Morres [1]

39

39. The Predator (3)

Having escaped the cliff, they ran towards Aslan's hut. Regardless of their intention to flee, they reasoned it would be best to bring along basic weapons and food. Above all, since all the bandits they were with had been knocked out, it would take some time before news of their escape reached Jerome.

Food rations and flour, flintstones, and various medicinal herbs. Even as he stuffed a few traps and weapons into his bag, Aslan's mind was in turmoil. Sooner or later, Jerome's subordinates would probably block off all paths leading down the mountain. Since they are likely in collusion with the village guards, entering Flanders was not an option.

Should they head towards Carthago then? Despite the longer detour through the mountain path, if they could get across safely, it might be the best choice. However, if the checkpoint guards discovered that they had come from Flanders, they would be treated as spies. Although currently at peace, Carthago and Flanders are still at war.

'...Is Asein Republic the only choice after all?'

No, the immediate priority was to survive from Jerome. They would seek refuge deep within the western mountains, where the search teams wouldn't reach.

How long would it take for a gap to form in the guards? A week? A month? Or would they have to wait for an entire season?

As Aslan busied himself with preparations, Bart, who had been quietly observing, offered some advice.

"You won't need that much. No matter how you look at it, the escape won't take more than three days. It's best to keep ourselves as light as possible."

"......?"

Aslan paused and looked at Bart with a hardened expression. Thoughts began to resurface in his chaotic mind, particularly Bart's words that he had previously ignored.

– It seems like we don't have much time, how about descending the mountain now?

– ...you'll be flustered soon, so it's best to rest and save your strength.

Did he know in advance that this would happen?

Perceiving the doubt in Aslan's gaze, Bart added with a smirk while scanning the outside of the hut. "I may not know this place well, but judging from the current chaos, I can hazard a guess. It seems like a punitive force will be mobilized soon."

...What? Why would he suddenly say something like that?

However, without any further explanation, Bart left the hut saying, "We've wasted too much time. We need to leave now."

Aslan, after removing some grain sacks and the heavy traps, hurriedly tied up his bag and followed Bart.

Though they hadn't known each other for long, Bart's words hadn't been nonsense so far. It wouldn't be a bad idea to keep in mind the possibility of a punitive force and escape as far as possible.

However, when Bart mentioned the punitive force, a familiar face came to Aslan's mind. It was Max, the old blacksmith, with whom he had formed a shallow bond since coming here. Max was a quiet old man who drank and had a kind demeanor. Aslan wanted to save him, at least.

"I may not know much about Max's past, but here, he's just a blacksmith."

Would the impending punitive force take that into account?

Considering the innocent Seymour and Gustav, who were confined in the previous bandit group, were brutally killed by Rohan's punitive force, it was highly likely Max wouldn't survive if left here.

There were countless reasons why they couldn't take him.

Jerome might have already released his men into the mountains under the guise of catching spies. Given that situation, running away with an extra burden was practically impossible.