How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 68: 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 (𝟓)

Do not attack!

Suetlg urgently exclaimed upon seeing the Death Knight speak. Fortunately, it seemed this undead was not one to attack just anyone. He clearly had a specific purpose.

, , . . .!

. . . - ?

!

Johan realized the situation had become complicated.

A townsman could have sincerely answered, .

But what about Johan?

He instinctively felt it. This Death Knight would detect a lie.

Johan sighed deeply and picked up his mace and shield.

If youre a knight, figure it out with your strength.

! -! !

What are you doing?!

Suetlg exclaimed in shock. Even with boiling blood, it was audacious to pick a fight with a Death Knight!

Is there anything to be cautious about when dealing with him?

Do not touch his weapon! The necromantic poison is so potent it rots flesh and crumbles bones!

The Death Knight lunged, his swordsmanship from life ingrained in his movements.

!

The rusted longsword clashed with the shield. Despite being damaged, the weapon exerted immense pressure. A black trace, writhing as if alive, etched itself onto the shield amidst the hissing sound.

!

Johans shield was no ordinary one. Although a heater shield in shape, its material was unique.

Johans shield was made by melting metal in its entirety.

It was rare to use solid metal for shields. Thick wood was sufficient for defense, and metal made them too heavy. No matter how sturdy, if the bearer tired quickly, it was pointless.

But for Johan, such weight was insignificant. Thats why he chose a metal shield when receiving one from Count Jarpen.

That choice was now saving his life.

, .

The Death Knight attacked relentlessly. If he were alive, he would have stopped for breath and fatigue, but the undead knight had no such limitations. The onslaught continued.

But a single counterattack was enough.

Blocking with his shield and gathering strength, Johan fiercely targeted the knights flank. The mace struck like a battering ram.

!

With a terrifying sound, the knight was flung aside.

Are you alright?!

Are you addressing me, or him?

Obviously you!

Im fine.

Though the shields surface was ruined, it remained intact. Unfortunately, it seemed the Death Knight was similarly undeterred. Any normal person would have been shattered, yet he attempted to rise again.

What does Karamaf have to do with you?

-. . . .

Who are you?

. . . .

Your family name?

.

As they conversed, the Death Knight stood and armed himself. Suetlg shouted to the knight.

The dead should return to the realm of the dead. What lingering attachment do you have to torment the living?

-.

I swear on the Ipal River, I do not know his whereabouts!

. . . ?

Instead of answering, Johan returned the mace. The Death Knight was struck and flew backwards again.

Suetlg exclaimed in astonishment.

What are you doing?! Its not enough to unleash his stupidity!

Suetlg-nim.

?

Karamaf has been dead for a long time.

. . .That sword was Karamafs sword?! No wonder. . .

Did you know?!

No. I just suspected it.

The sword Johan had drawn was unmistakably not an ordinary one. The strong magic emanating from the metal seemed to be unique.

Danus Steel Sword!

For a wandering knight to possess a famous sword dating back to the ancient Empire era. . .

Initially, it seemed like an inheritance, but upon further thought, that was implausible. It was not a sword to be secretly passed down within a humble family.

Either found in a ruin by chance, or acquired from someone.

And that someone was Karamaf. Honestly, even Suetlg was surprised.

Karamaf, known for wearing a full plate armor made by dwarves, was hard to injure on the battlefield. . .

How was he defeated?

Suetlg-nim, how do you think he will react if we tell him the truth?

. . .I thought he would just pass by if you said you didnt know. . . but now, even I am not sure.

Purpose-driven undead often ignore those unrelated to their objectives.

The towns people were unharmed probably because they knew nothing about Karamaf.

But Johan, the one who defeated Karamaf, how would the opponent react?

-. . .

I killed Karamaf. It was a fair duel.

. . . . - !

Johan drew the Seal Retriever. The blade flickered seductively, absorbing the faint moonlight. The knight halted in its light.

Karamaf was defeated by me, and his sword is now mine. Theres no reason for you to remain. Stand down!

The figure of the knight flickered, then began to fade and lose form.

The voice vanished, the glow in the eyes disappeared, and eventually, it turned into black smoke, melting into the darkness.

. . .Is it over?

You, surprisingly, might have a talent for magic.

Suetlg muttered in astonishment.

Magic wasnt about forcibly knocking down with strength, but about making the opponent retreat with the power contained in words.

In Johans current form, glimpses of such magic could be seen.

What? Are you saying that because of how I wield the mace?

What kind of nonsense is that?

I thought defeating the Death Knight with a regular mace was magical. . .

. . .Thats indeed remarkable but not magic! Just like you dont call launching stones with a catapult magic. . .

Suetlg began to get slightly confused in his explanation.

Johans strength, in fact, was somewhat magical.

I meant the power of words you used to defeat the death knight. Without strong intent, undead cant be defeated by words alone.

. . .

Johan thought so but didnt say it to Suetlg, not wanting to be ridiculed for ignorance.

Can I learn magic too?

. . .Please dont ask other wizards so casually as if its as easy as learning archery. You never know what offense it might cause.

Im just speaking comfortably with Suetlg-nim.

You need to ask more challenging questions. . . you might be able to learn magic. But that doesnt mean its not impossible, nor does it mean you can use magic.

?

First of all, youre not particularly interested in mysteries.

Suetlg carefully scraped off the black powder left in the spot where the Death Knight was and put it in his pocket.

It seemed to be an important enough task to do himself rather than having a slave do it.

You should have brought your slave with you.

Are you talking about Geoffrey?

Hes meticulous and smart. Those are virtues my slaves dont exhibit.

Thanks to taking care of Suetlg during Johans absence, the wizard had come to think highly of Geoffrey.

As a merchant who had traveled far and wide, he was adept in such matters.

Back to the topic of magic, if you want to wield it, you need to be interested in some mystery and unravel its secrets. Like I did with the secret of the Ipal River. I cant explain it even if I want to. Even if I did, you wouldnt understand. When I was young, I spent months with my master just observing the surface of the Ipal River.

During the day, I immersed myself in the river, and at night, I watched the moonlight on its surface. Then, the river began to whisper to me. Do you think you can do the same?

Johan shook his head.

It made sense why Suetlg had scoffed at the idea of a knight learning magic.

A knight chases honor and desire, not the hidden mysteries of the world.

But dont give up too easily. You might find yourself interested in some mystery someday.

Theres no mystery in swordsmanship or archery. . .

Enough of the nonsense. Lets go inside. Theyll be suspicious.

Johan and Suetlg pondered how to deal with the incident that happened at night.

. , .

?

? .

?

.

?

, . , ?

It was a valid point.

Johan decided to take a direct approach.

Lord, last night I saw a Death Knight roaming your fiefdom.

. . . . . .

The feudal lord appeared perplexed by the words brought up by Johan and Suetlg, who came alone.

I, what do you mean by that, I. . .

A wandering undead in the town can cause harm at any moment. It might seem tame now, but it could turn violent the next day. To hide such information while an undead lurks in the town. . . Arent you ashamed of your honor?

Suetlgs reprimand darkened the feudal lords face. He spoke with a heavy heart.

As a feudal lord, I have no intention of shirking my responsibility. I will deal with it somehow.

You dont have to worry about that. I have already defeated it.

. . .!!

Upon hearing Johans words, the feudal lord was speechless and stared at Johan. Suetlg added firmly.

I saw it with my own eyes. Its gone.

How?

With the valor of a knight and a bit of magic.

At Suetlgs signal, Johan put down his shield. It bore the marks of dark resentment, clearly signs of a battle with the Death Knight.

This knight had to risk his life due to your concealment of the truth. He deserves to know the truth. Please tell us, why was this death knight wandering around here?

Suetlgs forceful voice stirred the feudal lords heart.

The sweating dwarf pondered for a long time before speaking.

. . .That knight was slain by me.

!

Johan and Suetlg were both surprised by the unexpected confession.

After Karamaf went missing, the Emperor commanded the knights through letters to search for Karamaf.

Sir Gairendel was one of them.

He moved hastily, taking only a few subordinates, and during this, he visited the fiefdom of the Balpa family.

However, the Balpa family held a blood feud against the Emperor.

If it were Johan, he would have prepared to flee without even eating a meal the moment he knew, but Gairendel was different.

He requested hospitality as a guest, and from the moment the feudal lord accepted, Gairendel thought the lord would protect him according to tradition, regardless of any grudge.

Of course, there are always those who break traditions. That was the feudal lord of the Balpa family. He poisoned the food and drink, killing Sir Gairendel and his subordinates.

Youve done a terrible thing. To break such a tradition.

I know too. . . I know as well. But. . . seeing that guy, daring to praise the Emperor and Karamaf with his insolent mouth. . .

The feudal lord bowed his head in silence. Having spilled the truth, it was an attitude of resigned acceptance.

Suetlg nudged Johan.

?

. .

, , -, ?

, ! . , , , .

.

Indeed, they couldnt just leave the feudal lord like this. Johan organized his thoughts and then spoke.

I will pretend I didnt see it.

. . .??!!

The feudal lord suddenly raised his head. The words from the young knight in front of him were unexpectedly surprising.