How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Now that the war is over, a lot of mercenaries will likely leave. Johan planned to choose well-armed ones among them to hire. It would be even better if they were cavalry.

“That’s. . . not a bad idea.”

Suetlg was honestly impressed with Johan’s words.

The idea wasn’t incredibly genius or innovative, but it was remarkable to come up with such a thought in this situation.

While other knights might be excited to just throw around gold, Johan was unshaken and already preparing for the next task.

The situation in the Empire was becoming increasingly chaotic, and since Johan was already involved, the more soldiers, the better.

‘𝘐 𝘥𝘪𝘥𝘯’𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦.’

Suetlg had been worried that Johan might become arrogant or make mistakes due to his obsession with gold. It seems he had become quite close to this young knight.

But seeing Johan, he realized that such worries were unnecessary.

“The only worry is, after going to the trouble of hiring mercenaries, if there’s no one to call them. . .”

“That shouldn’t be a concern.”

Suetlg asserted. The achievements of this siege would spread faster than the troll extermination in Marcel.

The problem was under what pretense to call them, not the lack of people to call.

“It seems the delegation approaching is from Count Jarpen’s house.”

“They must be busy preparing for marriage. Thanks to our victory, it can be done with smiling faces.”

Suetlg hesitated in his speech.

It seemed that Count Jarpen’s house was quite interested in Johan. What would they think of this expedition?

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The members of the diplomatic delegation were initially overwhelmed by the abundance of news, then became confused in the middle, and eventually accepted it.

“Are you joining under the Abner family?!”

“Well, I am making a vassalage contract.”

Essentially, the relationship between a vassal and a monarch was business-oriented. Loyalty in exchange for a piece of land without expecting to risk one’s life was not anticipated. The only obligation of a vassal was to serve for a certain period.

However, regardless of that, the perception from the outside was different. Becoming a vassal essentially meant siding with the Abner family of the West.

“How should we handle this matter. . .”

The members of the Jarpen family murmured among themselves. Johan asked, appearing puzzled.

“Is there a problem?”

“Well. . . as you know, the Count intended to ask Sir Johan for the Knight Initiation Ceremony, right?”

“Yes.”

“I kept quiet until the details were finalized, but now that I have a definitive answer, I can tell you. It’s Duke Brduhe.”

“!”

Duke Brduhe.

Even Johan, who had been in a remote village, knew the name of this great feudal lord. One of the Empire’s Twelve Electors and the ruler of a significant territory in the southeast of the Empire.

Receiving the Knight Initiation Ceremony directly from Duke Brduhe held immense significance.

Being knighted by one of the Twelve Electors meant that even if Johan went alone to the Emperor’s fiefdom, he would have enough influence to deter and hesitate any adversary.

Amidst his confusion, Johan collected his thoughts and asked.

“Isn’t Count Jarpen quite friendly with the Erlans Kingdom?”

“Ah. . . I see what you mean. It’s because of the Abner family. The Count has some relations with them, but they are not that close.”

What Count Jarpen trusted was Duke Brduhe. Johan pondered.

If he accepted the fiefdom as it was, the chance of receiving Duke Brduhe’s Knight Initiation Ceremony might slip away. Those under the Duke would likely oppose it.

‘𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘧𝘥𝘰𝘮, 𝘯𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘴𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘧𝘥𝘰𝘮.’

Having a consistent source of income, even if small, was crucial.

As Johan pondered, Suetlg, who was listening, spoke up.

“Do you want both?”

“Of course, wouldn’t I want both?”

“If you had been interested in flaunting your status as a feudal lord, you wouldn’t have said that. . . but if it’s too much of a burden, just accept the rights. If you don’t make a vassalage contract, the Duke won’t have anything to say about it.”

“. . .!”

Upon reflection, Johan realized that managing and ruling over the townspeople held no real meaning for him. He wasn’t the type to enjoy ordering people around for various tasks.

“It’s a good solution, but. . . would Ulrike-gong allow it?”

“Of course, Ulrike-gong might be dissatisfied. But there’s no such thing as absolute in this world. Everything changes depending on how you talk and persuade.”

Although Suetlg said this, Johan found it hard to believe.

From Ulrike’s perspective, it seemed like a losing deal.

Not making a vassalage contract meant not receiving the due service from a subject. It would only weaken an already tenuous contractual relationship.

“I don’t think it will work. . .”

“Well, since you’re the one who wants both, shouldn’t you be the one to figure it out? Persuade Ulrike-gong. Even without a vassalage contract, promise loyalty with the honor of a knight.”

“. . . . . .”

Johan looked dubious. He didn’t think Ulrike, who was not an *sshole, would believe such superficial words.

“Give it a try, Sir Johan. What’s there to lose?”

“Right, Sir Johan.”

However, Count Jarpen and his people seemed to think this was the only chance, urging Johan on. They wanted to ensure he received an appointment from the Duke by any means.

“Alright, I’ll give it a try. But don’t get your hopes up too high. . .”

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“The heir is something to be proud of.”

Everyone nodded at Countess Abner’s words. The achievements established by Ulrike were indeed worthy of such remarks.

“Sir Gerdolf. I have heard of the achievements you have established.”

“Thank you.”

“I am considering sending you to Sangdarju Castle for an assignment…”

Inno smiled contentedly. There had been a sense of fulfillment in following Johan along with Gerdolf.

Sangdarju Castle, being a newly conquered fiefdom, required many talents.

Becoming one of them was both an honor and a profitable opportunity.

“I apologize.”

“Is that so? If you dislike it, there’s nothing to be done.”

Inno’s eyes widened in surprise. To decline such an offer?!