Chapter 21
RPCThe Return Journey to the City of Varna.0ffF
dQ8zJosef confirmed that Vlad had recovered enough to move, immediately mobilizing the subjugation team.Nxhb
dHKfcAlthough the two knights under his command had not fully regained their senses, they were at a stage where they could not recover with just a day or two of care, so it was an unavoidable measure.8Xy
BLeVr“My guess is this. This might have been an attempt to show something rather than a direct intention to kill me.”Q0p71
BCWr“······.”WIFS
TbRbInside the swaying carriage, Vlad silently listened to Josef’s words.Q5vI9L
GAMgNo, he had no choice but to listen.UhYloYb
3VSJosef had assigned the carriage he usually rode to his knights who had not yet come to their senses, so there was only one carriage left.uuj8BL
aGQ7Py“Why do you think so? It’s simple. The conclusion was too hasty compared to the effort put in. They had succeeded in separating Zayar and left me in danger, so they should have quickly finished me off. But that didn’t happen.”QUv0K
HMbW“······That’s true.”FYV
bU0h5XvAs a result, Vlad had no choice but to quietly listen to the words of Josef, a nobleman, superior, and commander.XQIB05F
ab8G‘He is a man of many words.’DtaU
Z5WjCwzJosef, who had become one step closer to Vlad through last night’s battle, was willing to reveal his true self.Jc6Qka
CJpfZOf course, he didn’t reveal everything, but to others, it would seem like Vlad was clearly favored by Josef.ilO
aHLEeY‘And there are quite a lot of people like that.’pFjT
hPbbThough Zemina was talkative too, he was able to handle her. Because when he told her to shut up, she would shut up. But with Josef, it was a different story.OA1LeZ
iNYK8‘I wonder how she’s doing.’0X7
j0oListening to Josef’s gossip while sitting there, Vlad felt somewhat depressed. So, he turned his head and looked out the window of the carriage.xCzwwG
LTB7There was no serene scenery in the direction Vlad looked; only the figure of Zayar, who seemed to be watching him fiercely.CmFYbdX
StYI‘Treat him properly.’svoFf
HGSyvKHis eyes said so.4LeRoG
HoU8rwVlad had nothing to say since he dared to make the knight he was serving as his squire ride a horse and he himself was comfortably riding in a carriage.dv3Z
gjT‘Damn.’ZrjVwy
jwGVlad, who had been pricked by Zayar’s gaze, turned his head and looked at the window on the other side.VeLJ4
NMYBut even in the place he fled to for solace, there was someone waiting for Vlad.5d6gD5
shUBXA man with a long chin sending him signals with noisy gestures and kicks.E9IZvon
0iiiNKh‘Tell him about me! Captain, speak for me!’MN28e
E9cOn the opposite side of the window, there was Gott, urging Vlad to tell Josef about his achievements.lsv
K8v6Z‘…Really annoying.’TbshYvZ
ndD7s6With loud commotion from the front and fierce gazes from both sides, Vlad just wanted to leave this place and walk freely.RIEj9
HJzEm7l“Think about it. Why would that be?”jX6
OyLDds“…I feel like I’d remember if I had a drink.”bClquM
DrQbu6T“That’s a bit tricky.”C99te
yqP2WJosef noticed that Vlad had his eyes on his whiskey and quickly pulled out the bottle, placing it behind himself.T2V2qg
PeceF“I live on an allowance too.”BzYIay
CAhAX“People live the same everywhere.”z8T
BGZo42“Just hope you can get up on your own soon.”A5qAKg5
QgfiJosef smiled softly when he saw Vlad racking his brain trying to come up with an answer, perhaps because of the alcohol or because of his own question.zdps
U8AYWvTo truly shine, a person had to meet various conditions. It wasn’t just about skill with a sword; it included character, knowledge, manners, and more.IQG
oMo6BAnd the blond boy in front of him certainly had potential, but he lacked in many aspects.usMXmT
m0ukL‘I can’t personally teach him the sword, but.’k5lmd
lL9Due to his frail body, Josef may not be able to teach him the sword directly, but he may be able to teach him other things instead.HsJH9gG
QJPMAfter all, Josef was someone with such capabilities.a8Limb
DEd“Well, isn’t this something like a warning? A warning to the Bayezid family by killing you, Lord Josef? It does not matter even if they can’t kill you?”hxz7Fn
y4Rc2“Go on.”Lp8dX
UoR“You’re not angry because I said ‘It does not matter even if they can’t kill you,’ right?”ctE
n9Jk2“Not really.”BI3bnD
Dm1z4bAlthough he said that, Vlad frowned as he watched Josef open the bottle and drink alone.m14Bl
yLYw“Of course, I wouldn’t be able to know, right?”8bdSGgm
IDlVig“Still, give it some thought.”o7GFEQ
eeriJwiEven though he was sitting in the carriage, Vlad was constantly receiving training.fg5v7
3PGqvc“I said think about it.”3gD
SMiRNdCJosef casually shook the whiskey bottle in front of Vlad and spoke.47BBemU
1cPH6zIThink.Pxsa
0Srz2jDon’t just accept the situation, but filter it through your own judgment.t7gqFKN
rWiTjwLogical reasoning based on cause and effect, clues from the surroundings.1W2Ta5
u9lXHThrough them, Josef wanted to train Vlad to become a knight with excellent judgment, no less than Zayar.RN3nmxc
MzIysqQBecause the boy’s potential was shining.1CVKF
icF“I don’t know…”gIg3wZ
y8C8eWhether Vlad frowned or not, the journey back to Varna was incredibly peaceful.Rk3
kns7CAs if the real target was not Josef as he thought.YWRM
mqfTo※※※※cFqOL
joPKAnCity of Varna.rjBn8y
wvGdaOne of the three cities under the rule of the County of Bayezid.RZuKm
3FAyAs a city that had recruited a monster subjugation team, upon arriving here, Josef had to disband the mercenaries and report on the subjugation to the city’s mayor.WN7
ywJBeing the son of a count has a higher status than being an appointed mayor, but procedures were procedures.8ALequ
mgJuAnd Count Bayezid mercilessly punished anyone who acted beyond the rules, even if it was his own son.gavTJ
yJKu“I guess we will stay here for about a day.”MsKw0
xvvFo8Josef was not a resident of Varna.aoi3hF
1GvulAfter completing administrative procedures here, he planned to depart for Sturma, the ancestral home of the Bayezid family.NDWTbt
hLrq9gAnd there, he needed to devise a new plan to make up for the current failure.RT0L
BDYZP“Is this your first time in Varna?”T5wsK
W8st“It’s always the first time wherever I go.”739vW
XSE3y“Now that I think about it, you’re a country bumpkin.”cQP
4Xw7wSeeing Vlad say that he had only been active in the vicinity of Shoara his whole life, Zayar laughed as if he found something amusing.6qRcx
jOSV“Well, I’ll give you a day off today. Take a tour around the city.”76Gl
IiH“Don’t get lost, brat.”tJNkEme
yaxNK“······.”4pLL
VM5oVlad couldn’t help but feel frustrated by Zayar’s mockery, but there was nothing he could do.YU05H
7dAIn reality, it was true that he lacked experience and insight.O7nzEJv
tjR[Zayar seems to like you.]BZJN
q9gHAUW‘If he likes me a bit more, he might try to kill me.’ZVj4en
lRsYPHearing the absurd words in his mind, Vlad shook his jingling pouch.O5ss6n
R1Z“What’s in this city~?”B0eSYq
YnIs1IRegardless of Zayar’s attitude, Vlad’s words as he held the money naturally carried a rhythm.xZL
D2bWhat Josef had given him was a kind of daily wage.y0F
4BfvVlad, who is practically penniless, would need a minimum amount of money to enjoy the city of Varna.4mb
tjbIb“As expected, a rich man’s dog is better off than a beggar on the streets.”V6XaVaM
k9t[Instead of fooling around, buy things that can be useful for the future.]6jiu3
ohtZ“Huh?”jey25
HWGYVlad had considered indulging himself a bit after a long time, but the voice seemed to have detected his intention and warned him in advance.lqNMarl
oj4XZo[Being well-prepared is akin to having an extra life. Don’t forget that.]Kng
aTQsb“All I hear are nagging voices everywhere.”PWIw
pbNS6VAlthough he grumbled, Vlad deeply sympathized with the voice’s words.Ij88O1
OKo088Back in the days when he barely escaped from Shoara and wandered through the winter forest, carrying only a sword.c1cv
0YEQcIf he hadn’t encountered the three mercenaries loitering nearby, Vlad might not have survived and froze to death.Di3qH
als[To prevent such incidents, it’s good to have various things prepared.]NV7TDW
dut0“So, what should I buy?”zmnm
bNG0ZVlad was just about to leave the city hall, pondering the voice’s advice.6gzFc7T
Uok6g“Huh?”lyEbZ
oAbSomeone cautiously grabbed the hem of his clothes.xq9
IDh“Lord Vlad.”jCN
QQPA9IyIt was Andrea’s young deacon.xZcA8
CriDF8“Is there something you need, Lord Deacon?”qTd
leKVlad found dealing with children bothersome, but the young deacon holding onto his clothes was an exception.tRPI
1uhgHyThe child who was so small that the deacon’s outfit he was still wearing felt awkward, but he did his duty despite the fear faced the previous night.wvs
q49H2YU“If you have nowhere in particular to go today, the priest wishes to invite you.”7dMJIYN
8ch6CLy“Oh.”DHxyeS
tWNFnVlad looked up and saw Priest Andrea smiling behind the deacon.rZ5n
BL28Dc“Why did you choose to seek me through lord deacon?”dgdlEG
EDdI“…. I apologize.”Bokz
fU8UqPriest Andrea was hiding behind the young deacon and smiling humbly. A familiar coffin lay next to him.SCJ
T6lYK“Still no one is willing to listen to you?”U6n7
ReTRN9H“Perhaps this lady wishes for you to escort her as well?”YROQ
qPuaVlad had nothing more to say as he looked at Priest Andrea who was laughing.lnaq
QOz“Let’s take a donkey. I’ll support you from behind as we go.”xgUTf
Uu0Priest Andrea, Vlad, and the young deacon began driving the cart along the main street of Varna.SRD8Zt
vvkO1‘It’s quite different from Shoara.’loyPn2c
iFAGMQnAlthough Vlad had lived in the back alleys, Shoara had its own atmosphere, distinct from the city itself.G3vX3CT
Rh3But Varna seemed to have a more settled appearance compared to Shoara.IWJ5f
PbhFXnQuiet, serene, with few people making loud noises as if the city had settled into a calm, dawn-like atmosphere.ZZNf1u
OE35U“As we approach the church, this atmosphere will become even more pronounced. Varna is a city with a strong religious color.”A2EKi
qmdnx“I see.”SQYnJ
XNAN8fVlad nodded and understood Andrea’s explanation.YHe4qrB
OJPjDEven in Shoara, people always walked quietly near the church.bcNgBY
h3SwwqV“We’re here.”1klHW
19g“Wow.”QxteV
V5EQdVlad, looking at the building in front of him, could clearly sense that Varna was indeed a city with a strong religious influence.4jN
f5fbj4This is because there was a building there that looked twice as big as the church in Shoara.1fnZm
acBCpzc“It’s quite large. Shoara’s church was not this big.”EVCl
94RtIi“The capital of the County of Bayezid is Sturma, but its religious center is Varna.”7ueewO4
VsFYVlad nodded at Andrea’s explanation.k7G
VV0p“In that case, I’ll be going…”LN9837
uhm“Since you’re here, why not join us for dinner?”gEH0
gx8j2“If that’s the case, I won’t refuse…”9yhJo
PtlVI“While you’re at it, how about going down to the basement as well?”ErMWrC
Lj2“······It would be better to finish while we’re here.”4bUC
UxH70hVlad, who had been in the hands of Priest Andrea since he was grabbed by the young deacon, had no choice but to whine and put the coffin down in front of the temple.CB5x
nwH“I’m sorry. Your body may not have fully recovered yet.”BRRJeI
4BQUBaz‘This person knows that.’GGQ5h2h
7zYhdAlthough he was filled with dissatisfaction inside, Vlad answered with a smile.xbCI
LN7Ly“I need to repay the favor for what I obtained at the camp.”howXD9E
agk“I am really good at judging people.”8AJBiS
ElXlYPerhaps in the current situation, he didn’t even realize that complaining might be a petty grumble.W8y3
bumIZ41Given the circumstances, it was almost a privilege for someone to be asked by priest Andrea for a favor.RXq4D7
HEq47“Poor lady.”bAz4uhW
Tchym9“…”6CQ
JsLPriest Andrea sighed as he stroked the coffin, which had finally reached its place of rest.BW0q
k4Z“A mother’s love is like the sea, heavy and deep. It seems someone unknown took advantage of it.”GEOKTB
xkecThough not yet completely investigated, Andrea judged based on the circumstances that this woman had fallen victim to evil dark magic.Zy2VUX
0p8y1qk“It’s a terrible curse that takes advantage of maternal love. Although this isn’t within my jurisdiction, the church in Varna will do its best to uncover the mastermind.”EAz
v7n5“If anyone can do it, it’s a priest like you.”zpn4dwv
b7GwPriest Andrea, who was frowning with unbearable anger, looked at Vlad and smiled warmly.Oo3AoFQ
4vUzJ“Now that you’re here, how about saying a prayer before dinner?”d0EI
8Bn3cqW“Can someone like me, without any roots, dare to pray in a church?”iU9
G9M“Don’t worry about that.”AZu
OhAYPPeople living in the back alleys were not closely associated with churches, city halls, or official buildings.wOrMu7e
O3MEVlad, who had lived in the back alleys all his life, was no exception.p2f2x
etoMTherefore, Vlad felt awkward and uncomfortable in this place, and more than anything, he was intimidated by the thought of being in an unauthorized place.Ymsrrl
8W7sHowever, Andrea held Vlad’s hand and began to lead him to the chapel.XhnZZDM
ceGoJSn“Take a moment to pray; there’s a place I need to check in on.”g8X
78PM5ALeaving Vlad alone with his young subordinate, Andrea left the chapel.UUGB
XXWVW“…..”UusV
setMqG“Shall we pray?”C5Ro
JbYLThe young deacon wrinkled his nose and asked cautiously, perhaps feeling sorry for Vlad due to Andrea’s sudden neglect.7mS
bbdd“This is my first time formally attending a prayer…”dMfJ1o
5SvT“I’ll show you how.”Pps01ds
tqKaVlad wanted to make an excuse and get out, but now there was no way.R80JIyP
ako‘Oh well.’xRZ1
RffJlymNow was the time to repay the karma of acting like a praying Riemann.D7apu
ogU[What a fulfilling vacation. If you tell Josef that you’ve purified your body and mind here, he’ll be very pleased.]yiUk
H6K‘The guy is just enjoying himself all day.’Lth
e2806D2Vlad briefly held his sword and he heard the voice expressing satisfaction.O8EB9fs
Isg“Hmmm, hmm.”cNMQ
omYlV6Vlad had no choice but to kneel, bow his head awkwardly, and stutter along with the young deacon’s prayer.aR9W
Fm9About an hour or so.C8Fj
cOgJust as his knee was slowly going numb, the door to the chapel behind him opened.5DHfvB
9d5i“Did you wait long?”S3bz
W0gkP“······No. It was my first prayer, so everything was new.”6d2
saK18L“Hahaha! Impossible. I’m still quite bored.”OE9L
6Qg1oCB“······.”pwMfsF
EpeVlad didn’t know what to say as he looked at the priest who said prayers were boring and smiled kindly.WpV6H
iwmlhBY“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. Take this.”tpE
KFz“What is it?”mIDO
NkGD3VVlad accepted the small piece of wood that priest Andrea was handing over.AA710y4
X4IgR8D“It’s your identification badge.”ll0A
R7DvgV“What?”ayN6jFo
PsRAHcbPerplexed by Andrea’s words, Vlad quickly examined the small wooden piece he held.LO6UL7w
QmZWH24A piece of wood small enough to fit in his hand.nIC
EcKuFJEThe black wooden badge looked sturdy, and was full of small letters inside.iO2VUS
btuMaVlad began to read the identity card in his hand with wide eyes.MnJu
YyQ“Birthplace… Shoa… ra.”b2ELqW
O2CJAYThough he was aware of it, Vlad stumbled over the unfamiliar characters as he continued to read.pWnd00O
ECM1QZx“Name… Vlad.”PBQ6Oa
Q3pPN8The moment he pronounced his own name, Vlad felt his chest swell.G0ylhl
t4N8This small piece of wood contained proof of his existence.HxHrG5
293Jp4TAs a person from the back alleys who couldn’t even register his birth, he could never have imagined such a thing.yreHHc0
HlB“Josef would have taken care of it, but in fact, getting your identification done at the church is the most effective. Because the grace of the Lord extends throughout the continent.”H63H9ZG
2PLbcbListening to Andrea’s words, Vlad turned the wooden badge to examine the back.1SxleTj
nRRThere was a large sentence written there that could only be used in one place.meB3vj
ixTThe name of the one and only god in this world. The emblem of the church that serves that God.0RZ
TJCwPnVAnd beneath it, another person’s name was written.qXWqi
EQQmKu“Guarantor. Priest An…drea.”uaS
k8wYpaVlad read another person’s name written on his identification badge.DiDxHy
l4nqXLrA person vouching for him.4rV
piXPKZySomeone who will stand by him in times of trouble.g2YHcde
wyqZuVlad lifted his head and looked at Priest Andrea.yNi
kvPS3AB“If you’re having a hard time, come visit me anytime. I am your guarantor.”3yLZF
xlFesCX“Priest…”fCxUXa
R2WLhn3“Now, let’s pray. This is the closest place to the Lord.”wHdh
ttzZVlad, unable to hide his mixed emotions, simply followed Andrea and bowed before the God.JbHHQZ
gnuR“Here is a new lamb I’d like to introduce today. May you embrace him with your wide arms…”bfcL8b
sUHZnGarbage in the back alley.hyB
qAdWmOA person who was born in a place where no one would look at him or even remember him even if he died.Bj1
MFf31However, Vlad was no longer that person.B8bqG
Cw6ej“Here is the newly born lamb, Vlad of Shoara. May you kindly embrace…”rCPGr1G
DOYToday, Vlad affirmed his existence under the Lord’s gaze with his precious guarantor.7zHY
S7bFor the first time since birth, he inscribed his name into the vast world.hS3
qluFrom today on, he was no longer the Vlad from the alleyways but the Vlad of Shoara.Sr5
lBlBa“I sincerely pray that you accept him as your child.”K0Sa
YB5ZVlad now had roots that could allow him to confidently face the world.53UUn
HGZThe light coming down through the multi-colored glass warmly enveloped the boy’s blond hair.4FN47
What did you think of this chapter?
Report comment
Please select the reason for reporting this comment. False reports may result in account suspension.
0 Comments
There are no comments yet. Be the first!