Firearms in a Fantasy World

Chapter 181: Pursuit

Translator: Cinder Translations

...

Even after dark, the streets of Niceport were bustling. As a commercial city, it boasted a vibrant nightlife uncommon in this era.

It wasn't until after 9 PM that pedestrians gradually dispersed and returned home.

A group emerged from the back door of a church, heading straight from the main street towards the north gate.

The group consisted of a horse-drawn carriage pulled by two horses and thirty knights. Among them, ten were fully armed in heavy armor, while the other twenty, though dressed in plain clothes, also carried weapons like swords.

They quickly reached the north gate, where they were halted by guards.

The lead knight grew tense. Could it be that their mission had been compromised?

He maintained composure on the surface. "What's the matter? As far as I recall, the north gate allows passage at night."

"Sir Knight," the guard recognized them as representatives of the church, his attitude becoming exceedingly deferential.

"A noble from the Duchy of Eaton has been kidnapped within the city. We've been ordered to inspect passing vehicles and chests."

The knight's face twisted in anger. "Ridiculous! Do you think we, the Holy Order, would engage in such deeds?"

"No, no, of course not! I dare not think so, but this is a directive from above, and we have no choice."

The knight bristled. "You..."

"What's going on?"

Another guard, still groggy, approached.

"Captain, the church's men won't let us inspect!"

At the mention of 'church,' the junior captain jolted awake, suddenly alert.

The knight regarded the junior captain with disdain.

"There's an envoy from the Holy City in the carriage, urgently needing to reach an outside church tonight. The envoy is resting after a strenuous day, and any disturbance to this esteemed person would be... regrettable!"

The threat in his tone was evident. The junior captain promptly slapped the guard across the face.

"Are you blind?! The procession of the esteemed Holy Knights isn't for your inspection!"

The guard looked resentful but quickly apologized.

The junior captain ingratiated himself. "Please, sir knights, forgive the inconvenience. This man is new and still learning."

Then he shouted to his subordinates, "Let them pass! Let them pass!"

The knight gave him a 'wise choice' look and said no more, urging his horse forward, followed by the carriage and its retinue.

The junior captain pulled the guard aside into a corner to reprimand him.

"Are you out of your mind? Daring to inspect the church's vehicles? If they labeled you as a 'suspicious sorcerer,' we'd all be in trouble."

The guard looked crestfallen. "Captain, should we let them act so arrogantly?"

"Heh, don't worry. I've heard some rumors... supposedly from the Council..."

The junior captain and the guard murmured quietly to each other.

...

The church's procession quickly left the urban area of Niceport, heading towards a region where the road was unlit and trees began to dominate.