How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 137.2: 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 (6)

Yes. Thanks to your help.

Ahirs sons politely greeted him. It made them dizzy to think about what would have happened without Johan. The cyclops was a violent and cunning monster, and they could not have defeated it alone with the people here.

We swear on the names of our father and mother god that we will not forget this debt.

Enough. As a knight I couldnt leave the monster be, I just did my job.

Johan was in a very generous state, having also gained a horse and weapon. Otherwise, he would have been fierce and rough due to breaking his sword.

However, it could not but appear different to the followers.

Because their master Ahir was caught, dissatisfaction had piled up due to surrendering, but now they had no choice but to admit it.

That the count before their eyes was a knight qualified to receive their surrender.

Although he was a pagan, his skills and honor were genuine.

Ahir was flabbergasted when he heard the news. It was natural since he almost killed the count to find his mare. He bowed his head several times.

Thats enough. Its already over, and you didnt mean to do it, so why would you be held responsible?

Please listen to me. I wish it was at least a little repayment for Counts honor.

No. The public mare should belong to the public. As a knight, it is not right to take away such a loyal horse.

Ahir looked at Johan in surprise at his words. It was hard to believe the compassion shown by this pagan nobleman.

, , .

Now that he had gotten the bicorn, he didnt need Ahirs warhorse. In that case, it was better to receive it in gold. If Ahir had any sense, he would naturally repay with more gold.

In addition, he could gain the good graces of the Mulc family for free, so there was no reason to be greedy for just one horse.

. . .Your honor will be known even to the most evil enemies.

Its not a very pleasant story.

Despite Ahirs praise, Johan was nonchalant. He did not deny the power that honor and fame held, but Johan was not the kind of person who felt pride from it.

I heard that you were insulted by Emir Jekyllid.

Yes. That count is quite petty.

While resting after returning, Ahir contemplated.

Johan was an enemy of a different faith.

Count of Jekyllid was rude and greedy, and although his retainers had betrayed Ahir, was it okay to abandon a brother of the same faith and help a pagan?

. . .But Johans actions were too honorable to just let go, and the Mulc familys bloodline owed a great debt. Not repaying it would mean he was not a knight.

If you allow it, I will help the Northern Expedition.

. . .?

Johan turned his gaze in puzzlement. Words he had never expected came flying out.

? ?

However, Ahir did not say he would compensate with this. He really seemed to just want to help.

Do you know what it means to aid the Northern Expedition?

Would I not know? Of course I know.

If you help, Ill gladly accept it, but. . .

Johan accepted it readily without any doubt. In a situation where someone else might have said , Johans actions in respecting his honor moved Ahir greatly, even if he did not show it outwardly.

This, I feel like Im burdening you with too much debt. Should I give you the heads of the Nusard brothers?

. . .No, its fine.

Ahir was embarrassed by Johans grim joke. Whatever else, this counts jokes were a bit creepy.

.

Youve had a lot of hard work.

Suetlg seemed thinner. His face was full of fatigue.

Even though Johan had brought in merchants and orc scribes, it was not an easy task to overturn the system of the fiefdom and take it under his control.

Moreover, Johan had unnecessarily high standards. The simple fist-like operation of , , and , was simply intolerable. Johan wanted at least a bureaucratic system that kept up appearances.

The result was Suetlgs fatigue. Gerdolf assisting beside him clearly looked bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, showing he had not worked hard at all.

It reminds me of when I studied under master. Ah. . .

Johan personally supported Suetlg. Despite being a count, his candid attitude made Suetlg chuckle. There was nothing as joyful as when proof came that his friendship was not mistaken.

Still, Ive prepared various things to give to Suetlg-nim.

Ive heard the rumors. Hunting evil, vicious monsters for the peasants.

Johan clapped. Servants and slaves brought in the byproducts of the monsters. Seeing the well-tanned minotaur leather and cyclops bodies, Suetlg was moved to tears.

Are you crying?

. . .Move. I might have to send some to Gulrak.

Johan waited about an hour. Suetlg walked out with a satisfied expression, having picked out several materials he could use.

Yes, theres a lot to talk about after not seeing each other for a while. Lets start simple. . . you said you got a weapon from that cyclops?

Yes.

This is something the dwarves made.

How do you know?

Dwarves engrave patterns like this to indicate they made it themselves. Your famous sword didnt have that, so I guess it probably wasnt made by elves.

Johan realized Suetlg was talking about the < >.

Speaking of which, I should be able to use that sword soon, right?

Hmm. Well. Its hard for me to easily answer. Of course your position is now fairly solid. . .

Solid was a very gentle way of putting it. Every time news came in from the west, Suetlg had to doubt his ears and burst into empty laughter.

Who could have dominated this southern region in less than a year?

It would have been an impossible feat without the love of God.

You can use it now. But that sword is so famous that questions about its origins will come up. If you dont answer plausibly, it will lead to misunderstandings.

Without a plausible reason, rumors of theft or dishonor may circulate. Suetlg did not want that.

The best thing would be to declare it after fighting Karamaf. Everyone will accept that.

Isnt Karamaf dead?

There can be an imposter.