How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 135.1: ????? ?? ????? (4)

Chapter 135.1: ????? ?? ????? (4)

The serfs near the Viazo forest looked tense as they watched in the distance. The new Count was approaching with his escorts and attendants.

Is that the Count over there?

Whats different about him compared to the Baron?

How foolish. . . Hes like the Barons master.

So, does the Baron go to his castle to carry stones?

Stop talking nonsense and scatter! Lest we get whipped for just standing here.

Thankfully, the village chief dispersed the crowd. There was no good in gathering like this unless called upon by the nobility.

?

The village chief squinted at Johans army. The chief, a position only the relatively wealthy could hold, was quite prestigious.

It was a position to deal with the nobilitys administrator and, in some cases, represent the serfs to make certain demands.

Despite being respected and relied upon by the townspeople, to those in real power, the village chief was insignificant.

The chief had hardly seen the nobility or their armies, except for a brief glimpse at the Barons castle. The mercenaries roaming near the town were all he had seen.

Even so, the chief could tell that the escorts leading Johan were impressive.

With sturdy horses and bodies covered in gleaming armor, their intimidating presence was evident. Behind them fluttered a flag with a sacred emblem, a stark contrast to the ragged mercenaries.

.

The village chief moved on, clicking his tongue. Whenever such a procession of nobles passed, young men, deluded, would follow, dreaming of success.

Thats enough, Baron. No need for a banquet.

But. . .

Johan gestured for him to step back. The Baron, wiping his sweat with a handkerchief, retreated.

Johan had hurried to seize a noble of the Mulc family quietly and quickly, but for the nearby Baron, it was a different story.

With the marquis dead and the pirates scattered, Johans authority soared. Not rushing out to greet Johan could later be seen as an offense, a risk not worth taking.

Is there a capable huntsman to guide us through the forest?

I apologize. Im not fond of hunting. . .

The Baron bowed his head in shame. Nobility didnt necessarily have to be knights, but not being knightly was not a matter of pride. Hunting was a way to showcase a knights honor.

You dont enjoy hunting? Wise indeed. The order will praise your piety.

. . . . . .

If anyone could turn a word into gold, it was Johan. The Baron was moved by his unexpectedly kind words.

The order might not fancy hunting or duels, but it was rare for a noble to turn that into a compliment.

Just a moment, please! Ill have my servants prepare a meal.

No, its. . .

The Baron, without waiting for a response, began giving orders. Johan thought to himself.

.

Its really okay. . .

s.

Wouldnt it be dangerous if theres no guide in the hunting ground?

Thats true.

Do not enter a forest you are unfamiliar with.

It was a rule among the mercenaries.

Entering an unknown forest without a guide was considered reckless.

, .

But we have Galambos here.

I-I am honored.

Mercenary Galambos, formerly a ranger from the east, was at a loss when the focus suddenly turned to him.

The young knight was known to value skills regardless of status, which was something even the mercenaries admired, but it always made Galambos heart skip a beat.

And Karamaf has good ears and nose to guide us.

.

Seemingly understanding Johans words, Karamaf grinned happily.

And not just Galambos, but Johan himself was trained as a hunter. He could detect most traps in advance.

There are no traps.

Are you sure there are none? Check properly!

If the count gets hurt, youre heading to the gallows!

. . . . . .

Chided by the mercenaries, Galambos checked again, but no new traps had appeared.

.

Achladda and Euclyia were excited to follow Johan on his hunt, but he did not allow it.

The two were too good at training the slave soldiers.

I assure you on my honor as a former eastern ranger, there really are no traps.

After all, those hiding from human eyes wouldnt have set traps at the entrance.

Exactly.

At the mercenaries words, Galambos gritted his teeth. These country bumpkins whod never even seen this mountain just kept yapping. . .

.

Karamaf. Did you catch a scent? Good. Lets follow.

Karamaf was a natural hunter. He traced scents from invisible footprints and found the way.

As faint smoke and signs of an encampment started appearing in the distance, the mercenaries tensed up.

Max. Lead a team of ten to the left. Henneke. Go right and check for ambushes.

The mercenaries quickly dispersed around the encampment. No ambushes were in sight.

.

Good. Attack!

With a shout, the mercenaries stormed in. It was a war cry to confuse the enemy within the camp.

However, no enemies were visible inside the encampment. Johan clicked his tongue at the silent scene.

Did they leave for another place?

It looks too intact for that. The embers are still warm. . . Maybe they went hunting.

For the runaways, food was a significant issue. Unable to buy or plunder from towns, hunting was their only option.

Theres someone here!

!