How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 89.1: ???? ???????? (?)

Chapter 89.1: ???? ???????? (?)

Upon hearing that young Brduhe children were also coming, Achladda had an expression of discomfort.

Why is that?

The stars of Brduhe are rather daunting to deal with.

The centaurs, like the people of the Empire, or even more so, were believers in superstition.

To them, Dukes children, who were twins and strikingly alike, were a spine-chilling existence.

Are there any among them to be wary of?

Hmm, no, its not like that. Theyre all conscientious people.

Achladda stated this definitively, which made Johan more curious.

Even with so many of them?

If there had been any among them who were debauched or delinquent, it would have been less daunting.

In those times, being lustful or gluttonous was not particularly problematic. The church might disapprove, but others would likely praise such behavior as hearty.

However, there were no such rumors about Dukes children. They were all reputed to be faithful, humble, and capable.

Even with the prestige of the Dukes family, such rumors would have been hard to spread if they were not true to some extent.

Oh. . .

Johan was quite amazed. He knew well, having many half-siblings himself and being familiar with the case of the Abner family.

Generally, noble families, except for the firstborn, did not live restrained lives.

While the firstborn had to succeed the family and live a politically calculated life, the rest could live as they pleased, wherever and however. . .

Yet, it was strange for all the children to be so diligent, even considering this was a coincidence.

Has the Duke decided on a successor yet?

What?

It seems unlikely theyd be so diligent without ambition.

. . .!

Surprised by Johans words, Achladda responded with an astonished expression.

Even so, theres a tradition, isnt the firstborn supposed to inherit?

Im not sure. Theres always an exception, right? Dont the centaurs inherit differently?

Achladda looked slightly pleased. It seemed he felt Johan was interested in the centaurs.

True to his words, the centaurs divided everything equally. Starting from the eldest, they received their share of the farthest lands and left the herd.

But the Duke is not a centaur, hes from the Empire, right?

Thats true. But this hunt, if it were a traditional Empire event, we wouldnt have done it. Though its Empire land, it feels far from the Empire.

Could it be that the Duke might leave his legacy to the youngest, like we do?

Or maybe he hasnt decided on a successor yet. . . Anyway, thinking about it now makes me feel uneasy too.

I might think so, but why would Sir Knight?

Its never good to meddle in another familys affairs, is it?

It hasnt been long since the conversation ended, and my worries have already become reality.

.

Hello, Sir Johan.

Its an honor to meet you, Elso-gong.

He encountered the Dukes eldest son in the corridor. It was clear that the Dukes firstborn had no reason to be here, so it must have been a deliberate visit.

.

Having known Achladda, he could have easily brushed this off. Without him, he had no choice but to confront this alone.

The servant leading the way had already stepped aside long ago, out of earshot. . .

The Dukes eldest son, just like he had learned from the Duke, skillfully praised Johan. From troll hunting to exaggerating events in the West.

.

It was clear they had heard from the Jarpen family or Suetlg. The fact that he spoke about what happened to Stephen suggested it wasnt Stephen who had told him.

Sir, I have a question Id like to ask.

What is it?

How did you catch the werewolf?

Hmm.

Johan hesitated.

Should he tell?

The conversation with Achladda earlier and this question made it clear. The Dukes children were competing. He didnt know yet what they were after or why they were competing. . .

, .

If the Duke represents current power, his children are the future power. It wouldnt hurt to get close to them.

I knocked him down and then strangled him to death.

. . .I see, Sir Johan. I understand. I was thoughtless to ask.

??

Johan was confused.

, .

Realizing his mistake, Johan internally cursed. Mixing with the eastern warriors had eroded his common sense.

The Dukes children werent like the warriors who believed whatever Johan said. Such talk could only be interpreted as ?

The Duke must have instructed you.

No. . . Well, yes. . .

It may be too late to say this, but if you could keep the fact that I said this a secret, I will not forget your kindness.

Im not someone who goes around talking nonsense, Sir. And my memory isnt great either.

. . .Thank you.

When Johan reassured him, the Dukes eldest son neatly gave up, thanked him, and left. His eyes mixed with disappointment and gratitude.

. . . ?