How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 90.2: ???? ???????? (?)

Chapter 90.2: ???? ???????? (?)

I guess he might leave the soldiers in charge.

While Johan was playing with werewolves in the prairie, Suetlg and others toured the city, mingling with the nobles.

Thanks to this, they were able to understand what the eastern nobles were thinking.

The Dukes power seems great, but there are many surprisingly unstable parts, from the south to the east. Frequent rebellions and invasions.

This area is definitely stable, but the fiefdoms to the south and east are on a precarious balance.

They are kingdoms, large and small, embarrassing to even call kingdoms, fighting among themselves, unknown nomadic tribes, and city-states of the Catalian Peninsula wary of the Duke. . .

There were many forces nearby that could easily collude, so the Duke had to be even more cautious.

Seeing him take care of the outside tribes, I thought that would be the case.

It wouldnt be surprising if he entrusted the soldiers to you right away.

Appeasement was good, but those who opposed the Duke and showed their teeth at the opportunity needed to be strongly sanctioned.

And Johan was the Dukes newly acquired sharp sword. If he were a person, he would want to swing that sword.

Suppressing rebellions is not too difficult. Personally, I wanted to strike at the Emperors city or town.

Thats too much. Of course, the Duke isnt on good terms with Cardirian.

Caenerna spoke up. She had been treated as well as Suetlg, but her experiences were different.

But he didnt seem to want to fight right now.

The Duke, an elector of the Empire, was more interested outside the Empire. He didnt want to get involved in the Empires internal strife, leaving his vast lands unattended.

The nobles even threw subtle messages to Caenerna, who would have been treated worse originally.

, !

So did the Emperor promise?

. . .How would I know? Im here doing this.

Caenerna said incredulously. How would she know the Emperors decision while being stuck here?

Im asking for your judgment.

If I had to guess, maybe he wouldnt pay.

It would be crazy to make one more elector an enemy, especially when the western and southern nobles are sharpening their swords.

It wasnt unusual for such dealings, like bribing and trading votes during the elector voting to elect the Emperor.

Johan looked disappointed. He was thinking of fighting hard under the Duke if he ever aimed for the Emperors fiefdom.

Dont be too greedy. Originally, your goal was a knighthood. Now, youve achieved many times more than what you aimed for.

Thats true.

I will grant the position of standard-bearer to Sir and bestow Dolek and Palmon as fiefs.

. . .??!

As if he had heard Suetlgs words, the Duke called Johan and made a bombshell announcement.

Johan tensed up and said,

Your Grace, Duke. I have not yet properly earned merits under Your Grace.

The position of standard-bearer under Dukes banner was close to an honorary title, so it was acceptable for now.

But suddenly a fiefdom?

To receive a fief as a knight, one had to be a dog and horse to the lords word and give ones all. Although Johan had performed exceptionally in tournaments and hunting, that reputation alone was not enough.

Theres always a catch to an offer that seems too good.

Reading Johans concerns, Duke gave a bitter smile and said,

I knew you were smarter than other knights, but its inconvenient at times like this, isnt it? Dont worry. Youll understand once you hear the explanation.

The Duke spread out a map and pointed to Dolek and Palmon, both port towns lying southward along the coast.

This Edene Sea to the west bordered the city-states of the Catalian Peninsula, and to the east, small duchies and kingdoms clung together, forming a sort of inland sea.

It was almost embarrassing to call this the southernmost point of Dukes territory. From city-states to duchies, it was a location where anyones reach wouldnt seem strange.

.

Above these two towns, the city Umdim was once loyal to me. But either they took Brduhe lightly, or had other beliefs. . . They delayed the promised tax and expelled my people. Sir, what do you think I should do in this situation?

The fiefdoms, entangled in complex rights, were headache-inducing just by looking at the map. They were the result of long-standing entanglements through inheritance and independence.

Ideally, one would want to wash their hands of it, but such an option didnt exist for the nobility. It was unthinkable for both fame and wealth.

It seems necessary to show Brduhes name.

Right. Youve explained well.

The Duke, with a handsome face, showed a smile and patted Johans shoulder.

You know that the towns under Umdims rebellion wouldnt be loyal to me. Those two towns are the same.

In essence, those two towns had a just cause for Duke, but in reality, they were towns not in the Dukes control.

Reconquer them with your own power!

It was more convincing to say it this way. It wasnt too good a condition, but at least there was a just cause. . .

.

Taking the city was not something Johans small band of mercenaries could do. It would take many times their number.

As Johan looked troubled, The Duke decided to reveal his last card. This knight had the patience to resist tempting bait.

Separate troops are being gathered for the Umdim subjugation. I cant offer you the position of commander-in-chief, no matter how highly I think of you. Leading the army will be someone elses task.

!

At Dukes words, Johan felt a burden lifted. It would have been madness to gather and lead an army alone, but joining forces with other nobles armies seemed feasible.

, .

Plus, he liked the location by the sea. It was a place where he could engage in trade by sea. And. . .

.

Though currently weak, the potential as a strategic location was high. The Duke, as if reading Johans thoughts, spoke.

In the past, it was said that those who couldnt inherit in their families went to the eastern part of the Empire or to holy places. The east welcomes great warriors. With skill, one can shine there, especially a knight as capable as you.

Thank you.

Although flattered by Duke, Johan had already regained his composure.

When do we depart?

As soon as the snow melts. Until then, its best to rest and gather troops.

Understood. I will keep that in mind.

At Johans words, Suetlg was taken aback. It hadnt been long since hed told him not to be too greedy, and now here was this proposal.

What do you think is the intention?

At first, I wondered why. . . but in the end, its about wanting a loyal, useful knight to secure that area, isnt it?

Umdim and the nearby fiefdoms were too easy to betray. A place where even a breeze could prompt betrayal.

Moreover, not betraying was also a problem. With enemies swarming around, an incompetent person could lose their fiefdom in an instant.

From the Dukes perspective, he would want a trustworthy vassal to control the area and pledge loyalty.

That was exactly Johan.

Without ties to influential families in the region, he would be even more loyal to Duke, and in terms of bravery and strategic insight, there seemed to be no flaw.

. . .Wait. Speaking of which, isnt there an Emperors fiefdom in the south of the peninsula? If I go by boat, I could reach it, couldnt I?

Think about that later. Is that whats important right now, Johan?