How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 315: ???????????? ????? (3)

Chapter 315: ???????????? ????? (3)

One of Biorarn’s knights spoke hurriedly, but Iselia did not give up her suspicious look.

That was because Biorarn and his men had set off in a completely different direction.

As soon as the battle was over and the encirclement was lifted, a good number of those who had been trapped inside the encirclement set off in pursuit.

They were exhausted and thirsty, but one cannot let an opportunity to chase retreating losers who chucked their weapons away go.

It was weird that a group of people appeared in the forest, paddling so hard as if their lives depended on it.

“That sounds right.”

Johan nodded in agreement with Iselia. This got the centaurs thinking. On second thought, wasn’t there a knight related to the emperor by blood accused of assassination?

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

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

The centaurs were a rough tribe from the eastern part of the Holy Empire, but Cardirian’s tyranny left a lasting impression on them as well.

Such as executing defeated aristocrats, sending assassins after his political enemies and priests, and confiscating family fortunes.

It was only natural that a knight with such a bloodline was a cause for concern.

“Your highness! Please trust us!”

The paladin from the monastic order seemed like he was about to cry. Unlike Biorarn’s knights, they were unplanned companions to Biorarn.

That was why they were the most misunderstood by the Duke, and it came like a bolt from the blue.

“The St. Galanto Holy Knights’ Order is only marching with Biorarn-gong due to circumstances, and we have not made any alliances or pacts with them. Please do not misunderstand!”

“H-Hey. Priest. What are you talking about?”

One of Biorarn’s knights asked, looking bewildered. No matter what, speaking in such a straightforward manner was unbecoming. Even those who had not been suspicious until now had no choice but to look at them with suspicion.

The knights had no one to rely on other than Biorarn, the highest ranking knight. They spoke to Biorarn in earnest.

“Biorarn-NIM, what should we do?”

“Don’t worry. There’s no need to get so worked up.”

Biorarn answered pleasantly. The knights were puzzled by that answer.

“Why not?”

“I crossed blades with that duke. Since he’s a knight among knights, he must’ve heard the voice of my sword.”

“. . . . . .”

Biorarn’s knights looked very worried.

Of course, the reason they followed him was not because of his lineage, but because of his abilities as a knight.

Swordsmanship, spearmanship, and even horsemanship; there was no knight in the court who could keep up with him.

His achievements were also considerable. While he may not have made as many brilliant achievements in a short amount of time like Duke Yeats, Biorarn had made many achievements in the north as well.

And then there was his generous spending, something essential for a knight who led a group of people. The knights who followed him loved his magnanimity, such as the way he spared no coins when rewarding them, and the lavish banquets he held.

However, sometimes Biorarn tended to overrate. . . greatly overrate the honor of his opponent knights.

Knights prided themselves on being people who pursued honor and ideals, purer and more faithful than feudal lords who were weighed down by the soil, but knights were also only human.

There were always despicable and greedy people among them, such as those who robbed civilians after turning into bandits, and those who killed their own blood relatives out of greed for land.

Even if they did not go that far, they might hold grudges like any other person. Duke Yeats had plenty of reasons to hold a grudge against the imperial family.

“I don’t think they are malevolent spirits. Lower your bows.”

At Johan’s words, the centaurs did so without hesitation. It was their virtue to be loyal to the words of their master, even when in doubt.

Iselia asked curiously,

“My dear. How did you tell? Ah. Did you use magic?”

“No. They’re making such foolish remarks for a malevolent spirit.”

“. . . . . .”

??????

According to Biorarn’s testimony, the group that was chasing the enemy in another direction also found this forest and entered it.

However, the path inside the forest was more complicated than they had thought, and they quickly lost their way and got lost.

“I’ve heard a rumor from a pagan beggar when I was staying at the castle. . .”

One of the paladins from the monastic order spoke cautiously. Biorarn frowned at the paladin.

“You dare to mention a beggar’s rumor. Do you have no shame? And a pagan at that! Your highness. . .”

“No. That’s fine. We can’t ignore the wisdom of those who have been here for a long time.”

Johan’s words made Biorarn very embarrassed. The hand he had raised to scold the paladin wavered, having nowhere to go. Feeling sorry for him, Iselia handed him the leather bag filled with wine.

“T-Thank you.”

“Not at all.”

According to what the paladin had heard, there was a nameless forest not so far from the Holy Land.

What was amazing was the origin of the forest. It was said that when an old saint fell to the ground, exhausted, the trees bloomed to cover his body. . .

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

Of course, nothing is impossible, but as a wizard, it was hard for him to believe that one person could make an entire forest bloom.

“With such an origin, why doesn’t it have a name?”

“Well, it’s a forest that is usually invisible.”

Biorarn, as a knight, wanted to say that it was ridiculous superstitious nonsense, but he managed to hold back. The knights beside him also persuaded Biorarn.

“When is it visible if it’s usually invisible?”

“. . .When the forest is angry.”

“!”

The group who were resting around the campfire turned their heads at the voice from behind.

It was the voice of the warrior who had been found wounded and unconscious.

He frowned as hard as he could, as if he was coming to his senses, and tried to raise himself. His injuries were severe, but he seemed to have passed the critical point.

“Are you okay?”

“I am. But. . . my face hurts so much. I don’t remember getting hit.”

“Oh dear. You must not remember because you got hit hard by a monster.”

“Is that so. . .?”

“That’s not important right now. What do you know?”

“We call this forest the Forest of Divine Punishment. Every time this forest appeared, it was when we angered the forest. It must be because we fought on holy ground that angered the forest.”

“That’s nonsense. . . It must be because they wickedly executed the family of the guardian of the Holy Land!”

Biorarn said hotly. The warrior retorted without backing down.

“You call yourself a guardian of the Holy Land when you just swing your sword to conquer it! You plundered the surrounding area and extorted taxes from the tribes. You deserved divine punishment.”

“That’s something that had to be done. . .”

“Stop it. What is this all about.”

Iselia cut them off resolutely. Johan was very surprised by her appearance.

To be honest, he thought she would side with Biorarn.

Iselia also seemed to notice his gaze, and looked at Johan quizzically.

“What is it?”

“No. . . It’s just unfamiliar.”

“??”

“I thought you would join the fight.”

“. . .I do not. My dear. I’d appreciate it if you refrained from teasing me about the past.”

Iselia spoke as if she was slightly embarrassed. It was hard to refute the words about joining the fight. Because if it had been in the past, she really would have.

“But that pagan. . .”

“That’s right. Biorarn-gong. However, this is a situation where we need to talk, so please calm down for a while. So what should we do if the angry forest appears?”

“We must be careful and escape before the wrath of the forest falls upon us. We couldn’t do that though. . .”

They could not afford to take the time to detour around the large forest while fleeing from the chase.

That rash decision had led them to where they were now.

“Was there another group?”

“. . . . . .”

“There was. I can tell by the fact that you can’t answer right away that they were nobles. And they must have been escort knights, judging by their armor and swords. A noble with two escort knights like that must have been quite high-ranking.”

“W-What spell are you casting on me?”

The warrior tried to step back in horror. Johan said, dumbfounded,

“If you can see plants, you should know to look for a stream. What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Your highness. Shall we interrogate him and chase after them?”

“Chasing them recklessly in an angry forest will only complicate things. Give it up. They must have escaped quite a while ago.”

“Then let me shoot him.”

Biorarn and the knights were slightly surprised by the centaurs’ words, but the centaurs had their own reasons.

“The spirits or malevolent spirits of the forest hate and chase the first person who enters the most. Judging by how badly injured he is, it’s obvious who it’s chasing. If we cut off his windpipe and throw him, whoever the master of the forest is won’t chase us any further.”

The centaurs, who had lived together with the forest, knew several ways to deal with such mysteries.

The locations may be different, but the things that spirits or malevolent spirits do are similar.

Offering sacrifices and leaving was also a long-standing traditional method. This was especially true when it was an enemy that they did not care about.

“But isn’t it a waste of ransom money?”

“. . .Your highness is truly. . . remarkable. You care more about money than we do!”

“Thanks for the compliment. To be honest, I want to take him with me because he’s a fairly high-ranking prisoner, regardless of the ransom.”

The whispering voices of Johan and the centaurs were not heard by the others. Rather, it was fortunate. If they had heard it, the knights would have doubted their ears.

“Then shall we catch it?”

“What is this crazy talk. . .? We have to escape!”

The warrior was shocked. To confront the wrath of a forest that had been in place for hundreds of years. No knight had ever said such a ridiculous thing.

However, the centaurs and Iselia did not doubt that they could catch it at all. They believed that the duke they served had no reason to lose to such malevolent spirits.

The centaurs chattered in the eastern dialect.

“Be quiet. When we escape, we’ll pierce your neck with an arrow, throw you as food for the beasts, and then escape.”

“???”

“It’s telling you to be quiet.”

“Y-Yes. . .”

??????!

Johan realized that the tied-up Cardirian was strangely excited.

“Someone’s coming.”

“!”

As he had the bloodline of a demonic beast, Cardirian also had the senses of a wild beast. He was inferior to Karamaf, but it was true that it was hard to ignore.

While those present were watching with caution, a group of people emerged from the bushes.

. . .Surprisingly, it was a group of knights led by Biorarn.

“???”

“What. . . what. . .?”

The gathered people were shocked to see people who looked exactly like them, wearing the same weapons and armor.

“How dare you impersonate someone!!”

Biorarn shouted in an angry voice. The newly appeared Biorarn shouted as well.

“That’s what I should be saying. How dare someone who does not even have the dignity of a knight impersonate someone!”

“No. . .!”

Biorarn was shocked when the fake’s words were more convincing than he had thought.

So were Biorarn’s knights and the paladins from the monastic order.

Watching this, Johan asked the warrior in disbelief.

“Did you get cheated this way too?”

“Ah, no. We just. . . we just escaped from those guys who kept chasing us under the cover of darkness. We played the role of decoys. . .”

“Then why are they doing this now?”

“. . . . . .”

The centaur next to him answered instead.

“Wouldn’t a cunning beast use clever tricks when it sees that the hunter is strong? It must have changed its methods after seeing your highness.”

“Hmm.”

Should I have brought a wizard?

Johan regretted it a little. Suetlg or Caenerna might have known a spell to deal with this situation. All Johan could think of now was beating them both up until they talked.

However, that was too dangerous. Because if the malevolent spirit did not show itself, the knights would just get beaten up.

“How about we just kill them both while we have the chance?”

When one of the centaurs whispered in the eastern dialect, Johan replied with a frown,

“Stop mumbling in the eastern dialect.”,

One of Biorarn’s knights spoke hurriedly, but Iselia did not give up her suspicious look.

That was because Biorarn and his men had set off in a completely different direction.

As soon as the battle was over and the encirclement was lifted, a good number of those who had been trapped inside the encirclement set off in pursuit.

They were exhausted and thirsty, but one cannot let an opportunity to chase retreating losers who chucked their weapons away go.

It was weird that a group of people appeared in the forest, paddling so hard as if their lives depended on it.

“That sounds right.”

Johan nodded in agreement with Iselia. This got the centaurs thinking. On second thought, wasn’t there a knight related to the emperor by blood accused of assassination?

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

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

The centaurs were a rough tribe from the eastern part of the Holy Empire, but Cardirian’s tyranny left a lasting impression on them as well.

Such as executing defeated aristocrats, sending assassins after his political enemies and priests, and confiscating family fortunes.

It was only natural that a knight with such a bloodline was a cause for concern.

“Your highness! Please trust us!”

The paladin from the monastic order seemed like he was about to cry. Unlike Biorarn’s knights, they were unplanned companions to Biorarn.

That was why they were the most misunderstood by the Duke, and it came like a bolt from the blue.

“The St. Galanto Holy Knights’ Order is only marching with Biorarn-gong due to circumstances, and we have not made any alliances or pacts with them. Please do not misunderstand!”

“H-Hey. Priest. What are you talking about?”

One of Biorarn’s knights asked, looking bewildered. No matter what, speaking in such a straightforward manner was unbecoming. Even those who had not been suspicious until now had no choice but to look at them with suspicion.

The knights had no one to rely on other than Biorarn, the highest ranking knight. They spoke to Biorarn in earnest.

“Biorarn-NIM, what should we do?”

“Don’t worry. There’s no need to get so worked up.”

Biorarn answered pleasantly. The knights were puzzled by that answer.

“Why not?”

“I crossed blades with that duke. Since he’s a knight among knights, he must’ve heard the voice of my sword.”

“. . . . . .”

Biorarn’s knights looked very worried.

Of course, the reason they followed him was not because of his lineage, but because of his abilities as a knight.

Swordsmanship, spearmanship, and even horsemanship; there was no knight in the court who could keep up with him.

His achievements were also considerable. While he may not have made as many brilliant achievements in a short amount of time like Duke Yeats, Biorarn had made many achievements in the north as well.

And then there was his generous spending, something essential for a knight who led a group of people. The knights who followed him loved his magnanimity, such as the way he spared no coins when rewarding them, and the lavish banquets he held.

However, sometimes Biorarn tended to overrate. . . greatly overrate the honor of his opponent knights.

Knights prided themselves on being people who pursued honor and ideals, purer and more faithful than feudal lords who were weighed down by the soil, but knights were also only human.

There were always despicable and greedy people among them, such as those who robbed civilians after turning into bandits, and those who killed their own blood relatives out of greed for land.

Even if they did not go that far, they might hold grudges like any other person. Duke Yeats had plenty of reasons to hold a grudge against the imperial family.

“I don’t think they are malevolent spirits. Lower your bows.”

At Johan’s words, the centaurs did so without hesitation. It was their virtue to be loyal to the words of their master, even when in doubt.

Iselia asked curiously,

“My dear. How did you tell? Ah. Did you use magic?”

“No. They’re making such foolish remarks for a malevolent spirit.”

“. . . . . .”

??????

According to Biorarn’s testimony, the group that was chasing the enemy in another direction also found this forest and entered it.

However, the path inside the forest was more complicated than they had thought, and they quickly lost their way and got lost.

“I’ve heard a rumor from a pagan beggar when I was staying at the castle. . .”

One of the paladins from the monastic order spoke cautiously. Biorarn frowned at the paladin.

“You dare to mention a beggar’s rumor. Do you have no shame? And a pagan at that! Your highness. . .”

“No. That’s fine. We can’t ignore the wisdom of those who have been here for a long time.”

Johan’s words made Biorarn very embarrassed. The hand he had raised to scold the paladin wavered, having nowhere to go. Feeling sorry for him, Iselia handed him the leather bag filled with wine.

“T-Thank you.”

“Not at all.”

According to what the paladin had heard, there was a nameless forest not so far from the Holy Land.

What was amazing was the origin of the forest. It was said that when an old saint fell to the ground, exhausted, the trees bloomed to cover his body. . .

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

Of course, nothing is impossible, but as a wizard, it was hard for him to believe that one person could make an entire forest bloom.

“With such an origin, why doesn’t it have a name?”

“Well, it’s a forest that is usually invisible.”

Biorarn, as a knight, wanted to say that it was ridiculous superstitious nonsense, but he managed to hold back. The knights beside him also persuaded Biorarn.

“When is it visible if it’s usually invisible?”

“. . .When the forest is angry.”

“!”

The group who were resting around the campfire turned their heads at the voice from behind.

It was the voice of the warrior who had been found wounded and unconscious.

He frowned as hard as he could, as if he was coming to his senses, and tried to raise himself. His injuries were severe, but he seemed to have passed the critical point.

“Are you okay?”

“I am. But. . . my face hurts so much. I don’t remember getting hit.”

“Oh dear. You must not remember because you got hit hard by a monster.”

“Is that so. . .?”

“That’s not important right now. What do you know?”

“We call this forest the Forest of Divine Punishment. Every time this forest appeared, it was when we angered the forest. It must be because we fought on holy ground that angered the forest.”

“That’s nonsense. . . It must be because they wickedly executed the family of the guardian of the Holy Land!”

Biorarn said hotly. The warrior retorted without backing down.

“You call yourself a guardian of the Holy Land when you just swing your sword to conquer it! You plundered the surrounding area and extorted taxes from the tribes. You deserved divine punishment.”

“That’s something that had to be done. . .”

“Stop it. What is this all about.”

Iselia cut them off resolutely. Johan was very surprised by her appearance.

To be honest, he thought she would side with Biorarn.

Iselia also seemed to notice his gaze, and looked at Johan quizzically.

“What is it?”

“No. . . It’s just unfamiliar.”

“??”

“I thought you would join the fight.”

“. . .I do not. My dear. I’d appreciate it if you refrained from teasing me about the past.”

Iselia spoke as if she was slightly embarrassed. It was hard to refute the words about joining the fight. Because if it had been in the past, she really would have.

“But that pagan. . .”

“That’s right. Biorarn-gong. However, this is a situation where we need to talk, so please calm down for a while. So what should we do if the angry forest appears?”

“We must be careful and escape before the wrath of the forest falls upon us. We couldn’t do that though. . .”

They could not afford to take the time to detour around the large forest while fleeing from the chase.

That rash decision had led them to where they were now.

“Was there another group?”

“. . . . . .”

“There was. I can tell by the fact that you can’t answer right away that they were nobles. And they must have been escort knights, judging by their armor and swords. A noble with two escort knights like that must have been quite high-ranking.”

“W-What spell are you casting on me?”

The warrior tried to step back in horror. Johan said, dumbfounded,

“If you can see plants, you should know to look for a stream. What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Your highness. Shall we interrogate him and chase after them?”

“Chasing them recklessly in an angry forest will only complicate things. Give it up. They must have escaped quite a while ago.”

“Then let me shoot him.”

Biorarn and the knights were slightly surprised by the centaurs’ words, but the centaurs had their own reasons.

“The spirits or malevolent spirits of the forest hate and chase the first person who enters the most. Judging by how badly injured he is, it’s obvious who it’s chasing. If we cut off his windpipe and throw him, whoever the master of the forest is won’t chase us any further.”

The centaurs, who had lived together with the forest, knew several ways to deal with such mysteries.

The locations may be different, but the things that spirits or malevolent spirits do are similar.

Offering sacrifices and leaving was also a long-standing traditional method. This was especially true when it was an enemy that they did not care about.

“But isn’t it a waste of ransom money?”

“. . .Your highness is truly. . . remarkable. You care more about money than we do!”

“Thanks for the compliment. To be honest, I want to take him with me because he’s a fairly high-ranking prisoner, regardless of the ransom.”

The whispering voices of Johan and the centaurs were not heard by the others. Rather, it was fortunate. If they had heard it, the knights would have doubted their ears.

“Then shall we catch it?”

“What is this crazy talk. . .? We have to escape!”

The warrior was shocked. To confront the wrath of a forest that had been in place for hundreds of years. No knight had ever said such a ridiculous thing.

However, the centaurs and Iselia did not doubt that they could catch it at all. They believed that the duke they served had no reason to lose to such malevolent spirits.

The centaurs chattered in the eastern dialect.

“Be quiet. When we escape, we’ll pierce your neck with an arrow, throw you as food for the beasts, and then escape.”

“???”

“It’s telling you to be quiet.”

“Y-Yes. . .”

??????!

Johan realized that the tied-up Cardirian was strangely excited.

“Someone’s coming.”

“!”

As he had the bloodline of a demonic beast, Cardirian also had the senses of a wild beast. He was inferior to Karamaf, but it was true that it was hard to ignore.

While those present were watching with caution, a group of people emerged from the bushes.

. . .Surprisingly, it was a group of knights led by Biorarn.

“???”

“What. . . what. . .?”

The gathered people were shocked to see people who looked exactly like them, wearing the same weapons and armor.

“How dare you impersonate someone!!”

Biorarn shouted in an angry voice. The newly appeared Biorarn shouted as well.

“That’s what I should be saying. How dare someone who does not even have the dignity of a knight impersonate someone!”

“No. . .!”

Biorarn was shocked when the fake’s words were more convincing than he had thought.

So were Biorarn’s knights and the paladins from the monastic order.

Watching this, Johan asked the warrior in disbelief.

“Did you get cheated this way too?”

“Ah, no. We just. . . we just escaped from those guys who kept chasing us under the cover of darkness. We played the role of decoys. . .”

“Then why are they doing this now?”

“. . . . . .”

The centaur next to him answered instead.

“Wouldn’t a cunning beast use clever tricks when it sees that the hunter is strong? It must have changed its methods after seeing your highness.”

“Hmm.”

Should I have brought a wizard?

Johan regretted it a little. Suetlg or Caenerna might have known a spell to deal with this situation. All Johan could think of now was beating them both up until they talked.

However, that was too dangerous. Because if the malevolent spirit did not show itself, the knights would just get beaten up.

“How about we just kill them both while we have the chance?”

When one of the centaurs whispered in the eastern dialect, Johan replied with a frown,

“Stop mumbling in the eastern dialect.”