Chapter 97.1: ???????? ???????????????? (??)
Even if that knight is a demon, it doesnt matter. Were not asked to fight him, are we?
. . . . . .
We just need to bring out the magistrate.
The defense captain had no particr attachment to this city either. As Gurelic had said, the citys defense captains were usually of mercenary origin. They didnt bury their bones in the city just because they had been paid there for a long time.
If the city falls, just take the property and go somewhere else!
However, the Slovak Kingdom wanted the magistrate. In case of an emergency, they were to bring out the magistrate. The defense captain couldnt ignore that order.
. . .
It was unexpected that the enemys vanguard could invade so boldly. Nor did they anticipate the others would betray them so quickly.
Anyway, there was only one thing to do now. They had to take the magistrate out somehow.
There were no other subordinates left, so they had no choice but to coax and persuade them.
ording to the spy, the magistrate is confined in the mansion. He will stay there until the duke decides otherwise. Nobody expects him to be rescued from outside. Moreover, the guards are not that strong.
Starting with gold coins and up to fiefs, the mercenaries began to be tempted, forgetting their fears.
What does it matter if the opponent is a demon? If they dont meet him, they can make a fortune!
. . .Is that true?
Im with you guys in this. Its my life at stake too. Would I lie about such a thing?
The mercenaries nodded, their eyes shining at the defense captains words. If they could secretly whisk away the magistrate and escape the city, they could livevishly in a town for the rest of their lives.
Books were precious and not widely circted. They were not necessarily written in the Empiresnguage. The monks who copied books in the monasteries also used the ancient imperialnguage.
Naturally, the books Johan had selected were written in the ancient imperialnguage.
Now that I think about it, does Repiata-gong know the ancient imperialnguage?
Just because one liked books didnt mean they knew the ancient imperialnguage. Books were held for their value and could be a symbol of dignity in themselves.
After all, the nobles could hire readers to read for them.
Well. . . It should be fine.
?
Even if he doesnt know, he wont admit it out of pride, will he?
. . . . . .
Johan looked at Suetlg incredulously. Suetlg avoided his gaze, seemingly embarrassed.
You said he liked books, didnt you?
Whether he likes books or not, thats another matter, isnt it?
Thats fine.
The books Johan had chosen were not particrly unusual: <The Baptism of Saint Gereos>, <The Gospel of Zoleo>, <The Four Seasons of Duke Milene>. . .
As they were difficult to produce, books usually rted to the church or represented the nobilitys authority. Going beyond this would enter a suspicious category.
As soon as Brnhilde saw Johan, she hugged him tightly. Although smaller than Johan, Brnhilde was a knight taller and stronger than most. Johan slowly pushed away Brnhildes arms with his hands.
, .
Im truly grateful for your bravery! Gong is also pleased.
I just did what had to be done. Is Gong inside?
Yes! The others have already arrived.
Johan rubbed his side and nodded. Caenerna, standing beside him, asked,
Is that a book youre holding? Did you bring a book as a gift?
Yes. How are you feeling?
My magic is not fully restored, and my head aches like a hangover, but its bearable.
Suetlg didnt seem eager to join the gathering. In contrast, Caenerna enjoyed interacting with the powerful.
Currently aligned with the Emperors faction, but the more options for switching sides, the better.
Johan had suggested Caenerna apany him to provide somefort.
I regret having pushed you into using magic.
. . .?
Caenerna looked at Johan strangely. Normally, witnessing a magic surge meant either killing or preparing for trouble.
But this knight was apologizing instead. Although Caenerna knew Johan was a unique knight involved with magic, still. . .
Why are you looking at me like that?
I didnt expect an apology. . .?
Its my fault for involving you. Ill be more careful in the future.
Youd make a really good feudal lord.
Is that sarcasm?
No. Its rare for nobles to treat a wizard like that. Normally, they are more. . .
Annoying? Arrogant?
I was going to say they act like a son of a b*tch, but thats not incorrect either.
Many thought court wizard Caenerna manipted the Emperor for her gain, but she had her struggles.
For a wizard like her, the rtionship with the employer was everything. A bad rtionship meant life-threatening consequences for her subordinates.
Everything she did or didnt do was med on magic. Such was the nature of magic.
She had to make even the impossible seem at least feasible.
Nobles think magic can do anything. They think paying gold makes everything possible. Do you know what Cardirian wanted?
Not sure.
He wanted an elixir of youth, to make himself young and healthy again.
Caenerna scoffed as she spoke.
Is it possible?
I dont know. Whats certain is that I dont know how. . . Can you imagine how annoying it was to convince him?
Must have been terrible. Why serve such a master?
Because of the gold. Theyre all the same, so better serve the one with more money.
Johan nodded, finding the exnation oddly convincing. When he nodded in agreement, Caenerna looked astonished.
As Caenerna followed Johan, she stopped at the sight of an orc in the courtyard.
Wait. . . That orc.
What about it?
Its from the rhim family.
Orcs didnt believe in gods and were greedy for money. Kings and nobles despised orcs but always sought them when in need of money.
The rhim family was famously wealthy among orcs. Having such an orc was unusual.
Impressive to have such apanion. I dont know how it was managed. . . Ah. Of course, orcs are disrespectful non-believers.
Caenerna, admiring the scene, changed her tone, realizing Johan was beside her. It would be hard for a devout knight to appreciate such praise.
Wow. That persons family is so wealthy? Do you know how one can be friends with an orc?
. . . . . .