It's been about a day or so since I've returned back and I think I understand why it was so easy for Anna and Hana to win over the men and turn them against Dunham so quickly.
...he's too incompetent.
Just from a day's observation, you can see the stupidity oozing out of him as he gives orders to his officers and men. It might even be visible sometimes when he does something very stupid.
Just to give an example, when we were starting the siege, he suggested that we bring the siege weapons up to the walls and break it down; not a bad idea but not a good one either.
What he didn't do however was smoothen out the newly made dirt bridge on the moat that Anna and Hana both made. They put the dirt in, sure, but it wasn't packed in enough.
When the heavy battering ram reached the bridge, the wheels sunk into the bridge and it got stuck. The soldiers pushing it had to use it as cover and the soldiers in the front operating it were shot to death; we lost 20 men that day.
With his sloppy way of warfare, we lost a vital access point to the walls and a very valuable siege weapon that is, as we speak, being dismantled and mot likely used for parts for the demon army. They also took the time to destroy the dirt bridge we made, essentially wasting 2 days and 1 night.
And with another example, when we were in the midst of thinking of a new solution for the failed siege, he didn't even arrive at the meeting and stayed in his tent where screams of agony and pain were heard for at least an hour.
Despite that show of dominance against his equipment, some soldiers still believe that he is a bottom and to be honest, you can't blame them.
Just by the way he handles himself, he's a perfect replica of those 80's Hollywood jock bullies. He is a strong wolf to the weak and a lap dog to the powerful. As shown with his attitude to the male heroes.
Oh yeah, did I mention he was quite sexist? Well, he is.
I've been getting close with Sasha, one of his equipment, and after the hour long screams now called by the soldiers as "Dunham's Pegging", she told me while whipping, beating and abusing them, he'd call them by a female hero's name.
He'd complain while whipping her that, women should stand back and clean the blood off the weapons while he fights; as if he fights. He also said that instead of heroes, they should be equipment.
Even if they were equipment, could you even afford them?
Whether that be Hana, Anna, Ha-neul, who is with another army or some other girl is entirely up to his mood. Basically whoever he hates the most, he will yell their name while whipping Sasha or Hailee.
Speaking of Ha-neul, It is a shame that Ha-neul had to leave while I was gone on my reconnaissance mission since she'd make a good part of the Anti-Dunham group but she was needed in a fight against another city so it is what it is.
So, with Dunham's incompetence in mind, I can be just a little bit safer knowing that he probably won't suspect me and Sasha together. All I needed to say was that "I took a liking to her" and he'll let me borrow her anytime.
Over the past day, I've been showering her with love and plan to do so for the next few days, if not weeks. She's too useful to let go, even if Anna or Hana catch me.
"Ummm, m-m-master?"
"Yes Sasha?"
Why did you choose me?"
As she lays her head on my lap, watching the flowing the walled city from out camp, she asks me another question. Again, answering is key since I need to seem reliable; like a wall to lean on for her or a walking stick for her.
"Well, no reason in particular. You just...you were hmmmm, pitiful?"
"Ahahaha...pitiful huh? I guess I could see that"
As I stroke her hair, she turns to look up at me with puppy eyes; most likely telling me she likes it. Even though it's been a day, the amazing contrast between me and Dunham is already working.
It's just like good cop, bad cop.
She has already opened up to me about Dunham, about her life and about her previous family. As it turns out, Hailee and her were childhood friends and Sasha's family adopted Hailee after her parents died in a robbing incident.
Not like I care, but I suppose I'm supposed to. Being a wall being caring enough to listen but not interrupt.
Whenever I see her. Her bruises are getting lighter and lighter; and that's after a day. Dunham usually uses them at least 3-4 times a day and compared to the first time to day and now, right after the third time, her new bruises are much, much less visible.
He's probably taking care of her more now that I, a hero, have taken a liking to her.
'Hmmm, I think I can ask for this now'
Readying myself up, I start thinking about how I will ask her to become my spy.
Yes, she is telling me about Dunham but it isn't the important information; maybe what he eats, how much she hates him, what he does with Hailee and how much she hates him, but I honestly couldn't care less about these tidbits and scraps of useless information.
I'm a man who wants to overthrow a general, not a gossip newspaper.
"Hey, Sasha. On a scale of 1 to 10, how much do you hate Dunham?"
Lookin at me with a bewildered expression, she starts thinking about what I said. When ever she talks about him, she usually doesn't say bad things but writes them out. This is to prevent the rudimentary equipment seal on her back from shocking her until she's paralyzed.
The professional ones have clauses and statements that forbid even writing I'll about their master but again, Dunham is in a rush and is very lackadaisical about his and his men's security.
She grabs a nearby stick and writes "11; why do you ask?" on the ground. Giving a wry smile, I pet her head before continuing.
"How would like to see him gone?"
Looking at me with widened eyes, it has traces of fear, excitement and anticipation. Oh yeah, she's still a demon alright.
Demons, as the name goes, like sin. It doesn't mean they are bad people but they like sinning. Other than sinning, revenge is their favorite thing in the world to do. There are countless tales here in Calko about a demon getting their revenge and either failing or suceeding.
She tilts her heads as if to ask me if I'm joking or not. Telling her I'm not kidding right now, she vigorously nods her head and sits up by herself.
"I will need your help, though"
"Yes! Anything!"
She answers quickly and with an opening meaning so she doesn't get shocked. Smiling, I start telling her exactly what she needs to do.
Whenever Dunham is gone or if he is discussing something and you have the possibility to hear it, note it down in your brain and tell it to me later; even if you think you misheard, tell it to me and tell me you misheard.
"I'll do it!"
"Are you sure? It could get you kil-"
"Yes; 100% sure"
Hearing the confirmation, I gently smile at her and let her rest back onto my lap. We stare into the city that will soon be raided. Ahhh, I can't wait.
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(A.N) yo! Another chapter for you readers and I hope you enjoyed reading! Please do support with comments, reviews, adding to library and voting with powerstones! As always, thanks and peace ✌️!