Disguising themselves as a Gatu camp was not difficult at all. As long as someone had seen one before, everything was simple.
Gatu camps usually had no decorations, nor did they build walls or fences that would hinder cavalry movement. Their everyday utensils were no different from those used in other countries on the continent, because they had all been looted.
The only thing requiring a bit of effort was using wood to support the domed tents and adding wheels.
The Gatu lived in movable tents mounted on wheels, their most distinctive feature.
Rather than tents, they were more like large carts carrying tents. Li Ang was no stranger to them either; in another world, this had been how the Xiongnu lived.
When they migrated or encountered danger, these carts could be hauled away directly by oxen and horses, making moving house or fleeing remarkably efficient.
Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion, and every one of his men was busy.
Meanwhile, Lord Li Ang had nothing to do...
He went over to watch the carpenter making wheels, only to be shooed away in disdain. With nothing else to occupy him, Li Ang lay down atop a cart and pulled a crumpled book from his pocket.
It was loot Ansen had found in the camp the previous night. Fortunately, Ansen was literate; otherwise, Kloze had nearly used the book as toilet paper.
Before Li Ang set off, Ansen had solemnly handed it to him.
According to Ansen, it was a divine work capable of improving one's abilities, titled Memoirs of a Pendor Officer.
As an upright young man filled with chivalric spirit, Ansen had worn an extremely grave expression when handing the book to Li Ang, as though this wrinkled handwritten copy were some extraordinary treasure.
Based on his veteran player's understanding of Mount & Blade-style games, Li Ang thought it was probably a skill book. Reading it might improve his skill level.
Judging by the title, it was probably a textbook that could improve his tactical ability?
He opened to the first page.
"The first hand-to-hand battle took place in the Countess's bedroom..."
Huh?
It really was a treasure!
Li Ang recalled Ansen's expression when he had placed the book in his hands... There had seemed to be reluctance mixed with a hint of relief, and beneath that relief, a measure of goodwill?
Did he seriously think this lord had particularly frequent needs, saw Sarah wasn't with the party, and decided to send some warmth my way?
Fine, he appreciated the thought. He would give the doctor a raise later...
Li Ang hugged the book and read with great relish, soon becoming so immersed in profound academic research that he could not pull himself away...
"My lord... My lord!"
Two mercenaries called out beside him several times without receiving a response. The fascinated lord kept his eyes fixed on the book.
Only when one of the mercenaries reached out and waved a hand before him several times was the lord dragged back from the sea of knowledge into reality...
"Cough, cough. Is it time to eat?" Li Ang swallowed and, with the lightning-fast hand speed of over 500 proficiency, shoved the manuscript into his pocket.
"My lord, enemies..."
Huh? There could be enemies in this godforsaken place?
Li Ang stood up and looked around. Several short figures stood a hundred meters away, seemingly confronting a few mercenaries.
But the weapons in those people's hands... were either pitchforks or rakes...
They looked like farmers?
"Let them come over."
A few farmers could not possibly pose any threat to him. Li Ang had that much confidence.
The mercenaries formed a circle and escorted the trembling group over.
Only then did Li Ang see clearly that the leader was actually a woman.
A strong woman. She was short and plain-looking, but her build was highly distinctive. Broad arms, a thick waist, and the back of a tiger and shoulders of a bear, more or less.
"Sir, you appear to be a brave Pioneer Lord..."
Though she was clearly still nervous, the woman spoke first, staring straight at Li Ang.
This woman dressed like a commoner, yet she spoke with the manner of an aristocrat.
But Li Ang found it profoundly unnatural...
He looked her over. A leather jacket and an iron sword—no matter how he looked at her, she did not resemble a noblewoman.
Well, perhaps it was an issue of appearance.
"What do you want?" Li Ang had no desire to invite trouble at such a critical moment, and his intention to send them packing was obvious.
"I am the Earl's daughter... We... I mean, these villagers and I, are being pursued by some knights... rebels. Luckily, we found your convoy. If possible, I hope to join your party."
The Earl's daughter?
What noblewoman introduced herself like that?
A group of commoners being pursued by rebels?
But this was all wilderness... There had not been a village within a hundred miles. Where had these farmers come from?
Li Ang immediately became deeply wary.
"What benefit is there in taking you in?"
Li Ang still spoke unhurriedly, but his hand had already reached for his sword hilt.
"My family was once famous in the arms trade... I am very familiar with the movements of the bandits and brigands around here. No matter where you intend to go, we can serve as guides. Besides, I can cook for your party. My food is so good people would swallow their tongues..."
Cooking?
That really was needed!
No one wanted to chew on hard rations. If she could do that, she might be useful after all.
The woman seemed to grow more confident as she spoke, her words becoming increasingly fluent. For a moment, Li Ang truly found it difficult to tell whether she was lying.
"I am Li Ang Griffin. May I ask your name, madam..."
If she really was a noblewoman in distress, Li Ang thought he should at least be polite.
"My name is Liwa. Liwa Fletcher."
Hm!
Fletcher!
Could this be Oden's daughter?
Li Ang was startled. He studied the woman carefully—short, with small eyes and a large nose. She really did bear some resemblance to Count Oden!
Her lack of noble bearing also made sense. Oden had risen to high status through military merit after starting out as a Pioneer Lord; he was not from an old, prestigious family. It was only natural that his daughter might lack refinement and etiquette.
Thinking more carefully about what she had said, she had probably meant that they were being pursued by some knights. This was Duke Alma's territory, within Lion Lake City lands, so it really was possible...
The daughter of this eastern power had ended up in such a state?
And she had been picked up by him after ending up like this?
He even found the broad-shouldered, thick-waisted woman much more pleasing to the eye now.
The Goddess was watching over him. Definitely!
Overcome with excitement at the unbelievable turn of events, Li Ang even overlooked the name Liwa, which he should have recognized. He was like someone who had stepped outside to use the toilet only to find a massive lump of gold, then forgotten whether he had even relieved himself!
"Madam, of course you may stay. We will soon be moving toward Long River Town..."
Li Ang changed how he addressed her. Oden's daughter was Lord Ryman's wife, so she should be called Madam.
"Wonderful! Long River Town is exactly where I wish to go. Thank you for your help, Lord Li Ang!"
Liwa looked excited as well. She looked at Li Ang as though she had found family. She even lifted her leather jacket slightly and performed an awkward curtsy.
Though it looked rather strange.
"Wait, Madam. You said someone was pursuing you? Where are the pursuers, roughly, and how many are there?"
Li Ang had not forgotten the trouble this woman might bring.
Liwa tugged at the hem of her leather jacket and thought seriously for a moment. "About a dozen, perhaps. I am not sure exactly where they are. Lord Li Ang, this place is very large..."
Fine. How could he expect a noblewoman to clearly explain military intelligence? Those timid farmers were even less likely to do so.
Forget it. Being able to cook was enough.
Li Ang sent out several mercenaries to expand the scouting range. As for dealing with enemies, that was something he would have to handle himself.
Before you continue