Chapter 62: The Mind of a Nobody
Chapter 62: Chapter 62: The Mind of a Nobody
BANG!
The dilapidated wooden door was pushed open.
Everyone imprisoned in the warehouse flinched, their gazes fixed nervously on the doorway.
The flickering candlelight revealed their silhouettes. They recognized them—two of the Baron’s servants, responsible for feeding the livestock.
They were the ones who had been bringing them scraps of food for the past few days.
Hardy sat hunched against the wall. The injuries from that day, combined with several days of starvation, had long since drained all his strength.
Now, he couldn’t even think about picking up a weapon; just standing up and taking a few steps made his legs feel weak.
"Time to eat~"
Pinching their noses, the servants entered and brought in some black bread from the kitchen, along with leftover scraps from other meals.
Compared to their previous meals, tonight’s spread was a feast.
Only then did Hardy realize that it wasn’t just two servants who had entered the "cell," but five or six of them.
He immediately grew tense and quickly asked, "What are you all doing here? Why bring so much food today?"
His men, who had been scrambling for the food, also noticed this and instantly grew wary.
’They’d heard that criminals were sometimes given a final, hearty meal before their execution. Could it be...?’
Suddenly, the black bread in their hands lost its appeal. Some even started to weep and beg for mercy.
"Everyone, listen up!"
A figure taller than the servants walked in. It was Jack.
Hardy recognized this person. He was a Basic-level Warrior. ’Is he really here to take our lives?’
Jack had no desire to set foot in this place. It reeked of shit and piss—the smell was unbearable.
Wanting to get it over with as quickly as possible, he announced in a stern voice:
"Your leader, Bard, has already submitted to the Lord of Black Forest Island, Lord Duane!"
Those words nearly made the hearts of Hardy and his men stop beating.
’Bard? The strongest man on Black Forest Island? He submitted to the Baron?’
This news simply shattered their worldview.
"Since you are Bard’s men, the Lord has pardoned you for your offense. You are to eat and drink well tonight, and you are permitted to leave tomorrow!"
One moment, Hardy and his men were terrified for their lives; the next, they were simply stunned. It took a long moment before they erupted in joyous cheers.
"I’m not going to die!"
"Waaah, I miss my children..."
"I want to go home~"
All manner of joyous sobs filled the reeking warehouse.
The men’s elation was a stark contrast to their foul surroundings.
Jack snorted. "Shouldn’t you be thanking the Baron for his mercy?"
His words were like a splash of cold water. The men instantly changed their tune, dropping to their knees one after another to thank Duane for his mercy.
Even Hardy couldn’t help but speak words of gratitude.
He was the manager of Lingang Village and the docks, equivalent to a management position in the Broken Wave Gang.
He might be arrogant and domineering, but that was just a habit built up over many years.
In reality, he wasn’t a fool.
’Since the Baron is letting us go, it means we’re no longer a threat.’
’And he just said that Bard has already submitted to the Lord.’
’In that case, the Lord is my leader’s leader. In the future, I’ll not only have to obey Bard, but I’ll have to obey the great leader even more.’
At this thought, Hardy scrambled to his knees. He not only offered words of thanks but also pledged his loyalty, saying things like, "Please, command me if the Lord needs anything."
Jack’s gaze fell upon Hardy.
"The Lord can capture you once, he can capture you countless times! But not every time will you be so lucky as to get out of here in one piece!"
He warned, "The Baron is the true master of Black Forest Island. Think carefully before you do anything!"
After speaking, Jack left the warehouse with steady steps.
Once he was certain the men inside could no longer see him, he broke into a sprint, only stopping once he was far away to gasp for fresh air.
’I have no idea how those guys can eat so heartily in a place like that.’
In truth, to a starving man, the surrounding stench was unnoticeable.
They couldn’t afford to be picky about food. Even black bread was a treasure.
Not to mention, this time they were also brought a bucket of vegetable soup and some glistening, shredded potatoes.
Hardy wolfed down his food, was the first to finish, and then leaned against the wall to rest.
’Can we really get out tomorrow?’ he thought, feeling as if he were in a dream.
At the same time, he was already thinking about what to do once he got out.
’Hardy knew Bard’s personality. If his men were beaten and imprisoned, he would absolutely retaliate.’
’But for days, they hadn’t seen so much as a shadow of anyone from the Broken Wave Gang.’
’This is enough to prove that the Baron’s Strength is too great; he has suppressed our leader!’
’Before, the Broken Wave Gang was the absolute authority on Black Forest Island. That’s changed now.’
’The only way forward is to follow the Nobility!’
’The Baron is releasing me now, not pursuing my crimes of offense and provocation, likely out of respect for our leader.’
’This doesn’t mean the Baron’s impression of me has improved at all.’
’If I want to follow the Baron in the future, I need to show the proper attitude.’
Hardy was not a vagrant from the outside; he was born on Black Forest Island.
He had gotten this far by being able to pick the right boss.
Back when the Broken Wave Gang and the Holy Hand Association clashed, he had staunchly followed Bard.
’Now that there’s someone stronger on Black Forest Island—and a noble from the Kingdom, no less—even if I can’t climb aboard this great ship, I must at least keep a path open to it.’
’This isn’t betraying the Broken Wave Gang. I’m just going to apologize for my actions.’
Hardy thought for a long time before shakily getting to his feet.
"Boss, what are you doing?"
His underling immediately asked, thinking that Hardy, having eaten his fill, wanted to smash the door down and escape.
"You all stay here. I’m going to scout things out and see what the situation is outside."
Hardy whispered, went to the warehouse door, and peered through the crack, where he saw the Guards on watch outside.
"Guardsmen..."
SHING!
The Guards became instantly alert and drew their longswords. One of them shouted, "Back away now!"
They subconsciously thought this group, having eaten their fill, wanted to cause trouble. The thought even flashed through their minds: ’The Lord is too merciful. He shouldn’t have given these guys so much to eat.’
Hardy smiled obsequiously. "Uh, my good sirs, could you help me get a word with the tall Warrior who brought us food just now?"
"Jack?"
Although the two guards on duty belonged to the third squad, they both knew Jack and John.
To be precise, all the Guards knew Jack and John because the two were the Baron’s personal bodyguards.
"What do you want with me?"
The one who spoke wasn’t a Guard, but Jack and John, who had rushed over after hearing the shout.
The two had been standing guard downstairs from Duane’s quarters and had rushed over immediately upon hearing the shout.
At the same time, Raymond and Willie also arrived with their patrol squads.
Peeking through the crack in the door, Hardy saw the commotion, and his forehead broke out in a cold sweat.
’Their reaction time is insane!’
’I only said a single sentence, and all these people showed up!’
"Uh... um..."
Hardy was so scared he didn’t know what to say.
Outside, Raymond frowned. "Bring him out for a proper questioning. The rest of you, disperse and continue your duties."
"Yes, sir!"
Captain Willie led his team away.
With Captain Raymond present, these men wouldn’t be able to stir up trouble even if they tried.
With a creak, the warehouse door was opened, and Jack and John emerged, holding Hardy between them.