How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 165: 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 (6)

Your Excellency, this makes the situation a bit difficult. . .

Giada said worriedly.

Although the Vynashchtym and the Republic were inseparable, they always joined forces when facing the pagan empire to the east. The easterners were enemies of both.

I thought they were too preoccupied fighting the Vynashchtym far away to the north, but from what Im hearing now, it seems they were aiming for the west coast of Ulkana along the seaways.

This would mean wed have to worry about those pagan b*stards first, rather than taking any military action against the Vynashchtym.

Hasnt the southern island been safely holding out? Theres probably no need to worry just yet.

That may be so. . . But to be frank, the Vynashchtym guys arent very good at fighting.

Giadas concern was justified. Right now the Vynashchtym empires soldiers were few in number and lacking in discipline. Their recent pathetic defeats were quite notorious.

Apart from some units, frankly they were hard to rely on as fighting forces.

As you know, once defeated in battle, things can spiral out of control. Im worried that could happen.

I understand. Well be vigilant.

Johan took Giadas worries on board. He didnt think things would come to that, but his concerns were reasonable.

Here, small-scale skirmishes made up most of the fighting. Groups of dozens would patrol and reconnoitre, clashing if they met. Large forces gathering for pitched battles were rare.

However, if collisions occurred and units couldnt retreat properly, defeated wholesale, those areas would be left bare. The enemy could sweep in in no time.

Just because the enemy was distant, complacency was unacceptable.

.

Pass!

The mercenaries thoroughly searched the pirates. Every piece of property they found here was a huge income for the mercenaries.

The pirates boarded the ship with curses. They wanted to rush in, but seeing the number of gathered soldiers and their armed state, they thought it was good that they didnt fight.

Is that Count Yeats?

Isnt he younger than expected? More than that, he doesnt look like a warrior. He looks like a merchant.

He looks crazy. Be quiet.

He wont understand us anyway.

Giada spat out profanity in disbelief.

How dare you shitheads chatter without knowing gratitude after we spared you?! If you dont shut up, Ill rip out your tongue and throw it into the sea!

!!

And that count is not me, but that man over there!

Seeing Johan walk out, the pirates were surprised at his much softer face than expected. He looked like a young boy in his early twenties.

As Johan walked over, he turned his head, noticing their gaze. Johans eyes pulsated with the intense power of his soul. The pirates who met his gaze couldnt dare to look straight and bowed deeply. It felt like their hearts were grabbed.

Any problems?

No. Were emptying the fortress and coming out.

Be careful not to miss that noble.

Johan and the mercenaries waited without overtly showing it. If the other party became wary and secretly ran away at night, it would be troublesome.

, , , .

Knowing the appearance made finding the opponent easy.

Found him.

Arrest him and bring him here.

When the mercenaries came to grab him, Bashkhar was startled. The pirate disguises next to him immediately reached for the swords at their waists.

Johans slave soldiers aimed their bows. The slave soldiers learned not only how to use crossbows, but also how to use longbows. Thanks to the eastern tribes. As dozens of archers aimed their bows, the guards shuddered and could not move.

Why, why are you doing this? Count?

Theres no need to honor me that much just because of my noble status. Bashkhar-gong. Come this way. I dont want to see blood.

At first Bashkhar was horrified, but then resigned. He obediently came out.

According to custom, rights. . .

I know. Take your weapons.

My master will not take kindly to this.

Did your master originally think well of me?

Unable to refute Johans words, Bashkhar shut his mouth. Some of the puzzled pirates asked.

Bashkhar-nim. So what happens now?

. . .!

Seeing the idiots reveal in front of the count that they had come to hire them, Bashkhar felt his chest tighten. Johan sneered.

It must be difficult to hire pirates. Right? Go north. If I see you heading south, Ill sink you.

. . . . . .

The pirates murmured and at least set sail on the ship for now. It was unclear whether some of them would follow the order, but there didnt seem to be many who would risk their lives to keep the promise.

Youll release me if I pay ransom?

Of course.

Reassured by Johans promise, Bashkhar relaxed for the moment. Although customs regarding prisoners of war were the same on the mainland and in the east, exceptions were made when religions differed.

Beliefs sometimes ignore even gold and wield swords.

Thank you. Then, trusting that promise. . .

Your Excellency! A warship has appeared!

The heads of those present turned abruptly. It was a gaze that would grab Bashkhar and his guards immediately. Bashkhar was confused.

He had been aiming for this area, but preparations for the fleet were still far from complete. There was no way they could have come this far.

Ah. Its the Vynashchtyms flag.

Phew. . .

Bashkhar breathed a sigh of relief. It felt like his neck was about to be hung for a moment.

The official who came on the warship with the Vynashchtym was courteous. Seeing this, Johan was slightly pleased.

However, when the official opened his mouth, Johans expression froze stiff. Although the attitude was very courteous, the message conveyed was rude.

Get out of here?

Your. . . Your Excellency. This place was originally Vynashchtyms territory.

They didnt care if pirate gangs of thieves occupied the nearby islands. At best, they could only attack small fishing boats and merchant ships, nothing more.

However, it was a different story for Count Yeats to occupy the island with the republic fleet. It looked like preparations to go up to the mainland to anyone.

The viceroy of the nearby port who received the report that the fleet had arrived was startled and sent an official.

? !

Neither the viceroy nor the official seemed to have properly grasped Johan yet. Moreover, the news was late. The marriage alliance was practically already invalidated. How to deal with the aftermath after the fake one was exposed?

As far as I know, its different. After Duke Brduhe hired mercenaries and occupied it, it became the Brduhe familys territory. Horamric-gong inherited it from the duke and took it upon request to subjugate the pirates.

Ah. . . no.

The official was confused that Johan had prepared a much more proper justification than expected. In the first place, there was no comparison between him and Johan in terms of status. An official of lower noble birth versus the overlord of the south?

And the marriage alliance ended because you b*stards committed fraud, so what the hell are you talking about?

Huh? What do you mean. . .

Go back and find out what Im talking about. I wont punish you out of consideration for Vynashchtyms dignity, but if you say such nonsense one more time, you wont be able to return alive. Get lost!

When Johan yelled, the official fled in fright. And boarded the ship before hastily departing. . .

. . .did not leave.

The official returned from the ship leading dozens of soldiers. Johan was confused by that ridiculous reaction.

What the? A crazy b*tch?

The soldiers also seemed similarly surprised. Unless all those dozens were outstanding warriors. . .

Is he trying to commit suicide?

Your Excellency! It seems there has been a misunderstanding. Please forgive me!

However, the soldiers who came out were not because of the raid. They were the new nobles escort and servants.

Different from the official earlier, a man in glamorous clothes came out and prostrated himself.

Who are you?

Im Semeonus, a lowly man. Your Excellency! I work as the citys financial officer.

The official from before explained Semeonuss status instead.

Semeonus-nim is the viceroys brother.

Ah. Is that so?

Your Highness. Please allow us to treat you and resolve this misunderstanding a little!

??!

Johan was perplexed by the sudden invitation.

?

They came to drive him out but failed, now they invite him to the city. It was too blunt like a trap.

But even a 3 year old wouldnt set such an obvious trap.

Oh my. The viceroy is sharp.

?

Youre probably doing this because youre worried His Excellency would attack. You want to treat His Excellency well and ask not to attack the city, right?

!

Giadas words made Johan realize what the other party wanted.

The Vynashchtym viceroys were officials appointed by the emperor to rule each fiefdom, but in fact they had a position similar to feudal lords of those fiefdoms.

If the city gets plundered and attacked, who suffers the most losses? Of course the viceroy.

Thats why when the viceroy sent the envoys, he also ordered his own brother just in case.

, , . !

As long as he doesnt touch his own city, it doesnt matter whether he lands and advances somewhere else.

Johan admired the loyalty of the Vynashchtym viceroys. What was more surprising was that Giada and Jyanina were not particularly surprised by this attitude.

It would be more convenient if the viceroy cooperates.

Do you think they can set a trap?

Them? Hahahahaha! Are you joking. . . No. Youre serious?

Cant anyone set a trap?

They absolutely wouldnt do that if they werent crazy.

Giada laughed as if what he said was preposterous.

If the city soldiers attack, Your Excellency can take out half with one arm, and I and my sailors will take out the other half. Then we can leisurely get on the ship and slip away.

Isnt that too overconfident, Giada?

When you see it, Your Excellency will know that my words were not wrong.

Alright. In any case, we can go back anytime before we disembark. . .

Johan said suspiciously. Giada shrugged his shoulders as if to say wait and see.

And Giada was right. As soon as the port came into view, Johan was able to understand why he had said that.

Merchants from the republic and their employees. Servants and slaves too. Those who had heard the news in advance welcomed them.

This place was different from the cities of the hundred kingdoms. Over a third of the people here were outsiders, not Vynashchtym people. Starting with merchants from the republic, the composition was so diverse it was impossible to categorize them all, including mercenaries and travelers who had drifted in.

They accounted for one of the major pillars of the city. If the viceroy tries to set some kind of trap on a whim, defectors will immediately come pouring out, and some will incite rebellion in the city.

I see. So thats why you were so confident?

There is honor and custom, but apart from that, the viceroy does not have the capacity to stop any crazy acts, no matter how hard he tries.

The viceroy here was similar to a feudal lord, but his authority was absolutely different. If he makes a small mistake, he will be attacked by the citizens.

Therefore, it was impossible to dishonorably ambush a Count who had been invited from afar and had strong support from part of the city.

What kind of person is the viceroy here?

I havent met him either, Ive only heard rumors. . . hes probably not very important. Hell be eager to make requests since hes in an unfortunate position. You dont need to worry about him.

Still, you cant be too careless when facing the master of a city.

I really think you dont need to worry. . .

This is all because of that young and foolish emperor! How dare he insult you like that. Its truly unforgivable. What is this? Your glass is empty. Let me pour you more!

After greeting very familiarly upon meeting and seating him, then pouring some wine, his skill at cursing the emperor was dazzling and it made Johan dizzy.

I didnt expect him to jump in like this without reserve.

I wish I could send my own child! If my child was a little more decent, I would have sent them to you.

No. . . its alright.

He flatly refused because it looked like he would seriously bring up marriage talks as a joke if he showed any interest. The viceroys appearance was not one that inspired hopes for children.