How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 100.2: 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 (𝟏𝟐)

The orc was astonished. This was a challenging arithmetic problem posed by a renowned orc scholar, not meant to be solved so quickly.

Ill personally introduce and send someone suitable for the administrator role.

Oh. Thank you.

The orc left more tense and surprised than when he arrived. Stephen, watching this, asked in wonder.

Why did that orc leave so startled?

Well, Im not sure.

Stephen was not surprised or displeased even after seeing the orc. Johan realized.

. . . .

He had heard that profligate noble heirs often borrow money from orcs, but he never expected it to be true right in front of him!

Have you been wandering around the city again?

Wandering around. . . Its socializing!

Stephen was serious. Unlike Johan, for a noble born in a noble family, it was a natural duty to meet and be treated by influential people in the city.

Youd be surprised who I met.

?

I met Horamric-gong!

The third of the Brduhe family. Horamric. Johan looked surprised. It was clear that Horamric was not someone who would normally be in Umdim.

Where?

At a nobles mansion here. . . Ah, wait. This shouldnt be talked about elsewhere. The lord wanted to keep it quiet.

Alright. Ill keep the secret too. Lead the way.

Huh?

Even if I keep the secret, I should meet and greet him. Isnt that polite?

Ah, thats true.

S-Sir Johan?!

Horamric was startled. He recognized Stephen beside him and looked resentful. He had asked him to keep a secret.

The people in the mansion wondered what they had done, but it was a futile tantrum.

How could the nobles of the city possibly stop Johan now?

Pleased to meet you, Horamric-gong. I came here to pay my respects.

Ah, no, Sir Johan.

Horamric somehow looked caught off guard. Johan became certain of something in that expression. He had come to test a theory. . .

Gong, could you send away the people around us? I have something to say in private.

T-That. . . I shall.

The dukes third child was more like a merchant than a soldier. He wasnt very strong-willed. Unable to refuse Johans request, he just complied.

From this, Johan became even more convinced. No matter how frail, a person of rank wouldnt act like this unless they felt guilty.

What brings you to Umdim?

I had close friends here, but couldnt contact them due to circumstances, and now. . .

Ah. I see. . . .Gong, why did you hire an assassin?

!!

While Horamric was shocked, Johan grabbed his hand to prevent him from getting up.

Gong, I have a wizard in my camp. Its easy to find out who hired someone.

N-No way? Really??

Stephen, who was nearby, exclaimed in surprise. Hearing that, he realized something was amiss. He pointed at Horamric and said,

Did you send mercenaries to the mansion, Gong? How could you!

What? No! Do you think Im mad to do such a thing?!

No. . .! Its quite possible!

Stephen clapped his hands. Thinking about all the things Ulrike had tried to kill him, it seemed quite plausible.

At such a misunderstanding, Horamric wept.

A monstrous knight suddenly stormed in, growling, the nobles of the mansion didnt come to help, and because of Stephen, he was caught in a strange misunderstanding. It was like a nightmare.

Killing kin was something not even nobles could easily get away with. Moreover, the duke didnt favor his children. The gallows loomed in his mind.

Dont talk nonsense, Stephen. Would Gong do such a heinous thing?

No! You just havent seen greedy siblings! Where else would those mercenary scoundrels have come from!

Really, its not true. . .! Sir, please believe me!

Johan felt the situation was going awry because of Stephen. How did he end up consoling a weeping Horamric?

.

Gong, dont worry. I believe you.

Sir!

But, Gong, you did try to kill the magistrate, didnt you?

Uhuhu. . . Im sorry. Im so sorry.

Horamric might have resisted answering a simple question, but overwhelmed by being wrongly accused, he responded unwittingly when spoken to kindly.

Why did you do that?

It was an unexpected reason indeed.

The magistrate, contrary to his foolish image, had many connections.

Not just in the Slovak Kingdom, but also with city-states. Repiata didnt try to kill him for nothing but to make use of him.

I see! To keep an eye on a younger sibling whos more talented!

Thats not true!

What Horamric was after wasnt Repiata, but the position of magistrate.

By killing the magistrate, the position would be vacant, and he planned to appeal to Repiata with the bonds of blood and his own abilities. He was aiming for a position like a city counselor, magistrate, or treasurer.

Please, dont tell Father! Please!

Horamric begged Johan with tears and sobs. Johan patted his back. It felt like experiencing a cheap comedy.

Stephen asked incredulously.

No. . . You are older, why would you ask such a thing. . .

I dont need a duke title or anything! I dont even have the confidence! I would be satisfied with a position like a counselor or treasurer. . .

For a city counselor or treasurer to say was not a statement made lightly. To the common people, it was the pinnacle of success.

Not all children of nobility coveted the highest power. Some of them just wanted to live in luxury and comfort.

Moreover, Duke Brduhe was a person who tested his children strictly. The frail Horamric had always thought of running away several times.

Understanding the situation, Johan spoke to Horamric in a soft and warm voice.

Gong. You can relax. I will not let this secret out.

. . . . . .R-Really?

Johans expression, while comforting Horamric, was cold and devoid of any smile, but Horamric couldnt see his face. Stephen felt a chill.

. . .

From an outsiders perspective, Horamric seemed like prey bitten by a lion.