How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 351: ๐‘๐ž๐ฌ๐œ๐ฎ๐ž (3)



No offense to the Elf King, but Johan didnโ€™t believe in self-kingโ€™s judgment very much.

To be exact, it wasnโ€™t that he lacked judgment. He made the right judgments, but he twisted them to fit his desires.

If Johan sensed that they were outnumbered and would lose if they fought, he would retreat. Was it reasonable to say, โ€™๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ตโ€™๐˜ด ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข๐˜ด ๐˜ฌ๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต๐˜ด?โ€™

โ€˜๐˜ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฎ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ. . .โ€™

Johanโ€™s strategy was effective. The Elf King pouted and shut his mouth. He looked like he was berating himself for not being able to kill all the enemies by himself and escape.

โ€œYour Highness, I think we should find a place to rest for a while. The elf knights look exhausted.โ€

โ€œIndeed.โ€

Johan nodded at his subordinateโ€™s words. Although he hadnโ€™t been mistreated while he was being held captive, his body became stiff because he was being watched and his actions were restricted.

Although high-ranking nobles received different treatment, even individual knights did not receive luxurious special treatment. The elf knights looked exhausted from their hasty escape.

โ€œWeโ€™ve shaken off the pursuit and put some distance between us overnight, so it shouldnโ€™t matter if we take a break.โ€

โ€œYour Highness! Your Highness! We found a town up ahead.โ€

The centaurs who had scattered and ran ahead returned with bright faces.

Even though it was the same rest, there was a big difference between camping in the forest and getting dew on your body and borrowing a town to get a good nightโ€™s sleep. The elf knightsโ€™ faces also brightened when they heard that. They didnโ€™t show it, but they seemed quite tired.

โ€œItโ€™s okay because weโ€™re far from the enemy. . . Be careful what you do. Thereโ€™s no point in making unnecessary trouble.โ€

โ€œDonโ€™t worry, Duke. If thereโ€™s a problem, Iโ€™ll kill them all!โ€

โ€œ. . .Yeah. Donโ€™t do that.โ€

The elf knights looked at Johan in bewilderment at his words. They thought they had said the right thing.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œWe should go out and scout again tomorrow. . .โ€

โ€œNo. Letโ€™s rest for a few days. If we keep showing our faces around here, theyโ€™ll start to suspect something. Weโ€™d better wait a while.โ€

โ€œBut. . .โ€

The rogues huddled together and grumbled.

While the battle-hardened warriors were poring over the map, the townspeople brought them baskets of freshly baked bread, eggs, sugar, and well-smoked ham. It was an extravagant meal that was hard to believe came from a small town.

Mohado, one of the leaders of the rogues of the Black Mountains, scratched his head.

โ€˜๐˜œ๐˜จ๐˜ฉ. ๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฏโ€™๐˜ต ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜บ๐˜ธ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ.โ€™

The Sultanโ€™s march was a huge shock to the rogues hiding in the Black Mountains. At first, they thought he was coming to punish them.

Fortunately, they found out that wasnโ€™t the case, but that didnโ€™t change anything. No matter how big their band of rogues was, they couldnโ€™t rob the Sultanโ€™s massive army. The rogues had to hold their breath and wait for the storm to pass.

But as time went on, the atmosphere became strange. The Sultanโ€™s army, which they thought would be advancing fiercely, got tied up and even started to fight among themselves.

It was the roguesโ€™ rule to ruthlessly tear apart a weakened opponent. The rogues of the Black Mountains confirmed the rumors and immediately started to move.

Of course, they werenโ€™t crazy enough to go and pillage the Sultanโ€™s camp. Their target was much more realistic.

The enormous supplies headed for the Sultanโ€™s camp.

If they could just rob them once, they would have enough to live comfortably for several years.

Of course, the other side wasnโ€™t stupid enough to leave themselves wide open. The rogues were good at surprise attacks, but they couldnโ€™t possibly win a head-on fight against the elite soldiers.

They could only wait with watering mouths.

โ€œBut, chieftain. If we stay too long, the townspeople might betray us.โ€

โ€œAre there any malcontents?โ€

โ€œNot yet, but isnโ€™t this a little too far from the mountain range?โ€

The rogues of the Black Mountains, like experienced rogues, knew how to use the townspeople well. Lurking in the woods and starving was something that only amateurs would do.

In fact, after quickly occupying the isolated town and bribing them with silver coins, the townspeople welcomed the invaders without any complaints.

However, this method wasnโ€™t invincible. Time would keep passing, and the day would come when the silver coins the rogues gave them would stop being effective. There was no way to prevent traitors from appearing among the townspeople at that time.

โ€œI understand. Letโ€™s try to endure it a little longer. . .โ€

โ€œChieftain! Soldiers are coming to the town!โ€

โ€œWhat?!โ€

Mohado was so surprised that he dropped the sword he was holding. The reason he chose this nameless town was precisely because it was located in a remote and secluded area.

In fact, the feudal lordโ€™s administrator didnโ€™t even visit the town, and the village chief had to go to him in person to pay taxes.

And now, soldiers were coming this way. It was a very ominous sign.

โ€˜๐˜‹๐˜ช๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜บ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ต?โ€™

Mohado gulped. To be honest, he wanted to run away right now, but as a seasoned rogue, Mohado maintained his expression. If he panicked now, the townspeople would become even more agitated.

โ€œW-W-What should we do? Sir, you promised us that you wouldnโ€™t cause any trouble?โ€

The village chief, already terrified, begged with a face as pale as a sheet. No one wanted to end up on the gallows after hiding a band of rogues just to earn a few silver coins.

Mohado was annoyed that he had to worry about saving their lives in this situation, but the cooperation of the townspeople was absolutely necessary. Mohado nodded.

โ€œDonโ€™t worry. I, Mohado, swear by the name of the two gods that I will keep my promise. If we get caught, you can say that we threatened you.โ€

โ€œT-Thank you.โ€

โ€œBut until then, you must also keep your promise!โ€

โ€œYes? What. . .โ€

โ€œYou fool. The soldiers are coming from outside, but do you think theyโ€™ll know everything? At most, theyโ€™ll just be a little suspicious. Stay calm!โ€

โ€œAh. . .โ€

Seeing that the village chief still hadnโ€™t come to his senses, Mohado threatened him in a stern voice.

โ€œThink carefully. Even if I keep my oath, do you think the feudal lord will let it go? Who knows how many people will be hanged? The best thing for all of us is to not get caught.โ€

โ€œY-Yes, sir!โ€

โ€œIf you understand, move quickly! And donโ€™t show any suspicious signs, got it?!โ€

โ€œOh, Iโ€™ve never had to welcome such distinguished guests before. . .โ€

The village chief hurriedly ran off to gather the townโ€™s elders. The rogues were actually getting anxious because he seemed so unsure of himself.

โ€œWhat do we do? Will they be able to pull it off?โ€

โ€œ. . .Donโ€™t tell the townspeople, and lie in wait quietly.โ€

โ€œ!โ€

โ€œIf weโ€™re discovered, we have to kill them. That way, weโ€™ll at least buy some time to escape.โ€

It was something that would terrify the townspeople if they found out, but the rogues were prepared to dye the town red with blood if necessary.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œ. . .Indeed. It is very suspicious.โ€

Arriving at the townโ€™s entrance, Johan made a troubled expression. A vague sense of discomfort was snowballing within him.

Initially, the centaurs failed to understand Johanโ€™s words, but now, they too were frowning, finding the scene equally strange.

โ€œWhat is strange?โ€

In contrast, the elven knights were very composed. Johan kindly explained,

โ€œThey shouldnโ€™t know who we are, yet isnโ€™t it a little strange that theyโ€™re welcoming us so kindly?โ€

As per the custom, two of Johanโ€™s subordinates first visited the town to deliver a message asking for cooperation, as they intended to rest in the town.

Of course, the heavily armed soldiers would be visible in the town, so it was essentially a form of intimidation, but Johan knew well that even intimidation could sometimes have an unexpectedly positive effect if delivered in a friendly manner.

Naturally, due to the situation, Johan concealed his identity, using the name of a suitable noble family. . .

. . .and yet, the village chief greeted them with an excessively enthusiastic welcome.

โ”๐“๐š๐ค๐ข๐ง๐  ๐œ๐š๐ซ๐ž ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ž. ๐–๐ž ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐š๐ง๐ค ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ ๐จ๐๐ฌ!

โ€œIsnโ€™t it natural to treat honorable knights? Although they are pagans, even the customs of pagans include treating guests. . .โ€

Born in a land of plenty and raised as nobles, the elven knights were used to being treated well wherever they went.

It was a custom, a law.

In contrast, Johan and the centaurs were more realistic.

It was customary to treat guests well, but that too varied depending on the situation and place.

Heavily armed warriors visiting an unfamiliar and poor place should not be a cause for such joy.

โ€˜๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ฆ.โ€™

Of course, Johan might be mistaken. It was possible that the village chief was extraordinarily frightened and was thus being overly kind. . .

โ€˜๐˜š๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ, ๐˜ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ.โ€™

โ€œAchladda. Station soldiers at the town entrance and make sure no one escapes.โ€

โ€œYes. I was planning to do that anyway.โ€

Johanโ€™s subordinates were already filled with suspicion.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

The open space where feasts were held in the town became the place to entertain Johan. On a table made by splitting an oak tree in half, food was haphazardly placed.

There were smoked ham and sausages, freshly baked bread and ale, a whole roasted pig and grilled rabbits, a stew of fish caught from the river, small candies hardened with sugar, and more. Although not particularly well-made, it was still a feast for the tired knights who had been traveling.

โ€œTry it first.โ€

โ€œ. . .Ah. Yes!โ€

The village chief, trembling, ate one by one. The elven knights looked at the village chief with half-doubtful expressions.

Although they couldnโ€™t completely ignore the words of the young duke, who was known to be quite extraordinary, they found it hard to believe that these innocent townspeople were scheming something.

โ€œIโ€™ve eaten everything!โ€

โ€œGood. Letโ€™s all eat. You must be tired, so eat a lot.โ€

Johan merely nodded and asked the village chief,

โ€œDo you brew your own ale?โ€

โ€œYes? No.โ€

โ€œThen you bought it?โ€

โ€œYes. . .โ€

โ€œWhere did you buy it?โ€

โ€œW-We have a friend in the town of Suderi who makes amazing alcohol. . .โ€

โ€œI see.โ€

The village chief felt relieved when Johan seemed to accept the explanation.

โ€œBut I donโ€™t see anyone in the town who enjoys drinking ale, so why did you buy it?โ€

โ€œ. . .F-For feasts. . .โ€

โ€œYou serve ale at feasts? Thatโ€™s the first Iโ€™ve heard of such a custom.โ€

The village chiefโ€™s face went from pale to white. He couldnโ€™t understand how a noble knew everything about how they lived.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œHey. This is bad.โ€

The rogues who had been observing clicked their tongues. Even though they couldnโ€™t hear the voices, they could tell that the village chief had made a mistake. The atmosphere was getting tenser.

As expected, even the elven knights, who had been eating and drinking, seemed to sense something was wrong and were placing their hands on their weapons.

โ€œWhen did Mohado-nim say he would arrive? He should come quickly.โ€

โ€œHe said he would come after confirming the enemyโ€™s identity, but he hasnโ€™t come yet. He told us not to act rashly. . .โ€

โ€œI know that! But look. Do you think that guy wonโ€™t figure it out now?? Soon, heโ€™ll figure out even our location!โ€

The rogue wielding a flail spoke forcefully to his comrade. The flail-wielding rogue was a warrior considered Mohadoโ€™s right-hand man. This was due to his bravery, strength, and the numerous achievements he had made.

With such a person speaking forcefully, the other comrades could no longer dissuade him. Moreover, even to them, the current situation seemed rather urgent.

โ€œSend the signal. Paralyze them and then make them surrender!โ€

โ€œU-Understood.โ€

๐๐š๐ง๐ !

The flail-wielding rogue jumped out of his seat and dashed into the open space. Then, he shouted.

โ€œDonโ€™t move! Anyone who moves will have their heads crushed! We have surrounded this place, so it would be wise to surrender peacefully! If I so much as lift a finger, arrows will rain down. . .โ€

The rogue, who had been shouting loudly, sensed something strange.

Normally, when he made such a sudden entrance, the opponents would panic, be frightened, or at the very least, get angry. . .

But his opponents were looking at him with very peculiar expressions.

Puzzled about what those expressions meant, the rogue suddenly recalled a possibility.

It was ridicule.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

Mohado ran in a panic. He realized it only after sneaking around and spying on the foreigners multiple times.

โ€˜๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ!โ€™

The duke who led the expedition from the west, boasting monstrous strength.

The duke who had stormed the fortress of the Black Mountains and made a pact with them. He was certain of it. He couldnโ€™t believe they were here, so he confirmed it several times, but it was true.

โ€œStop! Thereโ€™s no need to fight! That manโ€™s true identity is the monstrous duke!โ€

โ€œ. . . . . .โ€

โ€œ. . . . . .โ€

Mohado, who had been shouting while running through the alleyways, froze.

The subordinates who were supposed to be waiting were all lying face down on the ground, and the elven knights and centaurs were looking at Mohado with expressionless faces.

,

No offense to the Elf King, but Johan didnโ€™t believe in self-kingโ€™s judgment very much.

To be exact, it wasnโ€™t that he lacked judgment. He made the right judgments, but he twisted them to fit his desires.

If Johan sensed that they were outnumbered and would lose if they fought, he would retreat. Was it reasonable to say, โ€™๐˜“๐˜ฆ๐˜ตโ€™๐˜ด ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ข๐˜ด ๐˜ฌ๐˜ฏ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฉ๐˜ต๐˜ด?โ€™

โ€˜๐˜ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฎ๐˜ข๐˜ฌ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ฎ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ถ๐˜ต ๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฅ. . .โ€™

Johanโ€™s strategy was effective. The Elf King pouted and shut his mouth. He looked like he was berating himself for not being able to kill all the enemies by himself and escape.

โ€œYour Highness, I think we should find a place to rest for a while. The elf knights look exhausted.โ€

โ€œIndeed.โ€

Johan nodded at his subordinateโ€™s words. Although he hadnโ€™t been mistreated while he was being held captive, his body became stiff because he was being watched and his actions were restricted.

Although high-ranking nobles received different treatment, even individual knights did not receive luxurious special treatment. The elf knights looked exhausted from their hasty escape.

โ€œWeโ€™ve shaken off the pursuit and put some distance between us overnight, so it shouldnโ€™t matter if we take a break.โ€

โ€œYour Highness! Your Highness! We found a town up ahead.โ€

The centaurs who had scattered and ran ahead returned with bright faces.

Even though it was the same rest, there was a big difference between camping in the forest and getting dew on your body and borrowing a town to get a good nightโ€™s sleep. The elf knightsโ€™ faces also brightened when they heard that. They didnโ€™t show it, but they seemed quite tired.

โ€œItโ€™s okay because weโ€™re far from the enemy. . . Be careful what you do. Thereโ€™s no point in making unnecessary trouble.โ€

โ€œDonโ€™t worry, Duke. If thereโ€™s a problem, Iโ€™ll kill them all!โ€

โ€œ. . .Yeah. Donโ€™t do that.โ€

The elf knights looked at Johan in bewilderment at his words. They thought they had said the right thing.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œWe should go out and scout again tomorrow. . .โ€

โ€œNo. Letโ€™s rest for a few days. If we keep showing our faces around here, theyโ€™ll start to suspect something. Weโ€™d better wait a while.โ€

โ€œBut. . .โ€

The rogues huddled together and grumbled.

While the battle-hardened warriors were poring over the map, the townspeople brought them baskets of freshly baked bread, eggs, sugar, and well-smoked ham. It was an extravagant meal that was hard to believe came from a small town.

Mohado, one of the leaders of the rogues of the Black Mountains, scratched his head.

โ€˜๐˜œ๐˜จ๐˜ฉ. ๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฏโ€™๐˜ต ๐˜จ๐˜ฐ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜บ๐˜ธ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ.โ€™

The Sultanโ€™s march was a huge shock to the rogues hiding in the Black Mountains. At first, they thought he was coming to punish them.

Fortunately, they found out that wasnโ€™t the case, but that didnโ€™t change anything. No matter how big their band of rogues was, they couldnโ€™t rob the Sultanโ€™s massive army. The rogues had to hold their breath and wait for the storm to pass.

But as time went on, the atmosphere became strange. The Sultanโ€™s army, which they thought would be advancing fiercely, got tied up and even started to fight among themselves.

It was the roguesโ€™ rule to ruthlessly tear apart a weakened opponent. The rogues of the Black Mountains confirmed the rumors and immediately started to move.

Of course, they werenโ€™t crazy enough to go and pillage the Sultanโ€™s camp. Their target was much more realistic.

The enormous supplies headed for the Sultanโ€™s camp.

If they could just rob them once, they would have enough to live comfortably for several years.

Of course, the other side wasnโ€™t stupid enough to leave themselves wide open. The rogues were good at surprise attacks, but they couldnโ€™t possibly win a head-on fight against the elite soldiers.

They could only wait with watering mouths.

โ€œBut, chieftain. If we stay too long, the townspeople might betray us.โ€

โ€œAre there any malcontents?โ€

โ€œNot yet, but isnโ€™t this a little too far from the mountain range?โ€

The rogues of the Black Mountains, like experienced rogues, knew how to use the townspeople well. Lurking in the woods and starving was something that only amateurs would do.

In fact, after quickly occupying the isolated town and bribing them with silver coins, the townspeople welcomed the invaders without any complaints.

However, this method wasnโ€™t invincible. Time would keep passing, and the day would come when the silver coins the rogues gave them would stop being effective. There was no way to prevent traitors from appearing among the townspeople at that time.

โ€œI understand. Letโ€™s try to endure it a little longer. . .โ€

โ€œChieftain! Soldiers are coming to the town!โ€

โ€œWhat?!โ€

Mohado was so surprised that he dropped the sword he was holding. The reason he chose this nameless town was precisely because it was located in a remote and secluded area.

In fact, the feudal lordโ€™s administrator didnโ€™t even visit the town, and the village chief had to go to him in person to pay taxes.

And now, soldiers were coming this way. It was a very ominous sign.

โ€˜๐˜‹๐˜ช๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ๐˜บ ๐˜ง๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ต?โ€™

Mohado gulped. To be honest, he wanted to run away right now, but as a seasoned rogue, Mohado maintained his expression. If he panicked now, the townspeople would become even more agitated.

โ€œW-W-What should we do? Sir, you promised us that you wouldnโ€™t cause any trouble?โ€

The village chief, already terrified, begged with a face as pale as a sheet. No one wanted to end up on the gallows after hiding a band of rogues just to earn a few silver coins.

Mohado was annoyed that he had to worry about saving their lives in this situation, but the cooperation of the townspeople was absolutely necessary. Mohado nodded.

โ€œDonโ€™t worry. I, Mohado, swear by the name of the two gods that I will keep my promise. If we get caught, you can say that we threatened you.โ€

โ€œT-Thank you.โ€

โ€œBut until then, you must also keep your promise!โ€

โ€œYes? What. . .โ€

โ€œYou fool. The soldiers are coming from outside, but do you think theyโ€™ll know everything? At most, theyโ€™ll just be a little suspicious. Stay calm!โ€

โ€œAh. . .โ€

Seeing that the village chief still hadnโ€™t come to his senses, Mohado threatened him in a stern voice.

โ€œThink carefully. Even if I keep my oath, do you think the feudal lord will let it go? Who knows how many people will be hanged? The best thing for all of us is to not get caught.โ€

โ€œY-Yes, sir!โ€

โ€œIf you understand, move quickly! And donโ€™t show any suspicious signs, got it?!โ€

โ€œOh, Iโ€™ve never had to welcome such distinguished guests before. . .โ€

The village chief hurriedly ran off to gather the townโ€™s elders. The rogues were actually getting anxious because he seemed so unsure of himself.

โ€œWhat do we do? Will they be able to pull it off?โ€

โ€œ. . .Donโ€™t tell the townspeople, and lie in wait quietly.โ€

โ€œ!โ€

โ€œIf weโ€™re discovered, we have to kill them. That way, weโ€™ll at least buy some time to escape.โ€

It was something that would terrify the townspeople if they found out, but the rogues were prepared to dye the town red with blood if necessary.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œ. . .Indeed. It is very suspicious.โ€

Arriving at the townโ€™s entrance, Johan made a troubled expression. A vague sense of discomfort was snowballing within him.

Initially, the centaurs failed to understand Johanโ€™s words, but now, they too were frowning, finding the scene equally strange.

โ€œWhat is strange?โ€

In contrast, the elven knights were very composed. Johan kindly explained,

โ€œThey shouldnโ€™t know who we are, yet isnโ€™t it a little strange that theyโ€™re welcoming us so kindly?โ€

As per the custom, two of Johanโ€™s subordinates first visited the town to deliver a message asking for cooperation, as they intended to rest in the town.

Of course, the heavily armed soldiers would be visible in the town, so it was essentially a form of intimidation, but Johan knew well that even intimidation could sometimes have an unexpectedly positive effect if delivered in a friendly manner.

Naturally, due to the situation, Johan concealed his identity, using the name of a suitable noble family. . .

. . .and yet, the village chief greeted them with an excessively enthusiastic welcome.

โ”๐“๐š๐ค๐ข๐ง๐  ๐œ๐š๐ซ๐ž ๐จ๐Ÿ ๐ ๐ฎ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ฌ ๐ข๐ฌ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ซ ๐ฎ๐ญ๐ฆ๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ฉ๐ฅ๐ž๐š๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ซ๐ž. ๐–๐ž ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐ญ๐ก๐š๐ง๐ค ๐ญ๐ก๐ž ๐ ๐จ๐๐ฌ!

โ€œIsnโ€™t it natural to treat honorable knights? Although they are pagans, even the customs of pagans include treating guests. . .โ€

Born in a land of plenty and raised as nobles, the elven knights were used to being treated well wherever they went.

It was a custom, a law.

In contrast, Johan and the centaurs were more realistic.

It was customary to treat guests well, but that too varied depending on the situation and place.

Heavily armed warriors visiting an unfamiliar and poor place should not be a cause for such joy.

โ€˜๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ท๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ๐˜บ ๐˜ด๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ฏ๐˜จ๐˜ฆ.โ€™

Of course, Johan might be mistaken. It was possible that the village chief was extraordinarily frightened and was thus being overly kind. . .

โ€˜๐˜š๐˜ต๐˜ช๐˜ญ๐˜ญ, ๐˜ ๐˜ด๐˜ฉ๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ ๐˜ธ๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฆ๐˜ฅ๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ฃ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฅ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ.โ€™

โ€œAchladda. Station soldiers at the town entrance and make sure no one escapes.โ€

โ€œYes. I was planning to do that anyway.โ€

Johanโ€™s subordinates were already filled with suspicion.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

The open space where feasts were held in the town became the place to entertain Johan. On a table made by splitting an oak tree in half, food was haphazardly placed.

There were smoked ham and sausages, freshly baked bread and ale, a whole roasted pig and grilled rabbits, a stew of fish caught from the river, small candies hardened with sugar, and more. Although not particularly well-made, it was still a feast for the tired knights who had been traveling.

โ€œTry it first.โ€

โ€œ. . .Ah. Yes!โ€

The village chief, trembling, ate one by one. The elven knights looked at the village chief with half-doubtful expressions.

Although they couldnโ€™t completely ignore the words of the young duke, who was known to be quite extraordinary, they found it hard to believe that these innocent townspeople were scheming something.

โ€œIโ€™ve eaten everything!โ€

โ€œGood. Letโ€™s all eat. You must be tired, so eat a lot.โ€

Johan merely nodded and asked the village chief,

โ€œDo you brew your own ale?โ€

โ€œYes? No.โ€

โ€œThen you bought it?โ€

โ€œYes. . .โ€

โ€œWhere did you buy it?โ€

โ€œW-We have a friend in the town of Suderi who makes amazing alcohol. . .โ€

โ€œI see.โ€

The village chief felt relieved when Johan seemed to accept the explanation.

โ€œBut I donโ€™t see anyone in the town who enjoys drinking ale, so why did you buy it?โ€

โ€œ. . .F-For feasts. . .โ€

โ€œYou serve ale at feasts? Thatโ€™s the first Iโ€™ve heard of such a custom.โ€

The village chiefโ€™s face went from pale to white. He couldnโ€™t understand how a noble knew everything about how they lived.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œHey. This is bad.โ€

The rogues who had been observing clicked their tongues. Even though they couldnโ€™t hear the voices, they could tell that the village chief had made a mistake. The atmosphere was getting tenser.

As expected, even the elven knights, who had been eating and drinking, seemed to sense something was wrong and were placing their hands on their weapons.

โ€œWhen did Mohado-nim say he would arrive? He should come quickly.โ€

โ€œHe said he would come after confirming the enemyโ€™s identity, but he hasnโ€™t come yet. He told us not to act rashly. . .โ€

โ€œI know that! But look. Do you think that guy wonโ€™t figure it out now?? Soon, heโ€™ll figure out even our location!โ€

The rogue wielding a flail spoke forcefully to his comrade. The flail-wielding rogue was a warrior considered Mohadoโ€™s right-hand man. This was due to his bravery, strength, and the numerous achievements he had made.

With such a person speaking forcefully, the other comrades could no longer dissuade him. Moreover, even to them, the current situation seemed rather urgent.

โ€œSend the signal. Paralyze them and then make them surrender!โ€

โ€œU-Understood.โ€

๐๐š๐ง๐ !

The flail-wielding rogue jumped out of his seat and dashed into the open space. Then, he shouted.

โ€œDonโ€™t move! Anyone who moves will have their heads crushed! We have surrounded this place, so it would be wise to surrender peacefully! If I so much as lift a finger, arrows will rain down. . .โ€

The rogue, who had been shouting loudly, sensed something strange.

Normally, when he made such a sudden entrance, the opponents would panic, be frightened, or at the very least, get angry. . .

But his opponents were looking at him with very peculiar expressions.

Puzzled about what those expressions meant, the rogue suddenly recalled a possibility.

It was ridicule.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

Mohado ran in a panic. He realized it only after sneaking around and spying on the foreigners multiple times.

โ€˜๐˜›๐˜ฉ๐˜ข๐˜ต ๐˜ง๐˜ฐ๐˜ณ๐˜ฆ๐˜ช๐˜จ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ๐˜ณ ๐˜ช๐˜ด ๐˜ต๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ฐ๐˜ฏ๐˜ฆ!โ€™

The duke who led the expedition from the west, boasting monstrous strength.

The duke who had stormed the fortress of the Black Mountains and made a pact with them. He was certain of it. He couldnโ€™t believe they were here, so he confirmed it several times, but it was true.

โ€œStop! Thereโ€™s no need to fight! That manโ€™s true identity is the monstrous duke!โ€

โ€œ. . . . . .โ€

โ€œ. . . . . .โ€

Mohado, who had been shouting while running through the alleyways, froze.

The subordinates who were supposed to be waiting were all lying face down on the ground, and the elven knights and centaurs were looking at Mohado with expressionless faces.

THIS CHAPTER UPLOAD FIRST AT NOVELBIN.COM


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