How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 161: 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐚𝐥 (2)

They are not envoys from the republic?

Oh?

Johan was puzzled. Aside from the republic, there were not many places that would send envoys now.

Did the merchants from the city send envoys?

The Republic of Beneto was not the only city-state. In the central and northern parts of the peninsula, there were several city-states. They also had great interest in the trade led by the southern overlord.

Of course, it was inevitable that the closest partner, the republic, received benefits in many ways. Still, considering that, it was worth jumping into the southern trade.

To the east sea was trade with the Eastern Empire, and to the west sea was trade with the hundred kingdoms and south of there. It was blessed with being an optimal location.

No, Your Excellency. The envoys came from the Vynashchtym.

The Vynashchtym empire. Originally it had a long ancient imperial language name starting with Vidonaiteparotrarara, but even the Vynashchtym people did not call it that in unofficial settings.

Moreover, the current Vynashchtym empire was a declining and collapsing empire. To the north it was threatened by the petty kingdoms of the Ulcana Peninsula, and to the east by the eastern pagan empire.

Its no wonder its called the Blind Old empire among the empires and peninsulas.

But however old and sick, a lion was still a lion and an empire was still an empire. As they proudly carry on the lineage of the ancient empire, their tenacity remained.

This is why magistrates of the republic have titles of the empire, and nearby petty nobles covet the titles of the empire.

The legitimacy and prestige held by the oldest empire still held tremendous power.

Oh. . .

From Johans position, it wasnt bad news either. There was no harm in adding authority to the authority he already held. It was even more so in the situation where he had just taken control of the south.

I see. . .

Is there some kind of problem with the Vynashchtym people?

You would be the problem.

Suetlg said in disbelief.

From the hundred kingdoms to the south, this was originally the Vynashchtym empires fief. It was lost when it was occupied by the pagans and then occupied by the empire people.

That was ages ago. Why would it become a problem now? Unless theyre crazy b*tches, they wont ask to hand over territory or become a vassal.

Hmm. Certainly so.

Asking for ancient land back after hundreds of years would be laughable. So would proposing Johan, master of the south, to become a vassal of their empire.

If they made such a proposal, they would have to offer Johan mostly honorary privileges with barely any actual obligations. Otherwise Johan wouldnt accept.

They would have to offer to practically treat him like a petty king, otherwise the Vynashchtym side would gain nothing from it.

Rather, there was a high chance Vynashchtym nobles would fiercely oppose, ?

Are the Vynashchtym nobles really that crazy?

. . .Ahem. There are such rumors about them.

Suetlg looked around. It was to preserve Johans count dignity. Fortunately no one was listening.

Perhaps because Vynashchtym customs are so different. . .

The Holy Empire was an empire in name, but really a collective built on countless feudal lords fiefdoms.

In contrast, the Vynashchtym emperor truly held the authority of an emperor, and the state itself could be called an empire to an extent.

At the very least there was an administrative organization governing the entire empire, and the fact that the emperor could appoint viceroys, commanders, positions and titles was already impressive.

To Johan, it warranted saying !

He was disgusted by the primitive system of sending an official to collect taxes from a fief and calling a priest to ask ?

However, that didnt mean the Vynashchtyms emperor could do anything. In some ways he had to be more careful than the Holy Empire.

He had to have the support of the capital citizens, priests of religious orders, Vynashchtym nobles, and the military.

Lose any of that support, and another noble could instantly declare himself emperor and take the throne, as was customarily tolerated.

So while he had authority on paper, he had to maintain balance under tremendous checks.

The Vynashchtym emperor must be exhausted.

Anyway, empire nobles ridicule Vynashchtym for things like that.

From the perspective of the Holy Empire where even a feudal lord held king-like power in his fief, Vynashchtym probably seemed strange.

Still, arent you envious of the well-established administrative organization? One thats been maintained for over hundreds of years?

. . .Of so many things, is that really what youre jealous of?

Instead of being envious of the lineage from the ancient empire or the name, he was envious of the administrative organization. . .

Propose marriage??

Johan asked in a bewildered voice. It was a proposal he had never even imagined. The envoy was satisfied with Johans surprise and continued speaking.

Yes! Your Excellency. Would it not be an honor befitting Your Excellency, who has become the master of the south?

Having multiple spouses is frowned upon by the church but not prohibited. Moreover, if the other party is royalty from the Vynashchtym Empire, there would be more honorable praise than criticism from the public. They have had noble bloodlines since the days of the ancient empire.

The Vynashchtym have tremendous pride in their bloodlines and do not easily divulge it to outsiders.

The fact that they made this offer proves how highly they value Johan. With many enemies, the Vynashchtym Empire needed a sturdy ally.

The problem is. . .

Prince Agarpos is known for his handsome looks and is wise, faithful, and without any scandals. You will surely find him agreeable.

. . . , . . .

Johan fell into thought with a troubled expression. He had only heard of same-sex marriages, so it was complicated now that the offer came to him directly.

Of course, no one would say anything if they just married but lived separately. But human hearts are not so simple. Complete assimilation was difficult for Johan the foreigner.

The following dowry has been prepared. A dowry befitting Your Excellencys honor.

Annual tributes of Vynashchtym gold and honorable positions. Johan almost said Ill take it at the tempting offer.

I understand. I will consider the proposal.

Yes. Thank you.

The Vynashchtym have sent an envoy for marriage!!

The people of the Republic residing in the city hall of the district given to the Republic were astonished. The fastest possible message was sent racing back home.

We must stop it! We must stop it no matter what!

What were these idiots doing that they didnt notice a proposal like this was exchanged?!

A proposal like this was not for the emperor to decide on a whim. It required discussion from the elders and nobles before approval could be given.

Merchants of the Republic actively operated in cities of the Vynashchtym Empire as well. In addition to being merchants, they also played the role of spies. And yet they didnt notice this.

Giada! I heard you are close with Count Yeats. You must persuade the Count.

Of course! I will do my best!

.

Inside, Giada was flabbergasted. Who would reject generous dowries and a partner with a prestigious lineage?

But it couldnt be helped from the perspective of the Republics merchants.

The relationship between the Republic and the Vynashchtym Empire had always been delicate.

In the distant past they were vassals, but now they were independent in practice. Looking only at their aggressive expansion in all directions, it seemed the Republic was overwhelming the Vynashchtym Empire.

In eastern trade and colonies in the Ulcana Peninsula, the two were competitors.

Clearly not enemies, but not intimate allies either.

If the Vynashchtym joined hands with Johan in this situation, the Republic would be strangled immediately. It absolutely could not happen.

Its a good opportunity. My dear. Isnt the bloodline of the Vynashchtym the bloodline of a dragon? It will be more honorable if you accept him as your spouse.

The world is not all about honor, Iselia.

Ah. I think I know what youre saying. Are you worried about having to march out as an ally? It wont be too difficult compared to what youll get in return. You just need to show a minimum of sincerity. If it burdens you, I will take up arms and go out.

As an elven knight, Iselia was very supportive.

It was an honorable thing in itself, and marriage alliances were familiar to elven knights. It was common for poor elven knights to go out and fight in exchange for gold.

If you buy force that expensively, you obviously have to sell it as a knight.

. . .

Master. Someone wants to see the master in secret, avoiding peoples eyes. . .

A republic envoy? Tell him not to come in.

Giada had already told him. The republic peoples territory was blazing like it was on fire now. He didnt want to be bothered by meeting them before making a decision.

No. Its Horamric-gong.

Horamric? Let him in.

Johan was puzzled but welcomed the third son of Brduhe Dukes house coming to find him.

Oh my, arent you covered in dust? If you had revealed your status I could have prepared. . .

No, Count Yeats!

Horamric properly showed courtesy. Johan was no longer the former Johan. If he was insolent like before, he might not even get a word out before being chased out.

Johan smiled warmly and said,

Considering our friendship has been so deep for so long, whats the need for formality? Please sit comfortably.

?

Iselia cocked her head. They didnt look particularly close.

Rather, they looked more like a servant and master.

Johan took Horamrics overclothes with his own hands and handed him a basin full of warm water. Seeing that attentive action, tears welled up in Horamrics eyes.

Waaaaah! No one is as honorable as you, your excellency.

Dont mention it. What brings you here like this?

To tell you. . . the treachery of the Vynashchtym b*stards!

!

Having gotten close with Sir Gareld, Horamric went to the Vynashchtym Empire thinking things had worked out well. As he was from a dukes bloodline, he was able to receive some decent treatment in the empire as well.

The Vynashchtym place was beautiful and Horamric was enthralled. As he met with various nobles and mingled, he looked around for any opportunities he could take.

In the middle of that, he heard unbelievable talk.

The one called Agarpos is no royal! Hes just from a low ranking noble house. Hes disguising himself as a dragon beastman of the same race.

. . .?!

Horamric was often invited to debauched banquets. At the banquet gathering of a certain region, Horamric overheard talk that .

Out of curiosity he looked into it and asked around, and even more shocking words followed. That the fake is being prepared to be sent to Count Yeats!

The moment Horamric heard those words, he dashed across the land, boarded a ship, and headed for Johans court. It was truly dazzling loyalty.

, .

Johan felt proud for no reason. He didnt think he would do this much.

You have to keep it secret that I told you this, your excellency!

Of course. No one will be able to know.

Johan had nothing to fear but Horamric did not. The Vynashchtym nobles might become enraged immediately and could even attack his tiny islands.

It wasnt for nothing that he secretly met Johan, hiding his status.

How dare these crude and vicious fools try to deceive someone?! They should be cut down!

Iselia was extremely angry. No matter how precious they felt their bloodline was, to try to commit fraud. . .

Calm yourself, Iselia. Its not like well be staining swords with blood either. Anyway, it might be a bit awkward when talking about this if I cant say Horamric-gong told me. . . Oh.

Johan thought of a good idea.

The republic people already said so. There is no such royal in the imperial palace! Are you trying make fun of me by bringing out a fake?!

No, your excellency! Its a misunderstanding! Bring the republic person who said those words to meet face to face!!

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