How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 80.2: 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞 (𝟒)

Uh? No. . .

You can speak freely.

Were you. . . quite modest?

Why the doubt? Anyway, got it.

Marco, looking awkward, tried to change the subject.

How was the investiture?

Its not the first time talking to the Duke, just felt like he was giving stuff away.

. . . . . .

Marco was surprised by the much more indifferent response than he had expected.

He, as a b*stard, had been so excited about his own investiture ceremony that he couldnt sleep. He vividly remembered bathing and praying all night in the temple. . .

What did you receive?

A sword, a cloak, and a belt.

Considering what he received, he wondered if it was worth the long journey, but the significance was not light. The name and lineage of the Duke were represented in these items.

Have you thought about fighting under the Duke?

I havent even thought about it yet.

It wouldnt be a bad choice to work under the Duke and aim for a fief, now that he had a title.

But Johan still found this land unfamiliar. The western part of the Empire was at least not too far from where Johan grew up, but this place felt completely different.

For now, he thought to wait until the tournament was over.

Geoffrey. Im Count ing on you.

Yes! Just leave it to me.

If things look bad, Ill give the command, so dont worry.

In the arena, it was the role of servants or slaves to carry out a fallen knight.

Geoffrey, aware of this, had a tense expression.

Johan lightly checked his thoughts and drove his horse towards the knights in the east. Already, more than a dozen knights had finished preparing and were waiting in formation.

, , , , .

There was nothing particularly special. Losing armor and weapons was painful, but none of the knights present for the investiture ceremony would die without them.

Instead, one had to worry about their life. A wrong hit and a broken neck meant death for Johan as well.

Sir Knight. Have you come searching for the Alcia tribe as requested?

!

A playful voice was heard from the front. Achladda stood in the center of the group, waving his hand with a pleased expression.

I thought you would stand with the West since you came from there, unexpected, isnt it?

I came here because I like you more.

Did you hear? This Sir Knight is such a person.

Achladda burst into laughter. Other knights also looked at him favorably.

What weapon does Sir Knight use best?

Not sure. I seem to manage with a sword.

What are you saying! Even though you are a knight!

Achladda laughed until tears formed. It was too funny for him. He had never seen an Empire knight talk like that.

And you?

I am best with a bow. Of course, Im not bad with a spear either. . . but Euclyia here is better with it. Say hello.

Achladdas cousin, Euclyia, had muscles that could be felt even through the armor gaps.

It was natural for centaurs to be larger than humans, but Euclyia was especially tall among them. Her spear seemed half longer than others.

She looked troubled and hesitated to speak. Johan was puzzled.

Didnt she want to talk with a human knight from the Empire?

He understands the Eastern tongue, so feel free to speak.

Ah. Hello, Sir Knight.

Pleased to meet you. I look forward to seeing your spear skills.

Ah, no! Its really nothing special! So I hope you dont expect too much. Spear skills are ultimately. . .

Lets leave it at that. Youre giving it all away.

Achladda slapped his cousins shoulder and said,

Its a pity that you cant use a bow, but what can we do? The Empire desires it, so we must adapt. To receive one, one must give one, right?

I see. . . .Wait. What do you mean by receiving one?

By the way, Sir Knight! What role do you want in this fight? I, Achladda, will help you get it.

Is that possible?

Yes, of course.

Johan was secretly surprised. It meant Achladda was qualified to be a commander among these eastern knights.

Was he from a more impressive family than expected?

I have no special desires. Besides, you all have more experience fighting together, right? Just place me somewhere comfortable and Ill fight my best.

Achladdas expression became more curious. The more he looked, the more fascinating it was. He just didnt seem like an Empire knight.

Sir Knight, do you know youre the most peculiar Empire person Ive ever met?

And youre the most peculiar centaur Ive met.

Besides me, which tribe have you met. . . Ah, haha! I see what you mean. I understand. Ill place you somewhere comfortable.

Crowds filled the vast stadium, swarming in such numbers that they packed the area, while the knights lined up orderly from end to end.

The sight of over dozens of armed knights looking for an opportunity to charge, facing each other, was magnificent. Despite the noise outside, a chilling tension was palpable.

Trumpets and shouts. A fitting response to them.

Before reality could sink in, the knights on both sides charged at each other. Johan felt an instinctual cry within.

Instinct was shouting within Johan.

To crush the skulls and break the necks of those in front!

. .

Johan slowed his horse, calming his instincts. The first clash was already nearing its end. As the thick dust settled, knights who had been thrown off their horses were visible, swearing and swinging their weapons at each other.

Some were immobile, some writhed, and some struggled to escape. The crowd viciously shouted for more fighting, yelling at the knights, whom they would normally not dare to address, to !

?

The Duke revealed a hint of interest in his expression.

Even amidst this fierce battle, there were some knights who had not joined the fight. They had been unable to find their place in the chaotic charge.

However, once these knights grasped the situation, they quickly turned their horses and joined the fray.

But Johan stood quietly in the middle of the battlefield, as if he had come there alone, with a calm expression.

Not engaging in the nearby battles, he waited with his spear, his demeanor inexplicably serene and composed. Even though the Duke couldnt see Johans expression, he strangely felt its impact.

For honor!

A knight, spotting Johan, charged at him. His lance seemed to have broken earlier, as he had drawn his sword.

Johan aimed his spear at the opponents shield. The corners of the opposing knights mouth rose in a confident smile.

It was a confidence that he could withstand such an impact.

Cough!

With the collision, the knight was sent flying. Johan, shaking off the tingling in his hand, threw the shattered spear aside. The opponent, having absorbed the full impact, couldnt even rise from the ground.

Sir Boriska! How dare this man!

Avenge Sir Boriska!

Apparently a knight of some renown, the nearby knights fiercely attacked. Johan sensed that things were unfolding differently than he had expected.