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𝐈𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐬 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 (𝟕)
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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 Knights’ 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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‘𝘋𝘢𝘮𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮.’
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“What will your honors do?”
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“Report to us if you see the enemy. We will step in if necessary.”
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“Yes, understood.”
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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 couldn’t be helped.
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“The paladins of. . .”
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“We will coordinate and act in concert with the soldiers.”
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“!!”
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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 Knights’ Order, but their willingness to coordinate and act together was something.
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“The paladins from St. Galanto Holy Knights’ Order also. . .”
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“We will do the same.”
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“Thank you. This makes things easier. With esteemed knights and paladins present, those rogue gangs will soon be captured and dealt with!”
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🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
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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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“Quite a disciplined force.”
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“The captain of the guards is a renowned figure. With his high reputation among mercenaries, there should be no problem in managing them.”
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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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‘𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘻𝘺. . .’
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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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“Is this the place of Sir Johan and the philosopher of Ipaël River, Suetlg?”
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A well-dressed servant asked cautiously. Suetlg frowned and replied.
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“I am Suetlg. What is it?”
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“My lord, Sir Gustav, wishes to host you both.”
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“Hmm. . . Alright. We’ll come soon.”
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After the servant left, Suetlg spat out. Johan asked in surprise.
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“Do you have any grievances?”
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“What knights are good at is upsetting wizards.”
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“Then why did you accept?”
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“One 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. It’s not good to incur the wrath of nobles.”
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🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
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The members and knights of the Holy Knights’ 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 Knights’ Order was so modest that it had less luggage than the mercenaries, but the knights’ 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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“Those without money are making a fuss.”
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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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“Don’t they have a fiefdom?”
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“A knight with a fiefdom? They might have received the title but not the fiefdom. If they had a fiefdom, they wouldn’t have come to such a place.”
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Even if they had a knighting ceremony and received a title, it didn’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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“Thanks to that, they will eat and drink well. With someone else’s money.”
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“Must be nice to be so carefree. Let’s see what kind of reaction they have.”
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Suetlg grumbled and went inside. However, Johan’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 couldn’t have.
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“The philosopher of Ipaël River is here, surely our battle will be blessed with good fortune!”
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An elf shouted loudly. Then, everyone’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 wouldn’t leave him alone.
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“Philosopher, won’t you predict our future?”
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“. . . . . .”
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Suetlg was expressionless, but Johan knew that Suetlg was getting angry.
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“I’m sorry. Magic isn’t something that can be used so easily.”
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“Oh well. It can’t be helped. It’s fine. After all, there’s only one outcome. The rogues will all be torn to death!”
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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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‘𝘏𝘮𝘮. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴.’
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“Is 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.”
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“That’s alright.”
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Johan marveled at the knights’ eloquence as he ate his meat, mocking magic while summoning a wizard.
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What was more surprising was that they didn’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 knights’ 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 knights’ treatment.
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‘𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦. 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳.’
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“Sir Johan of the Yeats family?”
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‘𝘖𝘩 𝘯𝘰.’
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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 Johan’s temper?
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“It’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?”
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“Ah, certainly.”
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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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“I heard you’re working under the banner of a company. To work under such greedy people, you must feel indignant.”
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“I’ve been swallowing that bitter feeling.”
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“Yes! 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 you’re in debt, they pounce like a possessed son of a b*tches.”
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‘𝘐𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘦𝘣𝘵𝘰𝘳’𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘶𝘭𝘵?’
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The knights had a different perspective than Johan.
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Instead of ‘𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘣𝘵, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘱𝘢𝘺 𝘪𝘵 𝘰𝘧𝘧,’ it was ‘𝘐 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘣𝘵, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘢𝘺?’
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“Leon. Even so, isn’t it shameful for a knight to fight under the banner of a company?”
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“Don’t talk nonsense, Loren. Once those greedy merchants decide to go after you, you can’t escape until you give them an arm.”
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The elf knight known as Leon believed Johan was fighting under the company’s banner because of debt. Johan, who voluntarily joined for good meals, remained silent.
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“Right, Sir. Will you join us in the charge tomorrow? I plan to be at the forefront as soon as the scouts report.”
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“I have to lead the company’s mercenaries, so it’s impossible.”
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“That’s unfortunate. Missing such an opportunity as a knight.”
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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 wasn’t necessarily only at the forefront. . .
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At this time, Johan didn’t fully grasp what it meant for the knights to ‘𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵’.
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🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
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“The mercenaries sent out for reconnaissance have discovered an enemy encampment. The numbers appear to be around fifty or so. . .”
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“Understood. We must prepare to advance our soldiers.”
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Before the Captain of the guard could gather the warriors present, the sound of a loud trumpet emanated from the knights’ 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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𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐩-𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐩, 𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐩-𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐩━
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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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“But, captain. They’re moving out ahead.”
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“It’s not like they’d listen if we tried to stop them. Hurry and get the mercenaries ready! We must sweep them up before they flee further.”
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The knights’ eagerness to charge ahead without waiting for preparations was not surprising.
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It wasn’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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“Isn’t it dangerous? It’s deep in the forest, after all.”
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“Dangerous? With just those knights, the rogues inside can be easily subdued.”
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Suetlg’s words were no exaggeration.
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Certainly, if hundreds of mercenaries united against the knights, it wouldn’t be easy for them.
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But the mercenaries were far from united.
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Facing the knights’ fierce assault, they would think first of abandoning their comrades and fleeing rather than banding together.
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The knights’ 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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“My lords and the honorable Sir Knights have attacked the encampment and slaughtered all the rogues inside!”