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Published at 25th of March 2024 05:37:20 AM


Chapter 20.2: ????????????????????????, ????????????????????????????????, ????????????????????????????????????, ??

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Chapter 20.2: Knight, Merchant, Mercenary, Slave (5)

“Goran.”



“Mr. Khan. What’s the matter?”



“The newcomer is a bigger mess than I thought.”



“Is it that bad?”



Goran frowned. Khan had known Goran for quite some time and didn’t take his words lightly.



“I want to get rid of him. He seems like he could cause trouble if left alone.”



“Hmm. . . It’s a bit difficult right now. Eldans would not like it. It’s a time when even one person is needed.”



“Didn’t you see the fight earlier? When a fight broke out, he ran away and then sneakily came back.”



“I saw it. But even if we have to punish him, it should be done in the city, not before the work is finished. It would only tarnish our reputation. It’s better to monitor him until we return and then deal with him afterwards.”



“Damn it. Let’s do that. Where did you find such a guy. . . Next time bring someone experienced. No matter how cheap they are.”



“Understood.”



Fortunately, no more fights occurred after that. Two days later, the group was able to reach Rutzbeck.



“It’s Rutzbeck!”



‘Much better than the Aitz fiefdom.’



“Can we go in right away?”



“It’s fine. I know the village chief and many of the villagers.”



The Aitz fiefdom, where a feudal lord like a knight lived and governed directly, was an exception. Usually, nobles didn’t live in their fiefdoms. They sent representatives to collect taxes when due.



In such cases, the town’s villagers managed things among themselves. The village chief, elected from among the wealthy serfs, handled major and minor matters, managing the town. Though it might seem trivial to modern eyes, for merchants, being on good terms with the village chief was crucial. Any issues with the chief could complicate matters.



“Have you been here before?”



“I have. They make quite good beer.”



Khan replied. Johan laughed.



Entering his room, Johan collapsed onto the bed. It wasn’t very soft, but it was enough. He hadn’t properly relaxed since escaping from the fiefdom.



‘The door is locked. . . I can finally rest after a long time.’



“I’ll think about the future plans after a good sleep,” thought Johan, as he closed his eyes and drifted into sleep.



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“Is that knight really so extraordinary?”



“Ah, indeed he is.”



Upon hearing Eldans’ words, village chief Atanka wore a disbelieving expression.



“I’ve never seen a decent person among wandering knights. Those who came last year were a mess too. Brimming with arrogance, those without a family name. . . Do you know what happened to them?”



“Were they beaten and driven away?”



“Yes. I tried to tolerate it, but they just crossed the line.”



Real nobility would have restrained themselves for fear of consequences, but a family-less wanderer knight was neither noble nor anything else. Just a mercenary proclaiming himself a knight.



Such men, thinking too highly of themselves, demanded the village chief’s house, free food and drink, and women, pushing the town’s patience to its limits.



Aitz’s fiefdom only had a few slaves, servants, and family members as soldiers, but Rutzbeck was different. It had its own militia. The town’s spirited youth, toughened by farming, overwhelmed the untrained wandering mercenaries.



“This man is different. He comes from a genuine knight’s family. And his skills are exceptional too.”



It was common for knights from noble families to be strong, but it was rare for someone as young as Johan to be so accomplished. Eldans thought it only possible with talent and rigorous training.



“Really? Why is he wandering alone then?”



It was unusual for nobility, even younger sons, to travel alone. It wouldn’t be strange to have a servant or two. Even self-proclaimed mercenary knights brought followers, calling them servants.



“There must be circumstances within his family.”



Whether a declining or a fallen family. Eldans implied subtly, and the village chief understood immediately. There was no need to openly criticize nobility in their absence.



Where there are no tigers, foxes reign. In places not directly governed by nobility, the village chief’s authority was significant.



However, this was only within the village. Even a mere official sent by a noble could make the village chief fawn obsequiously. The chief was well aware of his position. Political acumen was essential to be the chief of such a large town.




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