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𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 (𝟑)
It was embarrassing, but what was said couldn’t be taken back. Countess Abner was not generous enough to tolerate an interruption at this moment.
Under Countess Abner, there were knights eager for opportunities, and Gerdolf was just one of them.
Inno fidgeted nervously with his fingers, but Countess Abner scoffed inwardly.
‘𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳.’
Everyone thought similarly upon seeing Inno and Gerdolf. They thought of a foolish son being looked after by his father. However, Countess Abner’s thoughts were slightly different.
Inno was timid, greedy, and narrow-minded. He was not a knight fit for great responsibilities. Gerdolf seemed better by comparison.
On the surface, he might seem foolish, but his persistence and straightforwardness were virtues not easily found.
Seeing Gerdolf, it seemed likely he would follow a knight named Johan. Countess Abner decided to allow this generously. After all, she owed Johan.
“With this victory, envoys are already arriving. They’re probably trying to align with us once the Emperor dies.”
At Countess Abner’s words, everyone’s face lit up with smiles.
A loser of the west and a great feudal lord.
This was the position the Abner family was aiming for.
“Let’s dedicate this victory to the gods. May the glory of the gods be eternal in our family.”
“May the glory of God be eternal to the family!”
Countess Abner called out a few knights who had distinguished themselves and awarded them with prizes, and then dismissed the people. Now only Ulrike was left.
“You worked hard.”
“It was just something that had to be done.”
“No need to be too humble. It was a great victory, even if the situation was favorable.”
The countess had expected to capture the castle after a tedious siege, but the marquis’s intervention and defeat were all unexpected.
“It would be better to rest until the daughter of the Jarpen family arrives. If the person to be married keeps running around, the Jarpen family will be uncomfortable.”
“I will do that.”
“You can take your time finding a child. You can adopt a suitable man from our family or bring one from somewhere.”
“I won’t think about it for a while because my body is getting heavy.”
“That’s right. You’re not the type to enjoy yourself by making lovers. Be sure to warn the daughter of the Jarpen family as well. It is free to enjoy, but if you give birth to a child outside, that child will not be able to enter the family.”
“Of course I know that much, don’t I?”
“Knowing and remembering are different. You’ll know when you get married too.”
Ulrike was annoyed by Countess Abner’s mocking words. What a way to talk like she’s been married a few times.
“Only the person who inherited the blood of the Abner family can continue the family name. That’s all you need to remember. I’ll congratulate you on your happy marriage in advance, as I’ll be busy in the future.”
“Thank you.”
“And thank you for forgiving Stephen.”
“I didn’t forgive him.”
“Thank you for not killing him. I’m proud of you.”
“. . .Yes.”
Ulrike nodded and stepped back outside.
Conversations with the Countess always evoked conflicting, complex emotions. As she cleared her head and stepped outside, she suddenly thought of Johan.
Could he be planning to explore the town right now?
🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸
“Do you think I’m going to accept that proposal?”
“I’m sorry. I’m prepared to accept your refusal.”
Upon hearing Johan’s words, Ulrike fell deep in thought. Surprisingly, she was not angry, even though she was on the verge of losing something of hers.
“Why?”
“What?”
“Oh, no. Sorry. I was just talking to myself.”
Honestly, it was a situation Ulrike had to acknowledge as well.
Unless Johan was going to spend his life as a rural feudal lord, it was definitely better to receive the appointment from Duke Brduhe if he intended to keep fighting and moving forward.
It wasn’t a visible asset. However, it would prove to be immensely powerful in the fights and life ahead.
If he refused here, Johan would give up the fiefdom and leave.
In the end, there was only one decision to make.
Whether Ulrike would just let him go or do something believing in the distant future.
“. . .Okay. I’ll arrange all the rights of Heincut and the neighboring town and give them to the duke.”
“?!?!”
Johan was greatly surprised.
‘𝘏𝘢𝘴 𝘜𝘭𝘳𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥?’
“I might not be a feudal lord, but it’s practically the same. Heincut currently has no administrator, but if we send one from the neighboring town, it won’t be much different. Is that okay?”
“. . . . . .”
As Johan looked bewildered, Ulrike felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction.
“Why?”
“Thank you.”
“Consider this town a payment for your loyalty. You are an honorable knight, aren’t you?”
“. . . . . .”
Johan might not have been particularly honorable, but he wasn’t tactless enough to say that now.
Johan nodded his head.