Chapter 49: ???????????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????? (????)
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Chapter 49: People of the Abner family (3)
“I refuse.”
The offer was dishonorable from the start, so no formalities were used in the refusal. Ulrike seemed to have anticipated this, as she promptly made another offer.
“What about double the amount?”
“I refuse that as well.”
“Four times then. You’ll refuse this too? How about ten times more?”
“. . . . . .”Dive into Stories, Embrace Enchantment: N♡vεlB¡n.
Johan was surprised. He honestly hadn’t expected such a sum. Ten times the amount could tempt one into betrayal over and over again. It was incomprehensible why someone would offer such a price, especially for someone like Stephen.
‘So this was the plan from the beginning.’
Noticing Johan’s thoughts, Ulrike casually observed him. Her beauty reminded Johan of a venomous snake. He clenched and unclenched his fist, uncomfortable.
“What’s left then? Ah, yes. You can’t kill with your own hands, can you? After all, you’re a knight. I don’t expect that much. Just close your eyes. My men will handle the annoying wolf.”
Johan was irked by her confident demeanor. It seemed she believed her offer would be readily accepted.
Frankly, other knights might have accepted such an offer.
Knights are human after all.
Like a devout believer can covet gold and lie, a knight can be honest about their desires.
Honor is a knight’s armor, but in private, even that can be shed.
Knowing this, Ulrike had sought this private meeting.
“This is my family’s fiefdom. Dying here won’t dishonor you, but my family. So, have I said enough? What more should I consider? Invite you to a hunt? Need an excuse to leave?”
“Isn’t this too high a price for killing a brother without inheritance rights?”
“That’s something only a naive knight would say,”
Ulrike scoffed.
“Do you know how much money my foolish bloodline has wasted so far? And how much more will be wasted? Countess Abner spends for the sake of bloodline, but I think differently. The eldest, who will inherit the family, is what matters. The money being wasted now is the family’s but also mine. It’s better to deal with it quickly before more is lost.”
“Surprisingly honest, it’s a bit unsettling.”
“You’re a wandering knight. Who would believe you if you went around talking?”
“If you’re so capable, why don’t you handle it yourself?”
“Are you pretending to be stupid, or are you really that dumb? Once it gets to the Count, you can’t kill like now. And you’d just cause more trouble.”
Ulrike, apparently tired of the conversation, pulled out a certificate. It was a promissory note with the seal of a trading company, redeemable for the promised amount immediately.
Thump━
Ulrike threw the certificate in front of him.
‘Doesn’t she worry I might just take the money and run?’
She seemed unconcerned, confident she could handle it even if he fled. Anyone who could spend a thousand gold coins to kill a brother would surely spend more.
“Now, stop talking and make a decision. What will you do?”
Ulrike was sure Johan would accept. Johan calmly replied.
“I refuse.”
“. . .Are you serious?”
“Seriously. Since you spoke at length, I’ll return the courtesy and do the same. If the child is so precious to the Count, even if it’s not my responsibility, the grudge could still be directed at me. People’s feelings don’t resolve that neatly.”
“. . . . . .”
As Johan pointed out something Ulrike hadn’t considered, her expression subtly twisted. It was indeed a valid point. People sometimes displace their grudges onto those who are not involved at all. Especially if they happen to dislike the person.
“And even if you trust me, I find it hard to trust you. I don’t have a way to retaliate.”
“If you argue like that, wouldn’t it be impossible to conduct any business in the world?”
“That’s why I only do business with people stronger than me who are relatively trustworthy.”
Ulrike glared at Johan’s statement, but Johan didn’t care.
“So, is that everything you wanted to say?”
“No. There’s one last, major reason.”
“?”
“My honor. . .”
━Besides, it’s almost winter. Do you think the deserting mercenaries will just sit still then?
Wars were prepared in winter to start in spring, not the other way around. Fighting in winter, especially with delayed supplies, was suicidal.
Moreover, with their commander captured, the knights and mercenary captains had a good excuse.
Retreating the next day was the obvious choice.
━We should never entrust the army to Sir Stephen again. It seems the Count was planning to grant him military command, but he is a man who should have been sent to a monastery instead.
━You’re right.
Stephen’s face turned red. There was no way he couldn’t have heard the insult.
“The Countess is coming in!”
A servant entered, announcing this, and after those present paid their respects, the Countess entered the hall. Wrapped in expensive silk, the Countess bore the look of an aged leopard, exuding a presence that only a noble of his rank could.
“Why are you armed in my castle?”
“What? Didn’t you allow it, my lord?”
“I never gave such permission. Disarm yourselves.”
The Countess raised her hand, and the guards by her side stepped forward as if to pressurize.
The number of guards, more than usual and well-armed, clearly indicated an intentional display.
‘I’ve been outwitted.’
The messenger of Count Jarpen clicked his tongue. The Countess had agreed too readily, perhaps for this very reason.
A simple way for the Countess to regain dignity and authority in front of her vassals.
The knights present couldn’t overturn the negotiations with just this. The Countess was playing a dangerous game, staying just within the boundaries of nullifying the negotiations.
The knights, aware of this, prepared to reluctantly disarm, their faces showing signs of frustration.
But Johan was different. Unlike the knights of the Jarpen family, Johan didn’t need to care about such things.
“If you want my weapon. . .”
“. . .?”
“You’ll have to take it from my dead body. Back off.”
The approaching guard stopped, looking at the Countess in confusion, not expecting such a response.
“Is Sir the Marcel’s troll slayer?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I thought he was a freelance knight, but he’s from the Jarpen family?”
“I’m here only as a guest, not a member of the Jarpen family.”
“Then why did you interfere in the fight?”
“I had no choice but to defend my honor.”
“Does that mean you hold no particular grudge against the House of Countess Abner?”
“Indeed, my lord.”
“Then, in respect of that honor, I grant you a privilege.”
When she backed down, Johan was surprised. He had heard that she was more emotional, but her demeanor was as cool as steel.
This conversation was almost like an offer of reconciliation.
‘I bear no grudge, so you should not either.’
It was a rational attitude, but people, especially those of high status, are not always rational.
Johan realized how cold-blooded the nobility trained as feudal lords could be. Compared to them, Johan and the other knights were hot-blooded.
“My lord Countess! Even if you permit it, I still feel my honor has been tarnished. Please allow my son to fight the troll slayer and restore our honor.”
And so it went.
The sudden appearance of the old knight made Johan realize his reputation had spread. Challenging Johan to a one-on-one duel meant he was considered worthy of such an honor. Otherwise, such a challenge wouldn’t have been made.
No one praises defeating a mere rogue in a duel. Now, Johan had become a target for knights seeking honor.
‘Absolutely not!’
“?”
Stephen whispered desperately from behind.
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Chapter 49: People of the Abner family (3)
“I refuse.”
The offer was dishonorable from the start, so no formalities were used in the refusal. Ulrike seemed to have anticipated this, as she promptly made another offer.
“What about double the amount?”
“I refuse that as well.”
“Four times then. You’ll refuse this too? How about ten times more?”
“. . . . . .”Dive into Stories, Embrace Enchantment: N♡vεlB¡n.
Johan was surprised. He honestly hadn’t expected such a sum. Ten times the amount could tempt one into betrayal over and over again. It was incomprehensible why someone would offer such a price, especially for someone like Stephen.
‘So this was the plan from the beginning.’
Noticing Johan’s thoughts, Ulrike casually observed him. Her beauty reminded Johan of a venomous snake. He clenched and unclenched his fist, uncomfortable.
“What’s left then? Ah, yes. You can’t kill with your own hands, can you? After all, you’re a knight. I don’t expect that much. Just close your eyes. My men will handle the annoying wolf.”
Johan was irked by her confident demeanor. It seemed she believed her offer would be readily accepted.
Frankly, other knights might have accepted such an offer.
Knights are human after all.
Like a devout believer can covet gold and lie, a knight can be honest about their desires.
Honor is a knight’s armor, but in private, even that can be shed.
Knowing this, Ulrike had sought this private meeting.
“This is my family’s fiefdom. Dying here won’t dishonor you, but my family. So, have I said enough? What more should I consider? Invite you to a hunt? Need an excuse to leave?”
“Isn’t this too high a price for killing a brother without inheritance rights?”
“That’s something only a naive knight would say,”
Ulrike scoffed.
“Do you know how much money my foolish bloodline has wasted so far? And how much more will be wasted? Countess Abner spends for the sake of bloodline, but I think differently. The eldest, who will inherit the family, is what matters. The money being wasted now is the family’s but also mine. It’s better to deal with it quickly before more is lost.”
“Surprisingly honest, it’s a bit unsettling.”
“You’re a wandering knight. Who would believe you if you went around talking?”
“If you’re so capable, why don’t you handle it yourself?”
“Are you pretending to be stupid, or are you really that dumb? Once it gets to the Count, you can’t kill like now. And you’d just cause more trouble.”
Ulrike, apparently tired of the conversation, pulled out a certificate. It was a promissory note with the seal of a trading company, redeemable for the promised amount immediately.
Thump━
Ulrike threw the certificate in front of him.
‘Doesn’t she worry I might just take the money and run?’
She seemed unconcerned, confident she could handle it even if he fled. Anyone who could spend a thousand gold coins to kill a brother would surely spend more.
“Now, stop talking and make a decision. What will you do?”
Ulrike was sure Johan would accept. Johan calmly replied.
“I refuse.”
“. . .Are you serious?”
“Seriously. Since you spoke at length, I’ll return the courtesy and do the same. If the child is so precious to the Count, even if it’s not my responsibility, the grudge could still be directed at me. People’s feelings don’t resolve that neatly.”
“. . . . . .”
As Johan pointed out something Ulrike hadn’t considered, her expression subtly twisted. It was indeed a valid point. People sometimes displace their grudges onto those who are not involved at all. Especially if they happen to dislike the person.
“And even if you trust me, I find it hard to trust you. I don’t have a way to retaliate.”
“If you argue like that, wouldn’t it be impossible to conduct any business in the world?”
“That’s why I only do business with people stronger than me who are relatively trustworthy.”
Ulrike glared at Johan’s statement, but Johan didn’t care.
“So, is that everything you wanted to say?”
“No. There’s one last, major reason.”
“?”
“My honor. . .”
━Besides, it’s almost winter. Do you think the deserting mercenaries will just sit still then?
Wars were prepared in winter to start in spring, not the other way around. Fighting in winter, especially with delayed supplies, was suicidal.
Moreover, with their commander captured, the knights and mercenary captains had a good excuse.
Retreating the next day was the obvious choice.
━We should never entrust the army to Sir Stephen again. It seems the Count was planning to grant him military command, but he is a man who should have been sent to a monastery instead.
━You’re right.
Stephen’s face turned red. There was no way he couldn’t have heard the insult.
“The Countess is coming in!”
A servant entered, announcing this, and after those present paid their respects, the Countess entered the hall. Wrapped in expensive silk, the Countess bore the look of an aged leopard, exuding a presence that only a noble of his rank could.
“Why are you armed in my castle?”
“What? Didn’t you allow it, my lord?”
“I never gave such permission. Disarm yourselves.”
The Countess raised her hand, and the guards by her side stepped forward as if to pressurize.
The number of guards, more than usual and well-armed, clearly indicated an intentional display.
‘I’ve been outwitted.’
The messenger of Count Jarpen clicked his tongue. The Countess had agreed too readily, perhaps for this very reason.
A simple way for the Countess to regain dignity and authority in front of her vassals.
The knights present couldn’t overturn the negotiations with just this. The Countess was playing a dangerous game, staying just within the boundaries of nullifying the negotiations.
The knights, aware of this, prepared to reluctantly disarm, their faces showing signs of frustration.
But Johan was different. Unlike the knights of the Jarpen family, Johan didn’t need to care about such things.
“If you want my weapon. . .”
“. . .?”
“You’ll have to take it from my dead body. Back off.”
The approaching guard stopped, looking at the Countess in confusion, not expecting such a response.
“Is Sir the Marcel’s troll slayer?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“I thought he was a freelance knight, but he’s from the Jarpen family?”
“I’m here only as a guest, not a member of the Jarpen family.”
“Then why did you interfere in the fight?”
“I had no choice but to defend my honor.”
“Does that mean you hold no particular grudge against the House of Countess Abner?”
“Indeed, my lord.”
“Then, in respect of that honor, I grant you a privilege.”
When she backed down, Johan was surprised. He had heard that she was more emotional, but her demeanor was as cool as steel.
This conversation was almost like an offer of reconciliation.
‘I bear no grudge, so you should not either.’
It was a rational attitude, but people, especially those of high status, are not always rational.
Johan realized how cold-blooded the nobility trained as feudal lords could be. Compared to them, Johan and the other knights were hot-blooded.
“My lord Countess! Even if you permit it, I still feel my honor has been tarnished. Please allow my son to fight the troll slayer and restore our honor.”
And so it went.
The sudden appearance of the old knight made Johan realize his reputation had spread. Challenging Johan to a one-on-one duel meant he was considered worthy of such an honor. Otherwise, such a challenge wouldn’t have been made.
No one praises defeating a mere rogue in a duel. Now, Johan had become a target for knights seeking honor.
‘Absolutely not!’
“?”
Stephen whispered desperately from behind.
Chapter 49: People of the Abner family 3I refuse.The offer was dishonorable from the start, so no formalities were used in the refusal. Ulrike seemed to have anticipated this, as she promptly made another offer.What about double the amount?I refuse that as well.Four times then. You'll refuse this too? How about ten times more?. . . . . .Dive into Stories, Embrace Enchantment: NvlBn.Johan was surprised. He honestly hadn't expected such a sum. Ten times the amount could tempt one into betrayal over and over again. It was incomprehensible why someone would offer such a price, especially for someone like Stephen.So this was the plan from the beginning.'Noticing Johan's thoughts, Ulrike casually observed him. Her beauty reminded Johan of a venomous snake. He clenched and unclenched his fist, uncomfortable.What's left then? Ah, yes. You can't kill with your own hands, can you? After all, you're a knight. I don't expect that much. Just close your eyes. My men will handle the annoying wolf.Johan was irked by her confident demeanor. It seemed she believed her offer would be readily accepted.Frankly, other knights might have accepted such an offer.Knights are human after all.Like a devout believer can covet gold and lie, a knight can be honest about their desires.Honor is a knight's armor, but in private, even that can be shed.Knowing this, Ulrike had sought this private meeting.This is my family's fiefdom. Dying here won't dishonor you, but my family. So, have I said enough? What more should I consider? Invite you to a hunt? Need an excuse to leave?Isn't this too high a price for killing a brother without inheritance rights?That's something only a naive knight would say, Ulrike scoffed.Do you know how much money my foolish bloodline has wasted so far? And how much more will be wasted? Countess Abner spends for the sake of bloodline, but I think differently. The eldest, who will inherit the family, is what matters. The money being wasted now is the family's but also mine. It's better to deal with it quickly before more is lost.Surprisingly honest, it's a bit unsettling.You're a wandering knight. Who would believe you if you went around talking?If you're so capable, why don't you handle it yourself?Are you pretending to be stupid, or are you really that dumb? Once it gets to the Count, you can't kill like now. And you'd just cause more trouble.Ulrike, apparently tired of the conversation, pulled out a certificate. It was a promissory note with the seal of a trading company, redeemable for the promised amount immediately.ThumpUlrike threw the certificate in front of him.Doesn't she worry I might just take the money and run?'She seemed unconcerned, confident she could handle it even if he fled. Anyone who could spend a thousand gold coins to kill a brother would surely spend more.Now, stop talking and make a decision. What will you do?Ulrike was sure Johan would accept. Johan calmly replied.I refuse.. . .Are you serious?Seriously. Since you spoke at length, I'll return the courtesy and do the same. If the child is so precious to the Count, even if it's not my responsibility, the grudge could still be directed at me. People's feelings don't resolve that neatly.. . . . . .As Johan pointed out something Ulrike hadn't considered, her expression subtly twisted. It was indeed a valid point. People sometimes displace their grudges onto those who are not involved at all. Especially if they happen to dislike the person.And even if you trust me, I find it hard to trust you. I don't have a way to retaliate.If you argue like that, wouldn't it be impossible to conduct any business in the world?That's why I only do business with people stronger than me who are relatively trustworthy.Ulrike glared at Johan's statement, but Johan didn't care.So, is that everything you wanted to say?No. There's one last, major reason.?My honor. . .Besides, it's almost winter. Do you think the deserting mercenaries will just sit still then?Wars were prepared in winter to start in spring, not the other way around. Fighting in winter, especially with delayed supplies, was suicidal.Moreover, with their commander captured, the knights and mercenary captains had a good excuse.Retreating the next day was the obvious choice.We should never entrust the army to Sir Stephen again. It seems the Count was planning to grant him military command, but he is a man who should have been sent to a monastery instead.You're right.Stephen's face turned red. There was no way he couldn't have heard the insult.The Countess is coming in!A servant entered, announcing this, and after those present paid their respects, the Countess entered the hall. Wrapped in expensive silk, the Countess bore the look of an aged leopard, exuding a presence that only a noble of his rank could.Why are you armed in my castle?What? Didn't you allow it, my lord?I never gave such permission. Disarm yourselves.The Countess raised her hand, and the guards by her side stepped forward as if to pressurize.The number of guards, more than usual and well-armed, clearly indicated an intentional display.I've been outwitted.'The messenger of Count Jarpen clicked his tongue. The Countess had agreed too readily, perhaps for this very reason.A simple way for the Countess to regain dignity and authority in front of her vassals.The knights present couldn't overturn the negotiations with just this. The Countess was playing a dangerous game, staying just within the boundaries of nullifying the negotiations.The knights, aware of this, prepared to reluctantly disarm, their faces showing signs of frustration.But Johan was different. Unlike the knights of the Jarpen family, Johan didn't need to care about such things.If you want my weapon. . .. . .?You'll have to take it from my dead body. Back off.The approaching guard stopped, looking at the Countess in confusion, not expecting such a response.Is Sir the Marcel's troll slayer?Yes, my lord.I thought he was a freelance knight, but he's from the Jarpen family?I'm here only as a guest, not a member of the Jarpen family.Then why did you interfere in the fight?I had no choice but to defend my honor.Does that mean you hold no particular grudge against the House of Countess Abner?Indeed, my lord.Then, in respect of that honor, I grant you a privilege.When she backed down, Johan was surprised. He had heard that she was more emotional, but her demeanor was as cool as steel.This conversation was almost like an offer of reconciliation.I bear no grudge, so you should not either.'It was a rational attitude, but people, especially those of high status, are not always rational.Johan realized how cold-blooded the nobility trained as feudal lords could be. Compared to them, Johan and the other knights were hot-blooded.My lord Countess! Even if you permit it, I still feel my honor has been tarnished. Please allow my son to fight the troll slayer and restore our honor.And so it went.The sudden appearance of the old knight made Johan realize his reputation had spread. Challenging Johan to a one-on-one duel meant he was considered worthy of such an honor. Otherwise, such a challenge wouldn't have been made.No one praises defeating a mere rogue in a duel. Now, Johan had become a target for knights seeking honor.Absolutely not!'?Stephen whispered desperately from behind.
