Squeak- Squeak-
The sound of a feather pen scratching paper echoed in an office.
All of the furniture there was so expensive that it was difficult to judge its value, but it was not decorated extravagantly.
“Vlad, is it?”
“Yes, father.”
A quiet yet authoritative voice filled the room.
“Okay. So far, you haven’t got a decent one except for Zayar, whom your mother gave to you.”
“…”
Thick eyebrows, tightly closed lips, and straight black hair that has turned gray.
However, the count’s brightly shining eyes made the growing gray hair not a symbol of aging, but evidence of experience.
“This time, if you can raise him to become a worthy knight of the Bayezid family, I will reward you.”
“Thank you.”
“I know your strength lies not in the sword, but never forget that this is Bayezid.”
“…Yes.”
Although he was talking about giving a reward, it was also a rebuke to Josef who had not been able to create or recruit proper knights.
“…Are you well?”
“I am.”
“Say hello to your mother on the back. She’s been eagerly awaiting your return.”
“Yes.”
Josef could only muster a wry smile at his father, who inquired about his well-being only after all the reports were done.
He felt a pang of disappointment, but he understood.
Josef was no longer a child, and he knew very well how heavy the position of Count Bayezid was.
“Go on. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Understood, father. Rest well.”
While Josef politely walked out.
“…”
Peter noticed that his son was limping slightly.
“…Perhaps I should give him some medicine.”
“I am sure he would be happy if you did that. Madam Oksana would be pleased too.”
“She is definitely particular when it comes to her son. The reason Josef has managed to become self-reliant is only because of her strong will.”
Peter Bayezid.
The 5th patriarch of the Count Bayezid family and one of the representative knights of the North.
He carried too much on his shoulders, making it difficult for him to easily reveal his fatherly side in front of his son.
“What do you think about Josef’s report?”
“…It should be taken seriously. It’s a series of unusual occurrences.”
“Hmm.”
Peter once again carefully read the report Josef had written.
The contents reflected under the quivering candlelight were ominous and not easily overlooked.
“Daring to touch the legitimate son of the Bayezid family on my land. I need to find the mastermind.”
“I will seek support from the church. The knight’s sword is a shining one, but when illuminating the deep darkness, the grace of the Church will be more effective.”
At the subdued advice, Peter nodded.
“Is there any unusual report from the church in Varna?”
Peter asked, looking at the elderly man standing beside him.
“We received preliminary reports through magic orb.”
“What does it say?”
An elderly man with white beard, wearing a long robe.
He was the only magician of the Bayezid family and also Peter’s advisor.
“They say the resurrection of the dead is cleverly combined with a curse spell. It could be either a highly skilled dark magician or the collaborative work of multiple dark magicians.”
“Hmm.”
After hearing the words of the magician Lagmus, Peter sighed a bit longer this time.
“If it’s more than one, it might be an organization or a group.”
“That’s correct.”
Peter neatly folded the report brought by Josef and placed it in the drawer under the desk.
“Even if that’s the case, nothing will change.”
Creak—
The once quiet study room echoed sharply as the chair was pushed away, creating a frictional sound.
“The Bayezid family will always stand firm in this land.”
The master of the Bayezid family was standing up from the darkness.
“I am prepared to do anything to those who stand in my way.”
“You have the right to do so.”
One wall was filled with shelves full of books.
On the other side, shining armor and sharp swords adorned the wall.
Peter said as he walked towards the place where the sword was placed.
“I hope you quickly find those who dared threaten my son and disturb my territory.”
“Understood, Count.”
A sharp and piercing glint flickered in the eyes of Count Bayezid, who was caressing his sword.
※※※※
“Did you wait long? “It’s late at night.”
“It’s alright.”
Vlad and Gott, who had been waiting endlessly in the reception room for Josef, quickly rose and bowed as he entered.
“The report I gave to my father took a long time… and my mother didn’t let me go easily.”
Josef said with a wry smile.
“Are you tired?”
“No.”
Zayar, who was standing next to him, looked at Vlad and smirked.
Although Vlad claimed not to be, his blue eyes were full of fatigue that could not be easily hidden.
“Ha.”
Josef leaned deeply against the back of the chair and let out a short sigh.
“Your name is Gott, right?”
“Yes, Lord Josef.”
When Gott heard his name, he looked up at Josef with eyes full of great anticipation.
“I’ve arranged a room for you. Stay there. We’ll discuss your reward tomorrow.”
“…Yes.”
All he received was a dry acknowledgment.
At Josef’s words, Gott left the reception room with a downcast expression, like a dog that had lost its bone.
“Now, shall we discuss our matters?”
Josef looked at Vlad with his hands clasped together.
“Please speak.”
With Gott leaving, the only people left in the reception room were Josef, Zayar, and Vlad.
“I brought you here to pay you a fair reward.”
Vlad swallowed involuntarily, sensing the sudden change in atmosphere.
Josef had been smiling comfortably just a moment ago, but now he had the appearance of a nobleman.
“You saved my life, and you are the one who pledged to be my sword in the future. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
Vlad nodded at Josef’s words, which clearly summarized the situation.
“You mentioned there was something you needed to do, and I understood that you wanted to be free. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“You pledged to be my sword, but your desire for freedom conflicts with that. We need to address this issue.”
Vlad listened again to the conditions presented by Josef. Zayar, who had just heard the terms, raised an eyebrow but did not intervene. This negotiation was between Josef and Vlad, and Vlad had earned the right to be here by saving Josef’s life.
“Why do you want to be free? What exactly do you want to do? If you tell me, I will clearly calculate what I can offer you.”
“…”
Vlad listened to Josef’s words and thought quietly.
Should he lay everything bare?
Was Josef someone he could trust?
Vlad looked at Josef’s eyes, illuminated by the candlelight.
There was an opportunity there.
And if there was an opportunity, there was no reason to hesitate.
Vlad had lived his life that way.
“…”
Moonlight settled behind Josef.
Beyond the window, there was the moon emitting its blue light, just like that day.
“Do you know a knight named Godin? He serves under Count Gaidar.”
Since that day, he had never forgotten it even for a moment.
Godin was the one who killed his benefactor, the one who destroyed the world he stood on, and also someone he could only admire.
Godin was the strongest and most radiant person he had ever seen.
Vlad had been chasing the moon all this time.
“…”
Until just a moment ago, Vlad hesitated to speak, but this time, Josef found it challenging to continue the conversation.
It wasn’t just Josef.
When names of big shots that he had never dared to think of came out of Vlad’s mouth, Zayar also opened his eyes wide in surprise.
“Godin… Gaidar…”
Josef was truly caught in a bewildering situation.
I thought he was just a decent kid, but now it turns out he has an extraordinary background.
Even though it was something extraordinary that came from resentment.
“….Was it the mysterious figure who destroyed Rosa’s smiles, Knight Godin?”
Josef licked his dry lips, lost in thought.
“Yes.”
And he made a decision.
“I can’t help you. They are beyond my reach.”
“…. Is that so?”
Vlad nodded, wiping away bitter saliva.
It was expected.
Although he didn’t know much about the world of nobles, Josef was just the son of a Count, and there were probably countless people in higher positions than him in this world.
In a way, it was the anticipated outcome, so Vlad accepted it humbly.
He was grateful to Josef for being honest.
“Then…”
“Let’s modify the contract.”
Vlad was planning to get up after asking for something that would be considered polite, but Josef had no intention of letting Vlad go easily.
Josef was the one who had seen Vlad’s radiant potential more closely than anyone else.
“I propose a seven-year contract. Vlad of Shoara.”
“Yes?”
The unexpected statement surprised not only Vlad but also Zayar.
“You may not realize it, but I have now set aside the pride of a noble. Keep in mind that this action was done with great determination.”
“…”
It was true that he had set aside the pride of a noble, but this decision was also part of a well-thought-out plan.
Josef was now presenting the second plan he had prepared.
Vlad couldn’t fully grasp what Josef was saying at the moment, but he realized that Josef’s actions were highly unusual.
Because Zayar, who was standing behind now, was becoming more ferocious.
“For these seven years, I plan to clothe, feed, and train you to become a great knight who will never be defeated by anyone. I promise a shining future to you who saved me.”
“Knight…”
Vlad was captivated by the resonance of the word that came out of Josef’s mouth.
So he ended up repeating that word without even realizing it.
“Yes, a knight. Don’t you want to become a knight?”
Josef understood Vlad deeply.
He knew what the boy wanted, what he truly desired.
“In return, you will be loyal to me during this period. You will do only what I command and only what I allow. Naturally, you won’t be able to act against Godin and Count Gaidar.”
“But…”
It was a great offer, but there were more things on Vlad’s mind than Godin.
Faces of the people he missed appeared in his mind.
“If it’s related to the back alleys of Shoara, I’ll permit it. I might be able to help with that.”
“…”
“I heard that girl Zemina is in a monastery now.”
“······!”
Josef smiled inwardly as he looked at Vlad’s wide eyes.
Josef had thoroughly investigated Vlad until now—the past he had lived, the current situation, and the desired future.
Because he was truly a desirable guy.
“Even if you walk away with just a sword, do you think you can eliminate the one lurking in the back alleys?”
Josef said, leaning back deeply in his chair.
“Swords are not the only sharp things in this world. I also have my own weapon. Let me help you.”
Vlad looked into Josef’s black eyes.
“What will you do, Vlad? Will you accept my proposal?”
Josef’s eyes were intense, as if they could absorb anything.
※※※※
Right after Vlad left the reception room:
“The kid has a remarkable goal.”
“Is there a reason you need to cling to him like this? There are plenty of useful kids besides him.”
“Maybe.”
Josef tilted the whiskey bottle and poured out the last drink.
“All youngsters have potential, but whether they can blossom is another matter.”
“Do you think he can live up to your expectations, Lord Josef?”
“Of course.”
Josef replied, looking out the window.
A blue moon was rising there.
“Seven years is not such a short time. It’s enough time to put the leash on his neck and make him obedient.”
“But…”
“And that kid is not an ordinary wolf.”
Josef answered while looking at the rising moon.
“He was a wolf chasing the moon.”
In the glass Josef was holding, there was the image of the blue moon.
“He has a strong will, potential, and a high goal. He will undoubtedly grow significantly.”
Josef looked at the blue moon in the glass and drank it in one go.
“I can’t easily let go of such a kid.”
The boy who aimed to become the Knight of Blue Moonlight.
Whether he would truly destroy the moon, Josef wasn’t sure, but at least he was confident the kid would become one shining star in the night sky.
Because his eyes were fixed on the high sky.
“He is mine now.”
Seven years should be enough time.
Enough to build a cage big enough for the wolves to feel free.
[T/L: You can buy me a coffee and motivate me to continue this novel. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ]
Squeak- Squeak-
The sound of a feather pen scratching paper echoed in an office.
All of the furniture there was so expensive that it was difficult to judge its value, but it was not decorated extravagantly.
“Vlad, is it?”
“Yes, father.”
A quiet yet authoritative voice filled the room.
“Okay. So far, you haven’t got a decent one except for Zayar, whom your mother gave to you.”
“…”
Thick eyebrows, tightly closed lips, and straight black hair that has turned gray.
However, the count’s brightly shining eyes made the growing gray hair not a symbol of aging, but evidence of experience.
“This time, if you can raise him to become a worthy knight of the Bayezid family, I will reward you.”
“Thank you.”
“I know your strength lies not in the sword, but never forget that this is Bayezid.”
“…Yes.”
Although he was talking about giving a reward, it was also a rebuke to Josef who had not been able to create or recruit proper knights.
“…Are you well?”
“I am.”
“Say hello to your mother on the back. She’s been eagerly awaiting your return.”
“Yes.”
Josef could only muster a wry smile at his father, who inquired about his well-being only after all the reports were done.
He felt a pang of disappointment, but he understood.
Josef was no longer a child, and he knew very well how heavy the position of Count Bayezid was.
“Go on. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
“Understood, father. Rest well.”
While Josef politely walked out.
“…”
Peter noticed that his son was limping slightly.
“…Perhaps I should give him some medicine.”
“I am sure he would be happy if you did that. Madam Oksana would be pleased too.”
“She is definitely particular when it comes to her son. The reason Josef has managed to become self-reliant is only because of her strong will.”
Peter Bayezid.
The 5th patriarch of the Count Bayezid family and one of the representative knights of the North.
He carried too much on his shoulders, making it difficult for him to easily reveal his fatherly side in front of his son.
“What do you think about Josef’s report?”
“…It should be taken seriously. It’s a series of unusual occurrences.”
“Hmm.”
Peter once again carefully read the report Josef had written.
The contents reflected under the quivering candlelight were ominous and not easily overlooked.
“Daring to touch the legitimate son of the Bayezid family on my land. I need to find the mastermind.”
“I will seek support from the church. The knight’s sword is a shining one, but when illuminating the deep darkness, the grace of the Church will be more effective.”
At the subdued advice, Peter nodded.
“Is there any unusual report from the church in Varna?”
Peter asked, looking at the elderly man standing beside him.
“We received preliminary reports through magic orb.”
“What does it say?”
An elderly man with white beard, wearing a long robe.
He was the only magician of the Bayezid family and also Peter’s advisor.
“They say the resurrection of the dead is cleverly combined with a curse spell. It could be either a highly skilled dark magician or the collaborative work of multiple dark magicians.”
“Hmm.”
After hearing the words of the magician Lagmus, Peter sighed a bit longer this time.
“If it’s more than one, it might be an organization or a group.”
“That’s correct.”
Peter neatly folded the report brought by Josef and placed it in the drawer under the desk.
“Even if that’s the case, nothing will change.”
Creak—
The once quiet study room echoed sharply as the chair was pushed away, creating a frictional sound.
“The Bayezid family will always stand firm in this land.”
The master of the Bayezid family was standing up from the darkness.
“I am prepared to do anything to those who stand in my way.”
“You have the right to do so.”
One wall was filled with shelves full of books.
On the other side, shining armor and sharp swords adorned the wall.
Peter said as he walked towards the place where the sword was placed.
“I hope you quickly find those who dared threaten my son and disturb my territory.”
“Understood, Count.”
A sharp and piercing glint flickered in the eyes of Count Bayezid, who was caressing his sword.
※※※※
“Did you wait long? “It’s late at night.”
“It’s alright.”
Vlad and Gott, who had been waiting endlessly in the reception room for Josef, quickly rose and bowed as he entered.
“The report I gave to my father took a long time… and my mother didn’t let me go easily.”
Josef said with a wry smile.
“Are you tired?”
“No.”
Zayar, who was standing next to him, looked at Vlad and smirked.
Although Vlad claimed not to be, his blue eyes were full of fatigue that could not be easily hidden.
“Ha.”
Josef leaned deeply against the back of the chair and let out a short sigh.
“Your name is Gott, right?”
“Yes, Lord Josef.”
When Gott heard his name, he looked up at Josef with eyes full of great anticipation.
“I’ve arranged a room for you. Stay there. We’ll discuss your reward tomorrow.”
“…Yes.”
All he received was a dry acknowledgment.
At Josef’s words, Gott left the reception room with a downcast expression, like a dog that had lost its bone.
“Now, shall we discuss our matters?”
Josef looked at Vlad with his hands clasped together.
“Please speak.”
With Gott leaving, the only people left in the reception room were Josef, Zayar, and Vlad.
“I brought you here to pay you a fair reward.”
Vlad swallowed involuntarily, sensing the sudden change in atmosphere.
Josef had been smiling comfortably just a moment ago, but now he had the appearance of a nobleman.
“You saved my life, and you are the one who pledged to be my sword in the future. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
Vlad nodded at Josef’s words, which clearly summarized the situation.
“You mentioned there was something you needed to do, and I understood that you wanted to be free. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“You pledged to be my sword, but your desire for freedom conflicts with that. We need to address this issue.”
Vlad listened again to the conditions presented by Josef. Zayar, who had just heard the terms, raised an eyebrow but did not intervene. This negotiation was between Josef and Vlad, and Vlad had earned the right to be here by saving Josef’s life.
“Why do you want to be free? What exactly do you want to do? If you tell me, I will clearly calculate what I can offer you.”
“…”
Vlad listened to Josef’s words and thought quietly.
Should he lay everything bare?
Was Josef someone he could trust?
Vlad looked at Josef’s eyes, illuminated by the candlelight.
There was an opportunity there.
And if there was an opportunity, there was no reason to hesitate.
Vlad had lived his life that way.
“…”
Moonlight settled behind Josef.
Beyond the window, there was the moon emitting its blue light, just like that day.
“Do you know a knight named Godin? He serves under Count Gaidar.”
Since that day, he had never forgotten it even for a moment.
Godin was the one who killed his benefactor, the one who destroyed the world he stood on, and also someone he could only admire.
Godin was the strongest and most radiant person he had ever seen.
Vlad had been chasing the moon all this time.
“…”
Until just a moment ago, Vlad hesitated to speak, but this time, Josef found it challenging to continue the conversation.
It wasn’t just Josef.
When names of big shots that he had never dared to think of came out of Vlad’s mouth, Zayar also opened his eyes wide in surprise.
“Godin… Gaidar…”
Josef was truly caught in a bewildering situation.
I thought he was just a decent kid, but now it turns out he has an extraordinary background.
Even though it was something extraordinary that came from resentment.
“….Was it the mysterious figure who destroyed Rosa’s smiles, Knight Godin?”
Josef licked his dry lips, lost in thought.
“Yes.”
And he made a decision.
“I can’t help you. They are beyond my reach.”
“…. Is that so?”
Vlad nodded, wiping away bitter saliva.
It was expected.
Although he didn’t know much about the world of nobles, Josef was just the son of a Count, and there were probably countless people in higher positions than him in this world.
In a way, it was the anticipated outcome, so Vlad accepted it humbly.
He was grateful to Josef for being honest.
“Then…”
“Let’s modify the contract.”
Vlad was planning to get up after asking for something that would be considered polite, but Josef had no intention of letting Vlad go easily.
Josef was the one who had seen Vlad’s radiant potential more closely than anyone else.
“I propose a seven-year contract. Vlad of Shoara.”
“Yes?”
The unexpected statement surprised not only Vlad but also Zayar.
“You may not realize it, but I have now set aside the pride of a noble. Keep in mind that this action was done with great determination.”
“…”
It was true that he had set aside the pride of a noble, but this decision was also part of a well-thought-out plan.
Josef was now presenting the second plan he had prepared.
Vlad couldn’t fully grasp what Josef was saying at the moment, but he realized that Josef’s actions were highly unusual.
Because Zayar, who was standing behind now, was becoming more ferocious.
“For these seven years, I plan to clothe, feed, and train you to become a great knight who will never be defeated by anyone. I promise a shining future to you who saved me.”
“Knight…”
Vlad was captivated by the resonance of the word that came out of Josef’s mouth.
So he ended up repeating that word without even realizing it.
“Yes, a knight. Don’t you want to become a knight?”
Josef understood Vlad deeply.
He knew what the boy wanted, what he truly desired.
“In return, you will be loyal to me during this period. You will do only what I command and only what I allow. Naturally, you won’t be able to act against Godin and Count Gaidar.”
“But…”
It was a great offer, but there were more things on Vlad’s mind than Godin.
Faces of the people he missed appeared in his mind.
“If it’s related to the back alleys of Shoara, I’ll permit it. I might be able to help with that.”
“…”
“I heard that girl Zemina is in a monastery now.”
“······!”
Josef smiled inwardly as he looked at Vlad’s wide eyes.
Josef had thoroughly investigated Vlad until now—the past he had lived, the current situation, and the desired future.
Because he was truly a desirable guy.
“Even if you walk away with just a sword, do you think you can eliminate the one lurking in the back alleys?”
Josef said, leaning back deeply in his chair.
“Swords are not the only sharp things in this world. I also have my own weapon. Let me help you.”
Vlad looked into Josef’s black eyes.
“What will you do, Vlad? Will you accept my proposal?”
Josef’s eyes were intense, as if they could absorb anything.
※※※※
Right after Vlad left the reception room:
“The kid has a remarkable goal.”
“Is there a reason you need to cling to him like this? There are plenty of useful kids besides him.”
“Maybe.”
Josef tilted the whiskey bottle and poured out the last drink.
“All youngsters have potential, but whether they can blossom is another matter.”
“Do you think he can live up to your expectations, Lord Josef?”
“Of course.”
Josef replied, looking out the window.
A blue moon was rising there.
“Seven years is not such a short time. It’s enough time to put the leash on his neck and make him obedient.”
“But…”
“And that kid is not an ordinary wolf.”
Josef answered while looking at the rising moon.
“He was a wolf chasing the moon.”
In the glass Josef was holding, there was the image of the blue moon.
“He has a strong will, potential, and a high goal. He will undoubtedly grow significantly.”
Josef looked at the blue moon in the glass and drank it in one go.
“I can’t easily let go of such a kid.”
The boy who aimed to become the Knight of Blue Moonlight.
Whether he would truly destroy the moon, Josef wasn’t sure, but at least he was confident the kid would become one shining star in the night sky.
Because his eyes were fixed on the high sky.
“He is mine now.”
Seven years should be enough time.
Enough to build a cage big enough for the wolves to feel free.
[T/L: You can buy me a coffee and motivate me to continue this novel. https://www.buymeacoffee.com/revengerscans ]
