Chapter 23
a6QSqueak- Squeak-dqls
bZdefVnThe sound of a feather pen scratching paper echoed in an office.rfhB7
mzBhxGAll of the furniture there was so expensive that it was difficult to judge its value, but it was not decorated extravagantly.nmnnj3m
gjsYA“Vlad, is it?”xqrK
rVfGUf8“Yes, father.”CbFTxNh
kyxA quiet yet authoritative voice filled the room.xtBBy8J
1dhIE1z“Okay. So far, you haven’t got a decent one except for Zayar, whom your mother gave to you.”77ViD
otpwFl“…”Y7zk
raqThick eyebrows, tightly closed lips, and straight black hair that has turned gray.3fab
BkyXHowever, the count’s brightly shining eyes made the growing gray hair not a symbol of aging, but evidence of experience.L1RH
zW433CH“This time, if you can raise him to become a worthy knight of the Bayezid family, I will reward you.”bAA9Xy2
9GhzdZ“Thank you.”5SG
YmOUSn“I know your strength lies not in the sword, but never forget that this is Bayezid.”0IEimu
7stiMvY“…Yes.”EbrAn
02OlQGKAlthough he was talking about giving a reward, it was also a rebuke to Josef who had not been able to create or recruit proper knights.Y7p
77WutM“…Are you well?”OPs5rCE
7cHKU8X“I am.”KH7a2xD
9mbE8A“Say hello to your mother on the back. She’s been eagerly awaiting your return.”oGhb
kiZSJ0“Yes.”nRgW
QiKxJosef could only muster a wry smile at his father, who inquired about his well-being only after all the reports were done.75BUZLt
s9JEHe felt a pang of disappointment, but he understood.xVxP
wYbnJosef was no longer a child, and he knew very well how heavy the position of Count Bayezid was.P3S6Gc
Rss“Go on. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”3Gsb
oqV“Understood, father. Rest well.”sv6Rvk
bt5While Josef politely walked out.j5lg
69NE0R“…”84lD
BiE5P9Peter noticed that his son was limping slightly.PIGJL
7AtYMA“…Perhaps I should give him some medicine.”Z35aFp
Ku7j0“I am sure he would be happy if you did that. Madam Oksana would be pleased too.”imdKFy
wuk“She is definitely particular when it comes to her son. The reason Josef has managed to become self-reliant is only because of her strong will.”tNB
6DEgPeter Bayezid.t9TnHQw
YnMThe 5th patriarch of the Count Bayezid family and one of the representative knights of the North.0zAl
H6yhHe carried too much on his shoulders, making it difficult for him to easily reveal his fatherly side in front of his son.PF45Wmt
ZGzR2N“What do you think about Josef’s report?”INu
83WC5“…It should be taken seriously. It’s a series of unusual occurrences.”rrg80
WajBbVJ“Hmm.”1Dp
1XaoIGPeter once again carefully read the report Josef had written.vJnRs
5KofcThe contents reflected under the quivering candlelight were ominous and not easily overlooked.aq8x
oe5GA“Daring to touch the legitimate son of the Bayezid family on my land. I need to find the mastermind.”J5UI
Sy1C37“I will seek support from the church. The knight’s sword is a shining one, but when illuminating the deep darkness, the grace of the Church will be more effective.”cURVGZ
YeHyw6At the subdued advice, Peter nodded.qlTg
9MfVJ“Is there any unusual report from the church in Varna?”tA5iQ
vO8HAPeter asked, looking at the elderly man standing beside him.fLX
q1i7H“We received preliminary reports through magic orb.”ygzsq2
RJCAwCe“What does it say?”m6N
H8q9QfAn elderly man with white beard, wearing a long robe.iAADzk2
lUzHe was the only magician of the Bayezid family and also Peter’s advisor.VvF
7q5x“They say the resurrection of the dead is cleverly combined with a curse spell. It could be either a highly skilled dark magician or the collaborative work of multiple dark magicians.”HdOo8ee
row“Hmm.”EL3
iQQAfter hearing the words of the magician Lagmus, Peter sighed a bit longer this time.PxhZcG7
VZ67“If it’s more than one, it might be an organization or a group.”j3mgK
oqEarp7“That’s correct.”fUAyt
DoePeter neatly folded the report brought by Josef and placed it in the drawer under the desk.8n2
bdiuVT“Even if that’s the case, nothing will change.”yVT
uPmtCreak—lCDX9E
PvHThe once quiet study room echoed sharply as the chair was pushed away, creating a frictional sound.Izm
8MqR“The Bayezid family will always stand firm in this land.”RScoh
4kElrekThe master of the Bayezid family was standing up from the darkness.W7Z2WJm
GhOR9Q“I am prepared to do anything to those who stand in my way.”YoB
XudKor“You have the right to do so.”IsMGQU
0ll9xOne wall was filled with shelves full of books.9Nr
QCiKmvOn the other side, shining armor and sharp swords adorned the wall.EljAHj
J1GCPeter said as he walked towards the place where the sword was placed.eix
ej8b4z“I hope you quickly find those who dared threaten my son and disturb my territory.”y2luAG8
8CY1W4“Understood, Count.”1AA
OPnzKdgA sharp and piercing glint flickered in the eyes of Count Bayezid, who was caressing his sword.O05lY2
gR0※※※※YFh
SeV“Did you wait long? “It’s late at night.”psprHMy
tG8z“It’s alright.”Iy71
gNHViO4Vlad and Gott, who had been waiting endlessly in the reception room for Josef, quickly rose and bowed as he entered.4hCp
tUw“The report I gave to my father took a long time… and my mother didn’t let me go easily.”QR2LO
0GFJosef said with a wry smile.8xX9wSd
Ym2Oe“Are you tired?”OfvS
1lMdfAs“No.”khPAhL
r6lQVPcZayar, who was standing next to him, looked at Vlad and smirked.snpoqsX
LGMK5Although Vlad claimed not to be, his blue eyes were full of fatigue that could not be easily hidden.0z9
B5ODJ“Ha.”z8bon
LmjSAWJosef leaned deeply against the back of the chair and let out a short sigh.SUkRfl
W5i4“Your name is Gott, right?”2TqcMg
pOrL5“Yes, Lord Josef.”1iOgk
vIQdl3When Gott heard his name, he looked up at Josef with eyes full of great anticipation.k8HDc
LX5TvLj“I’ve arranged a room for you. Stay there. We’ll discuss your reward tomorrow.”6Ebk
9M7w“…Yes.”CM7C
nHyAll he received was a dry acknowledgment.7OTor
KYTQkvVAt Josef’s words, Gott left the reception room with a downcast expression, like a dog that had lost its bone.E0nV
074“Now, shall we discuss our matters?”pme1
MBVrPJosef looked at Vlad with his hands clasped together.cQ7KFa
pp8YXX“Please speak.”Moi
GGmaHIFWith Gott leaving, the only people left in the reception room were Josef, Zayar, and Vlad.6rRIloi
AlCRa7“I brought you here to pay you a fair reward.”kx4G
F2lVlad swallowed involuntarily, sensing the sudden change in atmosphere.O8gP
fBVnmrEJosef had been smiling comfortably just a moment ago, but now he had the appearance of a nobleman.U08RXst
dCwb“You saved my life, and you are the one who pledged to be my sword in the future. Is that correct?”CtvpYD
v65LOb1“Yes.”nIzAGi
idYvVlad nodded at Josef’s words, which clearly summarized the situation.3GkF
lrjY“You mentioned there was something you needed to do, and I understood that you wanted to be free. Is that correct?”4CntgpE
GGYk“Yes.”Rcp1
USJ“You pledged to be my sword, but your desire for freedom conflicts with that. We need to address this issue.”ObA
mgGNGNlVlad listened again to the conditions presented by Josef. Zayar, who had just heard the terms, raised an eyebrow but did not intervene. This negotiation was between Josef and Vlad, and Vlad had earned the right to be here by saving Josef’s life.JVWC
L8ht“Why do you want to be free? What exactly do you want to do? If you tell me, I will clearly calculate what I can offer you.”kY4m
m4vVRG“…”t4HDHZ
QMcMXVlad listened to Josef’s words and thought quietly.VeF
jwEShould he lay everything bare?6vKrD
8XCTshwWas Josef someone he could trust?l6ad
WD00GVlad looked at Josef’s eyes, illuminated by the candlelight.wscT8k4
Qxc1NThere was an opportunity there.O5VGEi
E2yV0LjAnd if there was an opportunity, there was no reason to hesitate.4gaSh
0vg4YYVlad had lived his life that way.7TjO
i78spV“…”6YQ1u
yS7cMoonlight settled behind Josef.FZ7xH
AKa5Beyond the window, there was the moon emitting its blue light, just like that day.tcdVi
eI11“Do you know a knight named Godin? He serves under Count Gaidar.”NZC8PF
omRgq90Since that day, he had never forgotten it even for a moment.pmVjArR
DJmbGodin was the one who killed his benefactor, the one who destroyed the world he stood on, and also someone he could only admire.UKLCnOt
BDW7Godin was the strongest and most radiant person he had ever seen.O1KLJ
kpBi4qlVlad had been chasing the moon all this time.KqBxf
uN5Ed“…”48q8sA
iGiaKUntil just a moment ago, Vlad hesitated to speak, but this time, Josef found it challenging to continue the conversation.lYEyV
gGXwIt wasn’t just Josef.ifT
dBEguWhen names of big shots that he had never dared to think of came out of Vlad’s mouth, Zayar also opened his eyes wide in surprise.CD2
XvUo1“Godin… Gaidar…”b7aXL
Z6gJosef was truly caught in a bewildering situation.zmhbU
5xkaRpII thought he was just a decent kid, but now it turns out he has an extraordinary background.1hym
mRTvvEven though it was something extraordinary that came from resentment.JCjI
Oxvd“….Was it the mysterious figure who destroyed Rosa’s smiles, Knight Godin?”c39
SlyDsUJosef licked his dry lips, lost in thought.o47lfn
1YsnLg“Yes.”fAY8
9IwF2YtAnd he made a decision.0SAFk0T
8xweWzF“I can’t help you. They are beyond my reach.”30VO
gmy“…. Is that so?”ykWL40T
SO9iOMCVlad nodded, wiping away bitter saliva.UUsixRQ
qiZIt was expected.rM0kho
SkXrAlthough he didn’t know much about the world of nobles, Josef was just the son of a Count, and there were probably countless people in higher positions than him in this world.qM2iH8
xKWPmIn a way, it was the anticipated outcome, so Vlad accepted it humbly.KWNElsn
KLgFHe was grateful to Josef for being honest.9SY
etGyD“Then…”NOfC9Q
ypwj7X“Let’s modify the contract.”9RX
Mih2rHVlad was planning to get up after asking for something that would be considered polite, but Josef had no intention of letting Vlad go easily.Z1Gk
URIbdJosef was the one who had seen Vlad’s radiant potential more closely than anyone else.xnDLtKN
MJUQ“I propose a seven-year contract. Vlad of Shoara.”gfGq
SiwDO3T“Yes?”t6A998r
29czhaThe unexpected statement surprised not only Vlad but also Zayar.tTT
no2yFa“You may not realize it, but I have now set aside the pride of a noble. Keep in mind that this action was done with great determination.”96mkJY2
me5“…”y2O
NFCqxIIt was true that he had set aside the pride of a noble, but this decision was also part of a well-thought-out plan.qa709Z
S2qvZJosef was now presenting the second plan he had prepared.xhs9Z
l9BWPVlad couldn’t fully grasp what Josef was saying at the moment, but he realized that Josef’s actions were highly unusual.DJVidF
3UPZaBecause Zayar, who was standing behind now, was becoming more ferocious.K3ge
3sb“For these seven years, I plan to clothe, feed, and train you to become a great knight who will never be defeated by anyone. I promise a shining future to you who saved me.”FVC
tlR1fr“Knight…”TsTJV5N
sdaVlad was captivated by the resonance of the word that came out of Josef’s mouth.5jzdEY
fiR9So he ended up repeating that word without even realizing it.vlgK
l4A1p“Yes, a knight. Don’t you want to become a knight?”T7BjqF
ta1ldmJosef understood Vlad deeply.dZWUvq
mq7weJ2He knew what the boy wanted, what he truly desired.EOWrtq
1wG“In return, you will be loyal to me during this period. You will do only what I command and only what I allow. Naturally, you won’t be able to act against Godin and Count Gaidar.”ESALJeJ
bdh“But…”HaAF
w9dKcIt was a great offer, but there were more things on Vlad’s mind than Godin.XX4M
B99xB5Faces of the people he missed appeared in his mind.Xlh
4AQN4L“If it’s related to the back alleys of Shoara, I’ll permit it. I might be able to help with that.”WxS
L7KPNEi“…”2sSlg4
ToX5“I heard that girl Zemina is in a monastery now.”PC4t
fzC“······!”yQJI
0aGcHpeJosef smiled inwardly as he looked at Vlad’s wide eyes.XhoP
kd1Josef had thoroughly investigated Vlad until now—the past he had lived, the current situation, and the desired future.UYH5OL
LZ1Because he was truly a desirable guy.uP3U5
x98O94“Even if you walk away with just a sword, do you think you can eliminate the one lurking in the back alleys?”zI0
vrzbRehJosef said, leaning back deeply in his chair.nhjcqp
PWCXL“Swords are not the only sharp things in this world. I also have my own weapon. Let me help you.”0FxFScg
2c1S6qVlad looked into Josef’s black eyes.ah6tV
RdLOWD“What will you do, Vlad? Will you accept my proposal?”RRfJOly
f1JbYRtJosef’s eyes were intense, as if they could absorb anything.82JhiAf
YJvNsi※※※※KcVB8c
gE00yRight after Vlad left the reception room:B1jo5D
plOn3“The kid has a remarkable goal.”Dc0s
EFmzbf“Is there a reason you need to cling to him like this? There are plenty of useful kids besides him.”1R0q
FM2irT“Maybe.”PEJ
9ph6GcZJosef tilted the whiskey bottle and poured out the last drink.z43yapf
x5F3“All youngsters have potential, but whether they can blossom is another matter.”SubZtq
1Jqte“Do you think he can live up to your expectations, Lord Josef?”dvkW0TB
vCcPCL“Of course.”jYo
VnDJosef replied, looking out the window.XSSI6D
Qe7A blue moon was rising there.2j2
Jn1Kc“Seven years is not such a short time. It’s enough time to put the leash on his neck and make him obedient.”JGvOo
TDPERrf“But…”nrziV
J7MP6“And that kid is not an ordinary wolf.”y7R
gUoJosef answered while looking at the rising moon.Uvcz4
4BP“He was a wolf chasing the moon.”s6YD
cPGjIn the glass Josef was holding, there was the image of the blue moon.cxgT
Pcg“He has a strong will, potential, and a high goal. He will undoubtedly grow significantly.”UKenzY
eFVpJosef looked at the blue moon in the glass and drank it in one go.Jpg
dml“I can’t easily let go of such a kid.”gVY46
zdoeThe boy who aimed to become the Knight of Blue Moonlight.BQCE
llrrUZWhether he would truly destroy the moon, Josef wasn’t sure, but at least he was confident the kid would become one shining star in the night sky.Mysiv
JpJFvSBecause his eyes were fixed on the high sky.mxuCxJk
3jDz5x“He is mine now.”dT3wC
rN4lZSSeven years should be enough time.ZNQ
hKiEnough to build a cage big enough for the wolves to feel free.dN52k
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