I Regressed to My Ruined Family – 70

 #I returned, and my family was ruined (71)

Not only was he large, but he also had a bushy beard and a fierce face.

Someone stared intently at Marcus as he was passing through the main street of Toledo, a large city ruled by Count Irdan.

Their eyes met for a moment.

“Excuse me… Are you by any chance the one known as the Freedom Fighter?”

One of the villagers asked politely.

Marcus’s face turned red instantly. Scratching the back of his head, he managed to reply.

“…Yes. I am, though I am not worthy of the name.”

“…My goodness!”

Seeing the city dwellers staring at him in amazement, Marcus’s lips twitched.

The Eight Gates of Darkness.

His days were completely different from when he was an officer there.

“Freedom fighter.”

It was a title he could never have dreamed of in his past life as a thug. It all started with the agitation at the Dekun family mansion.

The title given to him, who had shouted at the top of his lungs that they must advance toward the inner city, was “freedom fighter.”

It started as a simple reputation.

However, when Lawrence, the leader of the intelligence organization “Black Moon,” began to make his move, that simple reputation turned into a title.

Rumors began to spread like wildfire. It was no surprise that Marcus’s composite sketch began to circulate.

Not only was he large, but he also had a bushy beard and a fierce face.

It was a unique appearance that anyone would remember at first glance.

Thanks to that, recently, more and more people were recognizing him.

Just like the vassal in front of him now.

Marcus said cautiously.

“I… I would appreciate it if you could keep this a secret…”

“…Ah! Yes, I will.”

The sparkle in his eyes made it obvious that he would tell everyone about this.

“Good.”

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He recalled the order given by his leader.

Infiltrate the metropolis of Toledo.

And slowly spread the word that a freedom fighter is in the city. Marcus was faithfully carrying out his orders.

“What is he planning to do this time?”

Lawrence, the Grand Duke’s strategist.

There was always a reason behind his orders. This time would be no different.

Just as Marcus was waiting for his next order,

One of his informants secretly handed him a note. Marcus looked at the note written in code and his eyes widened.

―There was an assassination attempt on the Grand Duke by Count Irdan.

―Spread rumors about this as quickly as possible, using the “freedom fighter” as the focal point.

―Use the absence of the Grand Knight and Deputy Grand Knight as evidence.

―Grant the Second Moon jurisdiction over the Twenty Dragon Slayers and two hundred intelligence agents.

―…Win over the commander of the outer defenses. He is hostile toward the Count. The materials and additional information necessary to achieve the above objectives will be provided at a later date…

Gulp.

Marcus put the note in his mouth and swallowed it whole, then looked around the city.

People called him a freedom fighter, but his real name within the Black Moon was “Second Moon.”

He had been given the authority to command twenty knights and two hundred informants.

“Something big is about to happen.”

The residents of the count’s domain had suffered under heavy taxes for the past ten years.

Their only hope was the grand duke.

The count and other members of the noble family.

When rumors spread that they would be meeting with the grand duke, their hearts were filled with hope.

Rumors spread that the reason the nobles were gathering was to discuss the issue of taxes.

The talks were successful.

When the taxes on the county were lowered, it was like a festival.

Marcus was in Toledo at the time, so he knew about it.

What if rumors spread that there had been an assassination attempt on the Grand Duke in this situation?

“They could claim that lowering taxes was just a ploy to appease the people.”

Otherwise, there would be no reason to kill the Grand Duke who ordered the tax reduction.

One day later.

Twenty knights met secretly with informants.

Marcus’s eyes lit up when he saw the Yongsaldan, whom he had only heard about.

They were not wearing the “black armor” that represented them because they had to infiltrate the city.

“…What an aura.”

They all exuded a sharp aura like blades.

They were like well-sharpened swords.

Those knights bowed their heads slightly in respect as they looked at him. Even Nerian, the knight commander who had come this time, was no exception.

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“I heard from Lord Lawrence. You are the one who will command this operation, I hear. I will leave it to you.”

Nerian, the knight commander, shook hands with Marcus without losing his composure or manners.

Seeing this, Marcus hurriedly bowed his head and cautiously shook his hand.

“… Was Lord Lawrence really this impressive?”

Nerian was a six-star knight and the former commander of the knight corps.

On the other hand, their leader, Lawrence, was the grand duke’s advisor, but in terms of social status, he was nothing more than a commoner.

And yet.

Nerian was showing respect toward Lawrence. He was maintaining his manners toward Marcus because he was under Lawrence’s command.

“…He is truly remarkable.”

Even though he was a commoner, he was respected by the knights because he had proven his abilities.

Marcus had no doubt about Lawrence’s abilities.

He understood how brilliant his strategy was as he carried out his orders.

“…Let’s begin the operation. Members of the Dragon Slayers, please do your best to prevent the innocent people from being sacrificed.”

“We will do our best.”

That was enough.

Less than half a day after the men arrived, rumors spread throughout Toledo.

―The Freedom Fighter. He has sent word.

―Count Irdan. He harbors a grudge and is attempting to assassinate the Grand Duke. He has even brought the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master with him.

―Keep an eye on the inner castle. The Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master are absent.

Toledo was thrown into chaos in an instant. Was it true that the count had attempted to assassinate the grand duke?

The only good news was that the grand duke had not lost his life. The eyes of the people of the domain turned toward the inner castle.

The Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master of the Red Cross Knights.

They were well known to the people of the domain.

The inner castle guards began to keep a close eye on the two men.

Less than a day after the rumor spread, even the knights began to inquire about their whereabouts.

Coincidentally, the whereabouts of the two men were unknown.

From the time they left their posts to the time the rumor spread.

Everything fit together perfectly.

The White Family claimed that the two had gone out for training, but no one believed them.

This was true not only of the serfs, but even most of the knights.

This was because no knight had received any information about the two’s schedule.

If they had gone out for training, there should have been at least some mention of their schedule.

Soon, the next rumor began to spread.

―Count Irdan. Can’t you see that cunning man was trying to assassinate the Grand Duke?

―What could be his motive? It’s because he lowered the taxes.

―Don’t be fooled. Lowering the taxes was just a temporary ploy.

“If he continues to rule the county, tyranny will continue indefinitely.”

“If we remain silent, we will only be oppressed. If you miss the former duchy, you must rise up and fight for yourselves.”

When there was no hope.

Back then, they just lived in resignation.

But now it was different.

Their hearts were already filled with hope.

Just when they thought life was finally becoming bearable.

Once again confronted with the true nature of the count, the people of the domain began to grow angry one by one.

It was as if the city was boiling with rage.

The once lively streets were suddenly filled with silence, and every time the patrol passed by, the people of the domain glared at them.

Posters began to appear throughout Toledo.

―A subversive force attempting to incite rebellion has been detected within Toledo.

―Those who disrupt the order of the city will not be tolerated. Special crackdowns will be carried out.

―A reward of 500 gold coins will be given to anyone who captures the leader of the rebels who call themselves freedom fighters.

It was a harsh response.

Mercenaries and knights began to roam the city.

They claimed to be responsible for maintaining public order, but everyone knew that they were there to threaten the people of the domain.

The security forces were ruthless.

As the serfs began to voice their discontent and were arrested one by one, one of the Black Moon Wind Riders shouted loudly.

“They are freedom fighters!”

“Freedom fighters?”

With his large build and beard covering his face,

the man who appeared before the security forces was undoubtedly a freedom fighter.

“What… what is this?”

The security forces were taken aback.

“Release the serfs immediately! They were only making legitimate demands!”

“He’s the leader of the rebels! Grab him too!”

The count’s knights began to rush forward.

Swords flew from all directions.

The knights’ eyes widened at the sharp attacks that were suffocating them.

At that moment.

Marcus drew his sword and shouted with all his might.

“We will no longer stand by and watch the count’s oppression! We will take up our swords for freedom!”

The wind catchers surrounding them shouted with all their might.

“Let’s fight for freedom!”

“We can no longer stand by and watch the count’s tyranny!”

“Take up your swords and fight!”

The tyranny had lasted for over ten years.

The anger that the people of the domain had been suppressing was beyond imagination.

They had simply given up because the situation was hopeless.

But now, it was different.

The Red Lion Knights, renowned for their ferocity, were being overwhelmed by the swordplay of those clad in black robes.

Courage rose up.

One by one, more and more people began to shout.

“Follow the warriors of freedom!”

“Waaah!”

Toledo.

The metropolis was plunged into chaos in an instant.

* *

Over a hundred knights were charging across the plain.

It was an excessive number of soldiers to escort a single carriage. However, if anyone knew who was sitting inside that carriage, they would have no choice but to nod in agreement.

The best swordsmen in the Western Continent.

It was the carriage carrying the Grand Duke of the Ardan family.

“How is Irdan responding?”

“He is trying to control the mood in the county, but… the fire has already been lit. Even the count cannot control the flames.”

The person who started the fire sounded overly calm.

Ethan, who was reading the documents, chuckled.

“The freedom fighter.”

Marcus.

He was one of the agitators who had incited the people during the occupation of the Duke of Dekun’s castle.

Considering his fierce appearance with a thick beard, his nickname was quite fitting.

“He’s more useful than I thought. He’s the one who stirred up Toledo.”

Ethan chuckled.

It was an overly humble remark coming from someone who was controlling all the pieces on the chessboard.

Of course, he wasn’t called a freedom fighter for no reason.

He must be quite the orator.

“He’s really made it.”

The Blue Scorpion, one of the Eight Gates of Darkness.

Considering that he was just a gangster, it was a rapid rise to power.

Ethan said to Sylvia.

“Well done.”

“Thank you.”

She bowed her head slightly and said.

“I have already finished talking with the people outside the castle. When the Grand Duke arrives, the outer gate will open naturally.”

Hoo.

When did he persuade the people outside the castle?

Ethan was secretly impressed.

“What about the inner castle?”

“…It is possible, but there will be quite a few casualties. Are you sure?”

It was possible to open the inner gate.

However, unlike the outer city, the inner city was a place where the count’s influence was much greater.

Opening the gate would inevitably cause a commotion.

In the past, Sylvia would not have cared about casualties.

But now, she was different.

She had come to realize that her master valued the people of the domain. Naturally, her strategy leaned toward the option that required fewer sacrifices. She had also sent Marcus, who was sent to stir up the people, with the Yongsa Dan to protect them.

And she had persuaded the outer castle personnel for the same reason.

“Just let me open it.”

“…I’m sorry.”

Silvia still felt inadequate.

That was still the case now.

If she had worked a little harder, she would have been ready to open the inner castle without any sacrifices.

“No, that’s enough.”

She meant it.

The amount of work she was currently handling was already far beyond the level of an ordinary person.

It was hard to understand how she managed to keep up with such demanding work with her small frame.

In Ethan’s eyes, she was already doing her best.

As they talked,

a huge castle began to appear in the distance. It was the first large city they had seen since returning to the past.

The knights began to race toward Toledo.