How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 134.1: 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 (3)

The most astonishing thing was that there was no way to respond. The order had precisely hit the weak point of the republic.

From Johans perspective, he had no choice but to doubt the republic.

They would have doubted Johan too. What could have possibly been discussed when the envoy of the viscount came?

!

The envoys bit their lips.

It was pointless to argue for a face-to-face with the envoy of the viscount. If there was a problem, they could simply kill the envoy. The order was more than capable of that.

The republic received much criticism for being despicable and sly from surrounding forces, but from the republics point of view, the order was no easy adversary. Both were the same in not hesitating to use any means for their purposes.

Cant you answer? I take it as an acknowledgement of the orders report.

No, Your Excellency! Its a misunderstanding! Please allow a meeting with the envoy!

What difference would it make. Truly disappointing. I thought the republic would uphold our friendship and tell the truth. But such trivial lies.

Johan spoke in a tone as if he had already made a decision. His expression was one of certainty about the collusion between the republic and the viscount.

If they had reported from the beginning, they might have had a way to defend against such an attack, but once hidden, they had no choice but to be cornered.

I will restrict the republics passage through Yeats land and revoke its duty-free rights. The rights to the port will also be revoked.

!!

Regardless of anything else, the port in Coolia territory was essential for smooth control and trade in the Edene Sea.

Your Excellency! Please reconsider. If you do so, the trade routes in Dolek and Palmon that you own will also. . .

Are you threatening me now?

N-Not at all.

I can handle that much. Better than entrusting my back to those I cannot trust.

. . . . . .

The envoy urgently spoke up.

Your Excellency. Please wait regarding the port. I understand your misunderstanding. An evil demon has sown plots among us. We will prove our innocence.

How so?

We will lead a fleet and attack the Emperors fiefdom.

Attacking the Emperors fiefdom, governed by the viscount, was not a difficult task.

It wasnt about capturing the castle but rather raiding a few nearby towns to show off.

Of course, this would terribly worsen relations with the Emperor, but the republic had never been friendly with the Empire anyway.

Thats not enough.

Despite Johans words, the envoys saw hope. Despite the orders interference, Johan didnt seem to want to completely cut ties with the republic.

. .

. . .

Your Excellency. What should we do to prove our innocence?

Since the republic is so close with the viscount, I will assign a task fitting that relationship.

. . . . . .

The envoys sweat at Johans meaningful words.

What is it?

Persuade the viscount and his vassals to swear allegiance to me.

. . .??!

The envoys of the republic were shocked by Johans unexpected proposal.

The situation in the south was extremely favorable to Johan. Most vassals had already sworn allegiance to him, and the viscounts fiefdom was surrounded like an island on land.

But persuading them was a different matter. It was uncertain whether the viscount and his vassals, who had been loyal to the Emperors family, would easily surrender under unfavorable conditions.

That. . . thats. . .

If youre close, such persuasion should be possible.

. . . . . .

And one more thing.

The envoys were shocked at Johans words. The task they had just heard was already headache-inducing, and now there was one more?

Dont worry. This isnt a difficult task. Send an envoy to the Jekyllid Hundred Kingdoms. I want the ransom for the nobles of the Hundred Kingdoms captured in this battle.

Ah. . . Yes.

Fortunately, it was really easy. All they had to do was pick a few people who were familiar with Eastern languages and send a few ships to the island. They must have been scared stiff by the recent battle, so they will surely pay the ransom.

If you accomplish these two tasks, I will reconsider revoking the rights to the port.

Thank you. Your Excellency. I am truly grateful for your kindness!

The envoys in a disadvantaged position had no choice but to express their gratitude. Johan nodded in satisfaction.

For just one envoy of the viscount, it was a truly satisfactory outcome. Slyly revoking the transit and duty-free rights. It was like stealing two golden-egg-laying geese.

Although the order continued to slander and insult the republic, the paladins of the order did not arrest the viscounts envoy. There was never an opportunity for that.

The envoys of the republic were unable to doubt Johans lies and were easily deceived. The relationship between the two was so poor that it was possible.

, . . .

The situation of the viscount and his vassals was highly unfavorable, so there was a definite chance of them being persuaded. Moreover, the Emperor was struggling in the north with the Empire.

However, Johan didnt know viscount Ginolen well. Persuasion requires knowing the other party well. He could only hope that the well-informed envoys of the republic would perform effectively.

s.