Third Outer World Story Series: Pumpkin Sorcerer - Chapter 73

Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter

“I can sort of understand what you’re thinking, but we’re not worried about a head-on fight between the two sides.”

“Oh, I knew it.”

How can I describe it? I suppose there are two types of lords who would accept such a request: either they are scumbags or they had no choice but to agree to it due to inevitable circumstances.

Even if the lord had a respectable conscience or was doing something behind the scenes, they would have a clear grasp of gain and loss and would have figured out which side they should ingratiate themselves with.

“If I may add, even the soldiers of each side have high morale, whether they are tax collectors or knights because they are striving to protect their own lives or to repay a favor to their lords, but on the other hand, the tax collectors on the other side have low morale due to heavy taxes, and the knights are all those who only care about themselves. Even the mercenaries are on our side, aside from a few who are ruffians and those who are blinded by greed and money. And even the majority of the national army is with us.”

“The Fourth Prince’s side, to put it frankly, is at a standstill, isn’t it?”

“As long as it’s a battle between soldiers, I suppose so.”

The Fourth Prince appeared to be already trapped in the center of the situation to Pumpkin as he continued to hear more.

Is that what is bound to happen on the day of a coup against a king who is ruling benevolently?

But if that’s the case, why have I been summoned?

“But as far as I know, Ray, though foolish, was not the sort of man who would take on a challenge with no chance of victory.”

“Hmm?”

The prince, perhaps sensing his question, continued.

“So here’s what I reckon. Even if he can’t win in a battle between the soldiers, he can do something about us. In other words, there must be a trump card.”

Ah, I see. Indeed, if there is a trump card that can reverse the tide of the war, then it is possible to be somewhat aggressive.

Even so, I don’t comprehend the coup d’état.

“Based on what the prince said, they have taken many people hostage, including the king. We suspect that they would use cowardly measures regarding the hostages, as much as I detest the idea.”

“Mmm.”

The commander followed up on the prince’s words.

Hostages can certainly be an effective tool if cowardice and immorality were not a consideration.

The king’s head, in particular, would be very valuable.

“So, in the end, the request you want me to do is…”

“Right. Let’s be blunt about this. There are two tasks I need you to do. The first is to rescue the king, his concubines, and my half-brothers. The second is to investigate the trump cards they may have and, if possible, neutralize them. Nevertheless, as far as the concubines and half-brothers are concerned, it would be fine provided that they are saved to the best of your ability. Unfortunately, it’s already been a week. I wouldn’t be shocked if some of them had been executed.”

Ah, I knew you were going to say that…

But well, I’ll have to gather more information before I decide to accept this request.

“Okay. Then can you answer a few questions from my part?”

“Are your questions essential to the fulfillment of my request?”

“Yeah, hopefully I’ll be able to save everyone alive when I get to the capital. Just…”

“What’s wrong?”

Pumpkin looked around at the other members of the group and considered whether it was safe to start talking, and when he was sure it would be okay, he started to ask questions.

“How the hell am I supposed to tell them that!”

“Calm down, commander.”

And, of course, the captain rebuffed Pumpkin.

Well, I can sympathize with him. If you were to be asked if you could teach this unidentified pumpkinhead, ninety-nine out of a hundred people would say that it would be futile.

But even so, I still need you to tell them… otherwise, the success rate of the operation will be greatly affected…

“I’m sure you can understand what I am trying to say…”

“Keep it a secret, right? Don’t worry, I’ll take it to my grave.”

“If you understand, that’s fine.”

After hearing what he wanted to hear, Pumpkin decided that he could go for it and decided to formally accept the request.

“I’m grateful. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”

“You can only say that after you’ve succeeded.”

So, having replied to the prince’s involuntary words, Pumpkin walked out of the room with the prince and the others.

Well, if everything goes well, that will be the end of this case…

—————-

So, when they walked out of the room and up to the border between the front and back of the Association…

“Crap!?”

“Oops!”

[[[Ah…]]]

“Prince!?”

The two persons who weren’t supposed to meet each other came into contact.

“I’m sorry. Are you alright…”

“Ah, yes. Excuse me…”

And then the prince took the hand of the woman… Rio who had fallen after bumping into him, and the two gazed at each other when their line of sight aligned.

They are both attractive, which makes them both appealing, yet…

“Sorry for the sugary atmosphere, but you guys are half-siblings.”

[[What!?]]

The two of them instantly froze at Pumpkin’s words.

Incidentally, Rio was told by Ryoko just the other day that she was the illegitimate child of the king.

Apparently, even Ryoko thought it was time for her to know.

“Then, I’m going to the royal capital, so please take care of the rest. If you need anything, please use the communication magic via Denley.”

“What, you can fly in the air!?”

“Hyulololooo!!”

And then Pumpkin left the two frozen people in the hands of Kozo and the others before taking off for the royal capital.

Hyulololooo! Well, I suppose being royalty, there’s nothing wrong with incest!

——————

A/N:

By the way, dating a half-brother without knowing he is your half-brother is a death flag.

T/N:

I am not too sure what the conversation in the latter part of Pumpkin with the prince is since the details are not given. Will revise it into more proper words once I found out in the future chapters