How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 112.1: 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 (4)

The highest achievement for mercenaries was to receive a fiefdom and become nobility.

Most mercenaries never reached this point, dying of old age or in battle. Even receiving a small town was considered a significant success.

Nobles who owned fiefdoms preferred to employ mercenaries with silver and gold, rather than giving away land.

However, the situation was a bit different with the order.

The order had the power to grant fiefdoms to mercenaries. This was more feasible because they were not giving away their own lands.

The order had the power to strip other nobles of their fiefdoms and legitimately give mercenaries the justification and rights to take over those lands!

The order had done similar things several times before. They would call mercenaries to support an attack on the orders enemies and then settle them on that land.

It was natural to feel envious seeing those who were once mercenaries sitting arrogantly dressed as nobles.

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. . . .

. . . , ?

?

It seems they dont know the exact purpose.

Johan muttered. This summoning was not about subduing one or two minor noble families. It was about fighting against all the Emperors nobles in the southern peninsula.

The mercenaries were thinking of titles like lord or baron, but considering the scale of this mission, it wouldnt be surprising if a count title was offered.

Eh, what? Is there some other purpose?

Ill tell you if its confirmed. Its just a guess for now.

Achladda showed no dissatisfaction at Johans words.

The ruler of the steppe had to be cunning and know how to hide their intentions. Even if Johan was being vague, it was just another sign of his qualifications.

So, Achladda, how did you deal with such discontented people?

How did I deal with them? Ignored the insignificant ones and crushed those who got arrogant in front of me.

I should do the same then. Ill keep that in mind.

Oh. Are you leaving now?

No.

Ah. . .

At Achladdas reaction, Johan smiled and said,

Cant act now. Just wait a little longer.

Johan understood the mercenaries reactions. They were still unaware of the exact details of the mission.

Eventually, it was likely that Johan would lead them south.

Such people couldnt be subdued by immediate violence.

Waiting would naturally create justification and opportunity.

At Johans words, Achladda bowed his head.

Johan must surely have something in mind. Having trusted him once, Achladda simply followed.

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Many people were surprised, but Gurelic, despite his fierce appearance, was a quick-witted and agile person.

Thats why he was the first to make a decision this time as well.

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After resting, his mind was clearer and more agile.

No matter how he looks at it, Johan seems likely to hold a different and significant position in this gathering.

? - .

Other mercenary captains seemed not to expect that Johan would take on the role of a commander.

Though Johan had gained fame for monster hunting, he was still too young and inexperienced. The mercenary captains present here usually had at least a decade, if not more, of experience in the battlefield.

Thats why they were even more confident. They thought it was absolutely impossible for that young knight to take on the role of a commander in the expedition.

But Gurelic had seen Johan himself.

He had seen Johan leading nearly a thousand soldiers southward without a hint of hesitation, and being the first to climb the high walls of Umdim and slaughter the enemies.

If someone were to ask Gurelic, ? Gurelic would honestly have to answer .

What if the order had made a similar assessment?

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Sir Johan!

?

Johan, who was teaching Euclyia how to play Go, turned his head at the sound from outside. Euclyia sneakily hid a Go piece.

Anyway, I remember it all. Whats the matter, sir?

I came to join you in this endeavor! Please accept my sword!

. . .Oh?

Johan looked at Gurelic as if he were a curiosity. He had expected one of the mercenary captains to pick a fight first, not come to swear allegiance.

Really? For what reason?

From what I see, you are bound to take on an important role in this gathering. Rather than competing fruitlessly, I want to follow your lead and earn a greater reward.

Euclyia muttered something in the Eastern tongue beside him, roughly praising Gurelics wisdom.

Did you see that much value in it?

Youve already shown your worth in the city of Umdim.

At that time, it was you and your men who excelled. . . Anyway, good! Ill accept.

Johan cheerfully agreed. It was convenient for the mercenaries to kneel and come on their own, especially someone experienced like Gurelic.

Wont the other mercenary captains be angry if they find out?

Actually, Im already on my way here, skipping the gathering. Let them be as angry as they want. Hmph. Do you think I care about such things?

Having already chosen his side, Gurelic did not hesitate. And one couldnt afford to worry about relations between mercenary groups in this line of work.

The most important thing was his own benefit, wasnt it?

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