How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 77.2: 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 (𝟏)

If I get to return later, please tell him Im sorry. . .

For what?

For my part in the defeat. . .

Caenerna laughed softly.

The Marquis probably doesnt even remember you?

. . . . . .

Dont look like that. Its not meant as an insult. But honestly, Marquis Crucho isnt someone who would remember you. Have you ever wondered why you were the only one captured while the other knights fled?

To stand up to the crisis of the lord I serve as a knight is. . .

Right, right. Its an honor, a privilege, and a duty. No need to say it again.

Caenerna waved her hand as if she already knew.

But if the other knights fled and you alone were captured, that would be strange. I wont say more. But remember, Marquis Crucho is not someone worthy of such loyalty.

It was always a pleasure to tell the truth to a young knight. It was like playing with a newly strung puppet.

Caenerna enjoyed manipulating people according to her own interests.

Just then, Johan called her from a distance.

.

Although she had traveled with Johan for a few days, he was hard to figure out. It was rare for Caenerna, who had the power to see through people.

Caenerna. Good timing.

Why did you call me?

Could you light this fire?

. . . . . .

For a moment, Caenerna thought Johan had called her to insult her.

However, there was no particular intent on Johans face.

Suetlg, sitting beside him, said,

I misspoke. My apologies.

?

I said a wizards flame is more powerful and mystical than ordinary fire. He got curious hearing that.

I can predict the future, but. . .

Never mind that. Just light the fire.

Johan, with his armor off and dagger in hand, preferred doing things himself, unless it was urgent, even though it could be a slaves job.

Caenerna lit the fire with a very subtle expression.

Oh. Impressive.

Caenerna and Suetlg exchanged glances. and was their silent exchange.

Then you may go.

. . . . . .

Caenerna left. As she did, Suetlg cautiously started,

Well, I did tell you to do as you please but. . .

?

Dont be too harsh.

Ah, I wasnt planning on killing.

Its not just about being kind or murderous. There are many attitudes in between.

Johan wondered why there was discontent.

Despite being an Emperors person, Johan never touched Caenerna. He didnt insult her, didnt make her keep watch at night, and treated her as well as he did the nobles in his party, with the best food and drink.

Sometimes a wizard can be more hurt by one act of neglect than a hundred insults.

???

. . .Ah, just show some interest. Didnt you show interest in my magic when we first met?

Ah, yes. You, Suetlg-nim, lived in a big Count ry and traveled everywhere.

Suetlg blushed at Johans sharp memory.

Arent you interested in Caenernas magic?

Ive already received advice on summoning spirits, and Im curious about fire magic, but. . .

Great! Call her and ask!

I dont want to be close to someone I dont want to be alone with. Isnt that suspicious?

. . . . . .

There was nothing to say to that.

What can you say to suspicions?

And indeed, Caenerna was a suspicious person. Her shallow loyalty made Johans wariness understandable.

!

!

Suddenly, Karamaf bristled his fur and began to growl. It was past evening, and the surrounding plains were pitch black without a single light. Only the campsite was flickering with light.

Whats the matter?

Be careful for now. Everyone, wake up! Prepare for an attack!

Johan awakened the people around him with a voice thundering like thunder. The mercenaries hastily got up at the sudden shout.

There was nothing but open plains without a single mountain nearby. Since ambushes were rare in such terrain, the mercenaries were perplexed. What foolish ones would rush through this darkness?

Light a fire! Put on your armor!

Crossbowmen, rush over!

As Caenerna was lighting a fire and returning to the tent, he was amazed. It wasnt the mercenaries experience that amazed him. Of course, they were experienced, but such soldiers could be seen anywhere.

What amazed Caenerna was that they moved without a hint of doubt.

In the middle of the night, when the enemies couldnt be heard or seen, the fact that no one doubted and just moved. . .

It meant that Johan had completely taken control of them.

Even the experienced mercenaries tended to make their own judgments, but this was something else.

Karamaf. Where are they coming from?

.

The wolf turned his head to point in the direction. Johan stared into the darkness as if to glare. He could feel a beast-like murderous intent approaching.

Johan drew his bow and pulled an arrow. The bow was bent back as if it would break, and the arrow quivered. Even in the surrounding darkness, the arrowhead was seen to darken.

Valkalmur!

At that moment, responding to Johans cry, the malevolent spirit cursed the arrow. The shot arrow made a vicious sound as it flew.

?!

Not seeing anything but hitting something. Even the shooter, Johan, was surprised.

A beasts roar erupted from the darkness. A few experienced mercenaries heard the roar and realized the identity of the opponent.

Damn it. . . Werewolves!

Werewolves! Wake up! You fools! Run out if you dont want to die!

Damn these eastern plains. What kind of werewolves roam around here?!

Johan quickly reloaded his arrow. Unlike Johan, the werewolves had very sharp night vision. Realizing that Johan was aiming an arrow, one of the werewolves dashed furiously towards him.

!

Karamaf unleashed his wildness and bit the werewolfs neck.

The werewolf swung its claws in rage, but Karamaf had already created a distance.

Well done, Karamaf.

!

Johans mace swung, and the sound of a werewolfs head shattering was heard.