How to Live as a Wandering Knight

‘𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. . .’

Even though he tried to avoid it, things were not easy for Iwalap and the other envoys.

The sultan’s anger had died down, but who knows when it might flare up again?

Iwalap honestly didn’t know how the sultan would react when he heard the news that the nobles who had been taken prisoner refused to be released as a group.

The best course of action was to claim some other achievement. If he were to scout the camp, he’d just have to sweet-talk his way in, and with the hostages. . .

‘𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥?’

He could buy new ones cheaply from the market, but it would still be a shame to lose the ones who had been like his own tongue. It was a bit of a waste of money, but the eunuchs seemed like a decent alternative.

“I understand, Your Highness.”

Iwalap replied and then hesitated for a moment. In retrospect, the duke’s offer seemed too convenient. It was as if the duke knew exactly what Iwalap’s circumstances were.

Even if the duke was a sly and cunning man, this was a different story altogether. How could a great noble from the distant West know what was going on in the sultan’s barracks?

“Oh, right. I heard that when the sultan sets out with his army, he also brings with him a lot of herbs that are only used in the palace. I heard your younger brother is in charge of managing the herbs. Would you be willing to exchange them?”

“. . .??!”

Iwalap was shocked once again.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

Johan successfully returned the eunuchs for a high price.

Of course, the eunuchs wouldn’t leave willingly, so Johan threw a lavish banquet and got them drunk.

The eunuchs gladly accepted the wine from the stern and frightening duke, who pretended to be friendly. No matter how experienced the eunuchs were, they wouldn’t have guessed that the duke would sell them off to make some gold coins.

On the surface, everything was peaceful. Envoys came and went, gold coins were exchanged, and not a single curse word was uttered.

However, there was a palpable tension in the air. In fact, there were several surprise crossing attempts while Iwalap was there.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t Johan’s side that made the surprise attacks, but the sultan’s.

━𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝.

━𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝?

━𝐈𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭. 𝐃𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭?

The longer it dragged on, the more anxious the side that had led a large army from afar would become. Their hearts yearned for the lands to the south, but their bodies were tied up here.

In the end, the sultan and the great nobles in command agreed to the proposal. It was unfortunate for Iwalap, who had crossed over as an envoy, but it couldn’t be helped if they wanted to win.

And those who crossed the river were beaten like dogs.

━. . . . . .

━. . . . . .

The nobles on the other side of the river were astounded as they watched the soldiers who had barely managed to cross the river while enduring all sorts of attacks collapse at the charge of a single mad knight.

The warriors who crossed the river were not ordinary men. The fact that they crossed the river without fleeing while blocking the flying arrows with their shields was proof that they were experienced and elite soldiers.

Mediocre mercenaries would have drowned as they tried to escape.

However, it was unbelievable to see such warriors being beaten like dogs, fleeing in all directions, and being captured or drowning in the river.

━𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐤𝐞.

━. . .𝐇𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞? 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭!

━𝐒𝐡𝐡. 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥.

The sight of the duke rampaging like a demon, sweeping away the enemies, was shocking, but the nobles didn’t give up and tried a few more times.

They tried crossing at night, at dawn. . .

However, the vigilance of the expeditionary force was beyond imagination. Even though the area they were facing was wide and there were many people gathered, which would have made it easy for them to let their guard down, the veterans that Johan had brought with him focused on scouting to the point of obsession.

Thanks to them, the other warriors who crossed over were once again beaten like dogs. Iwalap’s face turned pale and he had to apologize several times before he was allowed to leave.

‘𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴!’

Trying to surprise attack during negotiations was like asking the envoys to die. Iwalap gritted his teeth and stomped his feet to contain his anger.

“Punish those who dared to launch such a cowardly surprise attack!”

“Calm down, Iwalap. How were the talks? Did you find any weaknesses in the enemy?”

The sultan changed the subject. The sultan, a seasoned commander himself, couldn’t have been unaware of the significance of a surprise attack. He had given his permission knowing full well.

The more they talked about it, the more awkward it would become. It was a signal to change the subject. Iwalap felt wronged and resentful, but he opened his mouth.

“. . .There were dog tents everywhere. They were all in high spirits and showed no signs of fear.”

“I suppose they only put up strong and vigorous men since the envoys were coming.”

“Yes. The duke praised the sultan’s benevolence and reputation and released the eunuchs he had captured.”

“. . .?”

The sultan, who had been listening pleasantly, asked, realizing something was amiss.

“What about the nobles?”

“. . .They submitted a petition to the sultan, asking to pay their own ransom for the honor of their families.”

“. . . . . .”

The atmosphere, which had been pleasant, suddenly turned cold. Some of the nobles noticed the change and started whispering among themselves. It was too obvious that they weren’t being released now.

Looking at the sultan’s face, which was turning red and blue, those who were quick-witted closed their eyes tightly.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

“Are they beheading the ones who failed the surprise attack?”

Johan watched curiously as the execution took place on the other side of the river.

In reality, it was an execution where the necks of the nobles who had sided with Suhekhar and Yeheyman were being cut off, but he couldn’t know the details.

“I suppose they can be punished since they failed so badly.”

“Even so, that would make a mess of things. . .”

“Let’s not worry about the enemy, Your Highness. Isn’t it good if the enemy collapses?”

Johan nodded at Ulrike’s words.

Both sides were constantly adding more troops, but it was clear who was getting anxious. He could sense it from the several envoys he had sent and the scouting he had done.

They tried to cross the river by surprise and failed, tried to find a way around and failed. . .

Johan’s strategy was simple.

Hold on until the opponent gets tired and falls apart.

It was a simple and unimpressive strategy, but if executed perfectly, there was nothing more difficult to deal with. And now, the duke was acting flawlessly. If Ulrike was in the enemy’s position, she thought she would have cursed the duke’s ancestors.

“Everything’s going well, but I’m a little worried about the elf king.”

Since all the nobles had refused to be repatriated, the sultan seemed determined to hold onto the elf king, even if he had to resort to trickery. Iwalap had tried to subtly sound him out, but Iwalap didn’t seem to have any authority and just shook his head.

‘𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮?’

Ulrike thought to herself. Of course, The elf king and Ulrike, were close to an alliance, both politically and strategically. . .

Even if the elf king was held hostage for a long time or died in an unfortunate accident, it didn’t seem like there would be a big problem. The next successor would take his place.

It seemed like it would be much easier than it is now, no matter who took over.

However, Ulrike didn’t say it out loud. She was already reflecting on the fact that she might seem like a ‘𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸-𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦’ because of the castellan of Atig Castle. She didn’t want to seem cold-blooded to the duke for no reason.

“I thought you’d say that there’s no need to save him since it’s a merit.”

“?!”

Johan spoke first when he didn’t get the response he had expected. Ulrike flinched as her inner thoughts were exposed.

“Oh. Did you judge the elf king’s worth to be high strategically?”

“. . .You could say that.”

“As expected, Gong’s judgment is excellent.”

“Y-Yes.”

Johan finished his scouting. He had thought about asking Suetlg to use his ability to surprise attack when his unit arrived, but no matter how he thought about it, it seemed impossible for a single wizard to divide this wide river.

‘𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯. . .’

“Your Highness, they say the enemy is gathering ships!”

“. . .?!”

And waiting for Johan, who had returned after finishing his scouting, were the people of the republic.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

It was like asking to ’𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦’ to board the boats and cross the river while glaring sharply at each other. Of course, they weren’t gathering boats to cross the river.

The goal was a detour by sea!

Just like the landings they had made before, they could circumvent the sea and land, sacking the now empty enemy rear at will. The local feudal lords might be holding on for dear life right now, but wouldn’t they run back home screaming if their fiefdoms were pillaged?

Of course, the expeditionary force wasn’t stupid enough to fall for the same trick twice.

Back then, since the entire situation had been chaotic, there were plenty of openings in the sea and ports to land at.

However, most of them had finished their occupation now, and had densely blocked the sea routes, hiring everything from the republic fleet to mercenaries. If they rashly sent a large army, it could be drowned under the sea.

“But boats are still being gathered?”

“Yes. It doesn’t seem like the rear fiefdoms are the target.”

Rather than dreaming of the fiefdoms below, they are attempting a landing to remove the troops blocking the river first.

Even though the republic fleet was lurking ominously just below them, they didn’t come up this far and stayed put, because their target was the expeditionary force.

“You have a good head on your shoulders.”

“What good would a few thousand men do even if we sent them? Let them come!”

“No. We’re not going to engage in a full-front war. We’ll just send some men around to loot and steal supplies.”

A thief knows a thief. Johan, who had done many shady things while mingling with centaurs, had immediately figured out what the other person wanted.

If only fast cavalry was sent to the rear, it would be a big advantage.

“Don’t worry. Our republic fleet will definitely stop them.”

The captains said, their eyes burning fiercely. Although they weren’t particularly religious, the republic captains had deep faith and expectations for the profits that Johan brought in.

He had already achieved results that were several times greater than expected. If they could defeat the Sultan’s army here, the Republic would be able to sail the seas comfortably for a hundred years.

They had to invest unconditionally. Even if they had to go into debt, the Republic was going to send a fleet.

‘𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦?’

‘𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵.’

Of course, some were offended when they did something they hadn’t done before.

The expeditionary force nobles and bishops grumbled. They were saying things like ‘𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰?’

‘𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘨𝘢𝘳-𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. . . 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵?’

‘𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯? 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘬𝘦’𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.’

And the republic people naturally noticed their reaction. The republic people hated the expeditionary force nobles just as much. They were barbarians who only knew how to borrow money and mooch off of others, and they showed that they didn’t understand the value of the Republic.

“We appreciate you trying to stop them, but is that even possible?”

The sea was vast, and there weren’t any proper ports in this area. The enemy fleet was gathering in a city far to the north.

If they took advantage of the darkness of the night, slipped through and dropped off some soldiers, and then escaped, it seemed impossible to actually stop them. The sea wasn’t as easy to patrol as land.

“What, you were talking like it was impossible? Anyway, the republic people are all talk. . .”

One of the captains clenched his fist. The same words could feel different depending on how they were said.

The duke was expressing concern, but that punk with a count title was mocking them.

“Watch your mouth, count! Our Republic has already prepared a way to stop them.”

“!”

“!!”

Johan was also surprised by the captain’s exclamation.

Is it really possible?

‘𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵? 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤?’

“Take back what you said just now and apologize. We republic people never bluff.”

The count who was called out flushed red. He didn’t want to admit it, but he couldn’t ruin the expedition because of his pride.

“. . .I apologize. I’m sorry.”

The count glared at the captain as if to say ‘𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵.’ His eyes looked like he would be happier than the enemies if they failed.

After the meeting was over, the republic captains who came out exchanged glances. Their eyes were very anxious and shaken.

“. . .What are we going to do now?”

“. . .We have to figure it out from now on.”

‘𝘞𝘦’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨. . .’

Even though he tried to avoid it, things were not easy for Iwalap and the other envoys.

The sultan’s anger had died down, but who knows when it might flare up again?

Iwalap honestly didn’t know how the sultan would react when he heard the news that the nobles who had been taken prisoner refused to be released as a group.

The best course of action was to claim some other achievement. If he were to scout the camp, he’d just have to sweet-talk his way in, and with the hostages. . .

‘𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘯 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥?’

He could buy new ones cheaply from the market, but it would still be a shame to lose the ones who had been like his own tongue. It was a bit of a waste of money, but the eunuchs seemed like a decent alternative.

“I understand, Your Highness.”

Iwalap replied and then hesitated for a moment. In retrospect, the duke’s offer seemed too convenient. It was as if the duke knew exactly what Iwalap’s circumstances were.

‘. . .𝘕𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘺.’

Even if the duke was a sly and cunning man, this was a different story altogether. How could a great noble from the distant West know what was going on in the sultan’s barracks?

“Oh, right. I heard that when the sultan sets out with his army, he also brings with him a lot of herbs that are only used in the palace. I heard your younger brother is in charge of managing the herbs. Would you be willing to exchange them?”

“. . .??!”

Iwalap was shocked once again.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

Johan successfully returned the eunuchs for a high price.

Of course, the eunuchs wouldn’t leave willingly, so Johan threw a lavish banquet and got them drunk.

The eunuchs gladly accepted the wine from the stern and frightening duke, who pretended to be friendly. No matter how experienced the eunuchs were, they wouldn’t have guessed that the duke would sell them off to make some gold coins.

On the surface, everything was peaceful. Envoys came and went, gold coins were exchanged, and not a single curse word was uttered.

However, there was a palpable tension in the air. In fact, there were several surprise crossing attempts while Iwalap was there.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t Johan’s side that made the surprise attacks, but the sultan’s.

━𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐲𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝.

━𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! 𝐖𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐝?

━𝐈𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐥, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐟 𝐰𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝, 𝐰𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐮𝐬𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭. 𝐃𝐨 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐨𝐮𝐭?

The longer it dragged on, the more anxious the side that had led a large army from afar would become. Their hearts yearned for the lands to the south, but their bodies were tied up here.

In the end, the sultan and the great nobles in command agreed to the proposal. It was unfortunate for Iwalap, who had crossed over as an envoy, but it couldn’t be helped if they wanted to win.

And those who crossed the river were beaten like dogs.

━. . . . . .

━. . . . . .

The nobles on the other side of the river were astounded as they watched the soldiers who had barely managed to cross the river while enduring all sorts of attacks collapse at the charge of a single mad knight.

The warriors who crossed the river were not ordinary men. The fact that they crossed the river without fleeing while blocking the flying arrows with their shields was proof that they were experienced and elite soldiers.

Mediocre mercenaries would have drowned as they tried to escape.

However, it was unbelievable to see such warriors being beaten like dogs, fleeing in all directions, and being captured or drowning in the river.

━𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐮𝐤𝐞.

━. . .𝐇𝐞’𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐞? 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐊𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐮𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐧’𝐭 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭!

━𝐒𝐡𝐡. 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐨𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥.

The sight of the duke rampaging like a demon, sweeping away the enemies, was shocking, but the nobles didn’t give up and tried a few more times.

They tried crossing at night, at dawn. . .

However, the vigilance of the expeditionary force was beyond imagination. Even though the area they were facing was wide and there were many people gathered, which would have made it easy for them to let their guard down, the veterans that Johan had brought with him focused on scouting to the point of obsession.

Thanks to them, the other warriors who crossed over were once again beaten like dogs. Iwalap’s face turned pale and he had to apologize several times before he was allowed to leave.

‘𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘣𝘪𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴!’

Trying to surprise attack during negotiations was like asking the envoys to die. Iwalap gritted his teeth and stomped his feet to contain his anger.

“Punish those who dared to launch such a cowardly surprise attack!”

“Calm down, Iwalap. How were the talks? Did you find any weaknesses in the enemy?”

The sultan changed the subject. The sultan, a seasoned commander himself, couldn’t have been unaware of the significance of a surprise attack. He had given his permission knowing full well.

The more they talked about it, the more awkward it would become. It was a signal to change the subject. Iwalap felt wronged and resentful, but he opened his mouth.

“. . .There were dog tents everywhere. They were all in high spirits and showed no signs of fear.”

“I suppose they only put up strong and vigorous men since the envoys were coming.”

“Yes. The duke praised the sultan’s benevolence and reputation and released the eunuchs he had captured.”

“. . .?”

The sultan, who had been listening pleasantly, asked, realizing something was amiss.

“What about the nobles?”

“. . .They submitted a petition to the sultan, asking to pay their own ransom for the honor of their families.”

“. . . . . .”

The atmosphere, which had been pleasant, suddenly turned cold. Some of the nobles noticed the change and started whispering among themselves. It was too obvious that they weren’t being released now.

Looking at the sultan’s face, which was turning red and blue, those who were quick-witted closed their eyes tightly.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

“Are they beheading the ones who failed the surprise attack?”

Johan watched curiously as the execution took place on the other side of the river.

In reality, it was an execution where the necks of the nobles who had sided with Suhekhar and Yeheyman were being cut off, but he couldn’t know the details.

“I suppose they can be punished since they failed so badly.”

“Even so, that would make a mess of things. . .”

“Let’s not worry about the enemy, Your Highness. Isn’t it good if the enemy collapses?”

Johan nodded at Ulrike’s words.

Both sides were constantly adding more troops, but it was clear who was getting anxious. He could sense it from the several envoys he had sent and the scouting he had done.

They tried to cross the river by surprise and failed, tried to find a way around and failed. . .

Johan’s strategy was simple.

Hold on until the opponent gets tired and falls apart.

It was a simple and unimpressive strategy, but if executed perfectly, there was nothing more difficult to deal with. And now, the duke was acting flawlessly. If Ulrike was in the enemy’s position, she thought she would have cursed the duke’s ancestors.

“Everything’s going well, but I’m a little worried about the elf king.”

Since all the nobles had refused to be repatriated, the sultan seemed determined to hold onto the elf king, even if he had to resort to trickery. Iwalap had tried to subtly sound him out, but Iwalap didn’t seem to have any authority and just shook his head.

‘𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮?’

Ulrike thought to herself. Of course, The elf king and Ulrike, were close to an alliance, both politically and strategically. . .

Even if the elf king was held hostage for a long time or died in an unfortunate accident, it didn’t seem like there would be a big problem. The next successor would take his place.

It seemed like it would be much easier than it is now, no matter who took over.

However, Ulrike didn’t say it out loud. She was already reflecting on the fact that she might seem like a ‘𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘰𝘸-𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦’ because of the castellan of Atig Castle. She didn’t want to seem cold-blooded to the duke for no reason.

“I thought you’d say that there’s no need to save him since it’s a merit.”

“?!”

Johan spoke first when he didn’t get the response he had expected. Ulrike flinched as her inner thoughts were exposed.

“Oh. Did you judge the elf king’s worth to be high strategically?”

“. . .You could say that.”

“As expected, Gong’s judgment is excellent.”

“Y-Yes.”

Johan finished his scouting. He had thought about asking Suetlg to use his ability to surprise attack when his unit arrived, but no matter how he thought about it, it seemed impossible for a single wizard to divide this wide river.

‘𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘦, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦’𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘥𝘰. 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘯. . .’

“Your Highness, they say the enemy is gathering ships!”

“. . .?!”

And waiting for Johan, who had returned after finishing his scouting, were the people of the republic.

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

It was like asking to ’𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘦’ to board the boats and cross the river while glaring sharply at each other. Of course, they weren’t gathering boats to cross the river.

The goal was a detour by sea!

Just like the landings they had made before, they could circumvent the sea and land, sacking the now empty enemy rear at will. The local feudal lords might be holding on for dear life right now, but wouldn’t they run back home screaming if their fiefdoms were pillaged?

Of course, the expeditionary force wasn’t stupid enough to fall for the same trick twice.

Back then, since the entire situation had been chaotic, there were plenty of openings in the sea and ports to land at.

However, most of them had finished their occupation now, and had densely blocked the sea routes, hiring everything from the republic fleet to mercenaries. If they rashly sent a large army, it could be drowned under the sea.

“But boats are still being gathered?”

“Yes. It doesn’t seem like the rear fiefdoms are the target.”

Rather than dreaming of the fiefdoms below, they are attempting a landing to remove the troops blocking the river first.

Even though the republic fleet was lurking ominously just below them, they didn’t come up this far and stayed put, because their target was the expeditionary force.

“You have a good head on your shoulders.”

“What good would a few thousand men do even if we sent them? Let them come!”

“No. We’re not going to engage in a full-front war. We’ll just send some men around to loot and steal supplies.”

A thief knows a thief. Johan, who had done many shady things while mingling with centaurs, had immediately figured out what the other person wanted.

If only fast cavalry was sent to the rear, it would be a big advantage.

“Don’t worry. Our republic fleet will definitely stop them.”

The captains said, their eyes burning fiercely. Although they weren’t particularly religious, the republic captains had deep faith and expectations for the profits that Johan brought in.

He had already achieved results that were several times greater than expected. If they could defeat the Sultan’s army here, the Republic would be able to sail the seas comfortably for a hundred years.

They had to invest unconditionally. Even if they had to go into debt, the Republic was going to send a fleet.

‘𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦?’

‘𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘪𝘵.’

Of course, some were offended when they did something they hadn’t done before.

The expeditionary force nobles and bishops grumbled. They were saying things like ‘𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰?’

‘𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘨𝘢𝘳-𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦. . . 𝘏𝘰𝘸 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵?’

‘𝘋𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯? 𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘶𝘬𝘦’𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴.’

And the republic people naturally noticed their reaction. The republic people hated the expeditionary force nobles just as much. They were barbarians who only knew how to borrow money and mooch off of others, and they showed that they didn’t understand the value of the Republic.

“We appreciate you trying to stop them, but is that even possible?”

The sea was vast, and there weren’t any proper ports in this area. The enemy fleet was gathering in a city far to the north.

If they took advantage of the darkness of the night, slipped through and dropped off some soldiers, and then escaped, it seemed impossible to actually stop them. The sea wasn’t as easy to patrol as land.

“What, you were talking like it was impossible? Anyway, the republic people are all talk. . .”

One of the captains clenched his fist. The same words could feel different depending on how they were said.

The duke was expressing concern, but that punk with a count title was mocking them.

“Watch your mouth, count! Our Republic has already prepared a way to stop them.”

“!”

“!!”

Johan was also surprised by the captain’s exclamation.

Is it really possible?

‘𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘵? 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤?’

“Take back what you said just now and apologize. We republic people never bluff.”

The count who was called out flushed red. He didn’t want to admit it, but he couldn’t ruin the expedition because of his pride.

“. . .I apologize. I’m sorry.”

The count glared at the captain as if to say ‘𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘪𝘵.’ His eyes looked like he would be happier than the enemies if they failed.

After the meeting was over, the republic captains who came out exchanged glances. Their eyes were very anxious and shaken.

“. . .What are we going to do now?”

“. . .We have to figure it out from now on.”

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