Chapter 227: The Reason He Left (1)
ZdjxfThe count’s face was swollen, as if he hadn’t slept well.h8om
G4DPMPablo, who was next to him, and the guards who guarded the study door, also showed the same expression.DIaXXEv
1UMDFThe people of Arnstein had been roused early in the morning, before dawn, and all sighed softly as they looked at Vlad in front of them.NF8
s4Y“I’m glad you look healthy, Lord Vlad.”rkDd
LjrdWaz“Thank you for your concern.”V9vX
6xmRb9“And you also seem to be full of energy.”b5VjJ
OT2uQPi“…I’m sorry, Count.”FQJXz
csX5xnLVlad remained silent while looking at Count Arnstein, who seemed very tired.FsgD
lGMDLGyIt wasn’t that he had nothing to say, but he realized it wasn’t the right time to speak.7rabxuJ
Fnr“I understand. You just woke up, so you probably haven’t grasped the situation. Where should I start explaining?”XBtDW
GGJKT“No need, Count. I already received a summary of the situation from my mage.”TpO1L
vRk9qsLIt was dawn when he relentlessly beat Radu, who was trying to steal the dragon-slaying sword. Vlad, having heard the general situation from Nibelun and Pedro, who came running upon hearing the loud noise, already knew of Joseph’s betrayal and disappearance.ARbjSl
3afB“…To be honest, I still can’t believe it.”5k9Q
HRlsN3“I suppose after being bedridden for two weeks, you’ll need time to fully recover.”6eNUT
ZdEQUJ9The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was Joseph passing by his side.rFWS
BiKegBPThe image of him walking pale under the blue moon still seemed unreal, like a dream.gWc
ZSj7ll“Still, I’d like to ask you something. What do you plan to do now?”w6qV
Lo3XrX“…”qmYzhvc
3PbAJ5The count’s eyes, closely watching him, had a cold and bitter intensity that gripped Vlad’s mind, who finally felt the pain rising from his chest.it9
g8fN“I feel sorry for having been invited as a guest and causing great harm to the host.”6LxG
DfoNHVlad’s deep bow, despite the large wounds he had not yet recovered from, clearly showed his sincerity.fXH
ZrukSuch an attitude even made Count Arnstein, known for being strict about manners, look at him with satisfaction.8lk
esjXlUm“So please, give me a chance to compensate for the damage I’ve caused to this territory.”j9iQfcP
TrwouBut the Count would not know.VDyGT
xS8That Vlad’s posture was completely inspired by Joseph.t0ORE
Ro87UAlthough he was weak, the man with deep shadows in his eyes always remained proud, someone Vlad admired deeply.l4e
8RnLi0n“What kind of opportunity?”Q2Sq
kUFV6EUVlad’s eyes shone as he looked at the count. Joseph had told him that opportunities are found in the midst of crises.VmI
gLHcNArnstein was completely distressed by Frausen’s attack, but this was the right time to speak since he was so upset.xns80Y7
Jcln“Please lend me the Arnstein coat of arms.”KGBrL
9ttaVlad turned his head and looked at the Arnstein family emblem nailed in a corner of the study.reuYcE
VIfDAlthough the study was in complete disarray, the sight of the upright flag symbolized the count’s pride.yk1DYWy
wrMCYw“If you lend me the Count’s coat of arms, I will shout Arnstein’s name first as I pierce their hearts.”LMVR
qFJUse me as a sword to replace your anger.a8vBLr
jhr5sVIf you do, while piercing our enemies, Arnstein’s name will be the first I shout.R4QEV
WhBjwtV“…”Fwg
7alZk1DKnock, knock.WTemR9
sqfMFxThere were three people standing in the study, but only one sound was heard.7UF
0hW0gySThe sound that echoed through the silence was Count Arnstein’s fingers tapping on the table.WbtPR2
ROTT2f“It’s an interesting move.”R4DZ
BszT7uXCount Arnstein, now leaning deeply in his chair, was smiling.9cg
6KciCAlthough it was a transparent move, Vlad’s intention was appreciated, and this was reflected in his smile.T8X0
bKK“Yes, that’s how it should be. People should always try something.”VHAoSNT
iNuqW“…”3AAFQUH
DB9“I like your attitude. I would have preferred a bit more caution.”FTh8E
2sdhOriginally, people felt more joy in seeing things grow than in seeing things created.YUw0
tkYInAnd now the count appreciated Vlad’s wild efforts, despite his clear intentions.LLzbY7x
ZclNi0“I will give you my emblem.”bJ4SA
mZ6pdUThe count had noticed the small flag Vlad had brought with him when he first arrived at the mansion.RfhUw
L3fdYOThe flag hanging from his black horse was an ancient tradition of knights, much like the rules of sword masters.oipVza
FaQRB“Prove your innocence and that of your companions with my emblem.”UGX
0TdaArnstein’s name, the leader of the central region, was definitely a popular name everywhere.jvN
G4xN39dEven if he didn’t know it in the north, Vlad had no standing in the central region, so his cooperation was essential to follow the steps of Frausen and Joseph.af5ID
LFUW“Thank you, Count.”zwfN
CuWb“Please don’t forget. The conditions you set for me.”n1pX
ooqrHowever, there is no cooperation without compensation.QeDG
vIcZPUThe count’s mouth was smiling, but his eyes, which were looking at Vlad, were not smiling.P454cl
tpZsjU“You must drive my emblem into Joseph’s heart.”bTuxV
85ku“…”Z6gP
O6uVlad turned around and did not see his eyes.TveBXlr
nUST6However, his voice, which was as cold as the doorknob he was holding, clearly carried a weight that was hard to ignore.8Lv5i
OMk***a9iqiA
BqLw“I am Radu Dragulia. As a noble of the Empire, I have rights.”5V40y7
jJejMHAlthough his face was that of a withered old man, his voice was young.ItI9
HFNVPNibelun’s expression slowly wrinkled, as if the strange discrepancy was unbearable.RNDWzu
S7gG“I claim my rights as a legitimate prisoner. I am entitled to them!”gCyUe1Z
Bu9Radu, who had lost his mind in the Dragulia mansion’s basement, had now recovered enough to be concerned about his safety.p3OGrPt
cdppTVuAlthough the circumstances under which he expressed himself were quite pathetic, it was enough to make it seem like he wouldn’t die on the way north.pztiIY
wCDNu6R“Then why did you try to steal someone else’s sword? That sword is very precious to Lord Vlad.”DfDUwN
7kN“I didn’t steal it! I was just looking at it!”aUQPVd
Z3K“That’s enough to consider it theft.”fylYg6
LDGiBNibelun and Pedro, who had endured the commotion since dawn, lowered their heads as if they had lost their strength.51Ecs
1Y2jvThere was no hesitation in Vlad’s fist, which struck Radu as if to kill him.TKfVSVU
U9zmKSAn ex-pickpocket who lived a life of stealing was someone who hated being robbed more than dying.NeCjR
8Vm9“Anyway, Lord Pedro, you have a duty to protect me. Didn’t you bring me here in God’s name?”JAds
HExc9“…There are no dragons that I get along with.”5XEy
gmalK1VPedro shook his head as he looked at Radu clinging to him.CQz
QwHSObIInstead of being grateful for having his life saved, Radu demanded protection loudly.uVe
xoXIsn’t this the equivalent of rescuing a drowning person and then asking them to hand over their wallet?ZlGGjZ
WiMP“…Calm down first. I don’t think they’ll kill you.”8P7JV3
jHRD631“That guy is really a murderer! Even though I just met him, my knight’s instinct tells me so!”ZLIJWW
hUQ1XaySeeing Radu intimidated by Vlad, his half-brother and another dragon, Pedro tried to calm him, but his efforts were in vain.S6nc3WA
zGNh0¡Kwaang-!OrF0X
p3Tpvk“Why are you making so much noise?”8i9X
IXS“Aaaah!”fXv
fU6jTf“Why do you enter by breaking the door? It has a handle!”Usy
zKwnePPedro held his head as if it hurt when he saw Vlad enter the room where the three of them were gathered with a loud bang.iUcXluy
sOFUXVThis was because Radu, who had managed to calm down due to Vlad’s sudden appearance, began to panic again.J1h8
yeZxw67“Excellent. Stay here for a moment.”gC7LJ
bm3FG“Vlad, Vlad Aureo! I have rights!”HaP
uqp“What are you talking about? Didn’t I hit you enough before?”kTYsTa
dkSpUBQAlthough Vlad was usually rough, today he seemed even more annoyed.I5O
Mj6H3tVRadu looked at Vlad and quickly shut his mouth, following his instinctive judgment.Onk
DBqqwt“Nibelun. Can you use the magical telegram now?”mkgq9
JyRk“I think so.”X9O
A4gHwTY“Then connect me with Sturma. I already obtained Count Arnstein’s consent.”UkTqZV
E2mcpl2Vlad said as he handed Nibelun a small note.kZNS5N6
j5IVu0AThe note contained a number that could connect to a magical sphere linked to the Sturma mansion, Bayezid’s home.ISP0TBI
ivfr07“Should I connect you with Lord Rutger?”3kS
vHJ“No.”Iek
lwv“Then, with whom?”WOLvC5
NPivVV6Nibelun, who expected to connect with Rutiger, was surprised to hear the name Vlad mentioned.8Crc
w8iPHN“With Dorothea, Lord Rutiger’s mage. I need to ask her about the inscriptions.”78Xyt
a87WjyRutiger’s mage, the human beast Dorothea, was also the first person to reveal the mysteries to Vlad.yPNjHI
ilvSBVlad remembered well how she etched a vibratory mark on his sword when he fought the toughest dragon, the Death Worm.LHR4HD
knAI“It seems I need to inscribe something on my sword. So I need her information.”xtg
Odn“Understood.”inLxF
oVvKaonNibelun silently got up, though not without some unease.FxvQI
NkAk0IThis was because Vlad’s eyes, as he looked at him, shone as if he had found a clue.IrZSe4
f3K“…Radu Dragulia.”yN8Cc
6LvSXVIn the room where Nibelun left, a heavy silence suddenly fell.zrG4cC
bc6IAIThis was because Vlad’s eyes, as he looked at Radu, had a strange and indescribable kind of madness in them.AGu
xU1lStIThey were like the eyes of a predator watching its prey.te5qa77
sWI“I heard about you. You are from the Dragon Slayer Knights, right?”DsYMgkI
CNk“Yes, that’s correct!”Mtzf
ypiMv“You were also a confidant of Duke Sarnus. So, did you serve as commander of the army that came to attack Moshiam?”iq0j
czTVlad, who was sitting near Nibelun, was so close that he could hear Radu breathe.cKCT9G
A94no“Well. I was in charge at that time.”XZ8O
KWJRkUpon Vlad’s words, Radu’s back began to straighten as if recalling his former self.G96
M7n53Although he had now become very miserable, Radu was once a promising knight and Dragulia, who dreamed of becoming a perfect dragon.iAQiD
lkg0“You know that woman, right? A witch dressed in black mourning clothes.”9LkUG
v0LB2The Dragulia army in Moshiam was clearly acting suspiciously.xyjUZJ
luOCbD2That is, they spent almost half a year simply besieging, ignoring the claims of Bishop Pedro, who was also in the war.3VytpU
Tb1Although it was a delay to put pressure on the north, the fact that such a smooth delay was possible was clear proof that there was some relationship between Ramashthu and Dragulia.p6KZ
GK7Si“I don’t understand what you’re saying.”Vk9F
daxAnkg“Don’t lie. Just hearing this story makes me smell something bad.”6z66RIO
1kVqVlad’s growl right in front of him was unusual, but Radu was struggling to keep his mouth shut.thLRH7
nqkL5EIn the first place, the question Vlad was about to ask was the answer the Northern Orthodox Church wanted, and it was also the only valuable condition under which he could reach an agreement.EWCNAa
t18eWl“You’ve met those guys, haven’t you?”jvZ
A57g“I’ll go north and talk.”EfNNW
Yh8b“You know what you saw, don’t you? You probably know the meeting point.”lWCoyD
QJd“I’ll go north and talk.”swLW5Ae
jWHvSeeing that Radu did not easily open his mouth to survive or recover, Vlad drew Jorge’s dagger.Nzeh
9bA8The sharp dwarf dagger was so bright that it could open a closed mouth, but it was soon stopped by Pedro.GBhH
uJ374O“Don’t do that. Torture is not allowed.”t8c
x7VM“Why?”XSFF
DRfrWgVlad paused at Pedro’s stern expression.3lvxaC
Gvh7No matter how busy he was, he knew who the person who wrapped the bandage around him was.EjiAqh
4Il“Radu Dragulia is an imperial noble and a person protected by God. He has the right to be guaranteed safety according to imperial law and the providence of the Church.”hDCrtgj
Pgz“Who granted that protection?”sys52D
clr55“I did.”XDK63K
GmdWhen it came to heresy, Pedro was the most ruthless torturer of all, but when it came to Radu, he had to be a great protector.yEHT
srf“I asked for God’s protection in my name. In other words, the rights he has as a prisoner are the holy war I am waging.”eAad
uEqnl“…”X3HSc
LXgqIt was a sudden accident that occurred early in the morning, but now that I know, it was something that couldn’t be helped.SHDwF9K
eU2Unless he was willing to ignore the protection provided in Pedro’s name, Vlad also had to acknowledge Radu’s rights as a prisoner.Oqd
GXv“When are the people from the north coming?”qn3
CFbv“In three days.”Cp6H
8zw“I don’t have time.”SqSiC
rdNKWhen Vlad said he didn’t have time, Radu straightened his head even more.FCV5Spv
pXRF0It was a threat right in front of him, but it was because he confirmed that Vlad could not harm him for a just cause.5uX4qQW
2H4L“…Can I simply acknowledge your rights as a prisoner of war?”08a
tdntCVlad’s eyes shone as he looked at Radu.qH19
B6yQSxVThings were going strangely, but Radu, who was related to Ramashthu, could not be sent north in this way.szaWW6T
PusKomt“Well. Because you’re a knight. Protecting Radu is fulfilling the duty of a knight.”wD7
0Gj“Aren’t you a knight?”mjy7RH
BqEPAr“What?”LxV
6oNPedro did not hide his surprise as he saw Vlad hastily removing his armor.JqqMRo3
4rCvoP4It was armor he had put on with great effort with Nibelun’s help, but now Vlad was taking it off.zjI
AKOt“It’s okay to hit someone when you’re not a knight, right?”Srx3X2
cuMkI“What does that mean?”ZtkdX
9fdjEThere was no time to stop him.4EIN9bW
fZMdVlad’s agile movements were not something Pedro could stop, no matter how injured he was.eTop
CikeOBoom!GqijuCS
6iO“Big brother! Nice to meet you!”6aGfy
uI4rS“No no!”rcLVQbm
HKuxAs Vlad shouted, calling his brother, fierce punches began to fly.e0Q
UzwgmF“It’s nice to see you, but why don’t you tell me what interests your brother? You’re ignoring me now!”kCfV
bpUukDw“Crazy bastard! Stop!”mBqV
HYQBIt definitely won’t be torture.GFDBhE
QMv3jeIt’s just the behavior of a younger brother looking for his older brother.Rgedm8g
DmO7C51Radu’s eyes widened when he realized what kind of trick Vlad was trying to pull.cPoO
cRk“Why are you my brother?”Wd2tr
2Nd61M“We have the same father, but why am I not your younger brother?”srvipw
LjfrhiPPedro, who simply saw the brothers fighting instead of being a torturer trying to get information, nodded at Vlad’s eyes that looked at him.0q301e
mz699Vu“…Should I step outside?”RGYnB4
NMDk0is“I think it will take an hour.”9lVUHhL
J6jiZ“Don’t leave!”LXMdG
oOfNeither imperial law nor the discipline of the sword master can stop personal fights between brothers.AP7X
AqkVWzLPedro, who realized this, simply left the room quietly to attend to his needs.QQC0MO
WiYThen, in the room where no one was watching, the fight between the younger brother and the older brother was the only thing that broke out.ko9Om
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