How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 69.2: 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 (𝟔)

I dont know how to handle fire. . . And even if I did, its not an item to be used carelessly. This Fire Goblet is made in pairs. If you light one goblet, the other lights up too.

Johan quickly realized the value of the item. It was like a small and convenient beacon. Such a powerful magical tool in the hands of this knight. . .

Was it bestowed by the Emperor?

Doesnt seem likely. I think. . . it was given by a wizard close to the Emperor.

?

Some powerful wizards use knights for their purposes. Probably given for communication.

Hmm. . .

Why are you looking at me like that?

Nothing. So, this item is then. . .

Johans face hardened. Regardless of which wizard near the Emperor it was, being close to the Emperor meant they were a powerful wizard.

Can it be traced?

Well, I havent used it. . . Maybe it can be traced by the difference when moving away or closer.

Then we shouldnt be discussing this leisurely.

Dont worry. Whoever gave this, if they want to find it, theyd have to search extensively. But the Emperors army hasnt come near here. Even a great wizard would just be causing trouble.

Suetlg smiled slyly and began to wrap the Fire Goblet in a purple cloth with a pattern.

Good for whoever. I never thought Id come across something like this here.

You said you couldnt use it yourself, Suetlg-nim?

Ill give it to another wizard who can use it. A good trade, and I can pay off the debt I owe you.

. . .?

Johan thought to himself.

Is it alright to trade such a suspicious item with hidden motives? Of course, it was good for Johan. . .

What Johan didnt know was that deceiving others without lying was almost routine among wizards. Being able to deceive without telling lies was a skill in itself.

What have you been up to since dawn? I dont think the feudal lord would have requested a duel. . .

Marco asked with a curious expression. It seemed that Johan and Suetlg had been chatting with the feudal lord about this and that since early morning.

He was asking how we might arrange a marriage with Stephen and a relative.

Ah, so thats why he saw us off so kindly.

Marco understood. Stephen, who had been listening, exclaimed in surprise.

I, I have no intention of marrying a dwarf!

Why not? Certainly, the Balpa family is smaller than the Abner family, but Sir Stephen, you are not the eldest either. Isnt it a good opportunity?

Marco sincerely couldnt understand. If he were Stephen, he would have immediately accepted the feudal lords proposal.

Coming from a background of having nothing, he would definitely accept the chance to marry into a legitimate noble family, whether the other party was a dwarf, a centaur, or an orc. After all, isnt it about securing a fiefdom?

And the dwarves were renowned for their unity, helping each other even among different families. Even a minor family could connect with others.

But shes a dwarf!

Yes? I know shes a dwarf. Didnt I just say that?

. . . . . .

Stephen decided to keep quiet, feeling that anything more he said would only make him look foolish.

Johan remembered what the feudal lord had given him before leaving.

. .

It was a knot made from a strand of a beard.

, .

Although Johan was uncertain about the effectiveness of the knot, the sincerity of the feudal lord was clear. There was a sense of accomplishment from fighting alongside Suetlg against the Death Knight that night.

We should get moving. I have a friend to meet in the city of Vaizen.

Between the western and southern parts of the Empire lay a vast forest, commonly known as The Black Forest.

Full of dangers and mysteries, few chose to traverse it, opting instead to travel around it, either above or below.

Johan had once cut through the forest to evade pursuers. . .

. . .and the city located on the path below the forest was Vaizen, bustling due to its riverside location.

A friend, you say? Is it a noble?

I have no noble friends. They wouldnt consider me a friend, either.

Thats unfortunate. I consider Suetlg-nim a friend.

Thank you. . . The friend I mentioned is a wizard.

!

Johan was surprised. It was no wonder Suetlg knew other wizards.

With all the exchanges I need to make, including with the wizard, I should visit my friend. They might have something useful.

That sounds interesting.

Dont get your hopes up too high. The treasures wizards possess often have little use for others.

But regardless of Johans expectations, others were excited. To travelers wandering the plains, visiting a city was always an anticipated event, especially as these mercenaries were well-funded.

Marco?

Yes.

Keep an eye on the mercenaries so they dont cause trouble in the city.

Understood.

Part of a knights duty was to maintain discipline among mercenaries. Marco firmly resolved to monitor the mercenaries during their stay in the city to prevent any mischief.

And Stephen.

Huh?

Keep an eye on Stephen so he doesnt cause trouble. The mercenaries arent fools; theyll manage on their own.

. . .Y-Yes!

Marco was startled but nodded in agreement.

Dont worry. There wont be time for mischief anyway.

?

With the flags of the Abner and Jarpen families, do you think well have time to play around? The citys nobles will be lining up to meet us.