Bloodhound’s Regression Instinct

Chapter 216

“The Baron Yan is right. Based on my numerous experiences on the battlefield, I have decided to offer some advice.”

Merriott, who suddenly found himself in the role of Yan’s mentor, could only nod in agreement. He knew that if he disagreed, it could alter the course of the war.

The tense atmosphere calmed down with Merriott’s agreement. In the Empire, only the Duke of Sun could rival Merriott. His numerous battles and current efforts with the navy to eradicate pirates were well-known among the southern nobles.

Especially…

‘Who would dare to oppose Sir Merriott directly?’

‘If they did, they might fall out of favor with His Highness the Sun Duke.’

‘They could end up living like commoners for the rest of their lives.’

The nobles feared the presence of the Sun Duke behind Merriott. As the nobles who were about to speak fell silent, Marquis Daniel also had to step back.

“If Sir Merriott says so, then I am relieved. I hope you do not misunderstand my intentions.”

“Of course, Marquis Daniel. I spoke out of concern for the Empire’s safety, so there will be no further comments on this matter.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

As the two men settled the situation, the atmosphere became warm.

-Thank you. I didn’t expect you to step up so eagerly.

-It’s fine. Since it’s something I asked for, it’s only natural that I handle these minor tasks.

Yan nodded at Merriott’s reassuring words. Then he looked at Marquis Daniel. He wasn’t a noble known for his political prowess. If he were, Yan would have remembered him. However, his behavior today reminded Yan of a skilled politician, like Duke Zion or the former special envoy.

There was only one answer.

Yan smiled as he looked at Marquis Daniel.

‘He’s already been influenced.’

It was likely someone Yan knew well. Although things moved faster than expected, it wasn’t enough to derail the plan.

Now that he knew this, what should he do?

With the war approaching, should he assign Marquis Daniel to tedious tasks like the other nobles?

The answer was no.

Since he had shown his teeth, at least two or three of them needed to be pulled out to be satisfied.

So, let’s set a trap.

With this thought, Yan put on a gentle expression and addressed the nobles.

“I feel uncomfortable assigning search tasks only to others. Therefore, I will also take on a search task.”

The nobles were surprised by Yan’s words. They had deliberately chosen safe zones, but they thought Yan, who was rising in prominence, would command a battlefield where he could earn more merits.

But to think he would join the search tasks…

‘Perhaps this is a better choice.’

‘If Baron Yan also takes on search tasks, and we step in to reduce his burden, His Highness the Crown Prince might hear about it.’

‘He’s different from what I heard. He knows something.’

The nobles began to praise Yan, nodding their heads.

“As expected, you seek out difficult tasks. No wonder His Highness the Crown Prince favors you.”

“But don’t overdo it. We can always step in for you.”

“That’s right. You are a general with great responsibilities ahead! Hahaha.”

The meeting ended on a cheerful note, and the nobles hurriedly left to think about how to gain more merits.

* * *

Before returning to his tent, Yan headed to Merriott’s quarters.

The knights who recognized him allowed him to enter without hesitation. Inside, Merriott was meditating, having removed his armor.

Knock, knock.

Yan tapped on a nearby chair, and Merriott opened his eyes.

“Yan? Do you have more to say to me?”

“Yes, I have something to discuss with you.”

Yan sat down, indicating he had much to say. Merriott adjusted his posture and listened attentively.

“Go ahead.”

“Do you remember when I mentioned taking on the search task earlier?”

“I remember. Wasn’t it to save face for the other nobles?”

“That was part of it, but not the main reason.”

“Hmm, then what is it?”

“I plan to set a trap.”

“A trap?”

“Yes.”

Merriott frowned at Yan’s response. Without context, it was hard to understand what he meant. Yan began to explain in a way that Merriott could easily grasp.

“There is an enemy spy hiding in the forward base. I believe you might have an idea who it is.”

Merriott’s eyes widened, then he nodded. If there was a spy, only one person came to mind. Not exactly a spy, but someone who constantly hindered Yan, slowing down the meetings.

“Are you referring to Marquis Daniel?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Whether he’s being blackmailed or cooperating willingly, I don’t know.”

“Then shouldn’t we capture and interrogate him immediately?”

Merriott stood up with a stern face, ready to drag Marquis Daniel in for questioning.

“No, not yet.”

“Not yet?”

“Knowing there’s a spy, we plan to use that to our advantage. Besides, he doesn’t seem particularly intelligent.”

Merriott blinked at Yan’s words. Then, recalling what Yan had just said, he burst into laughter.

“Hahaha! So that’s it.”

“Now you understand.”

“If I couldn’t figure out something this simple, I’d have to resign as the head of the Order of the Blazing Sun.”

Yan volunteering for the search task was a ruse to use the spy to find the enemy and capture them all. Merriott’s face showed interest.

“So, what do you need me to do?”

“Just follow the instructions I’m about to give you.”

Yan then detailed the tasks ahead, and Merriott took notes.

* * *

He dismissed the servants he had called to handle the chores and let out a deep sigh. It was almost time for them to arrive.

Tick, tick, tick, tick.

The clock’s second hand ticked at regular intervals. Not long after the night sky darkened, two figures appeared before Marquis Daniel, carried by a gentle breeze into the tent.

A middle-aged man with snow-white hair and a strikingly beautiful woman with the same hair color. Marquis Daniel, seeing them for the first time, couldn’t help but be impressed. He quickly composed his expression.

“You’re late.”

The beautiful woman among them let out a chuckle at his heavy tone.

“Have you forgotten yesterday’s events already, you worm?”

“What, what did you say?”

As Marquis Daniel bristled, the middle-aged man shook his head and stopped the woman.

“Enough, Lily. Greetings, Marquis Daniel.”

Having missed his chance to get angry, Marquis Daniel glared at Lily before nodding at the man.

“Greetings. I never imagined those who once held a knife to my throat would show up so openly.”

Marquis Daniel knew they would come, having read the last part of the note left by his bedside before today’s meeting.

“Following the instructions in that note only made things worse. I couldn’t even get close enough to monitor him.”

Marquis Daniel pulled out the note from his pocket and waved it. It was the note they had left for him, detailing what he should say at today’s meeting.

The middle-aged man chuckled at Daniel’s words.

“If Yan were that easy, he’d be dead by now. It was just a light probe, and he responded appropriately. No need to be disappointed.”

Marquis Daniel’s face twisted at the man’s nonchalant words.

“No need to be disappointed? Do you know how much face I lost because of this?!”

The man smiled kindly and asked, “Isn’t losing a bit of face better than losing your life?”

A threat that didn’t match his smiling face. Marquis Daniel shuddered at the pressure emanating from the man and shouted.

“Alright, alright! Are you here to kill me?”

“Of course not. Just reminding you of your place. Don’t take it too hard.”

The man waved his hand dismissively and continued.

“Now, report everything that was said at today’s meeting.”

“Re-report?”

Marquis Daniel’s eyes narrowed, but the man didn’t seem to care.

Shing.

Lily, standing beside him, slightly drew her sword, and Marquis Daniel had no choice but to swallow his pride.

“Sigh.”

He let out a deep sigh and began to report the day’s events. How Merriott had become Yan’s advisor, the brief outline of the upcoming war, and finally, how Yan had taken on the search task to gain favor with the nobles.

The middle-aged man’s eyes curved into a crescent moon shape.

“That’s good.”

“What do you mean?”

Marquis Daniel asked at the man’s sudden comment. But instead of answering, the man wrote something on a piece of paper and handed it to Daniel.

“Make sure this place is searched by the day after tomorrow, no matter what.”

“How am I supposed to do that?!”

“If you can’t, you’ll die. If all you can do is blabber, who knows if you’ll blabber about our identities too?”

The man’s pressure intensified, and Marquis Daniel bit his lip.

‘Damn it, from one fox to another tiger!’

Chased by Yan, he now faced a tiger. But his greed remained undiminished. Marquis Daniel’s eyes gleamed.

‘Once this is over, I’ll have Sir Merriott deal with you.’

Of course, dealing with Yan and taking the commander’s position was his priority.

“Fine. If this goes well, you’ll be rewarded.”

“Human, if you try any tricks, I’ll tear you apart. Just follow orders.”

With those parting words, the two disappeared. Marquis Daniel spent the night devising a way to send Yan to the location they mentioned.

And the next day dawned.