66-66. Persuade

When I arrived at Rico's house, he was in the middle of an argument.

It seems that the subordinates are desperately trying to keep Rico, who is about to go to the brave alone to help the people, from holding him back.

It's not good to get emotional and argue like this at a time like this.

''Stop!''

I went in to stop the argument.

'Te, Tetsuya!'

When Riko sees me, she rolls her eyes in surprise.

'You're Riko-sama's acquaintance, Tetsuya-sama, and then Aisa-sama too... yes. Please help me convince Rico-sama!　Please!

The man under him bowed his head and asked for help.

He was a baby-faced man in a white robe.

'There is no use in persuading me. I have decided to go.'

I feel a pretty firm will.

It seems that he's going to respond to the call of the brave men here by all means.

However, even if my will is firm, I can't let Rico go, I'll never let him go. I'll try to persuade him somehow.

'Rico, you must not go. You know what the brave men will do to you if you are caught by them you know what they are like back then.

But I'll have to go. If you look at the number of troops outside, you will know that there is no chance of victory. There really is a land-covering army of soldiers surrounding the town. If I don't go there, the town will be thoroughly ransacked.

I didn't see the army that I said was out of town in person, but that many. They said it was an army of tens of thousands.

''Rico-sama........Even if I went under their thumb, it wouldn't change the fact that this town would be sacked.

'No, Mr. Richard, that is not true. It's my skills that the enemy is after. If you're going to sack this town, you can't attack this town if you say you won't use it.

Rico answers his subordinate's question. This guy's name seems to be Richard.

It is true that the other person's purpose may be more likely to be in the skill, but that still doesn't mean it's okay to say you won't use it.

'Rico, that's a bit naive of you, isn't it? "Rico, that's a bit naive of you," he said, "but they may think it's easier to subdue you if they capture you and torture you, don't they?

Rico's expression changes at Mek's comment about torture.

He may not have thought that far ahead.

'Dude, no matter what they do to you, if you don't use it, you'll give up.

Well, I'm afraid that if you torture me later, I might use it and sack the town instead of listening to a word you say.

Hearing those words, Rico is silent.

The first thing is, if you are going to be tortured, there is no way you would let Rico-sama go after all.

'Well then... what should I do... if I fight, a lot of people will end up dying, right? I think the best chance of saving everyone is to go and bet that the other side will do what I want.

Rico muttered as if he was ready.

'What about assuming we're going to lose?　If we win, we won't get looted.

'I can say that because Mr. Tetsuya hasn't seen the army outside. I've climbed up the defensive wall to see it, but I don't think we stand a chance.

Battles aren't just about numbers. Especially in this world, there are levels and statuses.

That's true but I'm sure a lot of people will die if we fight.

Anyway, Rico seems to hate it when people other than himself get hurt. He's a sweet kid, so it's not surprising.

His subordinate, Richard, heard those words.

'I'm sure everyone in this town would be willing to spare their lives for the sake of Master Rico if it meant protecting this town.

I said.

'I'm sad to lose Rico-Oneechan too, so I'll fight for her.

I'll fight. And I don't want to leave a brave man on the loose for anything other than Liko's sake.

Mek and Lenya told me that if I would fight them, they would fight us too.

'Oh no...'

When I say "to protect you, Lord Rico," I also mean for the sake of this town. Without him, the town will return to its previous poor state. I'm sure everyone in the town doesn't want that to happen.

....

Rico thought in silence for a while.

He seemed to be feeling a strong conflict.

After thinking silently for a few minutes, Rico finally opened his mouth.

''....I understand. Let's try to fight.''