Chapter 11: The Battle for Yoshino

I will have a little problem, so I will take a week off so instead I will release the chapter early, please enjoy

None of them expected a meddling busybody to show up even at a time like this.

The expressions on the faces of the Three Beasts darkened. Their gazes toward the newcomer were filled with obvious hostility and warning.

But since they were in front of Yoshino, they couldn't lose their temper outright.

After all, this was their first time meeting, and they were here on behalf of Esdeath. If they left a bad impression on the great general's younger sister, that would be a disaster.

"In the Imperial Capital, hasn't anyone taught you not to meddle in others' affairs?" Nyau said with a hint of malice in his tone. "This is a private matter between us. You, as an outsider, have no right to interfere."

Although they didn't fear the Imperial Guard — in terms of rank, the Three Beasts far outclassed a bunch of gatekeepers — Esdeath had specifically ordered them to act in secret and ensure that no one found out.

The Imperial Guard was a mixed bag. Nearly every noble with some influence had placed their own spies within it.

If they got involved in this matter, by the next day, the entire noble circle would likely know that Esdeath had found her sister.

So the Three Beasts didn't want to make a big scene. If they could settle things through words, that would be best.

However, Leone was not someone who would go along with their wishes.

"Private matter? Hah, but that kid doesn't even know you people."

Seemingly oblivious to the hostility in Nyau tone, Leone still wore a look of gleeful troublemaking. "I think this little girl is right — you are human traffickers!"

She deliberately raised her voice.

This bout of shouting, in the stillness of the night, was enough to alert nearly everyone in the inn.

People in the upper floors had already begun opening their doors, sticking their heads out to see what was going on.

When they heard "human traffickers," more curious onlookers and some chivalrous-minded individuals began to gather, pointing and whispering at the Three Beasts.

"Hey, are traffickers this brazen now?"

"They must've been stalking that girl for a while and chose tonight to make their move."

"Tch, so child trafficking is this blatant in the capital now?"

"We should call the Imperial Guard."

The murmuring around them caused the Three Beasts' expressions to sour.

The crowd continued to grow, making it difficult for them to proceed.

And in front of Yoshino, they couldn't just lash out at these people either. One glance between them showed mutual frustration and helplessness.

"Forget it. We've found her — we can come back later," Liver decided promptly. "We just need to report back to General Esdeath. Next time, she'll come herself."

At his words, both Nyau and Daidara nodded and prepared to leave.

However, just as they were pushing through the crowd, Nyau peripheral vision caught a glimpse of green.

He glanced sideways, then paused, frowning.

Among the crowd was a young man of medium height with a slightly youthful face. His ear-length hair was a bright scallion-green, paired with a dark green coat, making him stand out in the crowd.

He seemed to have been among the first to shout just now.

As they exited the inn, Nyau frown deepened. He felt like he'd seen that young man somewhere before.

Suddenly, a familiar but differently tempered face flashed in his mind — and he came to a sudden halt.

"I think I just saw Lubbock."

"Who?"

"The son of a well-known merchant in the capital. A few years ago, he joined the southern expedition army to get a name for himself."

"So what's the problem?" Liver also stopped and turned to look at the thoughtful Nyau.

Clearly, this wasn't just a case of recognizing an old friend.

"If I'm not mistaken… he should already be dead," Nyau said with confusion. "I wasn't close with him, but we both moved in noble circles and even served in the same army for a while. So I remember him somewhat."

"Probably just someone who looks Similiar," Daidara said casually. "Let's hurry back and report to General Esdeath about what just happened."

But upon hearing Nyau words, Liver's expression turned serious.

As an old general of the Empire, he was extremely familiar with the makeup of the army.

Whether merchant or noble, their only reason for enlisting was to gain prestige. They would never set foot on a real battlefield.

As long as they paid enough, officers at all levels would be more than happy to place these aristocratic youths in safe positions, leaving the real fighting to the commoner cannon fodder.

A famous merchant's son dying on the battlefield? It wasn't impossible — but extremely unlikely.

"Do you remember whose command that Lubbock served under?"

As Liver asked, something seemed to click in Nyau mind. His face darkened, and he slowly uttered four words:

"Najenda… of Night Raid."

Without hesitation, Liver pulled a whistle from his coat pocket.

"Toot — Toot-Toot——"

One short, two long bursts echoed out — piercing through the quiet night air.

The next moment, Similiar whistles responded from nearby.

Meanwhile, inside the inn…

Upon hearing the signal, Leone face changed. Her slow-paced attitude vanished instantly.

That was the Imperial Guard's assembly whistle.

She exchanged a quick look with Lubbock among the crowd. The two of them immediately rushed to Yoshino, kicking the door open in the process.

"We know Tatsumi!"

Before Yoshino could say anything, Leone spoke quickly, "We're Tatsumi friends. He's waiting for you not far from here. We can't explain the details right now, but if you want to see him, come with us!"

"You're Tatsumi friends?" Yoshino asked doubtfully. "Why didn't that kid come himself?"

"Because it's dangerous here. Those three earlier were bad people. If a fight breaks out, he might get hurt."

At that moment, a torrent of water burst through from outside, smashing through the inn's wall.

"Miss Yoshino, don't be fooled by the lies of those crooks!" Outside, Liver shouted angrily, "They're assassins from Night Raid! They came here to kidnap you and use you to threaten General Esdeath!"

"We would never stoop to such disgraceful tactics!"

Leone instinctively snapped back and grabbed Yoshino arm, pulling her into her embrace.

"Lubbock, let's go!"

The power of the Lion King activated — beast ears and tail appeared on Leone, enhancing her physical abilities tremendously.

Beside her, Lubbock — the wielder of the Teigu Cross Tail: Infinite Transformations — launched fine threads from the gloves on his hands. Following Leone lead, he swung through the buildings, using the threads to escape.

"Don't let them escape!"

Seeing Yoshino taken, Liver's face twisted with rage. He turned to the now-arriving Imperial Guard troops.

"The culprits are escaping toward the west gate! Gather all available forces — we can't let them get away!"