Chapter 99: When the snow melts (1)
CHyWould it be like this if the knights who lost the war gathered?1UI
fQBThe priests gathered in the bishop’s office were all cowed and unable to open their mouths, as if they had been defeated.PvgqDf
jCuUVbk“…What are the chances of recovery?”hEw
OEINevertheless, someone had to report on the current question.sBjJ6
IMMkOtherwise, Bishop Pedro’s cold anger would explode.Y7w
0AbIW“For more details, I will have to send it to the Vatican…”bXLh
2hfThe white-robed priest, a trusted man of Bishop Pedro, hesitated to speak, but he had no other choice.1vMnDO
Ahk0XwU“It seems difficult.”GpZ3RsM
qSCKWT2“…”r0n4S
l02DQf5After hearing the priest’s response, Bishop Pedro wiped his face with a deep sigh.OBky
c09FPedro struggled not to show his emotions, but still, there was one word that he couldn’t help but let out from the depths of his heart.skJQ
U4FE“This is ridiculous.”2vb5WL
x25DCMirror of San Marello.lA5cN8
ZlnThe Mirror of San Marello, a sacred relic donated directly by the Vatican, was a source of pride for Pedro, but it was ridiculously broken.1TnGvx
JTpLBeJust because he was able to see the soul of a young knight.gEu
8MUj68o‘…What the hell is this guy doing?’TIlC
dmeCXQvVlad of Soara.QQriKm
SoYQA knight from the alleys.42doxYn
2arlXg3His unusual origin and young age clearly gave him a unique personality, but still, he could never have imagined that he would make such a leap forward.0Wdg
Hu970EH“Has anyone seen what was reflected in his soul?”jfkk1
nwdePbThe Mirror of San Marello is a mirror that reflects the soul.D23fGfN
n4U1HAn ordinary person would only have looked at their own reflection, but in Vlad’s case, it emitted such a bright light that it was difficult to look at.xRP
B47Wmj1That also meant that there was definitely something inside the boy.FpeVg
U6Z“It’s not anything special. If that were the case, it’s impossible that we wouldn’t have noticed.”xtV
PfK2XCs“It is said that a lightning struck the roof of the church. It could be a being strong enough to affect reality.”mPn
DMIASVOBishop Pedro became even more confused after hearing what the priests were saying.0lCC
Yuk“…I don’t even know what it is.”OBFY4
a6BtEven Pedro, who had been an Inquisitor of Heresy for a long time, was someone whose identity was difficult to determine.3m0S4Ce
gDvQDNSince it shines brightly, it must not be bad.ZP1
Sjo05QkHowever, the energy it possessed was too strong to be called a blessing from God.ISZn7Z
5bLyVfL“I need to report this.”JbShM
j5QvIt was unclear what was inside Vlad, but it clearly had enough presence to destroy and devour a sacred relic.ZGKeP
hILozk9Even if it does not belong to evil, if it is unique to this degree, the Vatican will definitely be interested.tc4Um
OjRsOqPerhaps, being an unknown entity, we can bring it to trial again…rx2vs
raXq1BKnock knock.hycYKb
uT5“Come in.”sHRHO5
UMdPedro was momentarily brought out of his thoughts when someone knocked on the door.qlgpj
J6P34u“…Bishop.”MIB
QPdvX“What’s going on?”509xk
2aSveA priest carefully opens the door and enters while numerous eyes watch in the office.otd0tR
GoZ8IIn his hand was a small piece of paper.R4f2QF6
n4Mi8v“This is a letter from San Rogino.”vNWwt
amMlv“From San Rogino?”yvl2Eq
g11Pedro made a puzzled expression at the priest’s words.pOY
pxFAs a member of the Vatican, it was rare for the northern diocese of San Rogino to send him a letter.ej9UA
5SFFw“Give it to me.”4v5ph
86DxhqPedro didn’t know why, but he took the note from the pale-faced priest’s hand.MlbWI
f9eOAfter a crisis comes an opportunity.Cve9F
2kuConversely, a crisis can arise after an opportunity.I4JRJpg
c3T8GPedro put Vlad in danger by setting a trap, but he ultimately failed.NHco
ntPYY“San Rogino…”4Mwk
MGaThe tide has now shifted from Pedro to Joseph, and the rightful mayor of Soara did not miss the opportunity that presented itself.SJnJHxy
won“Damn northerners!”VcI
dNqg57oThe women lying in a fog-filled village testified with tears in their eyes.sU5
MIqeMThat a person named Black Bear is someone who will never go unpunished.E1Syd
mg25ZAnd San Rogino accepted their tears.jmW1
0hp[Bishop Pedro of Soara will explain the relationship between Black Bear and the witches.]s5W
01A62kSMayor of Soara and San Rogino.kfq
MUvsprAn arrow shot from the north coldly pierced Pedro’s chest.Aks
PECO***sEVp
seqNThe name of the young deacon accompanying Andreas was Christian.gunMTzK
MxCnThe young man, who had built a relationship with Vlad since the monster subjugation battle in Varna, had just arrived in Soara with Andreas, whom he served.c98zdSM
7yXtl“Are you okay, priest?”j7wS5
nErGut“You might need to lie down a bit more.”SIYmAF
ackpJA young deacon carrying a large bucket of water up to his waist, groaning.4lMv4
9rMRjVlad felt sorry for him and instead lifted a bucket of water.tQud
X8dBhIf it weren’t for him, he’d be living comfortably in Varna.7Or
HqtI“It was tough moving around in the cold weather, but you had a round with the bishop as soon as you arrived.”iK8U
3NOe“…Yes.”K4e4eS
9K4Not only did he feel sorry for the young deacon.puyIJrw
YrcoThe priest Andreas lay on the bed panting.UQhy
DzJTAs the young deacon explained, he did everything he could at his young age, so it was impossible not to get into trouble.duaQ
xAFu“Do you need anything?”Fs5U
4ax“No, Mr. Joseph is already taking care of everything.”Csf0j
fAkBeing in debt to someone generates complex and subtle emotions that are difficult to explain in a word.OyQT
xOcfAnd Vlad always felt that way whenever he saw Andreas.zjdAP
zYWmKaFrom the moment I received my name until now.t9BTgba
VLRuboI’ve always been grateful to Andreas.bzI
BliHH“But is it real?”X6NzCbF
5n6TwUu“What?”9rc
rv7The eyes of a child who must have been only ten years old gleamed as he looked at Vlad.IOGDyF
i4IGa“I heard you received God’s blessing?”qGXnU
t26h“…Who said that?”OnsGgy
EqKMchAThe more a rumor spreads, the bigger it gets.b7GBfd
PHLApart from influential people in the city who were directly involved in the trial, the white and pure cloud that flowed into the church was one of the miracles that everyone in Soara could see.0WKdT
Zdv“It’s not that important.”AzPxPB
pdzf4“Really?”uPuNHR
jCsrcChristian said yes with words, but his facial expression suggested that it probably wasn’t true.4xyO
YiUX9VVBecause I also saw the young deacon.QI4N
Ey0A sword of pure white that cut down a woman who was like a nightmare under the night sky.d0Jhm
puw1“Still, he liked it.”nJehP7W
QGRgzChristian, who arrived in front of the room where Andreas was staying, took a bucket of water from Vlad’s hands and said.HHQLWB
VnN7Lw“Did he like it?”foC
yT40h“Sure.”j4RwEQS
v8TNPlsA young mercenary rolling on the ground became a full-fledged knight under his security.ERPMFS
TXhTgFTAs if that wasn’t enough, it was something Andreas could be happy about as he was with a being with auspicious energy.Q8aydU
yDbJhjY“Can I brag to my fellows later? I’ll say I prayed with Mr. Vlad.”GRf5Ad
9vVu“…If you want to, go ahead.”RIDC2Fj
z47lhF4Though it was a tepid response, a big smile was already etched on Christian’s face.Lf6ujNr
rHNHe was a knight who might have been blessed by God.7WFOJ
S8BYSimply having a relationship with such a knight would be something to boast about among the young deacons.gXH
jCfi“See you later.”nP3IXwE
a3c“Yeah.”bMemJ6w
6FWHgPfHe at least wanted to wave goodbye, but it wasn’t possible as he lay sick.FrQ
RH6Since it’s someone who came for you, it would be right to be as considerate as possible.MoyY
KHu“Why are you bragging?”GyfGyc3
ZcvdqKVVlad turned in front of the door and scratched his neck, recalling Christian’s words.VMb
AymtIn my whole life, I’ve never been anyone’s pride.hVp
5L9l“….”3p4KP
2UrWVlad stopped in an empty hallway and looked out the window.XXCHT
YFqWhenever the surroundings grew quiet, there was a voice speaking to me as if it had been waiting.igiagaH
vqMBut now, in the empty hallway, all I could hear were my own murmurs to myself without any response.8Gz
KcSD“I’m not used to this.”WcBwd
soGxIf the voice were here now, would it have been proud of itself and said so?EGGAhuQ
LbWwK2OHowever, the voice that would have responded to those words had disappeared, leaving only small traces in its world.OHA
y9TRZMFeeling alone for the first time in a long time, Vlad simply stood still and swallowed the silence.3bc
PXCeo***As3
9M17MN“They say a letter was sent from San Rogino.”q3yq4
B4HFZz“That’s fast.”02emDI
S9awuDfJoseph, looking out the window while holding a glass of wine, smiled faintly at Jager’s report.9S08cH
rjqrbQw“It seems like there was a lot of pent-up excitement, right?”224xRbu
LDUqGzQ“Isn’t the Vatican’s negligence towards the northern diocese already well-known?”Ax8Z
esKThe center of the continent is the central region, and the discrimination and jealousy sent to other regions discriminate against no one.VYQsIi
zDTTwEveryone knew that the northern diocese of San Rogino was being ignored by the Vatican in the center.Ug3w
77I“Not bad.”5RYxR3
QJTThe timing was good.1WF
lOOEODbIt wasn’t easy to gain San Rogino’s support on a political matter, but the quickly reorganized balance of power made it possible.8mGi1
acfPlHxThe alliance of San Rogino with the northern lords.CLzHY
PtFnjThis was supposed to be confirmed at the upcoming Northern Conference, but if there’s a clear opportunity like now, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to act in advance.mmvI
jA3j“Bordan. Take care of Priest Andreas. If possible, I hope they won’t send him to Varna.”GqsnHFP
0uNddV“Okay.”yyG
0H9SCnAlthough he came for the boy as an excuse, Priest Andreas was someone who could pressure Bishop Pedro with just his presence.WlV
OVqqHe was a well-known priest, and it wouldn’t be strange for him to soon become a bishop somewhere.dlntK
hHDh8oiJoseph was already forming the next plans for Pedro in his head.TSZBi
Cfv“Mr. Joseph. I’m here.”wYDFJ1P
JeLzB“Come in.”rQrXJ
5mTqbDaJoseph stepped away from the window and looked at Vlad entering the office.VIC
N4QBIt was right after something big happened, but when he saw his face, he couldn’t find anything to say.n68EPm
PwnJ“What should I do with you?”mXLosRQ
eJz“I’m sorry.”VPp
LK6rg6JJoseph’s expression as he looked at Vlad was truly subtle.FAcp
NigAq“You’re always so unpredictable. From start to finish.”tgGlsoC
QWGMBN0“…”zB5mbah
gbv6Joseph was someone who preferred to achieve results through careful planning.GhCE
Qp5VAnd the boy in front of him was someone who had a special knack for ruining Joseph’s plans.57U2b1e
eCA3NIn terms of compatibility, they were the worst, but the results they produced were always better than expected, so even Joseph was confused.S13a6
AVdL“The priest said you may have God’s blessings within you.”ISdPK3R
EtQw“Probably not.”4jqBs
NL6“It doesn’t matter if you don’t. I’ll make it happen.”hBjn
luDzJoseph’s dark eyes looked at Vlad.giRo
kGfSedition and fabrication were the specialties and essential knowledge of nobles.3Z6euYq
eQZg39X“…Bishop Pedro and the Vatican behind him will watch you. Though it wasn’t my intention, you interfered with their work.”egV
7YDCOJoseph let out a small sigh as he watched Vlad bow his head in silence.HVbg64
pN3raEThe young knight, who was difficult to handle and even harder to raise, still gave Joseph a headache.5Ylus
NHK“Take it.”8qgMcHS
UkS4j9l“Yes?”XXS
AmGVlad suddenly caught the bag flying towards him.3Jh0
IaTIt was a bag that jingled and felt heavy.XO7dr
BGDlH“…This.”70XEt
0iCgP“This year is coming to an end.”V49L
y3xThe year ended with snow falling.PXroVf
V0PbAlthough it was a year that ended in accident, no year in Joseph’s life was as successful as this one.j4D
lGMIIn a way, it could be said that it was all the boy in front of him.A7fTI
31Og“It’s a special allowance. It’s a reward for performance, not a salary.”YGU
47AAk05As Bordan said, Vlad was also paid special benefits.gtk6S1
qnlAs the year was coming to an end, Joseph made a clear calculation for Vlad.B20Cn
8w1RIl6“It’ll be more than 300 gold coins.”6vBdys
XAWy“…!”yf77
IgQUO7Vlad had been tilting his head apologetically a moment ago, but his eyes widened when he saw the amount of money flowing from Joseph’s mouth.eVjfOvz
uLZGarMHe wasn’t sure, but 300 gold coins was a huge amount of money that could buy land for farming.LECwIrf
epVb3Z“Why, why… like this.”Qn8
UqUn“I’ve also calculated the achievements I’ve made since you were a squire. It’s a lot of money, so use it well.”lJ09hM0
RhUZKtThe boy always performed better than Joseph expected.8tjzHC
TTOUFxIn a way, it was a complicated process, but the result was dazzling, so Joseph felt obliged to compensate him.zVl
ToGMy“Now you’re a knight. You’re entitled to claim your achievements.”ajBk
K1U3“Thank you!”Z58a
4BTTJoseph silently looked at Vlad, who was thanking him with a happy face.Rd9tbiK
9lpkIt wasn’t easy to say this seeing that happy face, but he had to.SxgzQJ
90kaWQBecause he was responsible for Vlad.UTnc
Fbpv4“Keep in mind. Now that you’ve become a knight, you’re in a position of responsibility.”lO8
z5x9It’s not possible to overwhelm an opponent with just weapons and strength.vmwz
UitVlad felt the presence of Joseph, who was now standing with his back to him, overwhelming him.Qd2
KlXTiA“Do you understand what I said?”Pz5A
4HO“Yes.”Km7P
X1sf“Well good night.”qmwwvIG
ltGjAPVlad, who is 17 years old, will turn 18 at the end of this year.IIG
tZdkThe boy should know.GA6
llHKo4Now that this year passes, he won’t be able to be a child anymore.nYC2N
pnmnNbC“Knight Vlad ignored God’s indulgence. This is his mistake, which Bishop Pedro clearly revealed.”tV3s9M
9w5In yesterday’s trial, Vlad claimed he killed Black Bear in his own words, so he was exonerated.HHWw9ut
M5jvPThis was a mistake that Joseph recognized and Vlad must take responsibility for it.QtFtr4
E7kz“We’ll hold him accountable and I’ll expel Knight Vlad from Soara.”8JzLD
G8CfoTL“…Yes?”V1H
EHIZC1KThe blue eyes facing each other began to tremble greatly.f4FkBCB
UX0tZStill, I can’t help it.QH3k
7lnnREIf even the slightest mistake persists, the justification will be left to the bishops and the Vatican.0wVx
sf3mt“The deadline is until I call you back.”fTbU
BoVF0A squire may be behind, but a knight must take the lead.Abt
CIQQ9The boy may be forgiven, but the adult must take responsibility.Q06Y
m9c2And Vlad is now at the age where he should know about responsibility and duty.gjsz
FdZOutside the window, white snow was falling, covering the whole year.Y5G7e8
4nudARWhen the time comes for the snow to melt, Vlad will also become an adult, not a child.YrXatGz
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