𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 (𝟐)
As Johan charged, Marco leaned back and drew his bow, pulling the string taut.
“!”
Knights from the Holy Empire or Erlans Kingdom were not adept with the bow. Although they learned archery as a part of their martial skills, they did not wield it as proficiently as other weapons.
In this regard, the sight of the knight drawing a bow clearly indicated his origin from Catalia.
𝐒𝐡𝐮𝐬𝐡!
With a sharp sound, a heavy impact was felt on the arm. Johan easily blocked it. Unless the situation was chaotic, it was possible to read the opponent’s movements and intercept the arrow.
Marco then discarded the bow and drew his sword. However, this action was meaningless to Johan. With a single strike, Johan sent the sword flying and grabbed the knight’s throat, throwing him off his horse.
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐝!
Subduing the knight in one go, the tension among the other knights was palpable.
“Will you surrender?”
“As a knight, how can I surrender without a fight!”
“In that case.”
Johan had anticipated such a response. He proceeded to knock down all the remaining knights.
Foolishly, the knights attempted to cross weapons with Johan.
Once they engaged, Johan’s immense strength caused them to lose their balance. Caught off guard by the unexpected impact, all the knights were unseated in a ridiculous manner.
Afterwards, they became easy prey for the knights waiting in the wings. Defeated so cleanly that no excuses could be made, the knights acknowledged their defeat and surrendered.
🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
Marquis barely escaped with his life and fled to the city, while Ulrike’s army returned with numerous spoils of war.
As the enemy’s army disappeared, Ulrike leisurely withdrew her forces. Leaving behind a new castellan and a few who would control him, along with a garrison to guard the castle, was sufficient.
“Congratulations on the great victory.”
“The Marquis fled dishonorably. . .”
“Don’t worry about not capturing the Marquis. The victory is significant enough without that.”
Ulrike praised everyone with a satisfied voice.
It was regrettable that they couldn’t capture Marquis Crucho, but the complete destruction of his army was an unexpected achievement.
Johan led the pursuit personally, which had raised some expectations, but such a result was beyond anticipation.
‘𝘈𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.’
The disappearance of the army led by Marquis Crucho was one thing, but the impact of this victory on the surroundings was even greater.
The other feudal lords of the Empire would surely make their judgments upon seeing the strength and influence of the Abner family.
“After meeting Countess Abner and discussing rewards, everyone can rest easy.”
At Ulrike’s words, everyone showed expressions mixed with anticipation.
War was heaven for the victors, starting with the wages and including the division of spoils obtained in battle.
“You’ve worked hard. Have you brought the knights?”
“One of them claims to be Marquis’ illegitimate child. Will he fetch a good ransom?”
“Hmm, maybe not. Perhaps the other knights might be more valuable. Selling just their armors and weapons should cover the ransom.”
Johan clicked his tongue at Suetlg’s words.
“I thought he might be favored like Stephen. . .”
“It’s rare for an illegitimate child to receive such treatment.”
“What should we do if we can’t get a ransom for him?”
“Handle it as you see fit. Keep him imprisoned, release him, entrust him to another noble. . . Executing seems a bit much. Anyway, don’t expect too much for a ransom. Knights often carry their wealth on their bodies. . . Besides, you’ve gained a lot from this war already, haven’t you?”
Suetlg looked around. The camp was bustling, possibly due to the victors’ return. The constant arrival of merchants and the coming and going of travelers were evident.
“Before spring comes, you should rest and prepare for the next season. I might be an uninterested wizard, but you’re a young and ambitious knight. . .”
“I’m not that ambitious.”
“Don’t talk nonsense. Have you made any plans?”
At Suetlg’s words, Johan nodded.
From the previous campaign to this war, Johan had earned a considerable fortune due to his victories.
The ransoms of Baron and Stephen, the goods Doris had, the bounty for rogue subjugation and troll blood, the tax rights of the town, and rewards from the siege. . .
Adding all this up, the total came close to a thousand Empire gold coins.
He might not get all of it at once, but it was almost like having the annual income of a feudal lord, castellan, or a Baron in one go.
The largest part was, of course, the ransoms of Baron and Stephen, earning hundreds of gold coins at once.
In comparison, the troll blood and rewards seemed minor. The town’s tax rights were significant but had clear limits, being a small town.
It was clear why knights were so eager for war.
Ransom!
Wars where ransom could be legally extracted were opportunities for social advancement and business.
“I did want to build a castle like the Sangdarju or Abner families.”
“A castle? That money is nowhere near enough.”
Suetlg was incredulous at such an absurd idea.
Building a proper stone castle would take years and about ten times more gold.
What would be the point of building one?
“I know. And it seems pointless anyway.”
If a castle was really needed, it might be different, but the place Johan was due to receive didn’t require one. Building a castle there would be excessive.
“You could build a large mansion instead. If it’s made of wood, it would be much cheaper and faster.”
Suetlg cautiously opened his mouth, wondering if his words were too harsh.
What was the point of fighting as a knight?
For fame, obviously.
It would be a grave insult for a young and spirited knight to live in a small house after rising in status by receiving a fiefdom.
“No, not really.”
But Suetlg still didn’t understand Johan. Johan didn’t care much about such things.
Building a mansion in his fiefdom to show off his wealth and power was what other nobles and knights dreamed of, not Johan.
His wish to build a castle was simply to withstand enemies if attacked. He abandoned the idea, thinking it better to give up the town than fortify it with walls.
“Really not interested?”
“I never planned to stay long in the town anyway.”
What good would come from pioneering a town that barely produces a dozen gold coins a year? And Johan also lacked confidence in that area.
It would be better to wander around and earn gold during that time.
“So, what I thought was to hire more mercenaries.”