How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 96.2: 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 (𝟖)

W-What, not a s-surrender but a surprise attack to take over the city? W-Wow, youd deserve the title of a siege expert, w-wouldnt you?

You flatter me too much.

N-No, Im really impressed. I-Ill definitely report this victory to His G-Grace, the duke.

Count Ganolwoods face was filled with satisfaction. Unknown to others, but Sir Karpati could tell.

.

Count Ganolwood was not a bad person, but neither was he kind. He belonged to the category of being particular and quirky. It was surprising to see the Count look at someone with such an affectionate gaze.

It made sense though. Had Sir Karpati been younger, he would have openly shown his joy.

Although the city had few soldiers, a city was still a city. Holding up against its walls could give the attackers a headache. But to have ended it so swiftly. . .

H-How is the city now?

There are a few scared people, but overall its peaceful. The magistrate and council members, and sub-captains have been captured and imprisoned.

W-What about looting?

Except for the residences of the magistrate and council members, we didnt touch anything else.

. . .!!

Count Ganolwood was more surprised by this than the citys capture. It was astonishing that Johan had restrained himself, but even more so that he had controlled the other mercenaries and warriors.

The mercenaries were greedy madmen for gold, and the tribal warriors believed in ?

Whatever he did, it was chillingly impressive control.

Count Ganolwood felt cold sweat running down his back. Bravery was one thing, but how could someone of his age control his subordinates so strongly?

Is there a problem?

N-Not at all.

As Johan asked with a puzzled look, Count Ganolwood regained his senses and nodded. Now was not the time to be amazed. He had to get back to work as soon as possible.

If you looted the magistrates residence, a lot of documents must have been lost. Oh, thats unfortunate.

I had the documents separately secured. It seemed important, so I gave the order.

. . .W-What in the world. . . w-why did you only appear now?

Count Ganolwood looked at Johan with a moved expression.

If there had been knights like Johan, or even just one, how much easier would it have been for him?

Thinking of the many battles he had fought and the aftermath he had to deal with, his voice couldnt help but tremble.

.

Johan and his soldiers were given a rest. Even when the main force arrived, it was impossible to bring all the soldiers into the city. If they did, the city would be in chaos.

It was only natural that those who showed bravery as the vanguard were given special privileges.

Even after the city was occupied and the aftermath settled, there were still annoying matters to deal with.

Things like showing an example to the towns in the south that remained defiant, even after the change of leadership. Such tasks did not necessarily require Johans intervention.

, .

Johan wanted to see the town promised by the duke himself. After all, he had to return after appointing a manager there. . .

Good. Lets take a walk.

Are you looking for something?

Quick on the uptake, arent you? Yes. Umdim may not be a big city, but its location is not bad. There could be interesting things to find.

The city itself was not very large, but the river connected to the Edene Sea, facilitating various trades.

It was natural for Suetlg, who was mostly in the Empire, to look for unique items.

By the way, did Caenerna run amok?

Yes, she shot flames everywhere.

You managed not to kill her.

We had an agreement beforehand. . .

Not many can keep their promises. You did well. I was worried you might be taking magic too lightly. . .

Stung by Suetlgs words, Johan felt a twinge of guilt. Suetlg spoke sternly.

In magic, arrogance must never be entertained. As seen with Caenerna, even the most skilled and experienced wizard can be consumed by magic.

Ill keep that in mind.

Yes. Hmm. . .

When Suetlg and Johan stopped, the staff of the trading company hurried out. They had eyes and ears; they couldnt be unaware of those who had taken over the city.

Is this lapis lazuli? I would prefer if there were other malachite.

We have a rare item imported from the east.

Bring it. Ill pay a fair price.

In a situation where they couldnt complain even if robbed, they were grateful for such words. The staff carefully brought out the items.

Johan, not particularly interested in gems, wandered around, rummaging through various things. The staff watched him with worried expressions.

They couldnt stop a knight from rummaging, nor could they just leave him be, feeling uneasy. . .

Looking for something?

I need to meet Repiata-gong for dinner and am looking for a gift.

Ah, its indeed better to prepare that in advance. How about a sword? There seem to be some items from the east, and eastern swords are not bad.

Sometimes, swords made by experts in the east were sharper and cooler than those made by Empires experts.

Though publicly denounced as heretics and evil, there were no nobles who disliked treasures brought from the east.

Im not sure if he can handle a sword. . .

Hell learn if necessary. Its the thought that Count s. This one is good. It sounds like theres water inside.

Youre not just saying that because youre distracted by the gems, right?

Suetlg did not answer, seemingly lost in thought. Johan clicked his tongue and turned his gaze elsewhere.

Repiatas invitation was understandable. It was only natural that he should be congratulated for successfully completing such an expedition.

Moreover, rumors had it that this time the city of Umdim would be given to a child of Brduhe. Among Brduhes children, only Repiata had joined the army. Hence, it seemed likely that Repiata would receive governance over the city.

Gaining a city without much effort, it would never be too much to call upon him several times.

, -. . . .

Still, as a knight, one couldnt just go casually. No one would criticize for going empty-handed, but it was better to adhere to customs.

.

Ah. Now that I think about it, I heard that Repiata-gong is fond of books.

Is that so?

Johan was delighted. When offering a gift, it was always best to give something the recipient liked. He said to the merchant,

If you have any useful books, bring them to me.

Just, just a moment, please. Ill call someone who can read the ancient imperial language.

I can read it, no need to worry.

.

The duke has employed a demon!

How many times must I say its not a demon. It was a human!

If thats not a demon, Id rather gouge out my eyes, damn it!

The defense captain sighed. Never had he thought the fierce and rough mercenaries would be so terrified.

Honestly, he couldnt say he didnt understand their feelings. The enemies that sprung from the darkness were indeed terrifying.

No, while others had ambushed, they were merely ordinary mercenaries. Only the knight leading the mercenaries was exceptionally fierce.

! ! !

With one hand, the knight grabbed the spear shaft, snapped it, then grabbed the neck and threw it aside. He handled the well-dressed soldier as if tossing a child.

The terrified soldiers ran back, trying to close and bolt the thick door, but the knight smashed it open with his axe and entered.

With fires blazing all around and the cries growing louder, the situation was chaotic. As the demonic-looking knight approached, the soldiers, petrified with fear, went mad. They abandoned their oaths, dropped their weapons, and fled.