Berserk, Total War: Second Son of Nobles

"I also heard about this, I'm not sure it's true."

The miner sat hunched on a wooden bench, his knuckles cracked from years of holding the pickaxe. He stared at the cracks in the mud, as if the answer could grow there.

Min Caier also noticed the scar on the back of his neck that had not yet healed. He probably thought it was caused by the miners' supervisor, so at this moment Min Caier was determined to get to the bottom of the matter.

The thug told a lot of glorious stories about Fugger, such as "Fugger poured molten silver coins through the throats of debtors", "the wailing of the whole street lasted for three days", and "he massacred the entire village because most of the people were in debt". Minzer certainly didn't believe it. If that was true, Fugger would never have had no reaction to the fact that his men were captured by mercenaries. He would have to cut Minzer into pieces to vent his anger.

But at the very least, Münzer could be sure that when Fugger started his fortune, some of his men must have killed someone, and it was most likely the businessman's family massacre that the miner had mentioned, because only this incident could be accurately recorded to the time, place and surname of the victim.

If an ordinary person was killed, even if the matter was confirmed, Fugger would most likely escape legal punishment by purchasing indulgences. But if it was a businessman, there would still be a glimmer of hope to bring Fugger down.

Merchants are not like small vendors who make a living by selling agricultural products and small commodities. Only those who join a city's legal chamber of commerce are considered merchants and have corresponding chamber of commerce documents. In other words, every merchant has a chamber of commerce as a backer, and some even have the support of the city council or nobles.

If Fugger really killed a businessman's entire family, it would inevitably arouse the anger of the local Chamber of Commerce. This serious disruption of business practices would also embarrass the local city council. Even the Padua Church and City Council would probably have to think twice.

In other words, as long as Minzer could find out the person who knew about the incident and prove to the local court that Fugger was still at large, the court would not sit idly by. Even if it did not send anyone to hunt him down, it would issue a warrant for his arrest. At that time, Fugger would certainly continue to hide in order to survive, and the miners' debts would naturally be paid off.

After making up his mind, Minzer said goodbye to the miners and returned home to pack his things. Early in the morning, he carried his package to the monastery to ask Father Walden for leave. After all, it was winter and the students had gone home for the holidays.

"what?"

Walden shot up from his oak chair, his lower back colliding with a pile of volumes on the bookshelf, causing parchments to fall down in a clattering manner.

"Deacon Muenzer, are you really stupid or just pretending to be stupid? Just let Fugger suffer a little. I heard when I went to the city that Fugger asked the bishop about you and found out that you have no one to back you up. If you beat him to death, he will probably beat you to death too!"

Seeing that Walden did not support him, Minzer still said resolutely:

"You don't have to be responsible for this matter. I will go by myself. I came back just to inform you. But I want to tell you that "the clergy should pursue the truth of the world and help the masses to gain liberation. I can't let this demon continue to wander the world."

"Yes, yes, but you don't think about it, "Why is he still at large? Someone must have let him go, or faked his death or something. If you go directly there, wouldn't that be like walking into a tiger's mouth?"

Walden advised impatiently, a few strands of silver in his black hair flickering in the candlelight.

At this time, Muenzer was also in a state of grievance. He understood that Walden meant well, but he was helpless. If he did not do anything, Fugger would really trample on his students and neighbors without restraint.

"I will be back next spring. If I am not back by the start of the semester, you can report me missing and apply for a deacon."

Just like that, Minzer walked out of Walden's office without looking back, and the heavy oak door of the monastery slowly closed behind him, making a dull creaking sound.

"Wait a minute!"

Walden shouted to stop him, and his voice echoed in the empty corridor.

Father Walden staggered to the cluttered desk and rummaged through the drawers, with parchment and quills scattering all over the floor.

Finally he took out a purse and walked up to it and handed it to Minzer.

"That's all the money I have. If you can really bring down Fugger, it will be considered a great achievement on your part."

"Thank you, and I hope you can be transferred to the city soon."

Min Caier smiled knowingly, then resolutely turned and left, his slender figure gradually disappearing in the falling snowflakes.

After arriving at the entrance of the town, Min Ze'er looked at the map in his hand. The edge of the parchment was worn and hairy, and the route marked with charcoal on it was winding and tortuous.

The port city called Ravenna is Minzer's destination. It is five towns away from here. If he walks fast, he will arrive there probably early next year.

However, long-distance travel is very tiring. When the sun was about to set, Min Caier dragged his tired body forward, leaving deep marks on the snow with every step.

After being attacked by the cold wind for a long time, the tip of his nose was frozen red, and the white air he exhaled condensed into tiny ice crystals in front of his eyes.

Min Caier felt extremely weak all over. His legs felt as heavy as if they were filled with lead, and his fingers holding the map were trembling slightly.

Just as he was about to find a nearby village to rest, a team of horse-drawn carriages passed by not far from him in the distance, apparently heading in the same direction as Min Caier.

He immediately used his remaining strength to rush towards the carriage, the hem of his tattered monk's robe rustling in the wind.

"Excuse me, I need a ride."

After saying this, Min Caier felt like his whole body was falling apart like a building block.

"Snapped!"

The sound of a slap rang out in the hall. Five finger marks instantly appeared on the face of an overseer, and a burning pain spread from his cheek to his ear.

The two supervisors standing next to him were not spared either, and were hit hard on both cheeks.

At this time, Fugger was on the verge of rage. His eyes flashed dangerously in the candlelight, and his knuckles turned white from clenching his fists.

"Tell me, who leaked the news?"

His roar caused the dust on the ceiling of the hall to fall down.

"Otherwise, why would a deacon who has just been in the town for less than half a year suddenly go to Ravenna, a place he has never been to in his life!"

"Master...we really don't know."

The three supervisors knelt on the ground, their foreheads pressed against the cold stone floor, their voices trembling like dead leaves in the cold wind.

"How dare you speak so harshly!"

When Fugger heard this, he immediately went to find a whip to beat them but was stopped by the butler beside him.

"Master, why don't you think about how to deal with Min Caier first."

The butler lowered his voice.

"Otherwise, if he really finds out something, he'll kill us all!"

Fugel took a deep breath, suppressed his anger and immediately ordered:

"Find some smart guys, get on horses and chase him."

His voice was still cold, but he had regained some rationality.

"If you don't meet him on the way, go to Ravenna to get the news."

Fugger paced back and forth in the hall, his leather boots making a rapid sound on the stone slabs.

"Remember, if you meet him on the road, kill him immediately. If you enter the city, tie him up and kill him outside the city. Don't do it in the city!"