How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 308: ?????? ??????? ?? ??? ???? ???? (3)

The blade he had been worrying about didn’t come flying at him, but even so, suddenly asking him to introduce him to the pagan merchants was just as unexpected. It was something he had never thought of before.

“Those guys, you mean?”

“Is there a reason why I can’t?”

“No. . . It’s not like that. . .”

Galvar hesitated.

The merchants who had settled down in this castle, coming from the east, were different from the peddlers who carried their wares on their backs and traveled around.

They were from wealthy and powerful city families that came from the distant east just to make large profits.

They had a lot of things, of course, and they were well-read and skilled in various arts.

. . .If not for the fact that they were pagans.

Galvar wore a nervous expression as he led Johan while he tried to shake off the sense of fear he felt.

‘?? ???? ???? ???? ?? ?????’

Johan didn’t have any particular grudge against Galvar, but the same could not be said for Galvar. There were quite a few sore spots.

If the Sultan’s troops hadn’t entered, Galvar would have had to break a promise made in his name, and there was also the time when he had been embarrassed in front of the Duke after showing off his mediocre upbringing.

How amusing must he have looked in the Duke’s eyes?

“That guy’s suspicious.”

??????

Whether it was Galvar’s complicated feelings that were showing, or whether Iselia just didn’t like him, Karamaf felt the same way. Johan defended Galvar.

“He’s just a bit slow and timid, he doesn’t have any ulterior motives.”

“I heard from the attendants last time that he goes around bragging about his ability to handle numbers and read. Why would you bother to use someone with no skill who’s slow and timid as your guide?”

Johan’s abilities other than his combat abilities were not highly regarded by Iselia. In fact, those around Iselia were highly-educated by the standards of this era.

Suetlg, known as the philosopher of Ipaël River, Caenerna, who was a court wizard of the Holy Empire, and even just Jyanina. . . If you counted Johan as well, he would never have been inferior to them in terms of knowledge.

Compared to them, it was inevitable that Galvar would appear lacking. It wasn’t Galvar’s fault.

Galvar’s shoulders slumped down due to shame and humiliation. Iselia had spoken in a small voice, but Galvar’s hearing was better than she thought. Johan noticed and told Iselia.

“Iselia, that’s enough.”

“These Easterners are incomprehensible. They’re so vain. . .”

The people of the Holy Empire called those who came across the sea as Easterners. Even though they shared the same faith, their culture and dispositions were bound to be different from those of the empire.

Those who had been influenced and changed by pagans, whether they liked it or not.

They considered themselves to be intellectually superior to the people of the empire. This was natural, as they had encountered a wider world and deeper knowledge.

However, the fact that they were being so thoroughly humiliated. . .

??????

The orc, Grümapp, put down his emerald glasses. The desert fox beastmen were watching Grümapp with expressions full of impatience.

“Are you still considering?”

“When the times are this chaotic, even I hesitate.”

“It’s nonsense. . . Besides, how rich you are is known above by God and below by the scorpions in the sand! It’s not even a difficult request, are you really going to do this?”

Orcs from east to west were generally rich and miserly.

The wealthy who get sworn at on a daily basis are also the ones who get called upon the most in times of need.

The fox-centaur Suin tribe from the east shook their ears and tails, irritated. They had brought treasures from the east along the parched desert road to here. Normally, they could have gotten a higher price by calling it expensive.

However, because the situation was chaotic, they wanted to largely hand it off to Grümapp, a reliable major dealer, but Grümapp kept dragging it out.

It made no sense to Grümapp to not buy an item that was absolutely not a bad deal.

“I don’t know because I don’t believe in god.”

“This is really. . .!”

“Hey, a noble from the Hundred Kingdoms is here.”

“What?”

The desert fox nobles from the eastern city were elated at the news their companion brought.

“Who is it?”

“Galvar-gong.”

“Oh, Galvar-gong.”

“But isn’t he not that rich?”

“Damn it, nobles are useless, you know? They’re in debt but they’ll just go into more debt.”

Among merchants, there was no merchant who trusted nobles. There was a saying like, ’??? ???’? ?? ? ???????? ?????? ???’?? ???? ??????? ?? ? ?????’, nobles were unpredictable and capricious.

On top of being greedy and spendthrift, they have plenty of power, so even if they break a promise, merchants can’t do anything about it.

From the merchant’s standpoint, it was unfair but they had no choice but to prepare for it thoroughly.

“Why don’t we start a bidding war with Grümapp? Grümapp might get flustered when he hears that.”

“Grümapp would get flustered? He’s slower than an old turtle.”

“Let’s get ready to welcome them.”

The old Orc who had been listening quietly spoke disdainfully.

“I can wait here, so go welcome the customers.”

“. . . . . .”

??????

Tents with colorful patterns were seen, with a few of them even covered with silk on the outside. I had heard about some nomad tribes showing off their wealth by decorating their tents, but this was more amazing than expected.

“Centaurs would die of jealousy if they saw this.”

The difference in wealth was severe between the nomads around here and the centaurs to the north. For the centaurs, they would be considered rich in the tribe if they had a silver bracelet, while these people were boiling water in silver basins while using silver mirrors to groom themselves.

“His Highness the Duke has arrived?!”

The desert fox beastmen were startled when they heard Galvar’s voice. A much bigger shot than they thought had come to visit.

This was especially the case for a noble from the west who was a pure monotheist, rather than an Eastern noble like Galvar.

Their fear was greater than their joy.

‘?? ???’? ????? ?? ???? ????? ?????, ??????’

‘??’?? ?? ??? ?? ?? ????? ???????. . .’

The beastmen exchanged nervous glances. They were intelligent beings, so they were well aware of the turbulent situation happening around here.

With the Sultan’s massive army landing and expeditionary forces from the west gathering, it wouldn’t be strange if anything broke out.

In the worst-case scenario, the situation could lead to conflict, with swords being swung. It was possible with an aggressive monotheist noble.

“. . .No way. . . We believe in Galvar-gong. He isn’t like that.”

“Your Highness isn’t that kind of person.”

Galvar reassured them frantically once he realized what the beastmen from the east were worried about. He told them that the duke was actually a gentle, reasonable, intelligent, and cultured person, unlike the common rumors.

However, that kind of thing usually backfired. The beastmen started to look at Galvar with distrust.

‘??? ??? ???? ??? ?? ? ????? ????? ?? ???? ?????’

‘?? ???? ????? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ???????????.’

The desert fox beastmen had also heard the rumors of the young duke. They had heard things as well, so what Galvar said sounded insincere.

??????

“It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Y-Yes, it is an honor, Your Highness.”

However, Galvar’s words were true, surprisingly enough. The beastmen were shocked beyond belief when they saw the young duke getting off his horse and greeting them in a friendly manner, following their customs.

He was much younger than they thought, and his humble and friendly attitude surprised them. It made them wonder for a moment if he was a different person from their duke.

“That is true. It must have been a long journey. What a great talent.”

“It is no great talent, Your Highness.”

“No. It is a great talent.”

After praising each other and exchanging warm greetings, the atmosphere quickly became warmer.

In less than an hour, the beastmen became certain that this young duke was someone they could surprisingly communicate with.

At the very least, he wasn’t someone who would draw his sword and kill them.

‘?? ???? ????. . .’

The beastmen’s gazes changed. They exchanged glances. If the other party was someone they could communicate with, then there was only one thing left to do.

“Your Highness. We have a gem that would suit Your Highness. There is an amazing legend regarding this gem. The miner who first found this gem presented it to the feudal lord, and. . .”

“A sword would suit Your Highness better! What about giving that escort knight a nice sword. . .”

“My spouse.”

“. . .Kill him!!!”

One of the excited beastmen made a mistake, but the others didn’t give up and continued to make suggestions. Just listening to their stories made it feel like all the treasures of ancient times had been gathered in one place.

‘??? ? ??? ??? ????????????’

Johan clicked his tongue inwardly. There were sometimes things that could be understood even without information.

He could definitely feel that the beastmen gathered here were trying to trick him into giving them something in return.

It was natural for merchants to try to make a profit, and he had no intention of criticizing them for that. However, he needed someone he knew well if he wanted to avoid being tricked as well. . .

“But didn’t the previous master of that gem get assassinated in a horrible way? I don’t think it would be nice to offer such an ominous object.”

“?”

Johan turned his head in response to the sudden voice. An old orc was politely greeting him as he entered.

“What are you doing, Grümappp?!”

“Wouldn’t it be rude of me not to greet His Highness, who is so famous?”

The old orc introduced himself to Johan.

“Greetings, Your Highness. This humble orc is called Grümappp. I have heard Your Highness’s rumors even before you arrived in this land, so I wished to meet you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. My family is a distant relative of House Alarhim.”

“Oh. That’s right.”

Just like the dwarves, orcs were also very closely connected to each other, so Johan was surprised to hear the name of that great empire’s family here.

Grümappp spoke without changing his attitude.

“If Your Highness doesn’t mind, I would like to introduce some decent treasures to you.”

“Oh. Thank you.”

The beastmen glared at Grümappp as if they wanted to kill him, but orcs were used to being hated by others.

Without batting an eye, Grümappp mercilessly haggled the prices of the items the beastmen had brought.

When the list got to its end, Johan could see tears welling up in one of the beastmen’s eyes.

??????

“I appreciate the help, but would they hold a grudge against you? They seem quite wealthy and powerful.”

“They aren’t simple enough to try to assassinate someone over something like this! I have made them a lot of money, so I’m sure they’ll just get over it if I give them some later.”

“I see. Then I have a different question. Why did you go through the trouble to help me?”

“Because I believe in Your Highness.”

“. . . . . .”

Johan flinched for a moment. Since he planned to claim a miracle and retreat once preparations were finished, he felt a bit sorry about the old orc’s expectations.

Grümappp seemed to notice Johan’s feelings, so he immediately continued speaking.

“Please do not misunderstand! I do not expect Your Highness to fight and defeat the Sultan’s army or conquer the Holy Land! That is something Your Highness should do as you see fit.”

“Then isn’t there more reason not to help me?”

“Just the fact that Your Highness helped the orcs of House Alarhim is enough. Revenge for revenge, and kindness for kindness. Your Highness’s kindness has left a deep impression on us.”

“. . .?”

It was common to feel a bit embarrassed when hearing such words about something you hadn’t done anything for.

Johan simply nodded, having nothing to say.

Since other feudal lords had been treating the orcs like dogs, his reputation improved even if he did nothing.

“This is purely out of goodwill, so Your Highness shouldn’t feel burdened.”

“I see. Then I’ll gratefully accept it.”

Once the conversation ended, the old orc smiled and nodded. He opened the wooden case next to him and took out some jet black stones made from black onyx while speaking.

“By the way. I heard that Your Highness enjoys playing with stones, so would you like to play once while waiting, if you don’t mind?”

“I don’t enjoy it to that extent, but. . . Sure, why not.”

Johan picked up the stones, intending to wait until the beastmen returned.,

The blade he had been worrying about didn’t come flying at him, but even so, suddenly asking him to introduce him to the pagan merchants was just as unexpected. It was something he had never thought of before.

“Those guys, you mean?”

“Is there a reason why I can’t?”

“No. . . It’s not like that. . .”

Galvar hesitated.

The merchants who had settled down in this castle, coming from the east, were different from the peddlers who carried their wares on their backs and traveled around.

They were from wealthy and powerful city families that came from the distant east just to make large profits.

They had a lot of things, of course, and they were well-read and skilled in various arts.

. . .If not for the fact that they were pagans.

Galvar wore a nervous expression as he led Johan while he tried to shake off the sense of fear he felt.

‘?? ???? ???? ???? ?? ?????’

Johan didn’t have any particular grudge against Galvar, but the same could not be said for Galvar. There were quite a few sore spots.

If the Sultan’s troops hadn’t entered, Galvar would have had to break a promise made in his name, and there was also the time when he had been embarrassed in front of the Duke after showing off his mediocre upbringing.

How amusing must he have looked in the Duke’s eyes?

“That guy’s suspicious.”

??????

Whether it was Galvar’s complicated feelings that were showing, or whether Iselia just didn’t like him, Karamaf felt the same way. Johan defended Galvar.

“He’s just a bit slow and timid, he doesn’t have any ulterior motives.”

“I heard from the attendants last time that he goes around bragging about his ability to handle numbers and read. Why would you bother to use someone with no skill who’s slow and timid as your guide?”

Johan’s abilities other than his combat abilities were not highly regarded by Iselia. In fact, those around Iselia were highly-educated by the standards of this era.

Suetlg, known as the philosopher of Ipaël River, Caenerna, who was a court wizard of the Holy Empire, and even just Jyanina. . . If you counted Johan as well, he would never have been inferior to them in terms of knowledge.

Compared to them, it was inevitable that Galvar would appear lacking. It wasn’t Galvar’s fault.

Galvar’s shoulders slumped down due to shame and humiliation. Iselia had spoken in a small voice, but Galvar’s hearing was better than she thought. Johan noticed and told Iselia.

“Iselia, that’s enough.”

“These Easterners are incomprehensible. They’re so vain. . .”

The people of the Holy Empire called those who came across the sea as Easterners. Even though they shared the same faith, their culture and dispositions were bound to be different from those of the empire.

Those who had been influenced and changed by pagans, whether they liked it or not.

They considered themselves to be intellectually superior to the people of the empire. This was natural, as they had encountered a wider world and deeper knowledge.

However, the fact that they were being so thoroughly humiliated. . .

??????

The orc, Grümapp, put down his emerald glasses. The desert fox beastmen were watching Grümapp with expressions full of impatience.

“Are you still considering?”

“When the times are this chaotic, even I hesitate.”

“It’s nonsense. . . Besides, how rich you are is known above by God and below by the scorpions in the sand! It’s not even a difficult request, are you really going to do this?”

Orcs from east to west were generally rich and miserly.

The wealthy who get sworn at on a daily basis are also the ones who get called upon the most in times of need.

The fox-centaur Suin tribe from the east shook their ears and tails, irritated. They had brought treasures from the east along the parched desert road to here. Normally, they could have gotten a higher price by calling it expensive.

However, because the situation was chaotic, they wanted to largely hand it off to Grümapp, a reliable major dealer, but Grümapp kept dragging it out.

It made no sense to Grümapp to not buy an item that was absolutely not a bad deal.

“I don’t know because I don’t believe in god.”

“This is really. . .!”

“Hey, a noble from the Hundred Kingdoms is here.”

“What?”

The desert fox nobles from the eastern city were elated at the news their companion brought.

“Who is it?”

“Galvar-gong.”

“Oh, Galvar-gong.”

“But isn’t he not that rich?”

“Damn it, nobles are useless, you know? They’re in debt but they’ll just go into more debt.”

Among merchants, there was no merchant who trusted nobles. There was a saying like, ’??? ???’? ?? ? ???????? ?????? ???’?? ???? ??????? ?? ? ?????’, nobles were unpredictable and capricious.

On top of being greedy and spendthrift, they have plenty of power, so even if they break a promise, merchants can’t do anything about it.

From the merchant’s standpoint, it was unfair but they had no choice but to prepare for it thoroughly.

“Why don’t we start a bidding war with Grümapp? Grümapp might get flustered when he hears that.”

“Grümapp would get flustered? He’s slower than an old turtle.”

“Let’s get ready to welcome them.”

The old Orc who had been listening quietly spoke disdainfully.

“I can wait here, so go welcome the customers.”

“. . . . . .”

??????

Tents with colorful patterns were seen, with a few of them even covered with silk on the outside. I had heard about some nomad tribes showing off their wealth by decorating their tents, but this was more amazing than expected.

“Centaurs would die of jealousy if they saw this.”

The difference in wealth was severe between the nomads around here and the centaurs to the north. For the centaurs, they would be considered rich in the tribe if they had a silver bracelet, while these people were boiling water in silver basins while using silver mirrors to groom themselves.

“His Highness the Duke has arrived?!”

The desert fox beastmen were startled when they heard Galvar’s voice. A much bigger shot than they thought had come to visit.

This was especially the case for a noble from the west who was a pure monotheist, rather than an Eastern noble like Galvar.

Their fear was greater than their joy.

‘?? ???’? ????? ?? ???? ????? ?????, ??????’

‘??’?? ?? ??? ?? ?? ????? ???????. . .’

The beastmen exchanged nervous glances. They were intelligent beings, so they were well aware of the turbulent situation happening around here.

With the Sultan’s massive army landing and expeditionary forces from the west gathering, it wouldn’t be strange if anything broke out.

In the worst-case scenario, the situation could lead to conflict, with swords being swung. It was possible with an aggressive monotheist noble.

“. . .No way. . . We believe in Galvar-gong. He isn’t like that.”

“Your Highness isn’t that kind of person.”

Galvar reassured them frantically once he realized what the beastmen from the east were worried about. He told them that the duke was actually a gentle, reasonable, intelligent, and cultured person, unlike the common rumors.

However, that kind of thing usually backfired. The beastmen started to look at Galvar with distrust.

‘??? ??? ???? ??? ?? ? ????? ????? ?? ???? ?????’

‘?? ???? ????? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ???????????.’

The desert fox beastmen had also heard the rumors of the young duke. They had heard things as well, so what Galvar said sounded insincere.

??????

“It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“Y-Yes, it is an honor, Your Highness.”

However, Galvar’s words were true, surprisingly enough. The beastmen were shocked beyond belief when they saw the young duke getting off his horse and greeting them in a friendly manner, following their customs.

He was much younger than they thought, and his humble and friendly attitude surprised them. It made them wonder for a moment if he was a different person from their duke.

“That is true. It must have been a long journey. What a great talent.”

“It is no great talent, Your Highness.”

“No. It is a great talent.”

After praising each other and exchanging warm greetings, the atmosphere quickly became warmer.

In less than an hour, the beastmen became certain that this young duke was someone they could surprisingly communicate with.

At the very least, he wasn’t someone who would draw his sword and kill them.

‘?? ???? ????. . .’

The beastmen’s gazes changed. They exchanged glances. If the other party was someone they could communicate with, then there was only one thing left to do.

“Your Highness. We have a gem that would suit Your Highness. There is an amazing legend regarding this gem. The miner who first found this gem presented it to the feudal lord, and. . .”

“A sword would suit Your Highness better! What about giving that escort knight a nice sword. . .”

“My spouse.”

“. . .Kill him!!!”

One of the excited beastmen made a mistake, but the others didn’t give up and continued to make suggestions. Just listening to their stories made it feel like all the treasures of ancient times had been gathered in one place.

‘??? ? ??? ??? ????????????’

Johan clicked his tongue inwardly. There were sometimes things that could be understood even without information.

He could definitely feel that the beastmen gathered here were trying to trick him into giving them something in return.

It was natural for merchants to try to make a profit, and he had no intention of criticizing them for that. However, he needed someone he knew well if he wanted to avoid being tricked as well. . .

“But didn’t the previous master of that gem get assassinated in a horrible way? I don’t think it would be nice to offer such an ominous object.”

“?”

Johan turned his head in response to the sudden voice. An old orc was politely greeting him as he entered.

“What are you doing, Grümappp?!”

“Wouldn’t it be rude of me not to greet His Highness, who is so famous?”

The old orc introduced himself to Johan.

“Greetings, Your Highness. This humble orc is called Grümappp. I have heard Your Highness’s rumors even before you arrived in this land, so I wished to meet you.”

“Me?”

“Yes. My family is a distant relative of House Alarhim.”

“Oh. That’s right.”

Just like the dwarves, orcs were also very closely connected to each other, so Johan was surprised to hear the name of that great empire’s family here.

Grümappp spoke without changing his attitude.

“If Your Highness doesn’t mind, I would like to introduce some decent treasures to you.”

“Oh. Thank you.”

The beastmen glared at Grümappp as if they wanted to kill him, but orcs were used to being hated by others.

Without batting an eye, Grümappp mercilessly haggled the prices of the items the beastmen had brought.

When the list got to its end, Johan could see tears welling up in one of the beastmen’s eyes.

??????

“I appreciate the help, but would they hold a grudge against you? They seem quite wealthy and powerful.”

“They aren’t simple enough to try to assassinate someone over something like this! I have made them a lot of money, so I’m sure they’ll just get over it if I give them some later.”

“I see. Then I have a different question. Why did you go through the trouble to help me?”

“Because I believe in Your Highness.”

“. . . . . .”

Johan flinched for a moment. Since he planned to claim a miracle and retreat once preparations were finished, he felt a bit sorry about the old orc’s expectations.

Grümappp seemed to notice Johan’s feelings, so he immediately continued speaking.

“Please do not misunderstand! I do not expect Your Highness to fight and defeat the Sultan’s army or conquer the Holy Land! That is something Your Highness should do as you see fit.”

“Then isn’t there more reason not to help me?”

“Just the fact that Your Highness helped the orcs of House Alarhim is enough. Revenge for revenge, and kindness for kindness. Your Highness’s kindness has left a deep impression on us.”

“. . .?”

It was common to feel a bit embarrassed when hearing such words about something you hadn’t done anything for.

Johan simply nodded, having nothing to say.

Since other feudal lords had been treating the orcs like dogs, his reputation improved even if he did nothing.

“This is purely out of goodwill, so Your Highness shouldn’t feel burdened.”

“I see. Then I’ll gratefully accept it.”

Once the conversation ended, the old orc smiled and nodded. He opened the wooden case next to him and took out some jet black stones made from black onyx while speaking.

“By the way. I heard that Your Highness enjoys playing with stones, so would you like to play once while waiting, if you don’t mind?”

“I don’t enjoy it to that extent, but. . . Sure, why not.”

Johan picked up the stones, intending to wait until the beastmen returned.