandon its investment?"
"I’m suggesting you show me an actual record of what was left behind. I’ll discuss the equipment, but I’m not paying for imaginary ore."
One of the swordsmen behind Adrian shifted uncomfortably.
Seraphina, meanwhile, leaned forward to examine the document.
"Lord Adrian, these quantities are considerably higher than the materials our scouts reported missing. Wouldn’t it be better to verify the inventory before demanding compensation?"
Adrian glanced at her.
"The amount includes projected losses, Seraphina."
"Projected losses are not the same as stolen property."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Ashveil had to admit that he was beginning to like this priestess.
At least she understood basic accounting.
Adrian eventually cleared his throat and returned his attention to Ashveil.
"Very well. We can settle the compensation later. For now, I’ll have my soldiers inspect the recovered equipment and identify Silvercrest’s property."
"That sounds reasonable. Send me a list, and I’ll have Rowan bring out anything matching it."
"An inspection of the storage buildings would be more efficient."
Ashveil shook his head.
"I’m not letting armed strangers search my territory."
"These are my soldiers."
"And those are my buildings. See the problem?"
Adrian stared at him for several moments before slowly standing.
"Lord Ashveil, I have attempted to handle this matter diplomatically. However, your refusal to cooperate is making that increasingly difficult."
Ashveil remained seated.
"I’ve offered to return anything you can prove belongs to Silvercrest. What more do you want?"
Adrian didn’t answer.
Instead, he turned toward his soldiers.
"Inspect the workshop and storage buildings. Recover any equipment bearing Silvercrest’s markings."
Ashveil’s expression darkened.
"Adrian, don’t."
Two swordsmen immediately stepped forward.
The nearest spearmen lowered their weapons across the road, preventing them from approaching the workshop.
Adrian looked toward the defensive line.
"Are you threatening my men?"
"They’re entering my territory without permission. Tell them to stop, and nobody gets hurt."
Seraphina immediately stepped between the two groups.
"Lord Adrian, please withdraw your soldiers. We can verify the equipment without forcing our way into another Lord’s settlement."
"Seraphina, this matter concerns Silvercrest’s property."
"And I understand that. But provoking a battle over an inventory dispute serves neither territory."
Adrian looked increasingly irritated, especially when he noticed that Ashveil’s soldiers hadn’t moved.
For several seconds, the situation remained at a standstill.
Then one of Silvercrest’s swordsmen attempted to push past the defensive line.
"Move aside. We’re under orders."
A spearman blocked him with his shield.
"Nobody enters without the Lord’s permission."
The swordsman shoved the shield aside, only for another spearman to immediately step into his path.
"Last warning."
Before either man could retreat, the Silvercrest soldier drew his sword and struck the shield with its flat side.
The impact forced the spearman backward.
Ashveil immediately stood.
"Everyone, hold your positions! Don’t attack unless they draw blood!"
Unfortunately, the other swordsmen had already begun reaching for their weapons.
Adrian raised his voice.
"Clear the entrance!"
The next exchange happened almost instantly.
A swordsman swung at the nearest spearman, who instinctively raised his shield. Another soldier thrust his spear forward to protect his companion, striking the attacker across the thigh.
Blood splashed onto the ground.
With that, the confrontation finally turned into a battle.
"Fall back to the carts! Keep your formation!"
Ashveil hurried behind his soldiers as the entrance descended into chaos.
Adrian’s swordsmen attempted to advance, but the narrow passage prevented them from surrounding the defenders. The spearmen maintained their defensive line, using their longer weapons to keep the attackers at a distance.
Unfortunately, Adrian was quick to recognize the problem.
"Stop attacking the center! Two of you, circle around the cottages!"
Ashveil clicked his tongue when he heard the order.
Apparently, the bastard wasn’t completely incompetent.
"Second group! Cover the western approach!"
Three spearmen immediately repositioned to intercept the flanking soldiers. However, their departure weakened the main defensive line, and Adrian quickly took advantage of the opening.
He drew his longsword and personally charged toward the barricade.
His first attack struck a spearman’s shield with enough force to knock the soldier backward. Before the man could recover, Adrian delivered another powerful slash that nearly tore the shield from his arm.
Ashveil’s expression changed.
For someone who talked like a businessman, Adrian was surprisingly capable with a sword.
"Ria, give them some help!"
The succubus raised her hand, sending several violet threads toward Adrian’s sword arm. He staggered as the magical bindings tightened, allowing a nearby spearman to thrust his weapon toward the exposed opening.
However, Adrian reacted quickly.
He twisted aside, narrowly avoiding the spear, before drawing a dagger and cutting through the threads.
"What the hell was that magic?!"
Ria merely smiled at him.
Unfortunately, Seraphina had also noticed the exchange.
"Lord Adrian!"
Golden light gathered around her hands as she hurried toward the wounded soldiers. Rather than immediately attacking Ashveil’s men, she released a wave of divine energy that eased the pain of everyone caught within its range.
Ashveil blinked.
Was she healing both sides?
"Seraphina! What are you doing?!" Adrian shouted.
"Preventing unnecessary deaths! Both sides have wounded soldiers!"
"Then heal our men and eliminate that woman!"
Seraphina turned toward Ria, whose crimson eyes met her own.
For a brief moment, the priestess appeared startled.
"That presence... you’re not human."
"My, what a perceptive young lady."
Seraphina tightened her grip on her sword.
"The power surrounding you is unnatural. What exactly are you?"
Ashveil immediately stepped between them, unwilling to let the confrontation escalate into an entirely different problem.
"She’s my companion. We can discuss her species after everyone stops trying to kill each other!"
However, Adrian had already noticed that Seraphina was distracted.
"Now! Push through!"
His remaining swordsmen immediately advanced, forcing Ashveil’s defenders backward. One spearman received a deep cut across his shoulder, while another stumbled after his shield was struck.
Ashveil realized they couldn’t afford to continue trading injuries.
"Ria, can you stop the priestess for a moment?"
"Briefly. But I suggest you act quickly."
Her crimson eyes flashed.
[Sovereign’s Gaze Activated!]
Seraphina suddenly froze as an unfamiliar force seized her movements. Golden light flickered around her body as she struggled against the invisible restraint.
"Forbidden magic!"
Ria’s expression tightened.
"Little lord, I cannot hold her for long!"
Ashveil immediately raised his sword.
"Spearmen! Surround Adrian! Don’t let him regroup with his soldiers!"
Four soldiers advanced from different directions, forcing Adrian to retreat toward the supply carts. With his swordsmen occupied and Seraphina temporarily restrained, the Lord of Silvercrest suddenly found himself isolated.
He swung his longsword at the nearest spearman, but another soldier struck his shoulder with a spear.
Adrian cried out and staggered backward.
Ashveil approached cautiously, keeping his weapon raised.
"Adrian, enough! Your soldiers are surrounded. Drop your sword, and I’ll let the survivors leave."
Adrian looked around.
Two of his swordsmen had already been disarmed, while another lay injured beside the road. The remaining two were struggling to defend themselves.
The battle was effectively over.
However, Adrian’s expression only grew uglier.
"An F-grade Lord... You think you can humiliate me like this?"
Ashveil frowned.
"Nobody asked you to invade my territory. You could’ve walked away yesterday."
"Shut up!"
Adrian suddenly lunged toward him.
Ashveil barely managed to raise his sword before the attack came crashing down. The impact sent pain shooting through his arms, forcing him to stumble backward.
Before Adrian could deliver another blow, a spearman stepped between them and slammed his shield against the attacking Lord.
Adrian staggered.
Ashveil immediately struck his sword arm.
His weapon fell to the ground.
"Yield!"
For a moment, Adrian appeared to hesitate.
Then he reached beneath his armor and drew the dagger hanging at his waist.
"Go to hell!"
He lunged directly toward Ashveil.
The nearest spearman reacted instinctively, driving his weapon forward before Adrian could reach its target.
The spear pierced Adrian’s chest.
His body froze.
For several seconds, the Lord of Silvercrest stared at the weapon protruding from his armor. His dagger slipped from his fingers, and his legs finally gave way.
He collapsed onto the ground.
[Ding! Enemy Lord Defeated!]
[Lord Adrian of Silvercrest Eliminated!]
Ashveil remained motionless for a moment, staring at the fallen Lord.
He had genuinely hoped Adrian would surrender once his soldiers were defeated.
Unfortunately, the man had apparently preferred dying over accepting defeat.
"...Idiot."
With Adrian dead, the remaining swordsmen quickly lost their willingness to fight.
Ashveil immediately ordered his soldiers to stop attacking, and the surviving enemies surrendered after realizing that further resistance would accomplish nothing.
However, Seraphina did not appear relieved.
The moment Ria released her from Sovereign’s Gaze, the Divine Hero rushed toward Adrian’s body and knelt beside him.
Golden light gathered around her hands as she desperately attempted to heal his injuries.
"Lord Adrian!"
Unfortunately, the wound was already fatal.
The light flickered several times before gradually disappearing.
Seraphina remained kneeling beside him, staring at her bloodstained hands.
Ashveil watched silently.
Although Adrian had attempted to seize his territory, seeing the priestess desperately trying to save her former Lord made the victory feel considerably less satisfying.
A notification appeared before him.
[Ding! Battle Rewards Distributed!]
[Gold Coins ×60]
[Source Stone ×1]
[Tier 1 Recruitment Voucher ×1]
[Steel Longsword ×1]
[Reinforced Leather Armor ×5]
Ashveil barely paid attention to the rewards.
Seraphina slowly rose from beside Adrian’s body and turned toward him. Her blue eyes were filled with anger, although she made no immediate attempt to attack.
"You killed my Lord."
Ashveil tightened his grip on his sword.
"He tried to kill me first."
"That doesn’t change what happened."
"No. It doesn’t."
Seraphina’s gaze shifted toward Ria.
"And you used forbidden magic to restrain me."
Ria merely smiled, although her crimson eyes narrowed slightly.
Ashveil immediately stepped between them before another confrontation could begin.
"Nobody’s fighting anymore. We’ve already had enough trouble for one morning."
Seraphina looked toward the surrendered Silvercrest soldiers, then toward Adrian’s body.
Finally, she turned back toward Ashveil.
"Then tell me, Lord Ashveil. What do you intend to do with us now?"