Chapter 83.1: ???????? ???? ???????? (2)


    But Johans n went awry from the beginning.


    Acdda came to Johans tent.


    Did you have a good rest, Sir Knight?


    You must be more tired than I am.


    Haha! I could run three days and three nights without trouble.


    From the way you fought, it didnt seem like that. . . So, did you know about this hunt?


    I had my suspicions. The Duke had hinted at it to the chieftain.


    Johan nodded. He had guessed as much from Acddas behavior, which had been overly significant.


    Im sorry I couldnt tell you, Sir Knight.


    No. Why worry about that? Such things shouldnt be said out loud.


    .


    Hearing Eastern speech from behind, Johan realized Acdda hadnte alone. Euclyia, his cousin, appeared behind him.


    Im really grateful for your helpst time.


    .


    She say your fighting was like that of Tengri.


    . . .


    Cant you tone it down a bit? Let me speak too. I told you to learn Empirenguage.


    Acdda grumbled. It was frustrating toe all this way only to interpret. Euclyia looked dejected and nodded.


    Shouldnt you go in and rest, with us leaving tomorrow?


    Haha. Before we leave tomorrow, I have a proposition.


    ?


    Wont you join us?


    Johan was surprised by the unexpected offer. He hadnt thought of it.


    Isnt it a rule to go alone?


    Youre too honorable, Sir Knight. Perhaps thats why you didnt consider it.


    No. . .


    Johan was incredulous to hear  . He wanted to object, but Acdda continued.


    Of course, the Duke said not to bring servants, ves, or attendants. One must leave alone. But whats to stop those who leave alone from meeting and traveling together?


    !


    Now that I hear it, Acdda was right.


    .


    It was quite usible for knights to stick together and move as a group. There was no reason to deliberately suffer losses when they werent breaking any rules.


    Thinking about how they moved together during the tournament made it seem even more usible.


    You were really nning to move alone? Sir Knight is truly remarkable. Among the knights Ive met, few are as honorable as Sir Knight.


    Acdda expressed pure admiration. Among the knights of the Empire he had met in the east, none failed to mention honor. However, truly honorable knights were rare.


    They all easily go back on their words ording to their interests.


    I was. . . nning to move alone.


    ,           . . .


    Acdda hadnt considered that Johan might be nning to rest nearby and return after the hunt.


    If Sir Knight doesnt dislike, despise, or avoid us, it would be an honor to join you. You dont dislike, despise, or avoid us, do you?


    Thats a bit of a sly way to put it.


    Haha. Please understand that as a sign of how much I want to join. Besides, you wont be at a loss, Sir Knight. The ins, mountains, rivers, and valleys nearby. . . all these ces are under our control. The Empires knights are familiar with them, but theyre like sheep, always going to the same ces.


    It was a remark that would have irked the knights, but Johan was unfazed. Acddas offer was also appealing.


    One of the reasons Johan had been reluctant to step forward was hisck of knowledge about the geography.


    The Duke had given him ample time, but it was not enough to decide on a monster, gather rumors, and pursue it. He should have been aware of these things in advance.


    Alright. Thanks for the offer. Lets go together.


    Really?! Thats great. You wont regret it!


    Acdda smiled innocently and was delighted. He seemed not much older than Johan, so his lively attitude suited him well.


    .


    Thats a bit burdensome to say. It might be better not to convey that.


    ?


    Youre asking because you dont know? No. Dont ask me, ask the other adults around.


    . . . . . .


    Johan resolved to learn the Easternnguage as quickly as possible.


    As dawn broke, the sound of trumpets and bugles faded away as the knights began to depart one by one. However, Johan, now enlightened with the truth, saw something different.


    He sensed an agreement among them, exchanging nces and waving hands, as if nning to regroup at a certain point.


    Surprisingly, even knights from the Empire and those from the tribes outside the Empire were seen exchanging looks.


    ,    . . .


    Johan realized the situation.


    Not all knights of the Empire were hostile towards barbarians or nomadic tribes. There were neutrals and those willing to cooperate given the opportunity.


    If there were connections, it made sense to join hands. The unexplored territories to the east were better known to these external tribes. Those who didnt ally would fall behind.


    ?