How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 105.2: 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 (5)

Pilorachi was genuinely amazed by Johans knowledge. Johans talent was strangely twisted.

In some areas, he solved problems even Pilorachi couldnt solve faster and more easily, but in others, he showed surprising gaps in knowledge.

But one thing was clear: this knight was more adept at arithmetic than many young numerologists or university students, sometimes even more than Pilorachi.

You learned this from a priest? Thats too modest. This isnt something you could learn from a priest at all.

. . .!

Im amazed at how much you must have self-taught to reach this level.

Thank you.

The fact that Johan dealt with Eastern numbers, not Empire numbers, meant he had deviated from the teachings of a priest, who mostly used Empire numbers.

Pilorachi excitedly noted down what he had learned from Johan. Despite the long conversation, he wasnt tired at all, eager to experiment with his new knowledge.

I thought it was a joke when I heard about it from the Alarhim family, but Im truly delighted. Oh, take this.

What is this?

Its a necklace containing the power of numerology. Itll be helpful in these dangerous times in the city. Someone like you deserves to have it.

The sponsoring Alarhim family would have been angry if they knew, but Pilorachi, true to being a wizard, didnt care. Johan felt magical energy from the necklace offered to him.

?

The necklace, made of simplified shapes forming a magic circle, emanated a protective power. Johan gratefully accepted it.

Even though they shared the same mathematical knowledge, Pilorachi, who found mysticism in mathematics, and Johan, who had no such beliefs, were different. Such a necklace wouldnt have been made if Johan had drawn it himself.

After finishing their conversation, Pilorachi seemed ready to talk about worldly matters.

He had a servant bring drinks and looked at Johan with concern.

But I heard youre working with Bishop Biagione, is that okay? Youre not being deceived, are you? Hes not a bad person but. . . hes. . . not exactly a good person either.

Pilorachi tried his best to speak positively, but that was his limit. Johan replied with a faint smile.

Im keeping that in mind.

Thats good to hear. The city is a bit dangerous these days. Its not a good time for outsiders to stay for long.

People are hurling insults at the bishop. . .

No, not that. Thats always been the case.

Insulting someone was a tradition of the city. Before the bishop, they insulted someone else, and they will insult someone else after him. Johan looked uneasy after hearing the explanation.

?

Some lunatic keeps attacking citizens. . . There are rumors that a demon is roaming around.

?

Johan didnt realize it was true when he heard someone tell the bishop, !. Suddenly, he became curious.

Is there any known information about who the raider is?

None, none. Its so bad that they even came to me for help.

All Pilorachi could do was use numerology to locate the opponent, which was difficult in such a crowded city.

I think its a retired mercenary or knight who returned from the East.

The raider would flawlessly disappear after cutting off the victims breath in the middle of the night.

The skill to harm not only wanderers breaking curfew but also people inside their homes was not something anyone could do.

Maybe its a mercenary or knight who learned techniques from the East, where many evil assassins reside?

What about a monster?

A monster. . . could be possible, but wouldnt a monster be much more violent? Too cunning for a monster.

Only targeting the victim and then escaping was not the kind of self-control a monster would show.

After the conversation, as he saw Johan off, Pilorachi repeatedly admonished him.

If you feel something suspicious about the bishop, it wouldnt be bad to back off. Of course, a contract is a matter of faith, but sometimes its okay to break it. . .

Pilorachi, unaware that Johan was already playing with the bishop, had no choice but to worry. Johan quietly and gratefully accepted the kindness.

Send letters often!

?

On the way back with Gerdolf, Johan noticed something strange. The necklace he had tucked into his pocket was vibrating softly.

Looking ahead, he saw two people walking towards them from the far end of a narrow alley, and looking back, there were two more coming their way.

All four were wearing long coats, covering one side of their bodies. It was easy to guess that they had swords hidden underneath.

The servant guiding Johan seemed oblivious to the situation and kept walking. Johan grabbed him by the nape of his neck and stopped him.

W-Why do you do this?

Gerdolf. Its an ambush. Be careful.

Gerdolf immediately drew his weapon. Since they were in the city, both were only carrying a longsword each.

Youre quick on the uptake.

The person who had been walking towards them from a distance stopped, swept aside his coat, and drew a shortsword. It was a weapon bordering on a rapier, narrower and longer than an ordinary shortsword.

Johan had to admit that the weapons they carried were quite suitable. They were easy to carry and ideal for stabbing in such narrow alleys.

Holding a longsword with both hands wouldnt leave room for fancy techniques.

Wont you tell me who sent you?

Sorry about that. Ill tell you after youre dead.

The swordsmen clearly had long training. From their well-developed muscles to their disciplined stance, they were obviously from a swordsmanship guild.

Johan, who had briefly hoped to identify the client, clicked his tongue. If a melee broke out, both the servant and Gerdolf could get hurt.

Johan lightly tapped the wall beside him. Fortunately, one side was a thick wall made of bricks. There was a space behind it.

Johan kicked the stone wall with all his might.

. . .????

The swordsmen, approaching from both front and back, were agape. They couldnt understand what was happening right before their eyes. Suddenly, the wall beside them collapsed, creating a space.

Even though they clearly saw Johan kick it, their minds couldnt make the connection. It defied common sense.

Theres a space now. Gerdolf. Go to the side and protect the servant!

Yes.

Johan picked up a piece of the broken stone and threw it. It sounded like something shot from a catapult. The stunned swordsman who was staring blankly got hit and was flung away.