Fall Of Han (On-Hold)

A Part of Something Called Stratagem

The old man quickly led me to the hall where the villagers usually gathers. The great hall in the center of the village, to be exact. Before you ask, nope, it isn't a magnificent hall like King Arthur's round table, it's more like... um.... a hall... you know, the place where the people usually discuss things like military affairs and such.

How could a village have something like this? Well, actually, right now, we are taking our time inside the village elder's house. He has quite a large storage in which we're using. As well as a quite large table and chairs, it's cool how the elder arranged the storage so neatly. I mean, this is a storage, and he turned it into a hall, cool.

Anyway, when I and the old man informed the elder about our plan, the elder face was full of doubt, though he listened in the end and called some important people in the village.

Not long after that, they came.

There are ten people including me, the old man, and the village elder. Three women, the rest of them are men.

"It seems like everyone is here, now, please begin, young man."

.....yep, here we go...

"I'm sorry, but, isn't it inappropriate if I were to talk before the village elder himself? Kind sir, you should talk first, and I will follow..."

"Ah, I see, I understand."

He nods his head a few times, while stroking his white beard. I could see his smile from here. The elder slowly moves his body and stands. Immediately, everyone in this room throw their glances at his direction.

Anyway, phase one, done.

"Our village, even though she is without a name, but, she always provides us with everything we need, food, place to live, name it all...."

Opening speech, his words are good, he gains control of the audience perfectly, in fact, everyone here are staring at him in silence, including me.

"..from the time of my ancestor, my great grandfather's until now, the time when my both my face and bones wrinkled, this village still continuing her generosity to us, making us live ever so healthily and happily, but..."

He stopped his speech for a few seconds. My body feels the excitement now, what will happen? What kind of disaster will come out from his mouth???! Will our hero able to bring the village salvation?? Stay with us, and watch the next episode, "The Truth Revealed"!! Goodbye!

...

Just kidding, but, hey, the timing is just fit, don't blame me!

"..our happiness gradually vanished when those wretches of Mao and Li came! They took the bounty of our land, forced us to work for them! As if that wasn't enough, they claimed the village as theirs! Began to fight over her! Employed barbarians and mongers to create endless ruckus!"

Awesome speech. I could see the flame of hatred in everyone's eyes. Except me, of course, I hold no grudge toward those nobles. And I have no reason to hate them either. Instead, I pity them, they have my awesome self to face.

Okay, I'll stop the bragging!!

After that, the opening speech went on and on, then, my introduction came up next.

I stand, uniting both my right fist and left palm together while bowing to everyone present. It's the sign of courtesy here, it seems. At least it feels cooler to do this than to do European salute. No offence to European!!

"Thy unworthy servant called Kyle Underwood, pleased to meet thee..."

"..lad, you don't need to be so formal..."

"Is that so? Then, I'll drop the formalities."

"That's better, really..."

I give the old man my mighty smirk, then I turn my stare to other audiences present. I'm kinda nervous.... Oh well... here goes nothing...

"As I have stated before, my name is Kyle Underwood, I am currently a traveler, let's see, I found this village by the guidance of that old man over there, and because he was so kind to me, I want to repay the favor to him by helping this village.."

Or something like that...

In response of my short introduction, their reaction varies greatly. Some are giving me the 'what is this weirdo talking about?'-look, the others are whispering while occasionally glancing at me, and the rest are smiling at me... only the old man and one of the three woman though.

"I have heard the general situations from the old man, and the elder, but I don't know anything beyond that little knowledge... so, please, I need your cooperation, ladies and gentlemen... please, tell me everything..."

I bow my head deeply. Of course, a deep silence occurs, though, it's more like an awkward silence than anything. Their reactions are normal, suppose an 8 years old kid comes to you, and warn you about an alien's attack, and the kid propose that he could beat the alien with his own hand, I believe the people's normal reaction is either to laugh it off, or to keep silent about it. This situation is the same.

Ugh... I need to take a different approach...

"Young man, you should raise your head..."

I glance toward the source of the voice. It's the woman from before... Oh, what? I just noticed this, she carries a different aura than the rest of the people here. Uh... how should I put it..? A calm and majestic aura? I won't be surprised if I see her walking on the Han castle's pavilion. That just my thought...

"Now, now cute young man, to be honest, I was quite interested in you... yes, you."

"Could I ask why?"

"I don't really need a reason, right?"

Quite true... ugh... but, that should be my catchphrase...

"That's why, I will try to give you my full support, young man."

She smiles at me. I frown secretly in my heart. What are her goals..?

"T-thank you very much..."

"You're welcome."

...whatever it is... I'll find out later...

"Hey, little guy, it's been bugging me since start..."

...wow, I gained quite many nicknames today... 'lad', 'young man' and 'little guy'...

Anyway, the guy who spoke just now, is the muscular guy near the entrance. From the way he dressed, leather armor and a spear leaning on his side, I assume he is the head of security force here... or a warrior living here... or.... meh!

"You said, you want to overturn the nobles, but, how? Even with our help, we won't stand a chance, aren't you aware of this?"

"We won't? How so?"

"It's obvious! They have mighty men who could shake the mountains, while we have farmers! They have swords, spears and axes, while we have hoes and watering cans! They have money, while we have dust! No way we could defeat them!"

"Ah, I see... you misunderstand something, kind sir..."

"Eh?"

Everyone are looking at me. I put on the calmest expression I am able to muster.

"I never once said to defeat the noble..."

"Huh? Then...."

"I never once proposed to fight the nobles... of course we'll lose if we try to fight them..."

I laugh silently in my heart.

"I need information to overturn the noble, yes, but I won't use violence, that's stupidity... I mean... why use force to win, when you could easily win without it?"