How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 133.2: 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐧𝐞𝐦𝐲 (2)

I think the title of duke is premature.

But Your Excellency. . .

God does not favor the arrogant. Its not a title I should covet.

Johan spoke decisively. The envoy of the order looked genuinely disappointed.

The order was similar to the republic. They hadnt expected Johan to go so far.

Yet, the order still trusted Johan. Despite attempts at doubt, reports from the field were plastered with praise for Johan, leaving them no choice.

Moreover, the Emperors forces that had been threatening the south from the order vanished overnight. This was indeed a significant achievement.

Therefore, the order approached things differently than the republic. They intended to empower Johan further, making him a proper shield.

The result was the new grant of the duke title, ruling the south. It was meant to give him a status befitting the lord of the area, a true honor.

, .

With the title of duke, he could fight more, using his name as a pretext. Whether it was the Emperors fiefdom trapped in the south, the islands of pagans infested with pirates, or even the eastern peninsula. . .

It was a tempting proposition, but Johan restrained himself. Having already taken the title of count from the marquis was enough for now. He had no reason to cling to the honor of being a duke.

.

Already, there was a sense that Johan was being watched from all sides. There was no need to exacerbate that by gaining another honor.

!

The envoy of the order thought this to himself and withdrew. Any other young knight would have been intoxicated with honor, but Johan instead gave glory to God.

It was a beautiful gesture, but also a pity. Compared to other nobles without merit, Johan deserved the title.

Refusing a good offer can be quite tiring.

But havent the nobles gone back now?

Yes. Thats some consolation.

Achladda chewed on wild grass and laughed. His hands and neck were glittering with various ornaments. Not just Achladda, but Euclyia and other centaurs were the same.

. . .

The eastern tribes preferred to carry their wealth in gold or treasures. Having plundered pirates, they adorned themselves with such spoils.

To Johan, it was aesthetically displeasing, but it seemed to be quite fashionable among the eastern tribes. The way they boasted to each other was astounding.

Right, count. Euclyia was grumbling about why youre raising such ridiculous people.

!!!

Angered by the tattling, Euclyia attempted to kick Achladda with her front hoof. Johan waved his hand as if to calm her.

Are you talking about the slave soldiers?

The heap of captured pirates left Johan pondering their fate. The neatest way to deal with them was to sell them or distribute them among his vassals, but as he had more leeway, greed arose.

Well-trained soldiers were expensive. Even the cheapest mercenaries ate up daily silver coins, and conscripting serfs wasnt even worth considering.

What if Johan had a personal guard loyal only to his commands?

This required a few conditions. They had to be young, with no other ties or places to rely on. . .

Upon reflection, it seemed like a good idea.

So, Johan selected relatively young pirates and encouraged them to convert. None were so foolish as to refuse a chance at life. He ended up choosing hundreds.

Of course, they are weak compared to a great warrior like Euclyia.

Euclyia beamed with joy at Johans praise, while Achladda clicked his tongue.

But if they continue training like this, wont they reach at least half of Euclyias level?

I. . . I was short-sighted. Ill repay you by taking charge of their training.

Ah, its reassuring that Euclyia will train them.

When Euclyia left, Achladda snorted.

Isnt that stupid?

Help out together. No more hunting. Its an order.

. . . . . .

Achladda looked taken aback. He hadnt expected Euclyias foolishness to affect him too.

My dear, I have some advice regarding training the slaves.

Iselia approached Johan with this proposal, and he looked puzzled.

Do you dislike teaching the slaves? Im just trying it out as a hobby, so dont feel too repulsed.

No. Ive seen it, and I think we need to raise the training level. If you allow, Ill step in and teach them myself.

. . .No, its fine.

. . . . . .

Johan had carefully planned the curriculum himself. Starting with training fit for elven knights would leave half unable to get up.

But Iselia looked unusually downcast, so Johan had to reassure her.

s.

Count Yeats, it is a great honor to meet you like this.

The envoys greeted him with much more formality than their last meeting.

Johan nodded.

The republic played a big role in this matter. I appreciate it.

Our contribution is nothing compared to the achievements you have made, Your Excellency.

I see.

?

When Johan agreed and said nothing more, the envoys were perplexed. Werent they supposed to be lauded for their efforts?

But Johan remained silent. The sudden quiet made the envoys feel uneasy.

. . . . . .

The silence continued. It was so awkward that it was hard to tell who had started it. Just when Johan thought it was time, he spoke up.

I heard the viscount sent an envoy to incite an attack against me.

. . .?

??!

The envoys were shocked. It was conceivable that the visit of the viscounts envoy had been exposed. Even discreet visits could become known.

But they hadnt come with that intention. They had no idea where such a rumor had originated.

No, Your Excellency!

What do you mean no? That the envoy didnt come, or that they did but didnt make such a proposal?

. . .The viscounts envoy did come. But they never made such a proposal, and we did not accept any offers from the viscount!

Why didnt you report it immediately?

It was a ludicrous offer, and we thought it was a trick to sow discord between us and Your Excellency, so it wasnt worth reporting. . .

Enough of this nonsense. Ive already been informed by the priests of the order. The knights of the confraternity interrogated the viscounts envoy.

. . .??!

Realizing the situation, the envoys eyes sparked with anger. They had thought they were in control, but the order had outmaneuvered them.

As much as they didnt get along, it was clear that the order was trying to drive a wedge between the republic and Johan.