How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 33: ๐ˆ๐ญ ๐–๐š๐ฌ ๐–๐š๐ซ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐‚๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐“๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐˜๐ž๐š๐ซ (๐Ÿ•)



Chapter 33: ๐ˆ๐ญ ๐–๐š๐ฌ ๐–๐š๐ซ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ง ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐‚๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐“๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐˜๐ž๐š๐ซ (๐Ÿ•)

ใ…ค

Unfortunately, the captain of the guards was not in a position to be unconcerned like Johan.

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He had to issue orders while appeasing the incoming mercenary captains to prevent their dissatisfaction, request politely from the people of the Holy Knightsโ€™ Order, and grovel to the knights sent by Count Bartok.

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Although he had gained experience from a long stay in the city, he was ultimately a mercenary by origin. He had no way to resolve this situation.

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โ€˜๐˜‹๐˜ข๐˜ฎ๐˜ฏ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฎ.โ€™

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โ€œWhat will your honors do?โ€

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โ€œReport to us if you see the enemy. We will step in if necessary.โ€

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โ€œYes, understood.โ€

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With those words, the knights withdrew. They seemed to have no intention of mingling or conversing with the mercenary captains. It was a role of a superior, but it couldnโ€™t be helped.

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โ€œThe paladins of. . .โ€

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โ€œWe will coordinate and act in concert with the soldiers.โ€

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โ€œ!!โ€

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At these reassuring words, the captain of the guards was relieved. He might not be able to command the paladins of the Holy Knightsโ€™ Order, but their willingness to coordinate and act together was something.

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โ€œThe paladins from St. Galanto Holy Knightsโ€™ Order also. . .โ€

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โ€œWe will do the same.โ€

ใ…ค

โ€œThank you. This makes things easier. With esteemed knights and paladins present, those rogue gangs will soon be captured and dealt with!โ€

ใ…ค

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

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The camp of the punitive force seemed like chaos itself to Johan.

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The gathered mercenaries were grouped separately by their own units or companies. There was no uniformity or coordinated movement among them.

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Over a dozen merchants moved in and out of the camp with their workers, selling various meals, equipment, and necessities to the mercenaries.

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โ€œQuite a disciplined force.โ€

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โ€œThe captain of the guards is a renowned figure. With his high reputation among mercenaries, there should be no problem in managing them.โ€

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At the words of the dwarf Kumal, Suetlg nodded in agreement. Johan felt like the only sane person among fools.

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โ€˜๐˜Š๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ป๐˜บ. . .โ€™

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Even though he knew intellectually that this was the best approach, adapting was another matter. Johan clicked his tongue in frustration.

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The location of the Crimson Iron Mercenary Company was among the better spots in the camp. It was due to the names of Katana Merchant Guild and Crimson Iron Mercenary Company, but also because of Johan and Suetlg.

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As a result, while other mercenaries were busy setting up camp and standing guard, Johan and Suetlg could rest comfortably.

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โ€œIs this the place of Sir Johan and the philosopher of Ipaรซl River, Suetlg?โ€

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A well-dressed servant asked cautiously. Suetlg frowned and replied.

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โ€œI am Suetlg. What is it?โ€

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โ€œMy lord, Sir Gustav, wishes to host you both.โ€

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โ€œHmm. . . Alright. Weโ€™ll come soon.โ€

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After the servant left, Suetlg spat out. Johan asked in surprise.

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โ€œDo you have any grievances?โ€

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โ€œWhat knights are good at is upsetting wizards.โ€

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โ€œThen why did you accept?โ€

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โ€œOne has to consider the dignity of the Count Bartok. A wizard friendly with nobles receives noble treatment, but a wizard not friendly with nobles is more dangerous than a slave. Itโ€™s not good to incur the wrath of nobles.โ€

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๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

ใ…ค

The members and knights of the Holy Knightsโ€™ Order waited comfortably inside the camp. They had no need to go out for camping or guard duty.

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However, the way the two of them stayed was the complete opposite.

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The camping site of the Holy Knightsโ€™ Order was so modest that it had less luggage than the mercenaries, but the knightsโ€™ tents were decorated with fabrics and flags of various brilliant colors.

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It seemed to have already started; from inside, there was a loud laughter and light spreading out. Seeing this, Suetlg shook his head.

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โ€œThose without money are making a fuss.โ€

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The virtue of the nobility was not modesty but luxury. The more lavishly they could indulge in luxury, the larger the vessel of that nobleman could be shown.

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The problem was that these knights were not wealthy enough to afford such luxury.

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โ€œDonโ€™t they have a fiefdom?โ€

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โ€œA knight with a fiefdom? They might have received the title but not the fiefdom. If they had a fiefdom, they wouldnโ€™t have come to such a place.โ€

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Even if they had a knighting ceremony and received a title, it didnโ€™t necessarily come with a fiefdom. To receive a fiefdom, one had to accomplish a certain amount of merit.

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Probably, they were spending more money than they earned, just to maintain their prestige.

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โ€œThanks to that, they will eat and drink well. With someone elseโ€™s money.โ€

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โ€œMust be nice to be so carefree. Letโ€™s see what kind of reaction they have.โ€

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Suetlg grumbled and went inside. However, Johanโ€™s words were not wrong.

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Instead of a thick mercenary-style soup of unidentified ingredients, they had noble-style soup made with properly fried chicken divided by parts and neatly cooked with spices, along with roast pigeon, wild boar, goose, and various other animals. Onions, garlic, potatoes, etc., were naturally cooked alongside, served with soft white bread and well-ripened cheeses

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Rolling around on the table. The servants and slaves brought by the knights shone with anticipation in their eyes.

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While the elf knights indulged in wine and meat, engaging in excessive drinking and eating, the paladins were having a remarkably modest meal.

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A little boiled potato with a little salt. That was all they had for their meal. Johan looked disgusted. He would have at least eaten the soft bread that he usually couldnโ€™t have.

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โ€œThe philosopher of Ipaรซl River is here, surely our battle will be blessed with good fortune!โ€

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An elf shouted loudly. Then, everyoneโ€™s gaze inside turned to them. Suetlg and Johan briefly greeted and sat down. Johan wanted to tear into some expensive meat dish after a long time, but the knights wouldnโ€™t leave him alone.

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โ€œPhilosopher, wonโ€™t you predict our future?โ€

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โ€œ. . . . . .โ€

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Suetlg was expressionless, but Johan knew that Suetlg was getting angry.

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โ€œIโ€™m sorry. Magic isnโ€™t something that can be used so easily.โ€

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โ€œOh well. It canโ€™t be helped. Itโ€™s fine. After all, thereโ€™s only one outcome. The rogues will all be torn to death!โ€

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The elf knight said this and, caught up in the excitement, threw his cup to the ground. His party clapped and stomped their feet. Johan quietly ate the food in the meantime.

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โ€˜๐˜๐˜ฎ๐˜ฎ. ๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ค๐˜ช๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ด.โ€™

ใ…ค

โ€œIs there anything as reliable and straightforward as a well-sharpened sword? More dependable than the unpredictable and fickle magic. . . Even the gods in the heavens! Oh, I apologize. Philosopher, I did not mean to insult you.โ€

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โ€œThatโ€™s alright.โ€

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Johan marveled at the knightsโ€™ eloquence as he ate his meat, mocking magic while summoning a wizard.

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What was more surprising was that they didnโ€™t particularly bear any grudge or hostility against Suetlg. They genuinely believed that.

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Suetlg, a philosopher acquainted with Count Bartok, naturally had no reason to be insulted.

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The knightsโ€™ treatment was a matter of duty, but their mistrust and skepticism towards magic made them speak their minds bluntly. . .

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Johan understood why Suetlg detested the knightsโ€™ treatment.

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โ€˜๐˜ ๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ. ๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜บ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ฐ๐˜ด๐˜ด๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ด๐˜ฌ๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ท๐˜ฐ๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ.โ€™

ใ…ค

โ€œSir Johan of the Yeats family?โ€

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โ€˜๐˜–๐˜ฉ ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ.โ€™

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As an arrow flew towards him, Johan clicked his tongue. He thought it would end after talking with Suetlg who had summoned him.

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How should one handle Johanโ€™s temper?

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โ€œItโ€™s truly a pleasure to meet an honorable noble in this filthy battlefield filled only with mercenaries and rogues. You must feel the same, right?โ€

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โ€œAh, certainly.โ€

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Johan responded casually, but the elven knights seemed to take a liking to him more than he expected.

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Essentially, Johan had an appearance that knights would find appealing.

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An elf knight named Leon poured strong wine into a glass, overflowing, and said.

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โ€œI heard youโ€™re working under the banner of a company. To work under such greedy people, you must feel indignant.โ€

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โ€œIโ€™ve been swallowing that bitter feeling.โ€

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โ€œYes! I understand that feeling. Merchants are blinded by gold, scraping it together like a rake, regardless of what it takes. Do you know how greedy they are? Once youโ€™re in debt, they pounce like a possessed son of a b*tches.โ€

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โ€˜๐˜๐˜ด๐˜ฏโ€™๐˜ต ๐˜ช๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฃ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ๐˜ณโ€™๐˜ด ๐˜ง๐˜ข๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ต?โ€™

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The knights had a different perspective than Johan.

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Instead of โ€˜๐˜๐˜ง ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถโ€™๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฃ๐˜ต, ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฑ๐˜ข๐˜บ ๐˜ช๐˜ต ๐˜ฐ๐˜ง๐˜ง,โ€™ it was โ€˜๐˜ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฃ๐˜ต, ๐˜ฃ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ธ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ข๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ ๐˜บ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ ๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ข ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฃ๐˜ญ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ญ๐˜ช๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ธ๐˜ข๐˜บ?โ€™

ใ…ค

โ€œLeon. Even so, isnโ€™t it shameful for a knight to fight under the banner of a company?โ€

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โ€œDonโ€™t talk nonsense, Loren. Once those greedy merchants decide to go after you, you canโ€™t escape until you give them an arm.โ€

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The elf knight known as Leon believed Johan was fighting under the companyโ€™s banner because of debt. Johan, who voluntarily joined for good meals, remained silent.

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โ€œRight, Sir. Will you join us in the charge tomorrow? I plan to be at the forefront as soon as the scouts report.โ€

ใ…ค

โ€œI have to lead the companyโ€™s mercenaries, so itโ€™s impossible.โ€

ใ…ค

โ€œThatโ€™s unfortunate. Missing such an opportunity as a knight.โ€

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Johan had no intention of charging ahead with unfamiliar knights, leaving his mercenaries behind. While knights seek glory and achievements, it wasnโ€™t necessarily only at the forefront. . .

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At this time, Johan didnโ€™t fully grasp what it meant for the knights to โ€˜๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ง๐˜ณ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ตโ€™.

ใ…ค

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

ใ…ค

โ€œThe mercenaries sent out for reconnaissance have discovered an enemy encampment. The numbers appear to be around fifty or so. . .โ€

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โ€œUnderstood. We must prepare to advance our soldiers.โ€

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Before the Captain of the guard could gather the warriors present, the sound of a loud trumpet emanated from the knightsโ€™ encampment.

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Elven knights, heavily armed with chainmail, helmets, lances, and longswords, along with their well-armed but lesser-equipped servants and slaves, were readying for a charge, mounted on their horses.

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๐‚๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ-๐œ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉ, ๐œ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฉ-๐œ๐ฅ๐จ๐ฉโ”

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The mounted ones in front, those leading spare horses behind. The elven knights proceeded, pulling their horses forward, as the mercenaries looked on. The knights swiftly broke through the encampments and moved forward effortlessly.

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The scouts had heard and prepared before even reporting to the captain.

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Cooperation with mercenaries? Such notions held no meaning for the knights.

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It was solely about their bravery and their achievements!

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โ€œBut, captain. Theyโ€™re moving out ahead.โ€

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โ€œItโ€™s not like theyโ€™d listen if we tried to stop them. Hurry and get the mercenaries ready! We must sweep them up before they flee further.โ€

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The knightsโ€™ eagerness to charge ahead without waiting for preparations was not surprising.

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It wasnโ€™t because the knights were foolish. They knew well enough that fighting together was advantageous. They simply chose not to.

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Waiting for the mercenaries to fight together would be akin to declaring their own weakness.

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For those born and trained as knights, this mindset and value system was absolute.

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โ€œIsnโ€™t it dangerous? Itโ€™s deep in the forest, after all.โ€

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โ€œDangerous? With just those knights, the rogues inside can be easily subdued.โ€

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Suetlgโ€™s words were no exaggeration.

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Certainly, if hundreds of mercenaries united against the knights, it wouldnโ€™t be easy for them.

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But the mercenaries were far from united.

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Facing the knightsโ€™ fierce assault, they would think first of abandoning their comrades and fleeing rather than banding together.

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The knightsโ€™ fearsomeness lay in such small-scale battles. Their ferocious combat capabilities unmatched by similar numbers of mercenaries!

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Before long, a messenger sent by the knights arrived. Blood was smeared on his cheek and clothes.

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โ€œMy lords and the honorable Sir Knights have attacked the encampment and slaughtered all the rogues inside!โ€


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