How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 57: ๐“๐ก๐ž ๐’๐ข๐ž๐ ๐ž ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐’๐š๐ง๐๐š๐ซ๐ฃ๐ฎ (๐Ÿ)

The problem was that Ulrike-gongโ€™s focus was not on Countess Abnerโ€™s territory.

Ulrike-gong was leading an army on a campaign.

โ€œHow long has it been since the last war ended?โ€

โ€œItโ€™s not that surprising.โ€

In this world, war was as routine as sleeping and eating. Soldiers were mobilized and battles fought for all sorts of reasons.

Suetlg said with a grim expression.

โ€œDo nobles like war? What surprises me is the timing. Itโ€™s winter now. . .โ€

Wars typically started in spring, battles were fought in summer, and enemy fiefdoms were plundered in autumn. Starting a war in winter was foolish, as it was difficult to find food for the army.

โ€œThe ones who started this must have a reason.โ€

โ€œSure, like the wizard who got his head chopped off. Everyone has a reason, even that knight over there.โ€

Though Suetlg thought differently, Johan was also pondering this.

Ulrike-gong, as the heir to the Countess, had already received several fiefdoms as her property upon becoming an adult. She was not incapable of mobilizing an army.

The reason was guessable. The Abner family had suffered losses because of Count Jarpen and wanted compensation, no matter the adversary.

But wasnโ€™t the timing too soon?

When an army is hastily raised, it usually indicates a strong motive. Johan was curious about what Ulrike-gong was relying on.

Especially now when he had to meet and say, โ€˜๐˜–๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฆ๐˜ง๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต๐˜ด ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ๐˜ช๐˜ท๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ค๐˜ต๐˜ถ๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ.โ€™

โ€œItโ€™s good that youโ€™re going with mercenaries. Never go alone if you donโ€™t want to die like a dog.โ€

Suetlgโ€™s obvious advice sounded ominously.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

But not all the news was ominous. A messenger who suddenly visited Johan was an example.

โ€œWhat is it?โ€

โ€œCountess Abner sent me.โ€

After following the custom of praising Sir Stephen, rewarding him, and granting rewards to the successful mercenaries, the messenger finally approached Johan.

The wax-sealed letter contained a simple message.

โ”๐ˆ๐Ÿ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฌ๐š๐ฏ๐ž ๐’๐ญ๐ž๐ฉ๐ก๐ž๐ง, ๐ˆ ๐ฌ๐ฐ๐ž๐š๐ซ ๐ˆโ€™๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐ซ๐ž๐ฉ๐š๐ฒ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ.

โ€œ. . . . . .โ€

Johanโ€™s face grew complicated. What did the Countess mean by sending this?

Johan was currently on his way to negotiate with Ulrike.

โ€˜๐˜ ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ. ๐˜๐˜ด ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ฌ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ด?โ€™

If the negotiations with Ulrike failed and Johan turned to other forces, Stephenโ€™s chance of survival would decrease, not knowing Johanโ€™s situation.

Ulrikeโ€™s inaction was only when Stephen remained passive; it changed when it involved her inheritance.

Ulrike, please conclude this matter without harming Stephen!

โ€˜๐˜๐˜ต ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ๐˜ด ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ค๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ต ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜บ.โ€™

But one thing was certain.

Countess Abner was still strong and creating a debt would be quite beneficial.

โ€œAnd this.โ€

โ€œ?โ€

Johan received a certificate from the messenger, redeemable at a trading house.

โ€œI donโ€™t have any compensation to receive from the Countess, what does this mean?โ€

โ€œShe said itโ€™s a personal token of gratitude.โ€

โ€œI see. . . Well, Iโ€™ll keep that in mind.โ€

Johan suddenly envied Stephen.

Apart from intelligence, wasnโ€™t luck something one was born with!

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

Countess Abnerโ€™s territory lies to the east of Sangdarju Castle.

Nestled among the mountains, itโ€™s a vital transit point for those traveling from the west to the heart of the Empire.

Historically, the lords of Sangdarju Castle have had several frictions with the Abner family. The castleโ€™s ability to challenge the Abners, who control several fiefdoms, stemmed from a single reason.

A powerful backing.

The territory of Sangdarju Castle was directly granted by the Emperor of the Empire.

Influential feudal lords might scoff at the Emperor, but that doesnโ€™t mean the Emperor is powerless.

The Emperor, like the feudal lords, also had his own set of powers, just not as prominently proclaimed.

After all, one couldnโ€™t buy the support of the prime nobles with gold if they werenโ€™t a feudal lord themselves.

But now, Ulrike-gong is sweeping through the castellanโ€™s territory, seemingly unconcerned about such matters.

โ€œA wise choice.โ€

The village chief trembled, prostrating himself. In front of him lay a pile of silver coins, scraped together from the town.

This tribute was originally meant for the feudal lord, but now, an angry army glinted at the townโ€™s edges.

At Ulrike-gongโ€™s command, the town could be set ablaze in an instant.

Ultimately, the blame lay with the feudal lord who failed to protect them. Why else would they loyally offer tributes and labor?

โ€œTheyโ€™re not coming out, are they?โ€

โ€œNo. They didnโ€™t even have time to hire mercenaries, just sent a warning messageโ€ฆโ€

โ€œ*ssholes. They still donโ€™t understand the situation. After plundering, we head to Sangdarju Castle! I want to see the castellanโ€™s face myself!โ€

The army roared in response to Ulrike-gongโ€™s cry. An employer who offered gold and plentiful plunder was always popular.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œ. . .This feels familiar.โ€

โ€œShut up.โ€

Stephen reddened and growled at Johanโ€™s remark. The situation indeed mirrored a past one.

The situation when they were absurdly defeated while besieging Count Jarpenโ€™s Boson Castle!

Although Sangdarju Castle was smaller and less fortified than Boson Castle, a castle was still a castle. The army could only besiege it, not daring to attack.

โ€˜๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜บ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ค๐˜ช๐˜ฑ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ค๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ญ๐˜บ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ง๐˜ง๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต.โ€™

Stephenโ€™s army seemed loose and full of gaps, but Ulrike-gongโ€™s forces were the exact opposite.

โ€œEven at a glance, itโ€™s over a thousand. . . Thatโ€™s right.โ€

โ€œ?โ€

โ€œItโ€™s better to be cautious. Ulrike clearly has the support of the Erlans royal family.โ€

โ€œ!โ€

A source of confidence that allowed you to be indifferent whether the Emperor was behind you or not.

That was the only thing you had as a feudal lord.

โ€œIs that true?โ€

โ€œIt might not be, but there arenโ€™t many places where Ulrike could get support. Besides, everyone knows that King Erlans is interested in the Empireโ€™s situation.โ€

Your misfortune is my happiness.

The King of Erlans would be very pleased if the Holy Empire Emperor and the feudal lords clashed.

โ€œAnd the Emperor. . . as you know, has made too many enemies. Too many urgent fires to fight to intervene here.โ€

โ€œBut inaction will erode his authority.โ€

โ€œA dilemma. But itโ€™s all self-inflicted.โ€

While they whispered, knights came out to meet them in the camp, cautious due to Johan and Stephenโ€™s status.

โ€œPlease, come inside.โ€

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œIsnโ€™t that too rude?โ€

Suetlg spoke with a calm fury.

Inside the tent, crossbowmen with loaded crossbows and armed knights stood firm, ready to throw themselves in the way if necessary.

There was no custom of welcoming a visitor in such a manner.

โ€œForgive my rudeness. Iโ€™m a bit cowardly.โ€

Ulrike responded without batting an eye. From her perspective, it was natural.

It was widely rumored that the foolish Stephen, relying solely on his name, had been caught by an unarmed knight.

She did not want to become the second fool of the family.

โ€œYou should have been moderate!โ€

โ€œLetโ€™s not argue about right and wrong here.โ€

Responding to Suetlgโ€™s whispered words, Johan walked forward.

There was never an intention to take hostages, but now it seemed certainly impossible.

โ€œHave you been well, Ulrike-gong?โ€

โ€œIโ€™ve been fine, Sir Johan. Pleased to see you like this.โ€

Johan scanned Ulrikeโ€™s face. It was definitely bright and cheerful.

โ€˜๐˜ ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ๐˜ต ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ณ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ง๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฎ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜Š๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต.โ€™

Indeed, telling Stephen to โ€˜๐˜ฅ๐˜ช๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜š๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต ๐˜”๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ข๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜บโ€™ was a clearer message than a hundred words.

Knowing there was no further loss of wealth, her composure was understandable.

โ€˜. . .๐˜›๐˜ข๐˜ญ๐˜ฌ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ข๐˜ฃ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ข๐˜น ๐˜ณ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต๐˜ด ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ๐˜ด ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜ถ๐˜ฏ๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ.โ€™

It felt like dampening someoneโ€™s good mood.

โ€œRegret it?โ€

โ€œ?โ€

โ€œYou should have accepted my offer. We could have been so happy.โ€

Ulrikeโ€™s words puzzled Suetlg, while Stephenโ€™s face reddened with anger and fear.

Only Johan and Stephen understood the meaning of that proposal here.

โ€œBut the chance is over. Opportunities are like arrows; once shot, they canโ€™t be caught again. Hope your upheld honor is worth it.โ€

โ€œIt wasnโ€™t exactly for honor. . .โ€

โ€œEnough, answer first. Itโ€™s a rejection.โ€

โ€œ?โ€

โ€œObvious. Stephenโ€™s thoughts. Failed in monster subjugation, but doesnโ€™t want to go to the Silent Monastery, so he thought of leading mercenaries under me as a workaround. But itโ€™s not necessary.โ€

Suetlg, listening, asked.

โ€œWouldnโ€™t over two hundred mercenaries be helpful. . .โ€

โ€œIt would be nice. But I donโ€™t want to be associated with that incompetent knight. Take the mercenaries and leave. Come back without that knight next time.โ€

Ulrike pointed at Stephen.

Two hundred mercenaries would be helpful, but she didnโ€™t want to give even a slight honor to Stephen.

Unwanted and disliked.

That was Stephen.

โ€œUlrike-gong.โ€

โ€œWhat? Anything else to say?โ€

โ€œFirst, a correction. . . the subjugation was successful.โ€

โ€œ. . . . . .โ€

For the first time, Stephen felt triumphant. Ulrikeโ€™s expression justified it.

โ€œ. . .I thought I would let it go. Definitely. I underestimated your ability.โ€

It dawned that the philosopher from Ipaรซl River couldnโ€™t have been called by Stephen. Surely, it was Johanโ€™s doing.

โ€œThank you.โ€

โ€œSo? You came to boast about your successful subjugation?โ€

โ€œThe following conversation. . . Iโ€™d like to have it more privately. . .โ€

โ€œUlrike-nim!โ€

The tent flap was pushed aside, and a mercenary captain rushed in.

โ€œSangdarju Castle is ready to surrender!โ€

โ€œ!โ€

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

Thanks to that, the private meeting with Johan was postponed. The castellan was ready to surrender, so naturally, that had to be addressed first.

โ€œThat was quicker than expected.โ€

โ€œItโ€™s thanks to Ulrike-nimโ€™s command.โ€

โ€œI just waited doing nothing, so spare me the useless flattery.โ€

Her tone was cynically similar to Countess Abnerโ€™s.

But it wasnโ€™t entirely wrong.

The surrounded castellan had limited options: either resist to death or surrender.

The lord of Sangdarju Castle chose the latter.

The castle gates opened, and a delegation bearing a white flag emerged. Ulrike, unknowingly, smiled. In such a situation, no one could help but smile.

โ€œThe surrender documents?โ€

โ€œHere they are. . .โ€

The envoysโ€™ faces were dark and haggard. It was natural, having resisted under siege before coming out to surrender. Ulrike signaled with her chin, and her subordinates began to read the documents.

Meanwhile, Johan was blankly spectating from behind. Stephen asked cautiously.

โ€œ. . .Do you think the negotiations will go well?โ€

โ€œWell, logically, it should, but people donโ€™t think with just their brains. . . Shouldnโ€™t you have been more careful about making enemies?โ€

โ€œItโ€™s not like I wanted to make them!โ€

โ€œBeing foolish is also a sin. If it were me, I would have been careful even while breathing.โ€

โ€œEnough of this pointless talk. There are many ears around.โ€

At Suetlgโ€™s words, Johan nodded. Speaking here was pointless anyway. The negotiation would be decided in the meeting with Ulrike.

โ€œโ€ฆ?โ€

Johan sensed something off in the envoysโ€™ expressions. It was a familiar look.

In that moment, Johan realized why their expressions seemed familiar.

โ€œGerdolf!โ€

โ€œS-Sir!โ€

โ€œLead the mercenaries and block the left flank!โ€

Before finishing his sentence, Johan dashed off like a madman. There was no time to find and mount a horse.

Their expressions were familiar because they had the same thought as Johan had before.

Ambush!

โ€˜๐˜Š๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ป๐˜บ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ญ๐˜ด!โ€™

However, the meaning was the opposite.

Johan, in front of others, built a just cause while flaunting the honor of a knight. As the cause was with Johan, the knights present accepted it.

But these people came out as surrendering envoys and were attempting to ambush. Such an act was dishonorable enough to not deserve noble treatment.

Even Ulrike hadnโ€™t expected the opponent to stoop to such levels. . .

โ€œUlrike!โ€

โ€œWhat? Have you lost your mind?โ€

Ulrike, recognizing Johanโ€™s voice, turned her head in disbelief. Calling her without formalities, were they that close?

โ€œGet back!โ€

โ€œWhat nonsense are you. . .โ€

Ulrike stopped mid-sentence, a chill running through her mind.

โ€œCapture Ulrike-gong!โ€

The haggard delegation drew their weapons. With a beast-like ferocity, they lunged at Ulrike.

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