Chapter 57: ???????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????????? (????)
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Chapter 57: The Siege of Sandarju (1)
The problem was that Ulrike-gong’s focus was not on Countess Abner’s territory.
Ulrike-gong was leading an army on a campaign.
“How long has it been since the last war ended?”
“It’s not that surprising.”
In this world, war was as routine as sleeping and eating. Soldiers were mobilized and battles fought for all sorts of reasons.
Suetlg said with a grim expression.
“Do nobles like war? What surprises me is the timing. It’s winter now. . .”
Wars typically started in spring, battles were fought in summer, and enemy fiefdoms were plundered in autumn. Starting a war in winter was foolish, as it was difficult to find food for the army.
“The ones who started this must have a reason.”
“Sure, like the wizard who got his head chopped off. Everyone has a reason, even that knight over there.”
Though Suetlg thought differently, Johan was also pondering this.
Ulrike-gong, as the heir to the Countess, had already received several fiefdoms as her property upon becoming an adult. She was not incapable of mobilizing an army.
The reason was guessable. The Abner family had suffered losses because of Count Jarpen and wanted compensation, no matter the adversary.
But wasn’t the timing too soon?
When an army is hastily raised, it usually indicates a strong motive. Johan was curious about what Ulrike-gong was relying on.
Especially now when he had to meet and say, ‘One of the fiefdom rights you are to receive actually belongs to me.’
“It’s good that you’re going with mercenaries. Never go alone if you don’t want to die like a dog.”
Suetlg’s obvious advice sounded ominously.
????????????????????????
But not all the news was ominous. A messenger who suddenly visited Johan was an example.
“What is it?”
“Countess Abner sent me.”
After following the custom of praising Sir Stephen, rewarding him, and granting rewards to the successful mercenaries, the messenger finally approached Johan.
The wax-sealed letter contained a simple message.
━If you save Stephen, I swear I’ll repay you.
“. . . . . .”
Johan’s face grew complicated. What did the Countess mean by sending this?
Johan was currently on his way to negotiate with Ulrike.
‘I see. Is she asking me not to negotiate with others?’
If the negotiations with Ulrike failed and Johan turned to other forces, Stephen’s chance of survival would decrease, not knowing Johan’s situation.
Ulrike’s inaction was only when Stephen remained passive; it changed when it involved her inheritance.
Ulrike, please conclude this matter without harming Stephen!
‘It seems both difficult and easy.’
But one thing was certain.
Countess Abner was still strong and creating a debt would be quite beneficial.
“And this.”
“?”
Johan received a certificate from the messenger, redeemable at a trading house.
“I don’t have any compensation to receive from the Countess, what does this mean?”
“She said it’s a personal token of gratitude.”
“I see. . . Well, I’ll keep that in mind.”
Johan suddenly envied Stephen.
Apart from intelligence, wasn’t luck something one was born with!
????????????????????????
Countess Abner’s territory lies to the east of Sangdarju Castle.
Nestled among the mountains, it’s a vital transit point for those traveling from the west to the heart of the Empire.
Historically, the lords of Sangdarju Castle have had several frictions with the Abner family. The castle’s ability to challenge the Abners, who control several fiefdoms, stemmed from a single reason.
A powerful backing.
The territory of Sangdarju Castle was directly granted by the Emperor of the Empire.
Influential feudal lords might scoff at the Emperor, but that doesn’t mean the Emperor is powerless.
The Emperor, like the feudal lords, also had his own set of powers, just not as prominently proclaimed.
After all, one couldn’t buy the support of the prime nobles with gold if they weren’t a feudal lord themselves.
But now, Ulrike-gong is sweeping through the castellan’s territory, seemingly unconcerned about such matters.
“A wise choice.”
The village chief trembled, prostrating himself. In front of him lay a pile of silver coins, scraped together from the town.
This tribute was originally meant for the feudal lord, but now, an angry army glinted at the town’s edges.
At Ulrike-gong’s command, the town could be set ablaze in an instant.
Ultimately, the blame lay with the feudal lord who failed to protect them. Why else would they loyally offer tributes and labor?
“They’re not coming out, are they?”
Ulrike pointed at Stephen.
Two hundred mercenaries would be helpful, but she didn’t want to give even a slight honor to Stephen.
Unwanted and disliked.
That was Stephen.
“Ulrike-gong.”
“What? Anything else to say?”
“First, a correction. . . the subjugation was successful.”
“. . . . . .”
For the first time, Stephen felt triumphant. Ulrike’s expression justified it.
“. . .I thought I would let it go. Definitely. I underestimated your ability.”
It dawned that the philosopher from Ipaël River couldn’t have been called by Stephen. Surely, it was Johan’s doing.
“Thank you.”
“So? You came to boast about your successful subjugation?”
“The following conversation. . . I’d like to have it more privately. . .”
“Ulrike-nim!”
The tent flap was pushed aside, and a mercenary captain rushed in.
“Sangdarju Castle is ready to surrender!”
“!”
????????????????????????
Thanks to that, the private meeting with Johan was postponed. The castellan was ready to surrender, so naturally, that had to be addressed first.
“That was quicker than expected.”
“It’s thanks to Ulrike-nim’s command.”
“I just waited doing nothing, so spare me the useless flattery.”
Her tone was cynically similar to Countess Abner’s.
But it wasn’t entirely wrong.
The surrounded castellan had limited options: either resist to death or surrender.
The lord of Sangdarju Castle chose the latter.
The castle gates opened, and a delegation bearing a white flag emerged. Ulrike, unknowingly, smiled. In such a situation, no one could help but smile.
“The surrender documents?”
“Here they are. . .”
The envoys’ faces were dark and haggard. It was natural, having resisted under siege before coming out to surrender. Ulrike signaled with her chin, and her subordinates began to read the documents.
Meanwhile, Johan was blankly spectating from behind. Stephen asked cautiously.
“. . .Do you think the negotiations will go well?”
“Well, logically, it should, but people don’t think with just their brains. . . Shouldn’t you have been more careful about making enemies?”
“It’s not like I wanted to make them!”
“Being foolish is also a sin. If it were me, I would have been careful even while breathing.”
“Enough of this pointless talk. There are many ears around.”
At Suetlg’s words, Johan nodded. Speaking here was pointless anyway. The negotiation would be decided in the meeting with Ulrike.
“...?”
Johan sensed something off in the envoys’ expressions. It was a familiar look.
In that moment, Johan realized why their expressions seemed familiar.
“Gerdolf!”
“S-Sir!”
“Lead the mercenaries and block the left flank!”
Before finishing his sentence, Johan dashed off like a madman. There was no time to find and mount a horse.
Their expressions were familiar because they had the same thought as Johan had before.
Ambush!
‘Crazy fools!’
However, the meaning was the opposite.
Johan, in front of others, built a just cause while flaunting the honor of a knight. As the cause was with Johan, the knights present accepted it.
But these people came out as surrendering envoys and were attempting to ambush. Such an act was dishonorable enough to not deserve noble treatment.
Even Ulrike hadn’t expected the opponent to stoop to such levels. . .
“Ulrike!”
“What? Have you lost your mind?”
Ulrike, recognizing Johan’s voice, turned her head in disbelief. Calling her without formalities, were they that close?
“Get back!”
“What nonsense are you. . .”
Ulrike stopped mid-sentence, a chill running through her mind.
“Capture Ulrike-gong!”
The haggard delegation drew their weapons. With a beast-like ferocity, they lunged at Ulrike.
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Chapter 57: The Siege of Sandarju (1)
The problem was that Ulrike-gong’s focus was not on Countess Abner’s territory.
Ulrike-gong was leading an army on a campaign.
“How long has it been since the last war ended?”
“It’s not that surprising.”
In this world, war was as routine as sleeping and eating. Soldiers were mobilized and battles fought for all sorts of reasons.
Suetlg said with a grim expression.
“Do nobles like war? What surprises me is the timing. It’s winter now. . .”
Wars typically started in spring, battles were fought in summer, and enemy fiefdoms were plundered in autumn. Starting a war in winter was foolish, as it was difficult to find food for the army.
“The ones who started this must have a reason.”
“Sure, like the wizard who got his head chopped off. Everyone has a reason, even that knight over there.”
Though Suetlg thought differently, Johan was also pondering this.
Ulrike-gong, as the heir to the Countess, had already received several fiefdoms as her property upon becoming an adult. She was not incapable of mobilizing an army.
The reason was guessable. The Abner family had suffered losses because of Count Jarpen and wanted compensation, no matter the adversary.
But wasn’t the timing too soon?
When an army is hastily raised, it usually indicates a strong motive. Johan was curious about what Ulrike-gong was relying on.
Especially now when he had to meet and say, ‘One of the fiefdom rights you are to receive actually belongs to me.’
“It’s good that you’re going with mercenaries. Never go alone if you don’t want to die like a dog.”
Suetlg’s obvious advice sounded ominously.
????????????????????????
But not all the news was ominous. A messenger who suddenly visited Johan was an example.
“What is it?”
“Countess Abner sent me.”
After following the custom of praising Sir Stephen, rewarding him, and granting rewards to the successful mercenaries, the messenger finally approached Johan.
The wax-sealed letter contained a simple message.
━If you save Stephen, I swear I’ll repay you.
“. . . . . .”
Johan’s face grew complicated. What did the Countess mean by sending this?
Johan was currently on his way to negotiate with Ulrike.
‘I see. Is she asking me not to negotiate with others?’
If the negotiations with Ulrike failed and Johan turned to other forces, Stephen’s chance of survival would decrease, not knowing Johan’s situation.
Ulrike’s inaction was only when Stephen remained passive; it changed when it involved her inheritance.
Ulrike, please conclude this matter without harming Stephen!
‘It seems both difficult and easy.’
But one thing was certain.
Countess Abner was still strong and creating a debt would be quite beneficial.
“And this.”
“?”
Johan received a certificate from the messenger, redeemable at a trading house.
“I don’t have any compensation to receive from the Countess, what does this mean?”
“She said it’s a personal token of gratitude.”
“I see. . . Well, I’ll keep that in mind.”
Johan suddenly envied Stephen.
Apart from intelligence, wasn’t luck something one was born with!
????????????????????????
Countess Abner’s territory lies to the east of Sangdarju Castle.
Nestled among the mountains, it’s a vital transit point for those traveling from the west to the heart of the Empire.
Historically, the lords of Sangdarju Castle have had several frictions with the Abner family. The castle’s ability to challenge the Abners, who control several fiefdoms, stemmed from a single reason.
A powerful backing.
The territory of Sangdarju Castle was directly granted by the Emperor of the Empire.
Influential feudal lords might scoff at the Emperor, but that doesn’t mean the Emperor is powerless.
The Emperor, like the feudal lords, also had his own set of powers, just not as prominently proclaimed.
After all, one couldn’t buy the support of the prime nobles with gold if they weren’t a feudal lord themselves.
But now, Ulrike-gong is sweeping through the castellan’s territory, seemingly unconcerned about such matters.
“A wise choice.”
The village chief trembled, prostrating himself. In front of him lay a pile of silver coins, scraped together from the town.
This tribute was originally meant for the feudal lord, but now, an angry army glinted at the town’s edges.
At Ulrike-gong’s command, the town could be set ablaze in an instant.
Ultimately, the blame lay with the feudal lord who failed to protect them. Why else would they loyally offer tributes and labor?
“They’re not coming out, are they?”
Ulrike pointed at Stephen.
Two hundred mercenaries would be helpful, but she didn’t want to give even a slight honor to Stephen.
Unwanted and disliked.
That was Stephen.
“Ulrike-gong.”
“What? Anything else to say?”
“First, a correction. . . the subjugation was successful.”
“. . . . . .”
For the first time, Stephen felt triumphant. Ulrike’s expression justified it.
“. . .I thought I would let it go. Definitely. I underestimated your ability.”
It dawned that the philosopher from Ipaël River couldn’t have been called by Stephen. Surely, it was Johan’s doing.
“Thank you.”
“So? You came to boast about your successful subjugation?”
“The following conversation. . . I’d like to have it more privately. . .”
“Ulrike-nim!”
The tent flap was pushed aside, and a mercenary captain rushed in.
“Sangdarju Castle is ready to surrender!”
“!”
????????????????????????
Thanks to that, the private meeting with Johan was postponed. The castellan was ready to surrender, so naturally, that had to be addressed first.
“That was quicker than expected.”
“It’s thanks to Ulrike-nim’s command.”
“I just waited doing nothing, so spare me the useless flattery.”
Her tone was cynically similar to Countess Abner’s.
But it wasn’t entirely wrong.
The surrounded castellan had limited options: either resist to death or surrender.
The lord of Sangdarju Castle chose the latter.
The castle gates opened, and a delegation bearing a white flag emerged. Ulrike, unknowingly, smiled. In such a situation, no one could help but smile.
“The surrender documents?”
“Here they are. . .”
The envoys’ faces were dark and haggard. It was natural, having resisted under siege before coming out to surrender. Ulrike signaled with her chin, and her subordinates began to read the documents.
Meanwhile, Johan was blankly spectating from behind. Stephen asked cautiously.
“. . .Do you think the negotiations will go well?”
“Well, logically, it should, but people don’t think with just their brains. . . Shouldn’t you have been more careful about making enemies?”
“It’s not like I wanted to make them!”
“Being foolish is also a sin. If it were me, I would have been careful even while breathing.”
“Enough of this pointless talk. There are many ears around.”
At Suetlg’s words, Johan nodded. Speaking here was pointless anyway. The negotiation would be decided in the meeting with Ulrike.
“...?”
Johan sensed something off in the envoys’ expressions. It was a familiar look.
In that moment, Johan realized why their expressions seemed familiar.
“Gerdolf!”
“S-Sir!”
“Lead the mercenaries and block the left flank!”
Before finishing his sentence, Johan dashed off like a madman. There was no time to find and mount a horse.
Their expressions were familiar because they had the same thought as Johan had before.
Ambush!
‘Crazy fools!’
However, the meaning was the opposite.
Johan, in front of others, built a just cause while flaunting the honor of a knight. As the cause was with Johan, the knights present accepted it.
But these people came out as surrendering envoys and were attempting to ambush. Such an act was dishonorable enough to not deserve noble treatment.
Even Ulrike hadn’t expected the opponent to stoop to such levels. . .
“Ulrike!”
“What? Have you lost your mind?”
Ulrike, recognizing Johan’s voice, turned her head in disbelief. Calling her without formalities, were they that close?
“Get back!”
“What nonsense are you. . .”
Ulrike stopped mid-sentence, a chill running through her mind.
“Capture Ulrike-gong!”
The haggard delegation drew their weapons. With a beast-like ferocity, they lunged at Ulrike.
Chapter 57: The Siege of Sandarju 1The problem was that Ulrike-gong's focus was not on Countess Abner's territory.Ulrike-gong was leading an army on a campaign.How long has it been since the last war ended?It's not that surprising.In this world, war was as routine as sleeping and eating. Soldiers were mobilized and battles fought for all sorts of reasons.Suetlg said with a grim expression.Do nobles like war? What surprises me is the timing. It's winter now. . .Wars typically started in spring, battles were fought in summer, and enemy fiefdoms were plundered in autumn. Starting a war in winter was foolish, as it was difficult to find food for the army.The ones who started this must have a reason.Sure, like the wizard who got his head chopped off. Everyone has a reason, even that knight over there.Though Suetlg thought differently, Johan was also pondering this.Ulrike-gong, as the heir to the Countess, had already received several fiefdoms as her property upon becoming an adult. She was not incapable of mobilizing an army.The reason was guessable. The Abner family had suffered losses because of Count Jarpen and wanted compensation, no matter the adversary.But wasn't the timing too soon?When an army is hastily raised, it usually indicates a strong motive. Johan was curious about what Ulrike-gong was relying on.Especially now when he had to meet and say, One of the fiefdom rights you are to receive actually belongs to me.'It's good that you're going with mercenaries. Never go alone if you don't want to die like a dog.Suetlg's obvious advice sounded ominously.????????????????????????But not all the news was ominous. A messenger who suddenly visited Johan was an example.What is it?Countess Abner sent me.After following the custom of praising Sir Stephen, rewarding him, and granting rewards to the successful mercenaries, the messenger finally approached Johan.The wax-sealed letter contained a simple message.If you save Stephen, I swear I'll repay you.. . . . . .Johan's face grew complicated. What did the Countess mean by sending this?Johan was currently on his way to negotiate with Ulrike.I see. Is she asking me not to negotiate with others?'If the negotiations with Ulrike failed and Johan turned to other forces, Stephen's chance of survival would decrease, not knowing Johan's situation.Ulrike's inaction was only when Stephen remained passive; it changed when it involved her inheritance.Ulrike, please conclude this matter without harming Stephen!It seems both difficult and easy.'But one thing was certain.Countess Abner was still strong and creating a debt would be quite beneficial.And this.?Johan received a certificate from the messenger, redeemable at a trading house.I don't have any compensation to receive from the Countess, what does this mean?She said it's a personal token of gratitude.I see. . . Well, I'll keep that in mind.Johan suddenly envied Stephen.Apart from intelligence, wasn't luck something one was born with!???????????????????????? Countess Abner's territory lies to the east of Sangdarju Castle.Nestled among the mountains, it's a vital transit point for those traveling from the west to the heart of the Empire.Historically, the lords of Sangdarju Castle have had several frictions with the Abner family. The castle's ability to challenge the Abners, who control several fiefdoms, stemmed from a single reason.A powerful backing.The territory of Sangdarju Castle was directly granted by the Emperor of the Empire.Influential feudal lords might scoff at the Emperor, but that doesn't mean the Emperor is powerless.The Emperor, like the feudal lords, also had his own set of powers, just not as prominently proclaimed.After all, one couldn't buy the support of the prime nobles with gold if they weren't a feudal lord themselves.But now, Ulrike-gong is sweeping through the castellan's territory, seemingly unconcerned about such matters.A wise choice.The village chief trembled, prostrating himself. In front of him lay a pile of silver coins, scraped together from the town.This tribute was originally meant for the feudal lord, but now, an angry army glinted at the town's edges.At Ulrike-gong's command, the town could be set ablaze in an instant.Ultimately, the blame lay with the feudal lord who failed to protect them. Why else would they loyally offer tributes and labor?They're not coming out, are they?Ulrike pointed at Stephen.Two hundred mercenaries would be helpful, but she didn't want to give even a slight honor to Stephen.Unwanted and disliked.That was Stephen.Ulrike-gong.What? Anything else to say?First, a correction. . . the subjugation was successful.. . . . . .For the first time, Stephen felt triumphant. Ulrike's expression justified it.. . .I thought I would let it go. Definitely. I underestimated your ability.It dawned that the philosopher from Ipael River couldn't have been called by Stephen. Surely, it was Johan's doing.Thank you.So? You came to boast about your successful subjugation?The following conversation. . . I'd like to have it more privately. . .Ulrike-nim!The tent flap was pushed aside, and a mercenary captain rushed in.Sangdarju Castle is ready to surrender!!???????????????????????? Thanks to that, the private meeting with Johan was postponed. The castellan was ready to surrender, so naturally, that had to be addressed first.That was quicker than expected.It's thanks to Ulrike-nim's command.I just waited doing nothing, so spare me the useless flattery.Her tone was cynically similar to Countess Abner's.But it wasn't entirely wrong.The surrounded castellan had limited options: either resist to death or surrender.The lord of Sangdarju Castle chose the latter.The castle gates opened, and a delegation bearing a white flag emerged. Ulrike, unknowingly, smiled. In such a situation, no one could help but smile.The surrender documents?Here they are. . .The envoys' faces were dark and haggard. It was natural, having resisted under siege before coming out to surrender. Ulrike signaled with her chin, and her subordinates began to read the documents.Meanwhile, Johan was blankly spectating from behind. Stephen asked cautiously.. . .Do you think the negotiations will go well?Well, logically, it should, but people don't think with just their brains. . . Shouldn't you have been more careful about making enemies?It's not like I wanted to make them!Being foolish is also a sin. If it were me, I would have been careful even while breathing.Enough of this pointless talk. There are many ears around.At Suetlg's words, Johan nodded. Speaking here was pointless anyway. The negotiation would be decided in the meeting with Ulrike....?Johan sensed something off in the envoys' expressions. It was a familiar look.In that moment, Johan realized why their expressions seemed familiar.Gerdolf!S-Sir!Lead the mercenaries and block the left flank!Before finishing his sentence, Johan dashed off like a madman. There was no time to find and mount a horse.Their expressions were familiar because they had the same thought as Johan had before.Ambush!Crazy fools!'However, the meaning was the opposite.Johan, in front of others, built a just cause while flaunting the honor of a knight. As the cause was with Johan, the knights present accepted it.But these people came out as surrendering envoys and were attempting to ambush. Such an act was dishonorable enough to not deserve noble treatment.Even Ulrike hadn't expected the opponent to stoop to such levels. . .Ulrike!What? Have you lost your mind?Ulrike, recognizing Johan's voice, turned her head in disbelief. Calling her without formalities, were they that close?Get back!What nonsense are you. . .Ulrike stopped mid-sentence, a chill running through her mind.Capture Ulrike-gong!The haggard delegation drew their weapons. With a beast-like ferocity, they lunged at Ulrike.
