How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 362: ????-????? (6)

Unless Countess Abner goes crazy, she won’t set an ambush on the Holy Land pilgrims here.

. . .If she didn’t want to be excommunicated by the order and branded as a blasphemer by every feudal lord in the empire as well as the west.

Ulrike seemed to come to her senses a little late. The countess’s successor asked in bewilderment.

“Why did she come out?”

“. . .You’re asking me that?”

Johan’s absurdity must have been conveyed to Ulrike, and Ulrike’s face turned slightly red.

“Didn’t she come out to welcome the expedition?”

“That’s definitely not it.”

Ulrike regained her composure. No matter how absurd the current situation was, it wasn’t unreasonable. And thinking carefully, there was something she could guess.

“She came all the way here to win favor by welcoming the duke and raise her own reputation.”

“That’s right.”

Hospitality doesn’t only make the recipient happy, but it also enhances the reputation of the person who provides it. The countess, who warmly welcomed the heroes returning from a long expedition, was a good anecdote to be praised for.

Even without that, there were ominous rumors circulating among the feudal lords due to the long civil war. It was natural since she had squeezed the people below her while the war was going on.

“So this good story must be what Countess Abner is after.”

“If it’s not a trap, I don’t think I have to worry about it.”

“That’s right.”

If the other party came out to greet him with such intentions, Johan could also respond appropriately.

However, Ulrike didn’t take her eyes off. The countess, who was also riding a horse from a distance and approaching slowly, was the same. The soldiers, who felt the strained conflict between the feudal lord and her successor, swallowed their saliva nervously.

The elf king whispered to Johan.

“If Ulrike-gong asks to borrow troops out of friendship, will you help?”

“. . . . . .”

Johan had to endure a chuckle.

The elf king’s question wasn’t completely out of the blue. It was surprisingly common among the nobles.

I am the successor, but my parents are so stubborn that they don’t die, and in the meantime, they have many children, and since they are all thick-headed, they clash and become estranged, and then a different sibling is chosen as the successor. . .

At that point, this successor wouldn’t just give up since he already had the fiefdom, property, and vassals he had inherited. He would gather mercenaries, call upon friendly nobles, raise an army, and march to “persuade” his parents.

In the elf king’s eyes, judging from the way Ulrike and the countess were glaring at each other, the civil war wasn’t far off.

Thinking about how he had clashed with Ulrike-gong in the past, he didn’t want to help, but there was still a friendship from going on the expedition together, so he thought he should help. . .

That’s why he asked Johan.

“It would be better to think about it after it happens.”

“I understand. Duke. Don’t forget to tell me before making a decision.”

While the two were whispering, the countess got off her horse and approached slowly. And then she shouted.

“I pay my respects to the glorious pilgrims who have completed the recovery of the Holy Land.”

When the countess bowed politely and paid her respects, the elf king was so surprised that he almost fell off his horse. The elf king said in a bewildered voice.

“Countess. Why did you. . .”

If you want to pay your respects, you can just say a few words while on your horse, but there was no need to come down like this and treat him so well. Isn’t this something the inferiors do?

“Please consider it as my gesture of respect.”

“No, but still. . .”

“Actually, I wanted to hold the horse’s reins myself and act as a coachman.”

“Why are you doing this? Why are you really doing this. . .”

The elf king looked at Johan with eyes asking him to stop it. Of course, Johan didn’t care.

The countess wanted to act a little faithful, so there was no reason to stop him. Johan met the countess’s eyes. The two nodded at each other. That was enough for them to understand each other’s intentions.

“Countess. It’s uncomfortable. I’m telling you it’s uncomfortable. . .”

The elf king complained as he was dragged forward with the countess taking his horse’s reins away. Ulrike shook her head with an annoyed expression.

If you’re going to come out and welcome someone, do it thoroughly.

She knew that was right in her head, but whenever she saw a high-ranking noble throw away her dignity and come out like that in person, she felt goosebumps.

Ulrike suddenly frowned as something came to mind. Thinking about it, if the countess reached this point, wouldn’t she be staying as a guest at her own fiefdom?

‘??’? ????? ?? ???????. . .’

??????

“?”

Ulrike was startled when Johan suddenly grabbed her hand tightly. Johan whispered in a serious voice.

“Don’t hate her so much.”

“. . .??”

Of course, when dealing with Stephen, she did think about whether she should poison him, but Ulrike didn’t hate the countess. Ulrike replied with a puzzled look.

“Oh, okay.”

Johan nodded with a satisfied expression. Ulrike gradually realized that something was strange.

She felt like there was a strange misunderstanding between the two of them.

??????

Countess Abner, who had walked to the vicinity of the court, holding the reins of the horse the elf king was riding, shook her hands. By now, everyone who was supposed to see it would have seen it.

“Are you alright?”

“It’s better for my health to walk like this occasionally. What about Jarpen’s daughter?”

“I’ve sent the message.”

“Yes. Tell her to prepare properly so that she doesn’t cause unnecessary trouble.”

In Countess Abner’s eyes, Caccia of the Jarpen family was the opposite of Ulrike.

If one loves the military, politics, and power, the other loves art, pleasure, and enjoyment, so how could it work out?

Anyway, it didn’t matter. It wasn’t a marriage of love.

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

The countess wanted Ulrike to make as few mistakes as possible. However, in the countess’s eyes, Ulrike was still emotional.

For example, what if she came back after a long and arduous expedition and her spouse was so drunk that she couldn’t even come out of her bedroom, or was rolling around with her lover?

Even if she didn’t swing a sword, she could explode and retaliate with her fists or banish and confine them. The other family wouldn’t be very happy with that.

In order to prevent such scandals, it was necessary to make Caccia have a minimum of manners.

The countess sent her attendants to wash and change Caccia. If she was drunk, they would pour cold water on her, and if she was rolling around with her lover, they would put holes in her lover’s body.

However, the countess was missing something.

Ulrike changed the security of the court thoroughly because she hated outsiders wandering around, and. . .

Caccia was more spirited than she thought.

??????

“I need to rest for a while.”

The elf king waved his hand with a tired expression. Despite being held captive for a long time, he didn’t waver, but it seemed that the count’s role as a coachman was very difficult. Johan didn’t forcibly stop him either.

Countess Abner twisted her stiff face into a smile and asked Ulrike.

“Ulrike-gong. Can you guide me through the court yourself?”

“I will guide you with the daughter of the Jarpen family.”

When a distinguished guest arrived, the feudal lord would sometimes personally guide them through the court. Of course, it would be boring and shabby to do it alone, so they would naturally call their spouse.

The countess wanted Caccia to come out gracefully and satisfy Ulrike. Caccia would welcome the heroes returning from the expedition as she had rehearsed in advance, and Ulrike wouldn’t be particularly impressed, but would pretend to be impressed, so it would be good for everyone.

. . .However, Caccia didn’t come out. The countess sensed something ominous.

“What happened?”

“The attendants were caught by the soldiers while trying to go inside.”

“What nonsense are you talking about. . . Do you have no brains or tongue! Don’t just stand there and open your mouth!”

“They said they talked, but the soldiers caught them saying there are no exceptions. . .”

Misfortunes never come alone. The countess winced, recalling the old proverb. If this misfortune brought another misfortune. . .

“She might still be getting ready, so let’s go and find her ourselves.”

“Oh, no. . .”

The countess wanted to stop him somehow, but there was no good excuse, even if she was the countess. Wouldn’t it look even more suspicious if she forcibly stopped him?

Walking forward, Ulrike gave a moderate explanation. Johan nodded moderately and listened. In fact, other people’s castles didn’t have a really strange structure, so there was nothing to be particularly interested in. Especially the portraits hanging on the walls.

“Duke.”

“?”

“To be honest, what on earth are you thinking, telling me about forgiveness, love, peace, and moderation?”

“. . . . . .”

Johan hesitated for a moment before carefully opening his mouth. It didn’t suit his personality to keep getting hurt.

“Don’t I have my wizards?”

“The snakekin?”

“No. Not that wizard. The other two.”

“Oh. . . Right.”

“Those two said. . .”

Johan explained what had happened. Ulrike’s expression changed diversely while listening to it. After hearing it all, Ulrike nodded.

“Did they get it right?”

“. . .What do you mean did they get it right!? Are you crazy!? I’ve never heard of such news, and even if I had, I wouldn’t care!”

Ulrike suddenly got angry. Johan thought he had done well to mention the names of the wizards in advance before speaking. Thanks to that, Johan didn’t have to make a fool of himself.

“I thought they were wise. . . They’re so focused on studying magic in their room that they’re blind. The duke doesn’t need advice from such bumpkins. They’re going to die lonely and desolate without ever getting married, so what do they know!”

“But the book I received. . .”

“Book?”

Johan explained the contents of the book he had received. And Ulrike vowed to kill the scribe.

“. . .I hope you don’t kill the scribe.”

Ulrike, who had her innermost thoughts exposed, said through gritted teeth.

“I’ll forgive him by banishing him.”

“Thank you for your mercy. So was it all a misunderstanding?”

“Yes! What nonsense. . .”

Ulrike nervously opened the thick door. The smell of something burning, the smell of alcohol, and the smell of blood mixed together and spread out from inside. As soon as Johan smelled it, he could tell what had happened inside.

‘???. ??’? ??? ??? ?? ????.’

It seemed that they had a rather enjoyable time, as several people were wriggling under the sheets. The attendants who followed turned pale and watched Ulrike’s expression.

Even though the attendants and servants of the inner palace weren’t allowed in, only a few slaves were allowed to stay, so they knew what was going on, but this was. . .

“. . . . . .”

Ulrike glared at the bed with furious eyes.

Even if you’re having fun, shouldn’t you have some basic manners?

Even if they couldn’t welcome or greet them, playing around like this was spitting on Ulrike’s pride, who was already proud.

Johan grabbed Ulrike’s arm for now. He had seen her fingers twitch.

“I told you not to worry about it. Gong.”

“Do you really think that’s the same thing!?”

“I know that, but it’s not good to swing a sword or a whip.”

“I’d feel better! Why are you stopping me, duke? Do you owe something to the Jarpen family?”

“I don’t want to see the gong suffer a loss by defeating an opponent who isn’t worth it.”

Johan’s voice was sincere. Ulrike, who had been angry, came to her senses as if cold water had been poured on her.

And then she released her strength.

“. . .That’s right. You made a good point.”

“Think of your opponent as Stephen.”

“That’s not very good advice. It makes me want to kill them even more.”

Ulrike relaxed enough to chuckle. Instead of swinging her sword, Ulrike coughed in vain. And then she said,

“Get ready and come out quickly.”

“T-Thank you.”

Caccia also seemed to have understood the situation and rushed out. The people under the sheets tried to crawl out on their stomachs, watching the situation. Ulrike kicked one of them, telling him to get out quickly.

The group came out again. Johan spoke first.

“It was so dark inside that I couldn’t see anything.”

“Y-Yes! We didn’t see anything either!”

The attendants also quickly agreed. They were so grateful that they could cry. He had released them from this hellish atmosphere.

And Countess Abner, who had been watching all this commotion from behind, approached Ulrike. Ulrike turned her gaze away with disgust.

The countess always gave boring sermons under the guise of advice and education. It was clear that this time would be the same.

“I’m proud of you!”

“. . .???”

For a moment, Ulrike thought that the countess had gone crazy because of her age.

,

Unless Countess Abner goes crazy, she won’t set an ambush on the Holy Land pilgrims here.

. . .If she didn’t want to be excommunicated by the order and branded as a blasphemer by every feudal lord in the empire as well as the west.

Ulrike seemed to come to her senses a little late. The countess’s successor asked in bewilderment.

“Why did she come out?”

“. . .You’re asking me that?”

Johan’s absurdity must have been conveyed to Ulrike, and Ulrike’s face turned slightly red.

“Didn’t she come out to welcome the expedition?”

“That’s definitely not it.”

Ulrike regained her composure. No matter how absurd the current situation was, it wasn’t unreasonable. And thinking carefully, there was something she could guess.

“She came all the way here to win favor by welcoming the duke and raise her own reputation.”

“That’s right.”

Hospitality doesn’t only make the recipient happy, but it also enhances the reputation of the person who provides it. The countess, who warmly welcomed the heroes returning from a long expedition, was a good anecdote to be praised for.

Even without that, there were ominous rumors circulating among the feudal lords due to the long civil war. It was natural since she had squeezed the people below her while the war was going on.

“So this good story must be what Countess Abner is after.”

“If it’s not a trap, I don’t think I have to worry about it.”

“That’s right.”

If the other party came out to greet him with such intentions, Johan could also respond appropriately.

However, Ulrike didn’t take her eyes off. The countess, who was also riding a horse from a distance and approaching slowly, was the same. The soldiers, who felt the strained conflict between the feudal lord and her successor, swallowed their saliva nervously.

The elf king whispered to Johan.

“If Ulrike-gong asks to borrow troops out of friendship, will you help?”

“. . . . . .”

Johan had to endure a chuckle.

The elf king’s question wasn’t completely out of the blue. It was surprisingly common among the nobles.

I am the successor, but my parents are so stubborn that they don’t die, and in the meantime, they have many children, and since they are all thick-headed, they clash and become estranged, and then a different sibling is chosen as the successor. . .

At that point, this successor wouldn’t just give up since he already had the fiefdom, property, and vassals he had inherited. He would gather mercenaries, call upon friendly nobles, raise an army, and march to “persuade” his parents.

In the elf king’s eyes, judging from the way Ulrike and the countess were glaring at each other, the civil war wasn’t far off.

Thinking about how he had clashed with Ulrike-gong in the past, he didn’t want to help, but there was still a friendship from going on the expedition together, so he thought he should help. . .

That’s why he asked Johan.

“It would be better to think about it after it happens.”

“I understand. Duke. Don’t forget to tell me before making a decision.”

While the two were whispering, the countess got off her horse and approached slowly. And then she shouted.

“I pay my respects to the glorious pilgrims who have completed the recovery of the Holy Land.”

When the countess bowed politely and paid her respects, the elf king was so surprised that he almost fell off his horse. The elf king said in a bewildered voice.

“Countess. Why did you. . .”

If you want to pay your respects, you can just say a few words while on your horse, but there was no need to come down like this and treat him so well. Isn’t this something the inferiors do?

“Please consider it as my gesture of respect.”

“No, but still. . .”

“Actually, I wanted to hold the horse’s reins myself and act as a coachman.”

“Why are you doing this? Why are you really doing this. . .”

The elf king looked at Johan with eyes asking him to stop it. Of course, Johan didn’t care.

The countess wanted to act a little faithful, so there was no reason to stop him. Johan met the countess’s eyes. The two nodded at each other. That was enough for them to understand each other’s intentions.

“Countess. It’s uncomfortable. I’m telling you it’s uncomfortable. . .”

The elf king complained as he was dragged forward with the countess taking his horse’s reins away. Ulrike shook her head with an annoyed expression.

If you’re going to come out and welcome someone, do it thoroughly.

She knew that was right in her head, but whenever she saw a high-ranking noble throw away her dignity and come out like that in person, she felt goosebumps.

Ulrike suddenly frowned as something came to mind. Thinking about it, if the countess reached this point, wouldn’t she be staying as a guest at her own fiefdom?

‘??’? ????? ?? ???????. . .’

??????

“?”

Ulrike was startled when Johan suddenly grabbed her hand tightly. Johan whispered in a serious voice.

“Don’t hate her so much.”

“. . .??”

Of course, when dealing with Stephen, she did think about whether she should poison him, but Ulrike didn’t hate the countess. Ulrike replied with a puzzled look.

“Oh, okay.”

Johan nodded with a satisfied expression. Ulrike gradually realized that something was strange.

She felt like there was a strange misunderstanding between the two of them.

??????

Countess Abner, who had walked to the vicinity of the court, holding the reins of the horse the elf king was riding, shook her hands. By now, everyone who was supposed to see it would have seen it.

“Are you alright?”

“It’s better for my health to walk like this occasionally. What about Jarpen’s daughter?”

“I’ve sent the message.”

“Yes. Tell her to prepare properly so that she doesn’t cause unnecessary trouble.”

In Countess Abner’s eyes, Caccia of the Jarpen family was the opposite of Ulrike.

If one loves the military, politics, and power, the other loves art, pleasure, and enjoyment, so how could it work out?

Anyway, it didn’t matter. It wasn’t a marriage of love.

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

The countess wanted Ulrike to make as few mistakes as possible. However, in the countess’s eyes, Ulrike was still emotional.

For example, what if she came back after a long and arduous expedition and her spouse was so drunk that she couldn’t even come out of her bedroom, or was rolling around with her lover?

Even if she didn’t swing a sword, she could explode and retaliate with her fists or banish and confine them. The other family wouldn’t be very happy with that.

In order to prevent such scandals, it was necessary to make Caccia have a minimum of manners.

The countess sent her attendants to wash and change Caccia. If she was drunk, they would pour cold water on her, and if she was rolling around with her lover, they would put holes in her lover’s body.

However, the countess was missing something.

Ulrike changed the security of the court thoroughly because she hated outsiders wandering around, and. . .

Caccia was more spirited than she thought.

??????

“I need to rest for a while.”

The elf king waved his hand with a tired expression. Despite being held captive for a long time, he didn’t waver, but it seemed that the count’s role as a coachman was very difficult. Johan didn’t forcibly stop him either.

Countess Abner twisted her stiff face into a smile and asked Ulrike.

“Ulrike-gong. Can you guide me through the court yourself?”

“I will guide you with the daughter of the Jarpen family.”

When a distinguished guest arrived, the feudal lord would sometimes personally guide them through the court. Of course, it would be boring and shabby to do it alone, so they would naturally call their spouse.

The countess wanted Caccia to come out gracefully and satisfy Ulrike. Caccia would welcome the heroes returning from the expedition as she had rehearsed in advance, and Ulrike wouldn’t be particularly impressed, but would pretend to be impressed, so it would be good for everyone.

. . .However, Caccia didn’t come out. The countess sensed something ominous.

“What happened?”

“The attendants were caught by the soldiers while trying to go inside.”

“What nonsense are you talking about. . . Do you have no brains or tongue! Don’t just stand there and open your mouth!”

“They said they talked, but the soldiers caught them saying there are no exceptions. . .”

Misfortunes never come alone. The countess winced, recalling the old proverb. If this misfortune brought another misfortune. . .

“She might still be getting ready, so let’s go and find her ourselves.”

“Oh, no. . .”

The countess wanted to stop him somehow, but there was no good excuse, even if she was the countess. Wouldn’t it look even more suspicious if she forcibly stopped him?

Walking forward, Ulrike gave a moderate explanation. Johan nodded moderately and listened. In fact, other people’s castles didn’t have a really strange structure, so there was nothing to be particularly interested in. Especially the portraits hanging on the walls.

“Duke.”

“?”

“To be honest, what on earth are you thinking, telling me about forgiveness, love, peace, and moderation?”

“. . . . . .”

Johan hesitated for a moment before carefully opening his mouth. It didn’t suit his personality to keep getting hurt.

“Don’t I have my wizards?”

“The snakekin?”

“No. Not that wizard. The other two.”

“Oh. . . Right.”

“Those two said. . .”

Johan explained what had happened. Ulrike’s expression changed diversely while listening to it. After hearing it all, Ulrike nodded.

“Did they get it right?”

“. . .What do you mean did they get it right!? Are you crazy!? I’ve never heard of such news, and even if I had, I wouldn’t care!”

Ulrike suddenly got angry. Johan thought he had done well to mention the names of the wizards in advance before speaking. Thanks to that, Johan didn’t have to make a fool of himself.

“I thought they were wise. . . They’re so focused on studying magic in their room that they’re blind. The duke doesn’t need advice from such bumpkins. They’re going to die lonely and desolate without ever getting married, so what do they know!”

“But the book I received. . .”

“Book?”

Johan explained the contents of the book he had received. And Ulrike vowed to kill the scribe.

“. . .I hope you don’t kill the scribe.”

Ulrike, who had her innermost thoughts exposed, said through gritted teeth.

“I’ll forgive him by banishing him.”

“Thank you for your mercy. So was it all a misunderstanding?”

“Yes! What nonsense. . .”

Ulrike nervously opened the thick door. The smell of something burning, the smell of alcohol, and the smell of blood mixed together and spread out from inside. As soon as Johan smelled it, he could tell what had happened inside.

‘???. ??’? ??? ??? ?? ????.’

It seemed that they had a rather enjoyable time, as several people were wriggling under the sheets. The attendants who followed turned pale and watched Ulrike’s expression.

Even though the attendants and servants of the inner palace weren’t allowed in, only a few slaves were allowed to stay, so they knew what was going on, but this was. . .

“. . . . . .”

Ulrike glared at the bed with furious eyes.

Even if you’re having fun, shouldn’t you have some basic manners?

Even if they couldn’t welcome or greet them, playing around like this was spitting on Ulrike’s pride, who was already proud.

Johan grabbed Ulrike’s arm for now. He had seen her fingers twitch.

“I told you not to worry about it. Gong.”

“Do you really think that’s the same thing!?”

“I know that, but it’s not good to swing a sword or a whip.”

“I’d feel better! Why are you stopping me, duke? Do you owe something to the Jarpen family?”

“I don’t want to see the gong suffer a loss by defeating an opponent who isn’t worth it.”

Johan’s voice was sincere. Ulrike, who had been angry, came to her senses as if cold water had been poured on her.

And then she released her strength.

“. . .That’s right. You made a good point.”

“Think of your opponent as Stephen.”

“That’s not very good advice. It makes me want to kill them even more.”

Ulrike relaxed enough to chuckle. Instead of swinging her sword, Ulrike coughed in vain. And then she said,

“Get ready and come out quickly.”

“T-Thank you.”

Caccia also seemed to have understood the situation and rushed out. The people under the sheets tried to crawl out on their stomachs, watching the situation. Ulrike kicked one of them, telling him to get out quickly.

The group came out again. Johan spoke first.

“It was so dark inside that I couldn’t see anything.”

“Y-Yes! We didn’t see anything either!”

The attendants also quickly agreed. They were so grateful that they could cry. He had released them from this hellish atmosphere.

And Countess Abner, who had been watching all this commotion from behind, approached Ulrike. Ulrike turned her gaze away with disgust.

The countess always gave boring sermons under the guise of advice and education. It was clear that this time would be the same.

“I’m proud of you!”

“. . .???”

For a moment, Ulrike thought that the countess had gone crazy because of her age.