How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 133.1: 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 (2)

Johan made great efforts to win over the hearts of the people around him, even as he advanced rapidly. It was a rare virtue to see someone distribute his own wealth for relief, even in regions not part of his fiefdom.

Charity and benevolence were considered inherent values even among the nobility, but few truly adhered to them. Typically, such acts of charity were more for show, flashy but lacking in substance.

Thats why the vassals were quite perplexed by Johans actions.

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The church might shout, , , , but nobles usually turned a deaf ear.

Nobles like Johan, who actually listened, were rare.

But Johans actions were not motivated by the church. Of course, it was amusing to see the priests praise him every time he made a charitable act. . .

Ultimately, he did it to gain control over the area.

Frankly, the nobles greatly underestimated the serfs.

The nobles might argue, , ? but it was not about that, it was a matter of mindset.

Seeing others as mere beings to tax and exploit for more money when needed, as entirely different from themselves, was the problem. This limited way of thinking was inevitable.

The result was right there with the marquis.

Such a miserable end for acting as if it was all natural.

Arrange for the bodies to be collected and given proper funerals.

As Johan spoke, he looked at his knights. They could not meet his gaze and bowed their heads.

It was natural for them to avoid his gaze, having slain the marquis instead of capturing him.

Everyone present was complicit.

The marquiss knights resisted fiercely, so it couldnt be helped.

Yes. . . Yes, Your Excellency.

They attacked us despite our offer of surrender.

Johan nodded. Only when their lord closed his eyes to their actions did the vassals finally breathe a sigh of relief. But behind Johan, the eyes of others held a faint contempt.

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Johan had not wanted to kill the marquis himself. It was better not to stain his hands directly with blood. The best scenario was for his vassals to take such initiative. . .

Since the marquiss vassals acted as expected, he had to be grateful. Of course, they would bear any suspicion or contempt, but Johan was prepared to take full responsibility for that.

Loyalty among vassals was built in this way.

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Envoys from the republic moved quickly. They traveled up the river from the western port and then rode quickly to the marquiss territory.

It was eerily quiet nearby, as if the recent uproar with pirates was just a lie. It felt real that the pirates had been thoroughly defeated.

In the distance, they saw figures with flags moving. They were vassals returning to their fiefdoms after the battle.

It was noticeable that following them were slaves with carts. Clearly, they were spoils from the battle.

Good heavens. How much had those pirates amassed?

The republics envoys were astounded. The amount seemed enough to compensate for the vassals losses and more. The captured pirates would either be sold as slaves or distributed among the towns.

Considering that this was just the share given to the vassals, Johan, the commander, must have taken many times more.

The envoy clicked his tongue without realizing it.

Shh. Be mindful of your demeanor.

Im aware.

The vassal of the town where the republics fleet was anchored, and the land they were passing through, also belonged to vassals serving Johan.

Are you from the republic?

Mercenaries patrolling the area approached, having recognized the flag of the republic.

Even as the vassals returned to their fiefdoms, Johans direct mercenaries remained. They were well-armed and looked prosperous.

The envoys involuntarily pulled their coats closer. The winter in the south wasnt very cold unless it rained, but now, even without rain, it felt chillingly cold. It was due to a sense of guilt.

Yes. Please guide us to His Excellency.

Certainly. Follow me.

Fortunately, the mercenaries were courteous. The envoys felt somewhat relieved at their demeanor.

Johans main force was not in the marquiss castle near the mountains, but in the plains below. Despite having the option to stay in the castle, Johan chose to stay in the same camp as his soldiers.

What is that?

Those are the slaves captured recently.

Are you planning to train them as slave soldiers?

The republics envoys looked on curiously. There seemed to be at least a few hundred young slaves running around, sweating.

Are you training these pagans for some purpose?

His Excellency has converted them.

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The envoys didnt understand Johans actions. Pagan slaves were typically sold or used as servants, not trained from the start. What if they started a rebellion?

In the Eastern Empire, training slaves as soldiers was a practice, but to the people of the republic, it seemed ludicrous. Handing swords to slaves because of a lack of warriors?