How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 240: ๐’๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐จ๐ง ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐‘๐ž๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ง ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ƒ๐ž๐š๐ (1)

It was too meaningless a death for a prominent figure who led the Severed Gallows Mercenary Group, a rather famous mercenary group in the Empire.

If he had properly drawn his sword and fought, he wouldnโ€™t have fallen so meaninglessly.

However, nothing could be done for the dead. Johan flung aside the blood-stained wine glass. The drunk mercenary was startled by the flying wine glass as if flinging a javelin and fell back.

โ€œWhat!โ€

โ€˜Whatโ€™ was the mercenaryโ€™s last words. Before he could react, a dagger was already wielded in Johanโ€™s hand. The dagger pierced his throat.

โ€˜๐˜Œ๐˜น๐˜ค๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต ๐˜ด๐˜ฌ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ.โ€™

The assassin thought to himself as he charged from behind. It was a splendid skill. Though the mercenaries wouldnโ€™t recognize, the assassinโ€™s eyes could see how well-honed Johanโ€™s dagger drawing motion was.

It must have taken effort to the point blood gathered at his fingertips.

โ€˜๐˜‰๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ธ๐˜ฉ๐˜บ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ-๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ด๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ด๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ฎ๐˜ถ๐˜ค๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฆ๐˜ง๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ต?โ€™

โ€œAmbush! Itโ€™s an amb. . .ambush!โ€

The rest seemed to have finally come to their senses and tried to call the mercenaries outside somehow. However, no sound traveled outside.

Johan and the soldiers blocked the passage, brandishing swords to handle the remaining sub-captains. Blood splattered a few times and the inside became quiet.

โ€œThese mercenary b*stards ate and drank boastfully.โ€

The soldiers grumbled as they picked up fruits and put them in their mouths. They had climbed the castle walls in the dead of night and sneaked in, yet these robbers were doing this. It was extremely annoying.

โ€œIโ€™ll move the corpses to the wall side. Theyโ€™ll be decently covered with this cloth.โ€

The assassin tidied up the corpses using the space next to him. It would be more helpful for camouflage if only people disappeared rather than leaving the mess from when they entered.

โ€œJust in case, letโ€™s call and handle the guys outside too.โ€

โ€œYes.โ€

The assassin went out the door, whispered something. The mercenaries standing guard grinned and entered the room.

โ€œHuh?โ€

Along with the sound of swords piercing bodies, the mercenaries collapsed. Feeling assured everything was completely taken care of, Johan nodded.

โ€œWe just wasted time because of these weirdos. Letโ€™s go rescue the baron!โ€

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

The people of the baron family stayed inside the inner quarters within the outer castle walls. Since they were the most important people in the castle, mercenaries were stationed accordingly.

. . .Of course, such an arrangement was meaningless when disguised as a servant.

โ€œThe sub-captain ordered? Take them away.โ€

โ€œThe sub-captain? Is he trying to move our location?โ€

Johan admired the assassinโ€™s skill. After staying for almost a week, he had finished surveying not only the structure of the castle but also the household registry.

No one even imagined that the servants currently here were infiltrators who had climbed over the castle walls.

When one of the suspicious mercenaries said, โ€œShouldnโ€™t we at least check them out?โ€, the assassin angrily replied,

โ€œI was whipped last time for being late. Are you telling me to get whipped again this time! This time when I get whipped, I will surely mention Sir Dieterโ€™s name!โ€

โ€œCalm down. I understand. Take them away.โ€

The party was able to easily take the baron family members away. Baron Halfbronn still seemed bewildered, not having grasped the situation yet.

While walking down the empty corridor, Johan asked the baron,

โ€œBaron. Did you know that people could infiltrate through the sewage drains outside the castle walls?โ€

โ€œ. . .What nonsense are you talking about?โ€

โ€œMind your manners when addressing him, Baron.โ€

The soldiers behind them warned. At the very least, they could not tolerate the baron being rude to Johan.

โ€œSorry for the late introduction. I am Count Yeats. I came to rescue you after hearing the rumors.โ€

โ€œ!!!โ€

The baron was shocked as if he would faint.

โ€œ. . .How?โ€

โ€œJust like I said earlier, through the sewage drains.โ€

โ€œThe toilet?? Through the filth??!!โ€

โ€œWouldnโ€™t this have happened if the baron wasnโ€™t captured?โ€

At Johanโ€™s words, the baronโ€™s face turned red. Johan patted his shoulder as if feeling sorry.

โ€œI spoke too harshly. My apologies, Baron. Itโ€™s only natural to encounter bandits and rogues in life.โ€

โ€œ. . .No. I should be the one apologizing. To fall for the honeyed words of those mercenary b*stards and hand over the castle. . .โ€

โ€œAs long as all the family members are safe, thatโ€™s all that matters.โ€

The baronโ€™s family members were trying to maintain their dignity even in this situation. The baronโ€™s young children were too scared to meet Johanโ€™s eyes.

โ€œThereโ€™s nothing to be afraid of. Look here.โ€

After getting along with Amien and learning how to deal with young children, Johan knew what to do. He made a fist and opened it, making a coin appear and disappear like a simple assassinโ€™s trick, fascinating the children who blinked their eyes.

โ€˜๐˜๐˜ต ๐˜ธ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต ๐˜ช๐˜ง ๐˜’๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ง ๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜ด ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ.โ€™

Karamaf disliked it, but he couldnโ€™t deny that Karamaf was popular with young children. His unique physique and soft fur never failed to stop any crybaby from crying.

โ€œDear. Donโ€™t bother His Excellency Count.โ€

โ€œItโ€™s fine, madame. So baron. . . If you donโ€™t mind, Iโ€™d like to send a signal right away to attack them. Is that alright with you?โ€

โ€œAre there other soldiers too?โ€

โ€œQuite a lot.โ€

The baron nodded with a surprised expression.

โ€œWhen the mercenaries outside said enemies had come, I thought they were joking. Since there were none of you here at all. . .โ€

โ€œDonโ€™t you have allied families bonded by marriage?โ€

โ€œAh. . . they wouldnโ€™t be the types to come help in this situation.โ€

The small and large feudal lords in the central region of the Empire were connected to each other somehow through trivial blood ties if you looked closely. The higher you go, the harder it is to find a family that isnโ€™t related by blood to some extent.

In that entangled state, it was difficult to even call it an alliance. Unless an alliance was specifically established through marriage, it was awkward to request help. On top of that, they werenโ€™t even in a situation where they could request help. . .

โ€œTheyโ€™re inside the temple. After we wipe them out, we can finish our talk. Send the signal!โ€

Johan sent the signal. Before the mercenaries noticed, even more soldiers would swarm over like a wave.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

When the mercenaries inside the castle realized it, infantrymen and knights were already swarming out from the top of the castle walls.

Johan, who was charging at the very front wielding the Giant Slayer, was like a natural disaster to the mercenaries. The mercenaries who gathered in groups of three or five trying somehow to block him were slashed in one blow.

โ€œA monster has entered the castle! A monster has entered the castle!!โ€

โ€œNo, asshole! Itโ€™s the enemy!! The enemy has entered!โ€

โ€œGuard the gate! Where did they get in?!โ€

The mercenaries were at a complete loss as to where there was a breach. Some captains hurriedly tried to command and some ran to call the mercenary captain, but it was useless. The leader was already dead first.

While the mercenaries were running around, Johan and his men moved skillfully.

โ€œSecure the gate! Open it!โ€

With a heavy sound, the gate opened. Knights who had been waiting outside rushed in with a roar.

In the darkness, with blood splattering and only the screams of allies audible, the gate opened and over ten torches were brought in from outside. The mercenaries completely panicked.

Those who were guarding the top of the wall took off their weapons and armor and tried to escape by disguising themselves as servants.

โ€œWhether they are servants or slaves, catch them all first. Itโ€™s fine to cut down those trying to escape!โ€

โ€œDonโ€™t miss a single one. These are the b*stards who tried to plunder the baronโ€™s territory!โ€

As the Elf King passed through the gate, he slashed at any mercenary he came across. His first priority was to find Johan.

โ€œCount! Count! Where are you?!โ€

โ€œIโ€™m here.โ€

โ€œThank goodness! I was worried that Count might have been injured by those petty thieves.โ€

While the two nobles greeted each other cordially, a massacre was taking place behind them. Some mercenaries threw down their weapons and tried to surrender, but the soldiers killed them without mercy. They were already deeply resentful.

โ€œThe baron and the others are above.โ€

โ€œThatโ€™s good.โ€

Although Ulrike said that, the Elf King didnโ€™t seem very interested. Getting rid of the guys who had occupied the baronโ€™s territory was the main issue, the baronโ€™s life itself had little meaning.

In the meantime, the fighting was over. The mercenaries were either dead, escaped or surrendered. The rest went into the tower inside the castle, locked the door and tried to hold out.

โ€œSet fire to it.โ€

The Elf King immediately gave the order. The elven knights did not hesitate at all and started setting fire under the tower. The mercenaries screamed in terror.

โ€œ. . .Shouldnโ€™t we tell the baron?โ€

Unless the baron was trapped or dead, he was still comfortably resting above. Setting fire to buildings inside the castle without saying anything seemed inappropriate.

Of course, if the baron had any brains, he wouldnโ€™t protest. But they should at least get his understanding to save face on both sides.

โ€œWhat can be done about a fire thatโ€™s already been set?โ€

Johan shrugged. Since the Elf King was willing to play the role of the bad feudal lord, he had no reason to step forward and interfere.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œI am really grateful for this grace.โ€

โ€œI just did what I had to do as a knight.โ€

The elf king spoke proudly. The Baron looked at the king with a complicated expression. He had heard that the elf king was the one who burned down one of the towers in the castle.

He was grateful but also had a subtle, complex feeling that made him want to nitpick.

โ€œYou must have had a hard time. Have you rested a bit?โ€

The Baron nodded. During his rest he had calmed down to some extent and grasped the situation.

โ€œDespite the undead plague wreaking havoc around here, I thank the three of you again for coming.โ€

When you receive something, you must give something in return. No matter how benevolent and honorable the other person is, if you just end it with gratitude without giving anything in return, resentment builds up.

And in the current situation, there was only one thing the Baron could do for them.

โ€œIf you three allow it, I would also like to join the alliance.โ€

โ€œOh my. Is that so?โ€

Johan clucked his tongue and asked back. Usually this was the most important part when doing something like this. Though it was half forced, keeping up appearances was necessary.

โ€œYes.โ€

And Baron understood it well too.

You had to know how to accept it when the other party was considerate. The Baron was not stupid enough to stubbornly insist or put on airs.

Since the Baron accepted easily, an amiable conversation followed. Praising the martial valor of those who were active this time, wondering when theyโ€™ll hang the necks of those mercenary b*stards, so nice to finally meet you, Iโ€™ve wanted to meet you for some time. . .

The elf king asked Johan in a low voice.

โ€œHow many troops do you think the Baron can mobilize?โ€

โ€œI hate to say this, but do not expect too much from the Baron.โ€

What Johan and Ulrike wanted was for the Baron to participate in the alliance and persuade other nearby nobles too. Just this area not siding with the Emperor faction was already several times more beneficial.

Even if he did not mobilize many soldiers, it was difficult for an army to pass through a region with a hostile feudal lord.

Seeing the situation, the Baron would have to take out several loans to properly mobilize an army.

โ€œIf he canโ€™t even do that much after saving his life, he has no qualifications as a noble.โ€

โ€œYouโ€™re right, but even if you save someoneโ€™s life, if you demand too much their heart becomes estranged. Not everyone can be as chivalrous as Your Majesty, so please understand.โ€

Johan was already accustomed to dealing with the elf king. The elf king nodded with a convinced expression.

The Baron could not hear the conversation between the two, but Ulrike next to him heard it clearly. Ulrike glanced at the elf king with an incredulous look.

โ€œSo, baron. When will the mercenaries be hanged?โ€

โ€œAh. . . please wait a moment. I have heard a rumor.โ€

โ€œ?โ€

โ€œWell, it was something the mercenaries said, so I didnโ€™t really listen, but. . .โ€

Johan smiled kindly. It was a smile that soothed baronโ€™s heart.

โ€œItโ€™s okay, even if itโ€™s a silly rumor. Please feel free to tell me.โ€

The mercenaries who were holding the baron captive were not just standing guard, but also drinking and chatting with each other.

One of the things they talked about was what would happen next.

The mercenaries knew what they were doing, so they were afraid. One of the captains said,

โ”๐ƒ๐จ๐งโ€™๐ญ ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ! ๐Ž๐ฎ๐ซ ๐œ๐š๐ฉ๐ญ๐š๐ข๐ง ๐ก๐š๐ฌ ๐š ๐œ๐จ๐ง๐ง๐ž๐œ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐‡๐ข๐ฌ ๐ˆ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐š๐ฅ ๐Œ๐š๐ฃ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐„๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐จ๐ซ. ๐‡๐ž ๐š๐ฅ๐ซ๐ž๐š๐๐ฒ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ง๐ญ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฆ๐ž๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐ญ๐จ ๐‡๐ข๐ฌ ๐ˆ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐š๐ฅ ๐Œ๐š๐ฃ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐„๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐จ๐ซ.

โ”๐ˆ-๐ˆ๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐ž?โ€

โ”๐’๐ก๐ก. ๐Ž๐ง๐ฅ๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐ค๐ง๐จ๐ฐ. ๐’๐จ๐จ๐ง ๐‡๐ข๐ฌ ๐ˆ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐ข๐š๐ฅ ๐Œ๐š๐ฃ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฒ ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐„๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ž๐ซ๐จ๐ซ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ฌ๐ž๐ง๐ ๐ฌ๐จ๐ฆ๐ž๐จ๐ง๐ž ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ฆ๐š๐ค๐ž ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐œ๐š๐ฉ๐ญ๐š๐ข๐ง ๐š ๐›๐š๐ซ๐จ๐ง. ๐“๐ก๐ž๐ง ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฒ๐ฌ ๐ฐ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐š๐ฅ๐ฌ๐จ ๐›๐ž๐œ๐จ๐ฆ๐ž ๐ค๐ง๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ๐ฌ!

โ”๐Ž๐ก. . . ๐Ž๐ก ๐จ๐ก ๐จ๐ก. . .!

โ€œOh. . .โ€

Johan listened to the story with great interest.

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