Chapter 61: I’m Afraid I Must Insist.

Chapter 61: Chapter 61: I’m Afraid I Must Insist.

Chapter 61: I’m Afraid I Must Insist.

"No, our lord says he’s too tired from the journey and wants us to handle the matters ourselves," Osborne spoke up.

"But there’s only three of you. I recall you came in four. While you’re from his lordship’s domain, don’t you think you might be underestimating them?"

"Might I ask what you mean, young master? I thought none of the McClains had ever encountered these fiends before."

William scoffed. "Just because we haven’t doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be more cautious. If they’re capable of eluding us for so long, don’t you think that level of attention is needed?"

"Don’t worry about such things. There’s no way mere bandits could delude vassals of Roosevelt." Osborne burst out laughing.

William’s brows furrowed. "I see..."

"Well, in that case, please hold on a minute. I’ll gather some of our personnel to help you in your endeavours," William said.

"Why bother? We’ll probably catch these filthy vermin in no time at all." Osborne laughed confidently.

"I’m afraid I must insist..." William said, his voice firm while his expression hardened for a moment.

Seeing Clawdeth and Gilhound’s slightly strange expressions, he cleared his throat, saying, "If word got out that our house made no efforts to help in this endeavour, I fear what would await us if the Marquess were to learn of it."

"But I already told you, our lord said it’s fine. Just leave it to the three of us," Osborne smirked confidently.

"While I’d like to do that, I’m afraid I simply can’t. But don’t feel discouraged. I assure you they’ll make no efforts to impede your investigations."

"Fine, suit yourself." Osborne waved his hand dismissively.

William’s expression creased up for a moment, but he said nothing, instead leaving.

Only moments after he left did a genuine light smile emerge on Osborne’s face.

"My lord, forgive me for asking, but was there any need to agitate the young master so?"

"You really don’t get it, do you?" Clawdeth sighed helplessly.

"Oh? And you do?" Osborne turned to her, curious.

Clawdeth clicked her tongue before saying to Gilhound, "Our lord wasn’t trying to agitate him, but did all that to check something."

"Judging from the young master’s actions, I believe our lord was able to discover what he was looking for."

"And that would be?" Gilhound asked.

"That this matter involves something else besides just mere bandits," Osborne said. "Or at least, that’s what I believe."

"You really can’t be too sure with matters like this."

"Then if it isn’t bandits, what else could there possibly be?" Gilhound said, confused.

"I honestly have no idea. For all we know, they could be conspiring with the bandits, or have a reason not to catch them all this time. It could be anything." Osborne sighed.

"Then shouldn’t we inform Sir Sebastian about this? If what’s involved isn’t mere bandits, you could get hurt, my lord–" Gilhound tried to say, only for Osborne to bonk him on the head.

"Ow~!"

"Do you really think I’m that helpless?" Osborne gave him a look.

’Besides, I already feel like that man knew beforehand that this wasn’t just a mere bandit case.’

’But why would he do such a thing? There’s nothing to gain from this... is there?’

’No, Silvester isn’t that type of man. The novel depicted him as a righteous swordsman. I doubt he’d be the type to plot against me.’

’That being said, there’s still the matter of that strange thing from last night...’

’Is it somehow connected to this as well?’ Before he could finish thinking, five men, presumably called by William, arrived.

’Well, let’s hope nothing happens today... If something does happen, with these two here, I’m safer than if I was alone.’

While he didn’t trust Clawdeth completely, he doubted she’d turn against him if something were to arise, because Roseline might as well kill her if that were to happen.

"My name is Sebastian, young sir. Young Master William has assigned me to help in your endeavours." The man leading the five men said. He had dark, neck-length hair and a tall, sturdy build.

The faint scars on his face told Osborne that this was someone who had already weathered through a lot.

"Osborne," Osborne said. "You can tag along. Just don’t mess up my investigation." He grumbled.

"But of course. We’re only here to help." The man offered a polite bow.

---

Sebastian and his men led Osborne and his group to a dirt road within the barony.

"This is where we’ve been told those miscreants usually frequent."

"If they come by here so often, why haven’t you caught them yet? I’m sure having them strike time and time again isn’t favourable for your lordship."

"Indeed, but I’m afraid this group of vermin are simply too elusive. We’ve tried time and time again, only to end up empty-handed."

"You don’t say..." Osborne muttered. Clearly, he wasn’t buying it.

"Unlike most fiefdoms, the McClain Barony has several trading routes. It’s one of the reasons our territory is able to remain so prosperous. Though I will admit that this time, we really have found ourselves in a bind."

"If this place is so popular, I’m sure you have no shortage of miscreants," Osborne said. "What makes this bunch so special?"

"I’m afraid I have no idea. My lord has tried so hard just to catch them, but each time we seem close, they appear one step ahead."

"I’m sure it must be embarrassing for your lordship to fail so much simply to catch a few thieving snakes." Osborne laughed, patting Sebastian on the back. "But no matter, you’re lucky my lordship brought me along. I’ll be sure to clear this problem in no time at all. After all, there’s no problem I can’t solve. It’s why my lord values me so much." He bragged confidently.

"Indeed..." Sebastian mumbled.

"This way, please. There’s something I’d like to show you. I hope it can help you catch those thieves as quickly as possible." Sebastian gestured for them to follow.

"Well then, lead the way," Osborne said.

Their group followed Sebastian, his five men tagging behind.

Eventually, they arrived at a point along the dirt road.

There, a wreckage of a carriage could be seen. There were even traces of blood and signs of torn clothing.

"You’re free to look around as you wish," Sebastian said. "This is one of their most recent sightings. Quite an eyesore, I must say." Sebastian shook his head lightly.

Osborne squatted down, picking up a piece of fabric.

"Truly disgusting, wouldn’t you agree? Not only do they take what isn’t theirs, those sinful things even dare to lust after their targets."

"I can’t even begin to imagine how many poor lasses have been stained by their evil clutches."

"Truly despicable!" Osborne said, his expression agitated. He turned to Clawdeth and Gilhound.

"Well, what are you doing?! Search this place now! I want any and all possible links that could lead me to these bastards."

"Put that abominable body of yours to good use and sniff them out!"

"Yes, sir." Clawdeth nodded.

"Mr. Sebastian." While Clawdeth and Gilhound were looking through the wreckage, Osborne approached Sebastian.

"Yes, young sir?" Sebastian said.

"Is there any village or town near here by any chance? A simple settlement, perhaps?"

Sebastian paused for a moment before nodding. "Why yes... But what do you intend to do with such?"

"It’s simple really. Whoever these animals are, I’m sure they can’t possibly live in the forests alone. Commoners like these are sure to interact with their own kind. It wouldn’t be impossible for them to head into these places from time to time."

"Marvelous idea. Although I’m afraid I have to admit we’ve already checked such places before."

"Then let me. I’m sure there’s something I can figure out," Osborne said confidently.

Sebastian turned silent.

One of the four men under him suddenly approached him before whispering something into his ear.

"Is something the matter, Sir Sebastian?" Osborne asked.

"Not at all, young sir." Sebastian said as the man stepped away. "My subordinate was trying to persuade me into leading the way. He believes that perhaps your intuition might just be right."

"You don’t say." Osborne smiled, nodding his head. "That’s one brilliant subordinate you have there." He laughed heartily.

"Such people deserve a raise, hahaha."

"Well, young sir, if you’re done here, please follow me," Sebastian said.

"Well, what are you two waiting for? Do you want me to leave you behind?!" Osborne yelled at Clawdeth and Gilhound, who were still searching the wreckages.

"Coming, sir." Both of them said before hurrying along.

---

Their small party soon arrived at a village.

’So much for prosperous...’ Osborne said to himself, glancing around. This place was in really bad shape.

Which definitely didn’t match with Sebastian’s words earlier, unless they wanted him to believe that the Baron was a greedy demon who refused to spare a penny to make his land prosper.

An air of gloom seemed to surround the place. People walking by couldn’t help but glance at their group due to how they appeared.