[Matthew's POV]
For some reason, as soon as we positioned ourselves along the roadside field, other carriages began to mimic us.
Had they heard my instructions and decided to follow me? These people are insane.
"Mr. Matthew, any further instructions?"
It was Ferdinand asking. He had parked his convoy next to mine. They had actually elected me as leader. What were they thinking?
"Ah, Leona, you're back." Finally, Leona had returned. "Mr. Ferdinand, I think we should gather all the adventurers escorting our caravans to coordinate our defense. Leona, could you take care of that for us?"
Of course, I was going to delegate that to someone. I still had some sense left—unlike these people who were apparently treating me like some military commander.
"Of course, Mr. Matthew." Leona, pragmatic as always.
"Ector, gather the adventurers and follow Miss Leona's command," Ferdinand ordered the leader of his escort.
They were really taking my suggestions as indisputable orders. At least with Leona in charge, we were in safe hands.
"Mr. Matthew, one more thing. I don't want to abuse your generosity, but the situation is critical. I hope you understand."
What does this guy want now?
"These are my esteemed colleagues, Icarus Drako and his wife Nicasia, from the Drako Company."
Wow, that guy was huge. They were the most mismatched couple I'd ever seen, she a small and delicate brunette, he a giant, burly redhead.
Suddenly, winning over the second mommy of the Rank didn't seem so appealing. That guy could definitely be dangerous.
"And this is Madame Zahira Sharif, owner of the Sharif Company."
Now things were getting interesting. The number one on the Rank was a redhead MILF with wide hips and large breasts. Conquering that sugar mommy would definitely be a pleasure.
But I keep being surprised by how much easier things have been than expected.
"And lastly, this is my wife, Derya."
Sorry, Ferdinand, but I'm definitely going to sleep with your wife. Another busty MILF, this one blonde.
"We were wondering if you wouldn't mind letting us shelter inside your carriage. Your defense systems are far more powerful than ours. We'll compensate you, of course."
Oh, you have no idea how you'll compensate me.
"Of course, you're welcome. Please, come inside."
***
[Leona's POV]
"You knew Mr. Matthew had that side to him?" Luna asked.
"What are you talking about?"
I couldn't understand what she meant.
"When he found out about the danger we were in, he didn't hesitate. He knew exactly what to do and started giving out orders."
So it was Matthew who had organized the defensive formation?
Positioning the carriages like that had been smart.
The magical shields would reinforce each other, creating a defensive line for our mages and archers.
We also had a clear escape route through the fields if necessary.
The reserve horses were already saddled. That would help us retreat and, if needed, form a cavalry unit.
If Mr. Matthew had thought of all that and managed to coordinate with the other merchants so quickly, Luna had every reason to be impressed.
"Leona, everyone's gathered."
Ector had returned. We were combining forces from three companies. In total, we had 15 experienced warriors and at least 10 more people to help.
That wasn't nearly enough to fend off a massive attack, especially considering our enemies were the RedTails. But we didn't need to win.
The only reason to attack a merchant caravan was the cargo. They weren't looking for a fight to the death.
All we had to do was make it clear the goods weren't worth the effort; there were easier pickings elsewhere in the caravan buffet.
I had no remorse thinking that way. The other escort leaders were thinking the exact same thing.
The only ones who had to worry about protecting the entire caravan were the Kingdom's guards.
That's what they were here for.
"Do we have an Array Master available?" I asked.
A skinny mage timidly raised his hand.
"Alright, I want you to take control of the carriages arrays and synchronize them. Can you do that?"
He just nodded. If he were as good with arrays as he was shy, we'd be fine.
"Luna, gather the archers and mages at the rear. Besides commanding them, you'll also be responsible for protecting our Array Master."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Luna and Rose immediately started preparing.
"Ector, take half the warriors and go to the opposite side from me. We'll set up a defensive perimeter around our group."
Ector was an experienced adventurer. I'd worked with him before. He was usually full of himself, but for some reason, today, he was following my orders without question.
"Felicia, you stay with me. You still smell like the blood of that RedTail. They'll definitely want to settle that score, and the two of us will be here to welcome our kin."
"Understood, commander."
Our defense line was better prepared than I expected.
***
[Lilian's POV]
When Madame Victoria taught me the art of serving tea, I never imagined I'd be serving a fake nobleman while he welcomed esteemed merchants moments before a bandit attack.
My life had truly taken a strange turn since Matthy bought our freedom.
"This is an excellent tea, Mr. Matthew. Lilio Saritano, if I'm not mistaken?" one of the merchants' wives asked.
I was always amazed by people who could identify the exact herb used in a tea just by its aroma.
I could usually tell the type of herb, but pinpointing the exact variety? There were dozens of strains of Lilio on the market, and she'd nailed the exact one.
Really impressive.
"Honestly, I have no idea, Mrs. Drako. Lilian is our tea expert."
I was flattered by Matthy's compliment, but "expert" was a bit much, don't you think, darling?
"You have an impressive nose, Mrs. Drako. Yes, this is Lilio Saritano tea."
I was trained to serve tea like a courtesan. The whole ritual had been taught to me as a tool of seduction, it was second nature to me.
The wife of the other merchant, Fernand, I think, wasn't too happy about how her husband was looking at me. But Mrs. Drako seemed excited. Was that some kind of kink?
Matthy wasn't thrilled about how they were looking at me either. He tried to hide it, but he's always been the jealous type.
The single, or maybe widowed, merchant woman seemed to be having the most fun.
A bloody battle was about to erupt outside, and here we were, drinking tea, flirting, desiring, feeling jealous.
This kind of steamy tension, people giving in to their most primal instincts, it was a feast for a succubus like me.
There was no way I wasn't turned on.
The gates of hell were about to open outside, but things inside this carriage had just become a game for me.