I should've seen this coming.
These people are Vikings, making a living through raids and war. They don't know what humanity means. The only law they follow is the law of the jungle. Only the strong survive.
"Wait up! We're rushing this decision!" I yelled.
Ingmar looked surprised by my sudden reaction. Heck, even I was surprised by myself. I let an intrusive thought slip out.
"Why? You want to stall the attack?" he asked.
Ingmar completely missed my point. At the same time, Valka held my wrist as the discussion went off track from our plan.
"I think now is the perfect time," Sigurd cut in. "They're desperate and really want this seer dead. Sooner or later, they'll go after her if we don't make a move. Or maybe they're already planning something. Now's the right moment to attack the Omvrik Clan!"
"Yeah, I get it, Sigurd. But I want to hear Maikal's idea. He's the one who brought us this information."
Sigurd nodded.
Now, I had two intimidating faces staring me down—Ingmar and Sigurd. I could see the curiosity in their eyes. It seemed like they really expected me to come up with a good plan.
I took a deep breath, gathering my courage.
"Alright, listen up. My plan's a little different from what you guys are thinking right now. But it's got long-term benefits."
I whipped out my old sales pitch skills from my college side job. And yeah, they looked more interested.
With a convincing tone, I laid out my whole plan for these two Vikings. In full detail. As I explained, I watched their faces, trying to read their thoughts.
Ingmar kept a straight face, while Sigurd frowned and shook his head. I had zero clue what Ingmar was thinking—his face was like a wall. But Sigurd… even a kid could tell he didn't like my plan.
BAM!
"This is crap. You want us to help people hit by smallpox? It will kill us before we can save them. This plan is plain stupid!"
The bald guy flat-out rejected my plan, even slamming the table. His reaction was over-the-top. I couldn't tell if he was just mad or trying to look cool in front of Ingmar. That shiny bald head of his was practically begging me to give it a slap.
Of course, I didn't just sit there when he called my plan trash.
"Hey, calm down," I said. "This plan's risky, sure, but it's good for the long run."
"Long run, my ass. You're just making stuff up. I know you've got this crazy tendency to save people. But this time, it's way too dangerous."
I wasn't lying when I said I had a long-term plan.
Picture this. You save a warlord who's about to gather a huge army and become a king soon. You save not only his life but also the lives of all his men.
No one's gonna forget a debt that big, especially if you're a king. In a world where it's kill or be killed, someone who saves your life is a friend you don't want to lose.
"Anyway, I'm not going along with your crazy plan," Sigurd said firmly.
"If you attack their settlement, you're risking exposure to the plague too. Smallpox spreads through the air. You'll get infected before you even know it."
Sigurd gritted his teeth, about to argue, but the words got caught in his throat. He turned to Ingmar instead.
"Hey, don't listen to this lunatic. This is our big chance to take down the Omvrik Clan. The peace treaty's gonna fall apart sooner or later. We have to hit them hard while we've got the chance!"
The more I listened to Sigurd talk, the more annoyed I got.
"Are you living in the same place as them?"
Ingmar suddenly pulled Valka into the conversation. The seer, who had been quietly listening the whole time, looked shocked to find herself dragged into it.
"Y-yeah," Valka replied, nervous.
"So that means there's a chance you've got smallpox too, right?" Ingmar asked.
Crap. I'd been so focused on Sigurd, I completely forgot about that detail.
"She… she's a seer, you know. She's got powers to protect herself from the plague," I lied, throwing her a quick wink.
"Y-yeah. Odin's blessing protects me," Valka said, nervously.
Ingmar nodded.
I let out a relieved sigh when he bought our nonsense again. People in this era didn't know science, so they believed anything tied to magic.
I actually believed Valka had powers. I'd seen her read my experience. Other than that, I didn't buy any of it. I only believed what I could see with my own eyes.
"Ingmar, don't tell me you're actually considering his plan!" Sigurd looked frustrated.
"But Maikal's plan makes sense too. If we can get Guthrum to owe us a debt he can never repay, we're not only ending years of conflict, we're gaining a strong ally."
It was good to see someone open-minded for once.
"But," Ingmar continued, looking at me, "how exactly are we supposed to help them? As you know, the plague's different from a broken bone or a slice wound. It's an invisible illness. We can't just bring them here or give them food."
And that was the big question—and only I knew how to handle it.
"Don't worry, Ingmar. Leave it to me."
"Crazy bastard," Sigurd scoffed.
I didn't care what escaped Sigurd's mouth. The only person I cared about was Ingmar. He looked genuinely interested.
"I see. So you know how to treat smallpox. And you're absolutely sure of your plan."
"Of course," I replied confidently.
Ingmar sighed.
"Alright. We're going with Maikal's plan."
"For Odin's sake," Sigurd groaned.
The bald guy slapped his head, disappointment written all over his face.
"But," Ingmar added, "I can't send a big group with you. I'm not risking my people dying and bringing the plague back to the settlement. Five is the most I can spare."
"That's too many," I replied. "Just give me two people. Let me take Ingrid, and you can pick whoever else."
Ingmar looked surprised when he heard my proposal. A moment later, he chuckled.
"Damn. You're full of surprises, Maikal. You can take whoever you want—but not Ingrid."
Naturally, I frowned.
I hadn't expected Ingmar to say no to Ingrid. She was a bit wild, sure, but totally reliable. Considering the connection they shared last night, I figured he'd let her go.
"Ingrid is invaluable to the clan," Ingmar said. "My father would tear me apart if he knew I sent his daughter into a plague-ridden area."
"Ah… I get it."
Ingrid was the clan leader's daughter, after all. I had forgotten about that fact. Ingmar always had her helping out, so I assumed he'd allow it this time.
"That's why," Ingmar continued, "you're going with Sigurd and Olaf."
BAM!
Sigurd slammed the table.
"No way you're sending me there!"
It was natural for Sigurd to reject Ingmar's decision. I was also surprised Ingmar would send his most loyal guy.
Ingmar narrowed his eyes. "What? Don't like my decision?"
I could feel a terrifying aura from Ingmar. Just his gaze alone had Sigurd shaking with fear.
Sigurd clicked his tongue. "Fine. If that's what you want."
Ingmar broke into a wide grin. "Glad to finally have you on board."
Good grief. I was relieved Ingmar was going with my plan. It meant I could avoid a bloodbath. But still… could I really trust Sigurd?