How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 71.2: ????? ??????? (?)

Chapter 71.2: ????? ??????? (?)

Caenerna-nim. Could you tell us who we should bring now?

Why?

. . .We have sworn to follow Caenerna-nims orders, but we also have our honor. We think we need to know who we are to bring.

If I dont tell you, are you going to disobey my orders?

. . . . . .

Caenerna chuckled and said,

Its a joke. Cant I even make a joke? The one were going to bring now is a wizard.

Ah. . .

The knights were relieved. It was much more comfortable to abduct a wizard than a noble. Of course, a wizard was still an uneasy adversary. . .

The one leading them was also a wizard. That was acceptable.

The one we are seeking is skilled in forests and beasts. He will help us find Gairendel.

Indeed. . . I see.

The knights were both convinced and surprised by the wizards words. It seemed even Caenerna couldnt do everything. When they saw her in the Emperors court, she seemed to know everything. . .

Lets hear the plan.

The knights had already made contact with people of the Emperors side and bribed those they needed to.

From the night watchmen they would meet after evening to the gate guards they would pass after daybreak.

Since the target was not a person of great status or a noble family, it was much more comfortable.

When Caenerna gives the signal, the knights will rush in, subdue the wizard, and drag him away, then move to the accommodation in the darkness of night and wait until dawn. That would be a success.

It would be good if it can be resolved through conversation.

Do you feel a bit reluctant to use force against another wizard?

One of the knights asked.

They wondered if Caenerna, who seemed distant from human emotions, without blood or tears, could have such feelings.

They actually hoped she did. The unknown is always frightening. The knights still found the wizard Caenerna difficult to understand.

No. That wizard is powerful.

Caenerna-nim. No matter how powerful a wizard is. . .

Is there anyone here who can fight a bear with bare hands and win?

The knights were baffled by the unexpected question. Who would fight a bear with bare hands?

None? Then youd better be prepared to fight without being careless. That wizard has the strength of a bear. Maybe he can even turn into a bear in the forest.

Caenernas words were absurd, but the knights had no choice but to accept them. She often spoke ambiguously, but she wouldnt lie in such a situation.

Beating him up a bit is fine, so dont hesitate to swing your clubs. Just dont use a sword.

. . .Yes.

After finishing the conversation, Caenerna, looking tired, bit a long cigarette holder. The cigarette holder lit up without being set on fire. The knights were frightened by this sight.

Suetlg once told Johan, Wizards conversations are probably less interesting than you think.

That statement was wrong.

The wizards conversation was indeed far less interesting than imagined.

As they kept discussing the same topic for hours, like where they found this journal and the Fire Goblet, Johan lay down on Karamaf, who growled in response.

Lets take a break.

.

?

Karamaf turned his head, indicating the door. Gulrak noticed and looked in the same direction.

Seems like we have a visitor.

Does anyone else visit you besides me?

Thats a good question.

Gulrak swept away the dirty hair. Unlike Suetlg, who is respected as a philosopher of the Ipal River, Gulrak was much more unsociable. In the city, most people didnt know him.

Stay inside for a bit. A guest should be treated well.

Will it be the same test?

Quiet, and go inside.

Gulrak pushed two people and a wolf inside and then opened the door.

. . .Huh.

Just as the visitor realized Gulrak was a wizard, Gulrak also recognized the visitor as a wizard.

Ive seen you before. The wild man from the Dark Forest, Gulrak, right?

And who might you be?

A court wizard of the Emperor.

Caenerna-gong?

Im flattered you remember my name. May I come in?

Caenerna didnt wait for an answer and stepped inside. Before Gulrak could react, he had moved aside.

What brings the Emperors court wizard here?

I need a favor. I have to find someone, and thats not my specialty. I need your help. You wont refuse, will you?

. . .I refuse.

Gulrak frowned. He had heard of Caenerna, a wizard dealing with all sorts of secrets at the Emperors court.

But Gulrak was a wizard of the same mystery.

He wasnt naive enough to be overawed by the visitors authority and position.

Why refuse?

I have no interest in honor, and even less in the Emperors wealth. Im not a dog that follows orders.

Youre misunderstanding. Its just a favor.

All the more reason for me to refuse. I dont usually grant favors.

Refusing a guests request?

Youre not my guest. I havent accepted you as one.

Caenerna snorted at Gulraks firm reply.

Then how does one get treated as a guest?

Pass the test.

Caenerna chuckled.

Is it a test of strength?

Gulraks face reddened with embarrassment.

Only offering a test you can win is cowardly for a wizard. Has anyone ever passed it?

Yes.

!

Caenernas face showed surprise for the first time.

Gulrak felt oddly proud. He didnt expect his deception with Suetlg today to turn out this way.

Really? Thats surprising. Anyway, I dont plan to pass that test. Will you really refuse my request?

Indeed.

Well, cant be helped then.

Caenerna stood up and opened the door as if to leave. But through the open door, masked figures entered.

!!!

Subdue him.

Caenerna! How dare you as a guest!

Its you who didnt treat me as a guest, isnt it?

Gulrak growled in anger. His fur seemed to bristle like chestnuts. Even the knights who had been inwardly dismissing the wizard flinched.

I swear on the name of the Dark Forest, Ill break the necks of all who dare attack. Such dishonorable wretches!

. . .Subdue him!

The knights, feeling provoked, charged.

Unarmored and holding only a well-crafted club, it was enough to subdue a wizard unfamiliar with fighting.

!

The door burst open, and Johan emerged from the inside.

Johan and Suetlg, who had been listening from behind, were shocked by the real situation unfolding in front of them.

? !

. . . . . . ?

!

Uh. . . What?

The knights hesitated after hitting Gulrak a few times, startled by the sudden appearance.

Johan drew his sword.

He had no intention of fighting the same way as the one with the club.

Wait. . . Wait. . .!

Before he could finish speaking, the head of the knight in front flew off.