How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 115.1: 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐢𝐞𝐠𝐞 (1)

Yes. I dont care about that.

Marco seemed truly indifferent. The honor of a knight had buried many feelings of guilt. Even if it meant fighting against his own fathers family.

, . . .

Johan looked at Marco with pity.

From what he had felt while living together, Marquis Crucho didnt like Marco as much as he thought.

Or, to be more precise, he didnt care.

It wasnt that there was nothing for an illegitimate child with no rights. Even illegitimate children who received the love of their parents got something. Stephen is a case in point, although the circumstances are a bit different.

However, Marco had not received any contact from either the Alguto family or the Marquis Crucho family. It meant they had no intention of paying the ransom.

Would Marquis Crucho be proud if such a discarded child fought on the opposite side to protect his honor as a knight?

It was more likely that he would be greatly offended.

But Sir, the marquis is a great commander. If you meet him on the battlefield, even you might not be able to guarantee victory. You should be careful.

Johan clicked his tongue at Marcos continued respect for Marquis Crucho.

Isnt the marquis currently in the Empire? He must be too busy with the west and south.

Couldnt he come by ship?

Well, thats possible.

Marco was taken aback by Johans easy acknowledgment.

Are you okay with that?

Hmm. I think it will be fine.

From Marcos perspective, Johans attitude was incomprehensible.

For him, war meant leading a dozen knights and their dozens of servants into battle, showing bravery against visible enemies.

Knights believed in the battle itself and didnt make an effort to understand the political aspects of war. In fact, they didnt even think it was necessary.

So Johans attitude was bound to be incomprehensible.

But Johan was different. While the envoy of the order was visiting Count Coolias territory, Johan really prepared thoroughly.

He sent people to the Katana Merchant Guild, issued permits to merchants, collected money, and used that money to stock up on supplies. He mobilized all possible connections to grasp the situation around the peninsula.

The fog of war clears as preparation accumulates.

Johan, having integrated information from various sources like dukes, counts, priests, merchants, and moneylenders, was somewhat confident.

.

The people on Count Coolias side were complacent, and the Emperors faction nobles to the southwest also lacked accurate situation awareness.

Strike like lightning and finish it.

s.

Johans first order was to divide the mercenary captains into two groups and send them to different places.

The land immediately southwest of Count Coolias domain was the fiefdom of the Emperor and his nobles.

One group to the north, and one to the east. Plunder as you wish!

The mercenary captains asked with a puzzled expression.

Wasnt it the order of the order to conquer the Count Coolia territory?

Indeed. But if we conquer Count Coolia territory like this, wouldnt your share be too small?

At Johans words, the mercenary captains hesitated. Indeed, they had received almost a years salary in advance from the orders immense wealth, but the original mercenary job also had a significant part of earnings from local gains.

However, being a mercenary did not always mean plundering. They took into account the employers perspective, and if it seemed likely they would be employed by that side later, they restrained themselves accordingly.

Currently, they were on their way down, following the orders command. They couldnt just plunder as they pleased.

If we split, you will have to conquer the Counts territory with about two thousand troops. . .

I am fully confident. God is looking after me.

, .

It would have sounded like nonsense if anyone else said it, but there was a persuasive power in the young knights actions that made such statements believable.

As a knight, if I cant look after my subordinates share, it would be embarrassing. I will take responsibility, so one group go north and the other around to the east.

. . .!

Honestly, the mercenary captains couldnt help but be tempted. Even those grumbling and expressing dissatisfaction swallowed their saliva.

The feeling that the bitterness of losing the position of supreme commander was completely melting away!

. . .T-Thank you.

If you say so, we will follow the command.

Originally, these mercenary captains, although paid, did not perfectly obey orders. They could refuse unreasonable commands.

But there was no reason to refuse this order.

Who would refuse to go down to a land flowing with milk and honey and plunder to their hearts content?

.

Gurelic, who was watching from the side, shook his head. As he observed, the young knights true ability was not his martial prowess.

It was his skill in manipulating people. Those who let their guard down against that young face were quickly taken in.

Will you be alright?

Which part are you worried about?

The part where you have to conquer the Counts territory with about two thousand troops. . . Of course, the Counts forces are insignificant, but it could become troublesome if the vassal knights start gathering. Plus, you have to conquer their large and small castles. . .

Ah. You seem to be misunderstanding something.

?