How to Live as a Wandering Knight

𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 (3)

Shortly after.

The inspector looked at the mercenaries who had participated in the gargoyle hunt as if it was absurd.

What was even more absurd was the other warriors accepting such talks as if they were natural!

The inspector felt like the only sane person left among crazy people.

‘𝘕𝘰. . . 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘰, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩. . .’

After the discussion about the gargoyle hunt ended, the mercenaries and warriors also talked about werewolves and trolls, which was equally absurd.

Was it so bad that the story of the bishop distributing wealth seemed the most plausible?

“I have just one question.”

At the inspector’s words, the mercenaries nodded. Those present were mercenaries from the Empire or tribal warriors seeking to join the order of the Empire.

They were favorably inclined towards monotheism and showed much interest in the church.

“Ask anything, priest.”

“Did Bishop Biagione really scatter gold?”

“Do you not see this bracelet? It was indeed scattered by him.”

“. . .!”

The mercenaries were simple-minded. They spoke well of those who gave them something.

Although it was thanks to Johan’s instructions, they did not speak ill of the bishop after receiving his wealth.

As a result, the inspector, who had only heard overly different stories from the rumors, began to feel confused.

As an inspector of the church with long experience, he was not easily swayed or deceived. There was a clear difference between those who were greedy and deceitful and those who sincerely believed in God and lived modestly.

However, occasionally, there were people who underwent a great shock and changed. It wasn’t unheard of for a debauched person to hear the voice of God, repent, and feel remorse.

Had Bishop Biagione experienced such a thing? Had he witnessed a miracle and glimpsed the holiness of God?

“. . .Is there no way to deal with that inspector, brother?”

“What, are you suggesting assassination?”

The bishop was startled at Johan’s words. He looked around nervously. Fortunately, there was no one nearby to overhear, given the long procession.

“Are you mad? Not that. The inspector keeps prying. If the mercenaries say something strange. . .”

“The mercenaries won’t speak out of turn.”

“Is that really so? Can you guarantee it?”

“What will you do if I can’t?”

“. . .Y-You shouldn’t talk like that. It’s not like Biagione said anything impossible.”

The bishop shrank back as Johan spoke sternly. Having seen Johan’s true nature and owing him a great debt from the gargoyle hunt, he couldn’t afford to be arrogant, even as an employer.

‘𝘐𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘦’𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱’𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘥𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭.’

If the magistrate’s words were true, the church had little interest in dismissing the bishop. Therefore, there was a high chance they would conclude the investigation casually.

Of course, Johan had no intention of telling him that. It would complicate the story.

“We’ve reached the town. As it’s a fiefdom of the church, we should be able to rest comfortably.”

“Send someone to inform the entourage that the bishop and inspector are present and to prepare hospitality. The rest will set up camp outside.”

“Yes, I’ll do so.”

As soon as the order was given, Johan’s subordinates quickly moved, regardless of their disorderly composition.

The inspector was amazed at the sight of them moving in divisions, such as those who would enter the town to deliver the message, those who would scout around, those who would set up the camp and establish the border, and those who would check the water source and prepare drinking water.

Frankly, it was strange that a knight like Johan was carrying such a jumbled group of subordinates, but seeing such a well-ordered appearance made sense.

The inspector was curious and asked,

“Will you not let the mercenaries into the town?”

If even a few of the more than a hundred mercenaries entered the town, it would be a burden for the town.

It would be a huge expense, not to mention the damage if there was any disturbance.

But it was also impossible not to let them in. No one likes to camp while being hit by the cold dew.

Even if not all of them, those who were captains or above were often allowed in.

“It doesn’t seem like a wealthy town. It would be a heavy burden if they entered. It would be better to have them wait outside, except for the minimum escort.”

“Your honor is truly honorable!”

The inspector was very satisfied with Johan’s response. Nobles often preached faith but acted otherwise.

If there was surplus, it should be given to the starving and naked serfs, not wasted on luxuries.

In this respect, Johan’s actions, consistent with the rumors, were truly satisfying. It was hoped that other spirited knights would learn from him.

Furthermore, it was remarkable that the mercenaries showed no dissatisfaction with such orders.

Even with good intentions, controlling rough men required strength. Without it, words were empty.

‘𝘈𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘉𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦, 𝘩𝘦’𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵. 𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘉𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘱 𝘉𝘪𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘦? 𝘐𝘴 𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘥?’

The inspector doubted Bishop Biagione, believing that his abilities could easily manipulate this young knight. If so, the bishop would be guilty of yet another sin.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

ᴀ𝔴𝙚𝕓𝘴ᴛ𝘰𝘳𝚒ė̇𝕤.𝘤𝐨𝔪

“Ah, crazy guys. Why are you wandering around at night? Aren’t you afraid of monsters?”

“Hey! Stop! Stop with the torches and reveal yourself first!”

The mercenaries on guard swore as they saw a group of torches approaching from a distance.

“What? What’s happening?”

“Some guys are coming this way.”

“They seem like the kind of b*stards who would skin us alive. I hope they’re just a gang of rogues.”

The people at the camp were stirred up. Johan, who had been asleep, pushed off the Karamaf covering him and got up. Karamaf let out an annoyed growl.

“S-Sir Knight. Didn’t you go into town?”

“Marco and Gerdolf going is enough. We’re not without the order’s escort. I can rest alone while you guys are here, can’t I?”

“Don’t be too kind. Rookies won’t adapt if they go somewhere else.”