How to Live as a Wandering Knight

When the situation gets desperate, even the wise crack jokes. A group of eunuchs, weathered from countless life-threatening situations, had overlooked a fundamental detail.

“Apologies, we let it slip our minds.”

“It’s fine. Mistakes happen. I won’t lecture you further, for I believe everyone is well aware of the current situation. However, do keep your wits sharp and ears open. This camp is no longer a safe haven.”

“Should we flee? There might still be neighboring tribes willing to aid us.”

The duke may have conquered the Holy Land, but not all tribes would genuinely pledge allegiance to the pagan duke. With careful negotiation, they could potentially assist their escape from the city and rush towards the harbor.

“It’s risky. There’s no guarantee we’ll evade the pursuers, and the neighboring tribes might betray us. If we’re captured, it’ll give them a pretext to. . .”

The eunuchs grimaced, reminded of the lingering intent of the captured nobles to kill them. Anger flared within them, coupled with a creeping chill, as if a blade had been pressed against their throats.

“Those who pledged loyalty to the Sultan would dare. . .”

‘𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘥𝘶𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵.’

“We’ll move accordingly, as you’ve advised.”

“Good. May fortune favor you all.”

🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

Suetlg, with a face aged by several more years, grumbled,

“What in the world are those fools up to?”

“I apologize, I don’t quite understand. . .”

Caenerna responded, causing Suetlg to sigh and elaborate.

“I’m talking about those eunuchs. They keep pestering us at the most inconvenient times.”

“Oh, well, it’s the nobles who. . .”

With a smile, Caenerna traced her finger across her neck. Suetlg looked puzzled.

“Trying to kill them?”

“If rumors are to be believed, it’s as good as true.”

“They’ve certainly drawn a lot of resentment.”

Suetlg had heard bits and pieces of the rumors circulating among the captives, though he hadn’t actively sought to confirm them.

Apparently, the eunuchs had incurred the wrath of the captured nobles and faced threats to their lives. It sounded plausible.

“It doesn’t make sense though. Even if they are eunuchs, killing them at will would incur the wrath of the Sultan.”

“There’s more than one way to skin a cat. . . They could hire someone to do it and pretend ignorance, or they could have one of their own take the fall and bear the responsibility.”

Caenerna explained, folding her fingers one by one. Having served in the emperor’s court, she was well-versed in such political maneuvering.

“. . .Hold on.”

Caenerna paused mid-sentence.

Of course, these deceptive tactics were more like a charade, with both sides being aware of the pretense.

Whether it was the Emperor or the Sultan, indiscriminately suspecting and executing their subordinate nobles would promptly lead to a rebellion. Very few would risk escalating the situation just to eliminate a few eunuchs. It was clear that as long as both parties maintained some semblance of decorum, the issue could be swept under the rug.

The problem was the catastrophic defeat they had suffered not long ago.

Whether or not news had reached the Sultan’s ears, Caenerna believed that even the Sultan would have caused him to fall off his horse a few times. To be utterly crushed, despite leading such a formidable army.

In such circumstances, would the Sultan tolerate the killing and parading of his eunuchs?

Even those who might have overlooked it in normal times would likely be enraged and unsheath their swords.

‘𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮?’

Caenerna briefly considered it. However, she was not close to the nobles, and offering counsel to captives of a different faith would be futile. It might even cause unnecessary trouble.

“Why do you ask?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I was just curious about how the eunuchs were bothering you.”

Suetlg said, stroking his beard.

“They’ve been rambling on about various things. They offered to introduce us to tribal leaders who could provide assistance, they mentioned knowing wealthy merchants with piles of gold coins, and they suggested we confiscate their wealth. . .”

Having conquered the city, the Duke had the authority to do as he pleased. Seizing the assets of influential individuals within the city was certainly within his power. He could fabricate any justification he wanted.

Of course, Suetlg had no intention of doing anything of the sort, not when he had barely managed to appease the populace. Any such action would instantly reverse the public’s favor.

“Why do you look so amused?”

Suetlg eyed Caenerna suspiciously. With a chuckle, Caenerna raised her hands in surrender.

“I apologize if I’ve given you the wrong impression, Suetlg-gong.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. . . Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to accept a little something, if they’re offering.”

“?!”

Caenerna was taken aback by Suetlg’s words. Of all the people in the camp, the strict and meticulous Suetlg, who even dared to contradict the duke, was saying something like that.

“Have you perhaps fallen under some evil spell??”

“What kind of person do you take me for? I’m not suggesting we engage in excessive looting, of course. But after all the hardships we’ve endured, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to claim a fair share of the spoils.”

Suetlg was a stickler for principles and regulations, but he wasn’t blind to human desires. People were weaker than they thought.

Although Johan possessed an inhuman level of self-control, bordering on monstrous, Suetlg didn’t expect the same from others. If Caenerna desired something, there was no harm in letting her have it.

Caenerna was slightly surprised by Suetlg’s words. She hadn’t expected him to say something like that.

“. . .I cannot accept anything when you have taken nothing.”

“I’ll take my share.”

“?!”

“I heard that there are cultists stirring up trouble near the Holy Land. It would be wise to eliminate them before we make our move. It would be bothersome if they were to set fire to the city.”

Cultists and those who worshipped strange deities were a nuisance wherever they went. It became even more dangerous when they drew upon their beliefs to wield sinister magic.

They had conquered the Holy Land, but to the north, the Sultan’s forces remained, and to the south, the viceroy who had defied the duke was holed up in his stronghold.

At present, all the neighboring feudal lords were too intimidated to look Johan in the eye, but the tides could easily turn.

It was best to prepare while they still had the advantage.

“. . . . . .”

Caenerna looked at Suetlg incredulously. After making such a statement, how could he expect her to accept anything, even as a jest?

“. . .I suppose I should do my part for His Highness the duke as well.”

“That’s not a bad idea.”

Caenerna rose from her seat. By the time they had finished speaking, she had completed her assigned task. As she was about to leave, Jyanina entered with her attendants.

“. . .?”

Caenerna sighed upon noticing the necklace adorning Jyanina’s neck. Not just one, but three of them.

‘𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.’

From the looks of it, Suetlg was already preparing his sermon. He would likely launch into a long lecture once Caenerna left.

‘𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺. . .’

Caenerna considered enlisting the help of wizards within the city with the eunuchs’ assistance. They might not be loyal, but they could at least provide some aid in battle.

Caenerna chuckled to herself, imagining the pleased expression on the duke’s face. The young duke was someone who appreciated receiving gifts.

Other nobles on the expedition said that the duke was indifferent to anything he received, but the people around Johan knew better. Surprisingly, Johan took great pleasure in the act of gift-giving.

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‘𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩, 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘺. . . 𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦?’

Johan was lost in thought.

The conquest of the Holy Land was proceeding smoothly, and everyone seemed satisfied, but the situation was far from over.

As a human being, Johan harbored a desire to seize the viceroy who had caused all this trouble and hang him from the gallows. If only he hadn’t been so greedy, none of this would have happened.

However, the Sultan’s army was the problem. If they marched south while actively engaged in a siege, wouldn’t they have to turn back if the Sultan’s forces appeared from the north? In that case, it would be better to stay put.

When he discreetly asked Ulrike, she answered without a moment’s hesitation.

━𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧?

━. . .𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐮𝐧.

━𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐮𝐧?

━. . .𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭? 𝐍𝐨. . . 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞.

Ulrike’s approach had some merit, albeit short-sighted.

“What’s all the commotion?”

Johan stepped out, intrigued by the sounds coming from outside.

Mercenaries were checking their weapons and preparing to move somewhere. Knights were shouting orders, trying to establish order among the gathering mercenaries. It was chaotic and disorganized, but for a hastily assembled force, it was functional enough.

“We’ve discovered a hideout of cultists and are preparing to eliminate them.”

“Oh? You could have told me. . .”

From the perspective of the expeditionary knights, there was no reason to report such a minor operation to the duke, so they hadn’t bothered. However, Johan, who had always taken the lead in such matters, couldn’t help but feel a bit slighted.

Johan started to ask the knights why they hadn’t called him, but he stopped himself. The knights wouldn’t mind, but if the duke spoke to them in such a manner, they would be shocked and prostrate themselves in apology.

“Your Highness, would you like to accompany us? The knights would be delighted to have Your Highness with them.”

Johan’s escort, recognizing the duke’s desire, spoke up first.

“Shall I?”

“Yes. Your Highness has been working very hard lately. It would do you good to get some fresh air and perhaps engage in a bit of hunting.”

At the centaur warrior’s words, another mercenary nearby whispered.

“Hey, did you know that the place we’re going to is underground?”

“. . . . . .”

“Well, I guess the thought is important.”

Johan shrugged it off. In any case, it might be better to move around a bit rather than continue brooding.

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What had started as a casual participation in a punitive expedition led to unexpected reactions.

First, several young knights from the expeditionary force who had not taken part in the operation volunteered. They were eager to demonstrate their prowess before the duke of extraordinary renown.

Surprisingly, some of the captured nobles also stepped forward, offering to assist in the operation.

Ordinarily, captured individuals wouldn’t be given weapons, but after some deliberation, Johan agreed. If they witnessed the duke’s kindness towards the pagans, wouldn’t the surrounding tribes be more reassured?

━𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬. . .?

━𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬?

━𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Contrary to Johan’s intentions, the surrounding tribes were somewhat bewildered. They had already witnessed the duke’s sincerity.

Refusing to massacre the population after conquering the city walls was already extraordinary, and judging by his subsequent actions, anyone who failed to recognize his sincerity must be a beast, not a human being.

What if he gave weapons to the captives and one of them, filled with resentment, attacked the duke. . .?

The tribal leaders exchanged worried glances, although they didn’t dare to voice their concerns, given their current standing with the duke.

And finally, the eunuchs also joined the operation. Their excuse was that they knew the area well, but their real purpose was to keep an eye on the captured nobles.

“Those b*stards!”

“Shouldn’t we just kill them here and now?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Whether they followed Yeheyman or Suhekhar, the knights had one thing in common: they all wanted to kill the eunuchs with their own hands.

Their anger was already boiling, and now that they had swords in their hands, they wanted to kill those cultists and then some.

“Hold your horses! We’re not here today to kill those treacherous eunuchs.”

As Yeheyman had said, the captured nobles had joined the operation not to kill the eunuchs but to use the opportunity to make a proposal to the duke.

Once the operation was successfully completed and the atmosphere was jovial, the duke would be more receptive to their words.

It would be even better if they could distinguish themselves in battle. . .

“Wouldn’t it be best if Vaytar-gong led us?”

“Me?”

Vaytar, Yeheyman’s fourth son, who had been captured much earlier, looked wary when his name was called.

The knights were puzzled to see the usually belligerent Vaytar behaving so humbly.

However, there was nothing they could do about it. Being in the duke’s camp had a way of humbling even the most aggressive warriors.,

When the situation gets desperate, even the wise crack jokes. A group of eunuchs, weathered from countless life-threatening situations, had overlooked a fundamental detail.

“Apologies, we let it slip our minds.”

“It’s fine. Mistakes happen. I won’t lecture you further, for I believe everyone is well aware of the current situation. However, do keep your wits sharp and ears open. This camp is no longer a safe haven.”

“Should we flee? There might still be neighboring tribes willing to aid us.”

The duke may have conquered the Holy Land, but not all tribes would genuinely pledge allegiance to the pagan duke. With careful negotiation, they could potentially assist their escape from the city and rush towards the harbor.

“It’s risky. There’s no guarantee we’ll evade the pursuers, and the neighboring tribes might betray us. If we’re captured, it’ll give them a pretext to. . .”

The eunuchs grimaced, reminded of the lingering intent of the captured nobles to kill them. Anger flared within them, coupled with a creeping chill, as if a blade had been pressed against their throats.

“Those who pledged loyalty to the Sultan would dare. . .”

‘𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘥 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘶𝘣𝘥𝘶𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵.’

One of the younger eunuchs thought to himself but dared not voice it.

“We’ll move accordingly, as you’ve advised.”

“Good. May fortune favor you all.”

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Suetlg, with a face aged by several more years, grumbled,

“What in the world are those fools up to?”

“I apologize, I don’t quite understand. . .”

Caenerna responded, causing Suetlg to sigh and elaborate.

“I’m talking about those eunuchs. They keep pestering us at the most inconvenient times.”

“Oh, well, it’s the nobles who. . .”

With a smile, Caenerna traced her finger across her neck. Suetlg looked puzzled.

“Trying to kill them?”

“If rumors are to be believed, it’s as good as true.”

“They’ve certainly drawn a lot of resentment.”

Suetlg had heard bits and pieces of the rumors circulating among the captives, though he hadn’t actively sought to confirm them.

Apparently, the eunuchs had incurred the wrath of the captured nobles and faced threats to their lives. It sounded plausible.

“It doesn’t make sense though. Even if they are eunuchs, killing them at will would incur the wrath of the Sultan.”

“There’s more than one way to skin a cat. . . They could hire someone to do it and pretend ignorance, or they could have one of their own take the fall and bear the responsibility.”

Caenerna explained, folding her fingers one by one. Having served in the emperor’s court, she was well-versed in such political maneuvering.

“. . .Hold on.”

Caenerna paused mid-sentence.

Of course, these deceptive tactics were more like a charade, with both sides being aware of the pretense.

Whether it was the Emperor or the Sultan, indiscriminately suspecting and executing their subordinate nobles would promptly lead to a rebellion. Very few would risk escalating the situation just to eliminate a few eunuchs. It was clear that as long as both parties maintained some semblance of decorum, the issue could be swept under the rug.

The problem was the catastrophic defeat they had suffered not long ago.

Whether or not news had reached the Sultan’s ears, Caenerna believed that even the Sultan would have caused him to fall off his horse a few times. To be utterly crushed, despite leading such a formidable army.

In such circumstances, would the Sultan tolerate the killing and parading of his eunuchs?

Even those who might have overlooked it in normal times would likely be enraged and unsheath their swords.

‘𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮?’

Caenerna briefly considered it. However, she was not close to the nobles, and offering counsel to captives of a different faith would be futile. It might even cause unnecessary trouble.

“Why do you ask?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I was just curious about how the eunuchs were bothering you.”

Suetlg said, stroking his beard.

“They’ve been rambling on about various things. They offered to introduce us to tribal leaders who could provide assistance, they mentioned knowing wealthy merchants with piles of gold coins, and they suggested we confiscate their wealth. . .”

Having conquered the city, the Duke had the authority to do as he pleased. Seizing the assets of influential individuals within the city was certainly within his power. He could fabricate any justification he wanted.

Of course, Suetlg had no intention of doing anything of the sort, not when he had barely managed to appease the populace. Any such action would instantly reverse the public’s favor.

“Why do you look so amused?”

Suetlg eyed Caenerna suspiciously. With a chuckle, Caenerna raised her hands in surrender.

“I apologize if I’ve given you the wrong impression, Suetlg-gong.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. . . Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to accept a little something, if they’re offering.”

“?!”

Caenerna was taken aback by Suetlg’s words. Of all the people in the camp, the strict and meticulous Suetlg, who even dared to contradict the duke, was saying something like that.

“Have you perhaps fallen under some evil spell??”

“What kind of person do you take me for? I’m not suggesting we engage in excessive looting, of course. But after all the hardships we’ve endured, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to claim a fair share of the spoils.”

Suetlg was a stickler for principles and regulations, but he wasn’t blind to human desires. People were weaker than they thought.

Although Johan possessed an inhuman level of self-control, bordering on monstrous, Suetlg didn’t expect the same from others. If Caenerna desired something, there was no harm in letting her have it.

Caenerna was slightly surprised by Suetlg’s words. She hadn’t expected him to say something like that.

“. . .I cannot accept anything when you have taken nothing.”

“I’ll take my share.”

“?!”

“I heard that there are cultists stirring up trouble near the Holy Land. It would be wise to eliminate them before we make our move. It would be bothersome if they were to set fire to the city.”

Cultists and those who worshipped strange deities were a nuisance wherever they went. It became even more dangerous when they drew upon their beliefs to wield sinister magic.

They had conquered the Holy Land, but to the north, the Sultan’s forces remained, and to the south, the viceroy who had defied the duke was holed up in his stronghold.

At present, all the neighboring feudal lords were too intimidated to look Johan in the eye, but the tides could easily turn.

It was best to prepare while they still had the advantage.

“. . . . . .”

Caenerna looked at Suetlg incredulously. After making such a statement, how could he expect her to accept anything, even as a jest?

“. . .I suppose I should do my part for His Highness the duke as well.”

“That’s not a bad idea.”

Caenerna rose from her seat. By the time they had finished speaking, she had completed her assigned task. As she was about to leave, Jyanina entered with her attendants.

“. . .?”

Caenerna sighed upon noticing the necklace adorning Jyanina’s neck. Not just one, but three of them.

‘𝘐 𝘨𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘢𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨.’

From the looks of it, Suetlg was already preparing his sermon. He would likely launch into a long lecture once Caenerna left.

‘𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘻𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘪𝘵𝘺. . .’

Caenerna considered enlisting the help of wizards within the city with the eunuchs’ assistance. They might not be loyal, but they could at least provide some aid in battle.

Caenerna chuckled to herself, imagining the pleased expression on the duke’s face. The young duke was someone who appreciated receiving gifts.

Other nobles on the expedition said that the duke was indifferent to anything he received, but the people around Johan knew better. Surprisingly, Johan took great pleasure in the act of gift-giving.

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‘𝘊𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘢𝘪𝘳𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩, 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘰𝘺, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘢𝘯’𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘮𝘺. . . 𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦?’

Johan was lost in thought.

The conquest of the Holy Land was proceeding smoothly, and everyone seemed satisfied, but the situation was far from over.

As a human being, Johan harbored a desire to seize the viceroy who had caused all this trouble and hang him from the gallows. If only he hadn’t been so greedy, none of this would have happened.

However, the Sultan’s army was the problem. If they marched south while actively engaged in a siege, wouldn’t they have to turn back if the Sultan’s forces appeared from the north? In that case, it would be better to stay put.

When he discreetly asked Ulrike, she answered without a moment’s hesitation.

━𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐲, 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧?

━. . .𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐮𝐧.

━𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐮𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐮𝐧?

━. . .𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭? 𝐍𝐨. . . 𝐌𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞.

Ulrike’s approach had some merit, albeit short-sighted.

“What’s all the commotion?”

Johan stepped out, intrigued by the sounds coming from outside.

Mercenaries were checking their weapons and preparing to move somewhere. Knights were shouting orders, trying to establish order among the gathering mercenaries. It was chaotic and disorganized, but for a hastily assembled force, it was functional enough.

“We’ve discovered a hideout of cultists and are preparing to eliminate them.”

“Oh? You could have told me. . .”

From the perspective of the expeditionary knights, there was no reason to report such a minor operation to the duke, so they hadn’t bothered. However, Johan, who had always taken the lead in such matters, couldn’t help but feel a bit slighted.

Johan started to ask the knights why they hadn’t called him, but he stopped himself. The knights wouldn’t mind, but if the duke spoke to them in such a manner, they would be shocked and prostrate themselves in apology.

“Your Highness, would you like to accompany us? The knights would be delighted to have Your Highness with them.”

Johan’s escort, recognizing the duke’s desire, spoke up first.

“Shall I?”

“Yes. Your Highness has been working very hard lately. It would do you good to get some fresh air and perhaps engage in a bit of hunting.”

At the centaur warrior’s words, another mercenary nearby whispered.

“Hey, did you know that the place we’re going to is underground?”

“. . . . . .”

“Well, I guess the thought is important.”

Johan shrugged it off. In any case, it might be better to move around a bit rather than continue brooding.

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What had started as a casual participation in a punitive expedition led to unexpected reactions.

First, several young knights from the expeditionary force who had not taken part in the operation volunteered. They were eager to demonstrate their prowess before the duke of extraordinary renown.

Surprisingly, some of the captured nobles also stepped forward, offering to assist in the operation.

Ordinarily, captured individuals wouldn’t be given weapons, but after some deliberation, Johan agreed. If they witnessed the duke’s kindness towards the pagans, wouldn’t the surrounding tribes be more reassured?

━𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬. . .?

━𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬?

━𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

Contrary to Johan’s intentions, the surrounding tribes were somewhat bewildered. They had already witnessed the duke’s sincerity.

Refusing to massacre the population after conquering the city walls was already extraordinary, and judging by his subsequent actions, anyone who failed to recognize his sincerity must be a beast, not a human being.

What if he gave weapons to the captives and one of them, filled with resentment, attacked the duke. . .?

The tribal leaders exchanged worried glances, although they didn’t dare to voice their concerns, given their current standing with the duke.

And finally, the eunuchs also joined the operation. Their excuse was that they knew the area well, but their real purpose was to keep an eye on the captured nobles.

“Those b*stards!”

“Shouldn’t we just kill them here and now?”

“Don’t talk nonsense.”

Whether they followed Yeheyman or Suhekhar, the knights had one thing in common: they all wanted to kill the eunuchs with their own hands.

Their anger was already boiling, and now that they had swords in their hands, they wanted to kill those cultists and then some.

“Hold your horses! We’re not here today to kill those treacherous eunuchs.”

As Yeheyman had said, the captured nobles had joined the operation not to kill the eunuchs but to use the opportunity to make a proposal to the duke.

Once the operation was successfully completed and the atmosphere was jovial, the duke would be more receptive to their words.

It would be even better if they could distinguish themselves in battle. . .

“Wouldn’t it be best if Vaytar-gong led us?”

“Me?”

Vaytar, Yeheyman’s fourth son, who had been captured much earlier, looked wary when his name was called.

The knights were puzzled to see the usually belligerent Vaytar behaving so humbly.

However, there was nothing they could do about it. Being in the duke’s camp had a way of humbling even the most aggressive warriors.

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