How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 76.2: ????? ??????? (?)

Chapter 76.2: ????? ??????? (?)

Johan summoned the malevolent spirit and directed it towards the tip of his dagger. The blade of the dagger turned as black as a moonless night sky.

Caenerna watched with interest. Johans skill in handling the malevolent spirit was quite impressive. The spirit seemed to be following him properly.

? ?

Ive been thinking about cursing weapons like this. What do you think?

It doesnt seem bad. A malevolent spirit would be skilled in curses. But. . .

?

Is it right for a knight? Seems like a dishonorable act?

. . .Of course, I was just asking. I have no intention of using it in battle.

Johan quickly covered up. Caenerna, unaware of Johans true nature like Suetlg, nodded with a so be it expression.

, .

.

Did you say youre going to the territory of Duke Brduhe?

Mahreet asked with a tone of surprise.

The territory of Duke Brduhe in the southeast of the Empire was so vast and powerful that it was called a duchy.

However, that did not mean it was a peaceful land.

From the east, fierce barbarians raced across the plains to attack, from the south, heretics from another empire were constantly watching for opportunities, and nearby minor kingdoms plotted conspiracies to expand their influence.

The eastern part of the Empire was known as a rough land of opportunity, even among mercenaries.

Yes. Why do you ask?

Sir Knight, we were just returning from the east.

!

Mahreet and the County Mercenary Group happened to be returning from a mission in the east.

How was it?

The east? Always the same. Monsters are terrible, people are tough, barbarians are fierce. . . Oh, I once saw Duke from a distance. He was a remarkably handsome man.

Duke Brduhe, now middle-aged, was renowned as a great leader. In the troublesome eastern part, his name held absolute authority. Many serfs prayed in his name.

What about the people?

Sir Knight, how would someone like me know that? I only met the steward briefly. But he seemed like a fine man.

Why is that?

Because he paid the wages on time and generously.

This was expected, but many nobles failed to do so.

Wage delays were common in mercenary employment, and mercenaries often compensated for these delays through looting and post-war rewards. It wasnt for no reason that mercenaries were restless.

Good to hear hes not stingy.

Are you going to meet the Duke, Sir Knight? Indeed. . .

Mahreet was amazed at Johans words. He thought Johan was exceptional, but actually going to meet Duke Brduhe?

Why did you return from the east?

The winter was cold, and the mercenaries were discontent. Staying longer in the east seemed like it might lead to a real rebellion. . .

. . . . . .

And also the prophecy. . . ahem.

Hearing this, Johan got a sense of what the east was like. He nodded.

Before Johan left, Mahreet spoke earnestly.

Sir Knight. I may be a humble mercenary, but I understand what gratitude is. If you ever need my assistance, please do not hesitate to call upon me. I will risk my life to come to your aid.

Dont take the risk of your life lightly. It devalues it.

. . . . . .

But Ill remember your words. I wont forget your honor.

Yes!

As Johans party left, the sub-captains approached Mahreet.

Couldnt you have followed that Sir Knight, captain? He seemed to come from a good family. . .

Mercenaries were superstitious, Mahreet no less so.

To them, Johan was like a revelation.

A knight who alone invaded a mercenary camp and banished a malevolent spirit!

To the mercenaries, unaware of the true situation, it seemed almost like a revelation. As if following the prophecies of Mahreet, they desired to follow Johan.

Hes heading east.

Huh.

Hmm.

The sub-captains were appalled. Not just their subordinates, but they themselves detested the east.

After finally returning to the Empire, they wanted to rest until spring warmed the weather.

No need to worry. Hell be back soon.

Captain! Are you making a new prophecy?

Although Johan was not an eastern noble, nor were Jarpen or Abner, the mercenaries misunderstood it as Mahreet making a prophecy.

The malevolent spirit was gone, but the mercenaries still believed Mahreet to be a prophet.

None refused when offered a convenient lie. Mahreet nodded.

Exactly.

Oh. . .! What else has come forth?

Joining at that time will bring great fortune.

As expected. . .!

I thought so!

The sub-captains accepted without doubt. People tend to believe what they want to hear.

Mahreet looked at his subordinates.

He felt both pity and disdain, reminiscent of his own past self, once deceived by a malevolent spirit. . .

.

Seeing this, he felt he could lead the mercenaries for many more years.

Farewell. And take care.

?

After the party left, Caenerna also prepared to depart. She left with just a few slaves.

Whys that?

It seemed oddly meaningful for a farewell.

Youre getting better at understanding the undertones. Yes, there was a deeper meaning. As you know, I am a wizard. I trust old sayings. . Do you know it?

I do.

Caenerna is a great wizard, but she has faced misfortune twice. No matter how great, one cant avoid the tide of bad luck. It wouldnt be surprising if it happened a third time.

Ah, but surely. . .

Johan chuckled.

That mercenary band was truly an unavoidable misfortune, but surely such an incident wouldnt happen again.

Days later, Johan spotted a familiar figure fleeing on horseback, enveloped in a cloud of dust. Caenerna was being chased by a band of rogues.

. . . . . .

. . . . . .

Prepare for battle, charge!