How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 76.1: ????? ??????? (?)

Chapter 76.1: ????? ??????? (?)

Suetlg soothed Mahreet with a familiar expression. As a wizard who had lived a long life, Suetlg had often received such gratitude.

Johan was a knight, but it was good to watch once if he was going to handle magic in the future.

To handle magic means to receive both fear and respect from others.

Even a wizard like Caenerna could be thrown into the water if unlucky, what about an inept wizard?

A wizard must know how to soothe and captivate their opponent.

Rise. Your body might not have fully recovered yet.

That. . . Now that I think about it, my body feels heavy and my head aches.

.

Yes. Its because the malevolent spirit has left. But you are young and healthy, so you will recover soon.

Grateful for Suetlgs words, Mahreet repeatedly expressed his thanks. Suetlg gave him a few more pieces of advice.

Do not wear unnecessary ornaments, do not fall for anyones temptation, and drink salt water in a silver cup with the moon reflected in it every fortnight. . .

Listening, Johan became curious and quietly asked.

What is that, the last thing? Is it some kind of magic?

Nothing really. But it eases the mind. That man looks rough but is very fearful and superstitious. Doing this will calm his mind so he wont fall for suspicious whispers.

Suetlgs words were true.

After all, Mahreet was moved as if he had heard some great secret.

He immediately called the mercenaries to lift the blockade on the bridge and treated Johan with great respect.

It was as if a commoner was serving a knight.

Caenerna would know more about summoning spirits or malevolent spirits than I do.

. . . . . .

Caenerna sighed tiredly at Suetlgs words.

You think its too much to ask me to reveal my magical visions to someone else?

Dont beat around the bush. Im a wizard too.

Caenernas words might have worked in the Emperors court, but this was a mercenary tent.

Moreover, the ones present were Johan and Suetlg.

Her words were least effective on them.

And Im not asking you to teach me your vision. Just a few simple pieces of advice.

If its about exorcising a malevolent spirit, a priest might be a better choice. I could write you a recommendation if you want.

If it was about exorcism, I would have sought a priest. But this knight needs a method to control them.

Caenerna wondered why Suetlg was doing this.

A knight, not a wizard, what difference would a few pieces of advice make in controlling a spirit?

It could even be more dangerous if done rashly.

Was he trying to endanger Johan?

But Suetlg hadnt given any sign of that.

Then was it for his own curiosity?

No, the philosopher of the Ipal River had no interest in spirits or malevolent spirits. If he had, he wouldnt have been beloved by the river.

Its probably useless even if you listen. . .

It is useful. Ive subdued a malevolent spirit.

?!

Caenerna was truly surprised at Johans quiet comment.

This knight subdued a malevolent spirit?

Not exorcism. . .?

Exorcism could be done by non-wizards with some luck, but subduing a spirit was a different level.

How did he do it?

Suetlg smiled wryly. It was always pleasing to see a wizard like Caenerna curious.

Curious?

. . .Yes, I am.

We answered your questions sincerely. Dont forget that.

Caenerna was annoyed by Suetlg who even made debts in such situations, but she couldnt help it.

She was genuinely curious. Caenerna nodded.

This knight subdued the spirit with a strong voice and the power of his soul.

Indeed. . . A natural talent. . .!

Others might have scoffed, but they were wizards. Caenerna understood immediately.

Moreover, the strength of Johans soul was impressive. She had never seen such a soul even in the Emperors court.

And also violence. . .

Violence?

Nothing. Just a joke. Now, will you give the advice?

. . . . . .

Caenerna ran her fingers through her red hair and let out a languid sigh.

Just the two of us. Without that wizard.

As you wish.

Suetlg, having no real interest, quickly left. Caenerna pondered where to start.

She murmured an indecipherable spell in a low voice, and flames sprang from her hand, splitting into several streams and decorating the inside of the tent.

Surprisingly, the fire did not burn the items in the tent.

Do you realize what I have just done?

Did you command a spirit?

As Caenerna chanted a spell, a wave of power emanated from deep within her. Johans perception of the mystical had grown stronger since subjugating the malevolent spirit Valkalmur.

, .

Yes. I have made a pact with this spirit. I cannot tell you the method. Its complex and not something that can be shared with others.

Im not curious about that.

Now, for Johan to contract with a spirit using complex spells and magic circles, it would take ages.

He just wanted to skillfully control whatever he caught.

I pay the price and make a request, and the spirit fulfills it for a fee. There are things a spirit cannot do, and sometimes, there are things it can do but wont. Spirits are capricious.

Equivalent exchange.

There was little difference between spirits and malevolent spirits. Although a spirit becomes a malevolent spirit when it is nasty and evil, from a human perspective, spirits often felt malevolent too.

The key for Johan was to understand what the spirit could do and pay the price for it.

In cases like Johans, where one discovers and subjugates the true name of a malevolent spirit, one could be said to have absolute control. However, this didnt mean tasks could be ordered without any cost.

Then?

Since it was subdued within the soul, the energy of the soul must be paid as a price.

Handling a spirit beyond ones capabilities could result in spitting blood and collapsing.

However, for a strong knight like Johan, he could easily recover with just a little rest.

You will have to understand for yourself what the malevolent spirit can do. But dont forget one thing: always remember that what youre controlling is a spirit.

Wizards who became arrogant from controlling spirits always met their downfall. They deluded themselves into thinking they were masters of the spirits.

?

Arrogance was a word too distant for Johan.

Valkalmur.