Our Family Has Fallen

Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Triumph Over Bandits_1

The two major groups had the resources to prolong the situation, but that didn’t mean the rest could do the same. They had long desired to loot the small town again but had always faced restrictions.

Now that the two major groups were gone, the unrestrained bandits would definitely plunder the town to replenish their resources before leaving.

And the bandits who knew their own strength was low would continue to gather the remaining ones; no bandit would miss this feast.

Thinking of this, a curve formed at the corner of Lance’s mouth.

Because this was also his feast.

The people, listening to the Lord’s words, voiced no objections, for his actions had proven him right time and again. They had grown accustomed to leaving the thinking to the Lord and simply focused on carrying out his orders.

”Let’s set off—we need to get back to town before nightfall.”

The group sprang into motion, identifying thirteen women. Lance couldn’t be bothered to explain slowly. He simply told them they had been rescued and were now being taken back to town, instructing them to control their emotions to avoid alerting other bandits, which would complicate matters.

Though originally crying their eyes out, they all fell silent upon hearing these words, obediently complying.

He was more concerned about something else from the artillery crew—the cannons.

One was a Twelve Pounds cannon, and the other a Sixteen Pounds cannon. The latter had a frighteningly large caliber, and its size was so exaggerated that it required four horses to haul. Lance believed their roar would be something well worth anticipating.

Raising his hand to touch the cold metal barrel, Lance’s eyes revealed an unprecedented affection.

No man can refuse a big, thick cannon.

Besides the cannons, there were also gunpowder and Bombs, as well as some plundered resources. It seemed the artillery crew hadn’t been idle, having looted merchant caravans. Now, Lance was the one to benefit.

However, the problem of how to transport everything gave Lance a headache. He could only abandon some lower-value items and prioritize taking the important ones first.

Luckily, the artillery crew had arrived on the run with over a dozen military horses and large wagons, which were barely sufficient to carry the goods.

The team set off, but Lance rode ahead alone on a fast horse.

He planned to return, unload the items from the Exhibition Room, then come back to use its storage to haul the remaining goods, determined not to leave anything useful for the bandits.

Moreover, with so many people, he had to ensure they were settled in advance, so as not to alarm the town’s inhabitants and interfere with his next step in the plan.

Lance had only recently learned horsemanship. However, thanks to Reynard the Knight’s instruction and his own strong learning ability, while he couldn’t claim to be an expert, he could control his horse steadily as he galloped down the old road.

He knew the locations of the bandit lairs and intentionally avoided them, so he encountered no bandits and returned safely.

The small town remained unchanged. It was bustling with construction on one side, but the area near the old road was almost deserted.

”My Lord!”

Upon opening the door and seeing Lance, Susan immediately exclaimed in surprise, her eyes brimming with joy.

She was one of the few in town privy to Lance’s movements and knew the Lord was out eliminating the bandits encamped outside.

Because of this, she had been very worried about the Lord’s safety. Only upon seeing him return unharmed did she feel some relief.

But soon, she noticed Lance’s torn clothing. Even the iron plate of his armor underneath was scarred. It was hard to imagine what kind of attack could cause such damage.

”It’s nothing. How’s the person I brought back last night?”

Lance noticed her reaction and, not wanting her to worry further, quickly changed the subject.

”Ah, she’s much better now, although the lacerations... down there... are quite severe. Those bandits are truly inhuman.”

Susan’s face clouded with hatred upon mentioning this, while Lance just shook his head silently, then moved on to another matter.

”I’ve rescued another group of people from the bandits. Find a few trustworthy individuals to clean up the sanatorium. I need it to house them, and don’t let too many people know.”

The sanatorium wasn’t severely damaged. After simple repairs, it had been converted into a prison, though it currently held no prisoners. It was, however, a good place for temporary accommodation.

After making arrangements, he went down to the cellar.

The grain and liquor previously stored there had been moved to the granary storehouse, leaving the cellar rather empty.

But soon after, items from the Exhibition Room were brought out: armor, firearms, gunpowder, and various miscellaneous items. Of course, when the two chests of money were dropped on the floor, the ground even trembled slightly.

Once everything was cleared out, Lance galloped back. He had to deal with everything before the bandits could react.

”You’ve done well. Keep everything as usual and don’t bother with those guys. Just do your job.”

”Yes.”

Vick, remembering the Lord’s grim face, knew someone would be in trouble tomorrow.

Lance located the three outstanding recruits and obtained information from them about the training camp’s happenings over the past few days.

Indeed, some among them were shirkers. Barely two days in, they were already undermining discipline: slacking off during training, making excuses to avoid patrols, and even using their status to entertain improper ideas.

Did these people think his blade wasn’t sharp enough?

Lance had just witnessed what a breakdown in military discipline looked like, and he would never allow his soldiers to become such useless dregs.

Back at the stronghold, Dismas and the others had finished their tasks and were waiting for him to return for dinner.

”Come on, let’s eat first and talk later.”

Lance invited everyone to start the meal; after a busy day, they could finally have something warm to eat.

And today, they were eating wolf meat.

Lance hadn’t used the Sacrifice ability on the white wolf corpses. There were a dozen white wolves; their fur was valuable, but their meat was what the townspeople needed more.

Whether it was construction work or training new recruits, both were physically demanding. A lack of protein would seriously deplete their bodies.

Only those with full stomachs would have the energy to question the source of the meat, not to mention that the Barbarians themselves were accustomed to eating wolf meat.

The wolf meat was rough in texture and not very delicious, but it was filling.

Each person gnawing on a wolf leg brought a strong sense of satisfaction.

If there had been some cumin and barbecue seasoning, it might have tasted even better, but such were the conditions of this era.

It couldn’t be helped; now wasn’t the time to think about improving their meals. A mountain of tasks in town still awaited his attention.

Over dinner, Lance discussed the day’s events. The artillery crew, whose discipline had collapsed to the point they had become bandits, was something they needed to be vigilant about.

He also mentioned the situation with the Collector, which served to show them what an Aberrant Demon was and that many more such beings existed in this land.

The mere thought of it made Lance feel somewhat oppressed, but he quickly steeled his resolve.

I carry an advantage; I must be the Child of Destiny!

Man can be killed!

Demons can also be killed!

To blaze a trail of blood!

To fight for a clear and righteous world!