How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 102.2: 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 (2)

I said greedy, not stupid.

Caenerna said matter-of-factly. Coming to seek help and being stingy with gold was a fools act. If the bishop had been such a person, he would have died long ago.

Any tyrant would at least lavish their subordinates without stint.

The gold offered to you is hardly a significant amount for the bishop. If he wants, he can earn much more at any time.

In the north, silver, iron and wool from the Empire, and in the south, olive oil, dyes, glass, and crafted jewels, and from the eastern seas, silk and spices flow into this place, making it the best spot to amass wealth.

The bishop, with a diocese here, was as good as having a purse overflowing with gold.

So, this friendly approach is because of betrayal, after all?

Caenerna smiled broadly. Johan was a pleasant conversationalist. It was rare to find nobility who understood and didnt arrogantly shout their own opinions.

I suppose so. The politics of the republic can be somewhat. . . barbaric.

?

From the perspective of Caenerna, a typical Empire person, the system of city-states where influential families shared power seemed extremely unstable.

Even those elected as magistrates could be gone with a few mistakes.

Suetlg agreed and added,

In Beneto, there are those who can give more gold than the bishop offered. From the bishops point of view, it must be unsettling. After all, mercenaries are reliable when its convenient but become suspicious when the tide turns.

Hiring mercenaries was always a dilemma. Even if one pays them well, there is no assurance they wont betray.

It was not much different even for soldiers led by knights. Knights were human too. If all knights were so loyal and noble, there would be no talk of rogue knights.

Protecting the bishop seems like a profitable business. . .

Im not sure if it can be called a business, but I agree its a good opportunity.

.

Biagione was extremely satisfied. Not only had he spoken with Repiata, but also with Count Ganolwood. He had sincerely conveyed that the republic had no intention of fighting with the duke.

Of course, that wasnt the only reason for his satisfaction. It was because of the hundreds of soldiers following him.

Johan, as well as Gerdolf and Marco, were reliable, despite their somewhat suspicious appearances. Even warriors like Achladda were dependable.

Is there anyone who dares to threaten the bishop?

Ah, brother. There are indeed many immoral and corrupt people in the world.

The bishop said with a sad expression.

Among the families affiliated with the city council, there are those who envy and are jealous of Biagione. How dare they threaten Biagione in the diocese and openly blackmail!

Such wretches deserve divine punishment.

The republic might only be a council in name, but it was almost like a noble family. The families employed mercenaries like private soldiers and each ruled over their own part of the widespread republics territory.

When conflicts arose, it was common for them to attack each other, bloodshed ensued.

. . .!

Dozens of people appeared over a grass-covered hill. Marco was shocked to see the flag of one of the families from the south of Catalia.

Sir, sir, thats the flag of the Orlon family.

Should I know that?

Well, that family is from the south, and the southern families are. . .

Marco hesitated. It was somewhat embarrassing for him to speak, being a captive.

Are they a vassal family of the Emperor?

. . .Yes. They probably are.

Thanks for telling me. Thats good to know.

Johan observed the knights and soldiers belonging to the Emperors faction. They were not at all intimidated by the bishops substantial military force.

?

Of course not. They rode up to the bishop, stopped, and arrogantly raised their heads. They were polite, but their expressions were not.

What are these warriors doing, your grace, bishop?

They are here to help Biagione eliminate the rogue bands in his fiefdom and deal with monsters.

For such a thing, arent they too. . . rough and untrained?

A knight of the Orlon family frowned as he looked at the eastern tribal warriors. The nobles in the southern part of the peninsula were heavily influenced by the Empire. To them, the eastern nomadic tribes were no different from barbarians.

Achladda was chuckling, but his eyes were cold. He seemed ready to draw his bow at a moments notice. Johan gestured for restraint.

Its better than borrowing power from the Emperor! Is your master still acting like a loyal servant of the Emperor?

You speak too harshly, bishop.

The knight glared at the bishop as he spoke. In this situation, a sword fight wouldnt break out, so it felt like they were both intent on spewing venomous words to their hearts content.

There are rumors that the corruption you committed has reached the holy one. I hope thats just a rumor.

To believe such rumors. I swear to God, this Biagione has never harbored corrupt thoughts.

At the bishops words, the knights snickered. Anyone who had spent time in the republic knew that the bishop was a greedy person.

Moreover, the bishop was currently under attack for the corruption he had committed, which had been reported to the church. They werent afraid of a powerful figure who could crumble with just a little more pressure.

Despite the insult that would normally be unthinkable to utter, the bishop remained unshaken. There were times when one must endure.

Moreover, since he had brought soldiers with him this time, the opposition wouldnt dare to attack for a while.

Well, who would believe that. . .

As they idly chatted without any real substance, Johan had finished his calculations.

Upon reflection, being employed like this was an opportunity. It wasnt just about receiving the bishops gold.

It was an opportunity to act in the name of the bishop!

There was no need to just take the offered gold and stay quiet. It was alright to take everything that could be taken while the opportunity lasted.

, , .

Prepare to attack!

??

I am Johan of Yeats. I am the cavalry officer of Brduhe and a knight of the duke. State your names!

As Johan suddenly declared an attack, the opposing knights were taken aback.

What are you talking about? Didnt you say you were employed by the bishop!

Are you acting on your own without the bishops orders? Right now, the bishop is. . .

The knights could afford to be so confident with their much smaller force because of the bishop. Biagione, who was under attack for various corruptions, was in a situation where he should have been more restrained. They couldnt even dream of striking first.

However, Johan was not a mercenary who simply followed orders obediently. Moreover, the fact that the enemies failed to understand their situation and mocked them gave him a plausible justification.

A knight who stood up unable to tolerate insults to the bishop!

For the insult to the bishop, I will cleanse it with this sword. If you are a knight, reveal your name and face me!

Wait, wait a minute. . .

The bishop was horrified and tried to stop them. Hiring Johan and his warriors was meant to be a show of force, not to initiate an attack.

If they rashly got angry and ran amok, how were they any different from mercenaries!

Attack them! Catch every single one of them so they cant escape!

Ive been waiting for those words, Sir Knight!

Achladda cheered and started to quickly outflank with the tribal warriors. It was a move to block the enemys retreat.

Gerdolf, Marco split left and right to charge, and Johan rushed in from the front.

Catch that man! He must be captured alive at all costs!

At Johans shout, the warriors grinned. Speaking like that, it seemed that their leader was quite valuable.

.

The battle was short but fierce. Those who had the will to fight were struck by arrows and beaten down first, and the remaining ones quickly surrendered. The difference in numbers was too great from the start.

. . .W-We surrender.

The remaining knights and soldiers surrendered with faces that couldnt believe what had happened. They couldnt understand what the bishop was thinking when he did this.

Was he prepared to lose his position as bishop?

Bishop. We will take these prisoners according to tradition.

No. . . No! Brother! What is this madness! What do you think youre doing acting on your own?!

But didnt these men insult you, bishop?