A Flat-Chest Believer Reincarnated in a World Where Women with Small Breasts Aren't Treated as Women ~ I Ended Up with a Flat-Chested Harem. - Chapter 22

“As soon as we cross this river, we’ll be back in Gustique territory.”

“Yes, it’s finally time.”

The carriage rumbled across the wooden bridge. On a rock in the middle of the river, a solitary white bird, perhaps a heron, stood before flying off into the sky.

After crossing the bridge, we entered the domain.

Last night, we had stayed at Count Redding’s estate—my mother’s family—and been warmly welcomed. This was the second day of our journey.

“The weather looks good, so we should be able to see the cotton fields as planned.”

Today, we planned to take a slight detour from the main road so I could show Risty the cotton fields.

Incidentally, this “cotton” was a completely different species from the cotton on Earth. It was not a perennial plant but a short shrub about two meters tall. Since the fibers it produced were essentially cotton, I mentally translated it as “cotton.”

“I’m looking forward to it. If I remember correctly, it’s cultivated on the land between two rivers, right?”

“Yes. It’s easier to prevent seedlings from being taken, and there’s plenty of water.”

The cold-resistant, selectively bred cotton was a valuable asset of the Gustique family. Although it would eventually leak out, we intended to monopolize it for as long as possible. For this reason, it was only cultivated in Kolibe, a part of Gustique territory that was like an island, bordered by two rivers that converged into a lake.

There were only two bridges leading into Kolibe, both heavily guarded. Approaching by boat was, of course, prohibited.

The carriage traveled along a path beside a forest, its wheels crunching over partly decayed leaves. After some time, we came upon another river.

A stone arch bridge spanned the river. This was one of the two bridges leading to Kolibe, where the cotton was cultivated. At the foot of the bridge was a guard post.

The carriage came to a halt. Here, an identity check was required before proceeding—but something felt off.

“It seems something’s happened. The guards are running this way.”

Through the small window on the driver’s side, Rita spoke. I opened the carriage door and stepped outside. A visibly flustered guard approached and bowed his head.

“Lord Folca, thank goodness you’ve arrived. There’s a possibility that intruders have entered Kolibe.”

My mind snapped out of its newlywed haze and switched into sharp focus.

“Details.”

“Yes, sir. A patrol discovered an unfamiliar small boat on the Kolibe side of the riverbank. It’s possible someone has used it to infiltrate the area. Currently, all available guards are watching the riverside to prevent an escape.”

A proper response. I nodded.

“Have the farmers been mobilized?”

Kolibe had about sixty guards. Covering the entire area with just them would be difficult. The farmers cultivating the cotton in Kolibe were technically employees of the Gustique family and could be mobilized if necessary.

“We’ve started. The farmers will be tasked with monitoring the riverside. They should begin moving shortly.”

Risty stepped out of the carriage as well.

“I overheard. Folca, please use us as well.”

“Thank you.”

The retainers accompanying Risty, including Mariel, began gathering.

Now, how should we proceed?

The intruders’ goal was likely to steal the cultivation methods for the cotton. There was hardly any other reason to infiltrate Kolibe.

Theoretically, they could also be targeting Risty or me for assassination, but the number of people aware of our visit to Kolibe was minimal, and the decision to come had only been made seven days ago. Even if information had leaked, there wouldn’t have been enough time to coordinate an assassination team.

I took a deep breath and raised my voice.

“Everyone, there’s a high probability that intruders have entered Kolibe. We will cooperate with the guards to handle the situation. Do not allow any branches or seeds to leave the area.”

In some ways, we were fortunate. In addition to the guards and farmers already in Kolibe, we had this many additional people available to help.

Visualizing Kolibe’s map in my mind, I considered our options.

Since the boat was found on the Kolibe side and the bridges hadn’t been breached, it was highly likely the intruders were still within Kolibe. As the guards were already doing, ensuring they couldn’t escape was critical.

“The farmers are currently being mobilized to monitor the riverside. Barrius, guard this bridge. Valf, head to the western bridge and assist with its defense.”

I ordered the two most combat-capable retainers to reinforce the bridges. With the existing guards, the bridges wouldn’t be easily breached.

“Rita and Mariel will act as bodyguards for me and Risty. Everyone else, patrol the riverside until the farmers are fully mobilized. Once that’s done, begin searching for the intruders. I’ll leave the details to you.”

I issued the instructions quickly. While many of the accompanying retainers weren’t combatants, they could still serve as extra eyes.

“Risty and I will search the opposite side of the river.”

While it wasn’t impossible that the intruders had already crossed the cold river to escape, or that they had accomplices on the other side to whom they were passing branches or seeds in waterproof bags, it was crucial to scout the opposite bank as well. Given my high combat ability and mobility, it made sense for me to handle this directly.

“Begin!”

At my command, the retainers sprang into action. I turned to the guard who had first approached me.

“Where exactly was the boat found?”

The guard pulled out a map of Kolibe and pointed to a location. “Here, sir.” It was slightly downstream from where we were, relatively close.

“Risty, I need you to come with me.”

“Understood. Should we split up?”

“No, we don’t know the full scope of the enemy’s presence. If anything were to happen, it would be disastrous. Let’s avoid splitting our forces.”

“Got it.”

Risty, Rita, Mariel, and I began our search.

We moved downstream from the bridge, scanning the riverside for any signs of people or activity.

To our right was the river, and to our left was the forest. The only sounds were the flowing water and our footsteps, with the occasional breeze adding a chill to the air.

“I wonder who’s behind this.”

“The most likely suspects are neighboring countries like the Kingdom of Griffis or the Kingdom of Pomeis. Another possibility is one of the prominent merchant guilds. The Manjula faction of nobles could also be involved, though I think that’s less likely.”

If they stole the seedlings and established their own fields, they’d be making an enemy of the Gustique family, as well as the friendly Rolique royal family, which wouldn’t remain silent. I doubted any domestic nobles would take such a risky move.

“Excuse me, but I see someone ahead in the forest.”

Mariel spoke softly.

“Let’s capture them. Suspicious individuals should be detained.”

I whispered back, and we moved silently forward. As Mariel had said, there were two people ahead. They appeared to be men in their mid-thirties. Their clothes were patched trousers and dirty coats—villager-like appearances.

They turned their wide, surprised eyes toward us as we suddenly appeared.

“We are of the Gustique family. What are you doing here?”

I stepped closer and addressed them. The two men exchanged confused glances before one of them opened his mouth.

“Uh… I’m Tom from Crotum Village. We’re, uh, hunting today.”

The man indeed had a shabby bow slung across his back. It could plausibly look like a hunting trip. However, the truth could be determined later. For now, capturing them took priority.

“Very well. You’ll be detained until your story can be verified.”

Rita deftly produced a rope. We planned to tie them to a nearby tree and continue our search.

At that moment, one of the men suddenly reached into his coat and pulled something out. Reacting instinctively, I constructed a Holy attribute barrier.

The man held a black spherical object, which he threw toward me.

The black sphere hit the barrier and shattered, scattering a red powder. Judging by the color, it was likely chili powder or something similar.

The men turned and began running, attempting to escape. Of course, I wouldn’t let them.

I used wind magic to blow away the red powder and dispelled the barrier. Risty had already finished constructing her spell—a lightning-based Earth attribute derivative. A purple bolt of electricity shot out, striking the fleeing men directly.

With a small burst of sound, the men collapsed, completely unconscious.

“Nice work, Risty.”

The lightning was perfectly calibrated—not lethal, but powerful enough to incapacitate them. Considering how challenging derivative magic could be, it was impressive.

Honestly, Risty was amazing. She coordinated with me seamlessly without needing instructions. She was truly an ideal partner.

“Let’s restrain them.”

Rita swiftly tied the unconscious men to a nearby tree.

I placed my hands on each man in turn, checking for magical aptitude. By attempting to flow my mana into them, I could gauge their resistance and determine if they had any magical potential.

The resistance was weak. Neither of them had magical aptitude for any attribute.

“Neither of them are mages.”

Now, what to do next? While capturing these two was progress, it didn’t mean they were the only intruders. The search needed to continue. However, leaving them here unattended posed the risk of their rescue.

“Alright, let’s break their legs.”

I didn’t want to do something so gruesome in front of Risty, but it couldn’t be helped. Using water magic, I formed tendrils that acted like whips, snapping both men’s legs with a loud crack. Carrying two unconscious adults would be difficult, and this would ensure they couldn’t be easily rescued or escape.

“Rita, head back and bring some soldiers to retrieve these two. Risty, Mariel, and I will continue the search. Is that okay, Risty?”

Risty nodded. Rita replied with “Understood” before running back the way we came.

The three of us resumed our exploration, combing the riverside as we advanced. After some time, we reached the opposite bridge, where we met up with Valf, who had been guarding it.

“Valf, report the situation.”

“Yes, sir. The farmers have been fully mobilized, and the riverside monitoring system is in place. We’ve now begun searching the interior of Kolibe.”

“Understood. I’ll remain here to guard the bridge. Valf, join the search and take one soldier with you. The others can stay here.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll join the Kolibe search team.”

Valf took one of the guards and hurried off. Meanwhile, Risty, Mariel, and I stayed to watch the bridge.

Not long after, we received a report that three intruders had been captured. They had been hiding behind trees but were quickly subdued.