Chapter 16
phDxRThe mission of the subjugation unit raised in the city of Varna was reaching its final stages.VodGL7
eatvThey have mobilized mercenaries to reduce the number of monsters in the forest, so next spring they will be able to release sheep and cows into the fields with peace of mind.UrSc6
LiQplPuAlthough the results were not significant enough to please Josef, the commander of the subjugation unit.HNCAt
cdoaL“Those bastards who couldn’t even say a word to Vlad.”J7T
MRTfDWhen Vlad became Zayar’s squire and naturally left the mercenaries, Gott became the new leader of the 4th squad.wcu
Ih6fxB6Now, there were only six members left, including himself.rItln8V
8sEL54g“Since it’s almost over, let’s endure.”iXg7S
uiLTypically, the position of a squad leader should be taken by the strongest and most influential person. However, now that the subjugation was coming to an end, it practically became a position for taking care of trivial matters.kTdZ
xUdri1In other words, Gott was pushed into troublesome tasks.FW0
3bmYlkA“Why is the fog so thick in winter?”P15cz3
dXqqYHFor this reason, despite being the leader of a squad, Gott was out in the middle of the night, standing watch.Jp8k5yQ
qGQlpCtThe last camp before the final subjugation.3Tl3Wr7
3sgOWlGott looked at the surrounding mist, the approaching sleep, the cold weather, and missed his sleeping bag at the camp.GWhtnNb
Mhs7“Anything unusual?”L2T
Jhg“There doesn’t seem to be anything special.”l9D
f06hThere was a man suddenly coming out of the fog towards Gott, who was yawning for a long time.UkJops1
QfPThe man had short-cropped black hair and a thick build.TWaQ7gt
ZSGGyl“Stay alert and keep up the good work.”CM9LSo
LYnWo“Yes, Sir Rodrick.”SfjvjW9
vv7DKnight Rodrick.ujE
LmFFor Josef, who had few knights loyal to him, Rodrick was the only one who could do his bidding aside from Zayar.TUQwsXk
zOQyzrAnd it was also the reason why Gott, who was far from diligent, focused on the role of standing watch.MC59PU
J58“Tsk. He is so sturdy that a single needle won’t get through him.”a4aiib
kGRTaJAs Rodrick passed by, Gott muttered in an inaudible voice.6Gr
IjcThe presence of Rodrick, who values discipline and rules anytime and anywhere, was a burden to the mercenaries.Ls9HU
pRe“Shall I close my eyes for a moment now?”TUELK2D
abIJ5KSince he just went on patrol, he could probably relax for a while.H7Ia
eCUAzJust as Gott was about to close his eyes.xdex
NI5G“What are you doing here?”Vi717I
954wxvlRodrick’s voice echoed through the thick fog.KtMV9G
fSy‘Hasn’t he left yet?’CIok
Y6k2oGott opened his eyes wide and tried to find Rodrick by relying on the torches scattered around.QB2fPQ
Asr9“What do you mean, you are looking for a child?”z0Pn
oBLD‘Who is he talking to?’Xdl18
dSWI0In the dark night, amidst the thick fog.fdQJ5M
qZtJDAAlthough the visibility was not clear, it was evident that Rodrick was having a conversation with someone.6on0b
eBuFBut the strange thing was that while Rodrick’s voice was clear, the voice of the person he was talking to was not audible at all.SzZgB6t
FYJ“Now that I see, you look like a crazy woman. I am not your child.”zVCqha
gfWPI4S‘Child?’H09
IuKJtYxIn the strange conversation that didn’t seem to make sense, Gott found himself unknowingly focusing on the direction from which Rodrick’s voice could be heard.yfVV70K
0TpZR“…”HGJk
tnSxHowever, Rodrick’s voice that had been coming through the fog seemed to have stopped, as if it were suddenly cut off.nGLkF
Zlx‘What’s going on?’kv9
RLUFmSensing something odd, Gott left his post and quietly moved towards the direction where the sound had been coming from.5dY1g
48z2qAlthough his sword skills were not remarkable, Gott possessed the ability to move discreetly like a swindler.ALU5E1v
CYUVqStep-step-gZL1lM
v48QH7cAll he could hear was his own footsteps on the snow, and there was no sign of Rodrick, who had been talking to anyone just a moment ago.ZP29Z
aq9cEm‘…. Where is he going?’OsRj
0rq5Yet, in the distance, Rodrick could be seen walking towards the illuminated edge of the torch.b8Aol
9FHxuW‘What’s that?’9fzecJl
3Wgsd9ZBut there was something strange. It was circling around Rodrick as he walked towards the forest.GjBu
9ngV4bz‘…!’U8dUppf
Zlp0The moment Gott vaguely confirmed its identity, a chill ran down his spine.2LJ3Bs
fxOf‘What is that!’h5rkBy
wZkGA faint figure in the dense fog.wo4SA
0CWCf8YIt was a woman with long hair.yooc
LSqfl7sThe woman’s hair was swirling around Rodrick as if she had no physical body to run with.0ds
hhw336U※※※※Z3zX
GXavSTa“So, I plan to return to Varna as soon as this subjugation unit returns…”ll4
JUp9JSMJosef stretched his words as he looked around at the knights.nFNkK
IOsA peculiar atmosphere enveloped them.Ly08pJL
vciYDThe knights avoided making eye contact with Josef, as if they were somehow embarrassed.sifVC
FAzrAnd amidst them, Zayar had a vague smile, which was the complete opposite.qPNn63
gstP6“I hope you prepare accordingly.”hDbsWy
SSSu“…Yes.”VKemVP
1Gcz“Understood, Lord Josef.”ag4m
hXcQjgg“Well then, that’s how it should be.”3LcUXRt
nslcAfter finishing his words, Josef turned his head to survey the knights.J9drA
KfpIqcsMore precisely, he was looking at the squires standing behind the knights.VqB8yR4
OB0UBehind each knight stood squires assisting them.LHmgZ0a
wLf1At“…”bPz
SmzThey all seemed to be in a disheveled state.BD6I
qV7pPCrVordan’s squire, with swollen eyes, was in relatively better condition.nVnJc
69mBloodshot eyes, cracked lips, and an expression that seemed somewhat frightened.LgF
997Only Vlad, standing behind Zayar, had a clean face and an expression that seemed to convey utter confusion.Eov
MqtTGg“Dismissed, then.”sum4Ro
CZoVHPW“Cough, um!”G01JD
iMo“With such fierceness.”soWYZi
nqE“As expected of those from the back alleys, tsk tsk.”Cpem
72To9k7Although it was unclear to whom they were speaking, the knights said a few words one by one and left the tent.oGcO8zp
WxLAs soon as all the knights except Zayar left the tent, Josef looked at Vlad with sad eyes.LNyr
6f9“Did you hit him?”VbO
fkw“I’m not sure what you’re talking about…..”L6PGiwx
Dxsf“I hate lies.”xuCejT8
mCWn“… There was a brief hazing last night.”JNZ55t1
ky6aPqX“Hazing?”HZURFD
lmnNAs Zayar’s hand was about to rise, Vlad quickly responded.Ph8ozNT
vShpRh“They wanted to receive senior treatment.”EYuuAOS
9w9zCurrently, Vlad officially held the position of Zayar’s squire. Despite some complicated stories, at least it seemed that way in the eyes of others.z9m
yW54ETf“And?”NBiek
qU7T3“It is usually a ceremony where newcomers introduce themselves, right? So, I just showed them what they wanted to see.”XN24a6
KOwTypically, unless in special circumstances, the position of a knight’s squire was given to the children of nobles or wealthy families who aspired to become knights.eBRcDt9
KIoRldPIn the first place, it was the same as the position one had to go through to become a knight, so even though the position of squire involved doing chores, it could be said to be a position that ordinary people could not even dream of.SmN
PHj7QknIn the world where these precious young masters gathered, having an unfamiliar fellow like him around was undoubtedly a problem that needed to be addressed at least once from their perspective.HObXm
IIypi“Well… it’s a hundred times better than getting beaten up and coming back.”PPFqj
nsRFLWhen Josef’s gaze turned towards Zayar, he shrugged and responded.TpaP1
3G4XSJ“Boys of that age grow up fighting with each other.”woPeVm
KdEfd3“It seems to put you in a good mood for some reason.”ocVDoH
WmJqmf1“Everyone hopes for their dog to be better than other dogs of different homes.”H8lcd5
sFxAlthough Vlad was compared with a dog, he dared not express dissatisfaction, as the presence of the two people here was too overwhelming.Wrm
3X1“Well… I suppose that’s true from my perspective as well.”aI3
ZQDonUyJosef nodded in understanding at Zayar’s words.maHhjS
jClBam!1JcI
rwHCckw“Ugh!”n0aR
EmDAt that moment, Zayar’s palm struck the back of Vlad’s head.o4ySE
wtEaCn“There. Don’t come back after getting beaten up anywhere else, except by me.”hR28
WbqGwM“Is this a compliment?”PhhN0
xfSu0“If you’re a knight, you should be on alert as if it’s a real battle anytime, anywhere. You just died once.”ClI1
OydVlad could only rub the back of his head at Zayar’s actions, not knowing whether he was criticizing or praising him.GPXzv
C7okJg“No need to use this guy…”qumB
pTQ4K“Not right now.”0L1w9L
75x7p“Did you hear? Go out.”PXfb
B0joEUnlike regular knights, Zayar served as the closest guard to Josef.5v1jbC
WYf“…Alright, I’ll go.”OeQCc
Q4omyThe words also meant that there was no need to stick close to Zayar all day like the other squires.amB1
UXUKkOVVlad left the tent and muttered in a quiet voice that no one could hear.1sYWo
kAs6iW“He spars with me twice a day. It’s getting monotonous.”npHRfjT
IrOWWeZ[Kid. That is truly a golden opportunity.]7py
nhevdTTThe voice spoke to Vlad, who was scratching the back of his head and quietly complaining.j3CFC
I94DkM3[If others were in your shoes, they would gladly pay to spar with Zayar. He’s a knight of that much value.]y1Ex
cagq“It just seems like he wants to hit me.”mFSQw2A
nuRa[That’s why the quality of the sparring has improved. Enthusiasm is crucial no matter where you are.]FvwE
1x1I“…”U7ud0o8
L3oJMorning and evening, sparring with Zayar was the only fixed routine for Vlad.fCAiAIs
8AFwkApart from that, Vlad had all the free time in the world.sKzqI
7sQwhNow that he was no longer a mercenary, there was no need for him to venture into the forest for subjugation, and there were plenty of mercenaries around in order to do the chores for him.MTRtJzq
GBx8r“I should go see Priest Andrea.”zOpn8n
kyidC[It will be convenient in one way or another to build a relationship with an influential person.]l42xN21
WQbEImmediately after the mask of Riemann was removed and his true face was revealed, Vlad confessed his sins like a lamb in front of Andrea.9Jw
fN4Ix0“There are times when honesty is the answer.”bGDbS
n0A[A head-on breakthrough is the cleanest way.]ZCEWt
AFxeA relationship with a prestigious priest was worth putting aside one’s pride.VZRB6j0
DRJlM“God forgives everything. Just as I am here now for you to hear your words.”w6f
DLKEven if Vlad deceived him, Priest Andrea listened to all of Vlad’s confessions and forgave him. He even expressed gratitude for coming to him and confessing all his sins.N2MHT
wRmbZZHe was indeed a priest worthy of admiration.ux2ZoFb
Tuk9A1k[If you consistently show your face, there will come a day when you earn his favor.]taQPh
gviOZqThere were some crises over the past few days, but in the end, he became a knight’s squire and his relationship with priest Andrea became stronger again, so Vlad took the best he could from this monster subjugation mission.8QoeL
YwRTFk“Well, how about chopping some firewood?”WKSnm
B10OTo impress Andrea, Vlad started chopping firewood for him.DYErQ5t
MSWLceh“Captain! Riemann… No, Captain!”VVgQ
B6TyaIn the midst of chopping wood, a desperate voice called out to Vlad.bBd
ZdDBmi“When did you return?”l9f
p4nPGEven though Vlad showed a disinterested reaction, Gott looked around anxiously and spoke urgently.UyydB
EeeQCd“Captain.”jmF9L
dyjekhw“Why are you calling me your captain? I’m not a captain anymore.”FllUxPG
Yg9“Then, Vlad.”8aU5h8d
dnmx7W“Don’t act like we’re close.”ijT
013“No, then what should I call you…”vAf9B
4idXGott was protesting in an aggrieved voice, but he cautiously approached Vlad, who was chopping firewood, as if this was not the time.lz08aR
BerBzKE“What?”lcxN
7A54P“I’m planning to escape from here tonight.”XPGT
Yj1“Why?”qAL
dGc5“Don’t forget that I’m saying this only as goodwill. Consider it goodwill for later when you laugh about it.”kxz
S8jVlad chuckled at the goodwill expressed by the swindler.Uj6
oaM3U7“Sure, what do you want to say?”yRPw3
Nel“….. Don’t take my words lightly. I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”fEWd
KqdnIRWIt was only then that Vlad put down the ax he had been using to chop firewood as Gott’s demeanor was completely different from usual.mCLKT5
vPiN“What is it?”G6m
1P6dGott said in a low voice, looking at Vlad who was finally ready to listen to him.F5Tj
HHK2“That forest. The forest we’re subduing.”0QsJcb6
msTGWkrWith a trembling voice and uncertain gaze, Gott continued.OhSJ
g5RW“That forest is cursed.”KMYzU6
LTE0T2“What?”XOsyh2
03uqThe swindler’s words seemed to carry genuine sincerity.QLrsp
Eyg9q“We’ve had some deserters so far, right? Even though the pay is good and the working conditions aren’t bad here.”iPFF
b83aXk“That’s true.”H3wEA9
9WpZjWhile Vlad was getting more absorbed in Gott’s story, Gott spoke in a hushed voice.0NmmkF7
xyQe“All those deserters, they were taken by the forest. Not just deserters, but real missing people.”8cGfDO
OAAb“What? Are you saying there are ghosts in the forest kidnapping people?”bif
TVLCertainly, there were deserters even in a decent working environment. However, since mercenaries, by nature, were individuals who preferred to move freely and do as they pleased, Vlad had simply overlooked it.lIQ77
YDS“There is a ghost. I saw it for real.”vQHjGU
41xid“You’re insane. Just leave.”OL4U
rqP7T6cAlthough Vlad had entertained the somewhat plausible story, he rapidly lost interest when absurd and vague statements started coming out.ibuGn
u8fmw“Even the knight went missing during this subjugation! It’s not a lie!”Y2b5
iOwxh8cUntil Gott’s next words.RBh4q
FG5P“What?”9GAYeig
IOUKEM5“And I investigated once when I returned, you know?”m76LK
QOjUkaoWhen Gott said that the knight was missing, Vlad sensed that the situation was unusual.BxB3
0QNbW“The ones who are still missing.”O3G3wtX
0GrQ7KWhen does a swindler tell a lie?BLBb
vjsOeIt is only a moment when he benefits.kkXFX
sqeOah“They all had black hair.”s0tsz
EPWuvs“What?”EAIJN
5N6aERHowever, for Gott, now wasn’t the time for such matters.e44
mjkEIVlad looked at Gott again, realizing the gravity of the situation.V4FhN
QcNcD6“Isn’t it strange? All of them had black hair.”0OQ
liaHe was truly afraid.NGFSdo
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