Chapter 18
“Sir Godfrey’s Disciple? The *Knight of Prophecy*’s disciple?”
Karas looked at Panis with a surprised expression.
“Hey, you should have told me such important information right away!”
“My apologies. I’ve been so busy arranging for the Invited Knights and dealing with the Barsia Knights that I lost my head.”
“Hmph.”
Panis subtly used his own blunder as a shield, leaving Karas speechless.
“Do you know my Master?”
“I haven’t met him. But if a Knight doesn’t know his name, he’s no Knight at all. I knew there was something different about you.”
The fact that even Karas used honorifics for his Master suggested that Sir Godfrey was indeed a remarkable man.
“We’re keeping quiet about Sir Eugene’s relationship with Sir Godfrey. It’s better if Gord lets its guard down.”
“Things are getting interesting.”
Karas drained his cup in one gulp.
“Magistrate, send me to the vanguard. Otherwise, I might not get my turn.”
“That’s truly reassuring.”
Eugene thought he had hit the jackpot, but maintained his composure outwardly. The pay was good, and a strong Knight volunteering for the vanguard was certainly welcome.
“…”
Only Homi looked askance at Karas, who seemed to be trying to steal her Liege Lord’s glory. She never doubted Eugene would win. She wanted him to fully enjoy the glory of the vanguard and victory.
But interfering here would be overstepping her bounds as a Squire. If her Liege Lord decided, she would simply follow.
* * *
The Boneyard City Leadership had been holding Grand Council meetings frequently of late.
The Executor, serving a three-year term, along with key Officials like the Magistrate, Administrator, and Water Commissioner, and the magnates of commerce and industry who held sway over the city, were all gathered.
“There’s been no disruption to logistics coming and going from Count Andar’s domain. I expected them to raise tariffs or assert their dominance with inspections, but they’ve been quiet.”
“Of course they would be. Aren’t they the kind of scoundrels who want to spill a little blood and then gobble up the yolk? Why would they bother cutting into the city’s revenue?”
Count Andar was the lord of the adjacent territory and the instigator of this current conflict. It was a localized skirmish, with several Noble Feudal Lords aligning with him.
Most wars in this region were like this. All-out wars staking the fate of a nation were rare, and the downfall of a country usually meant the ruin of the Royal Family, the strongest of the great Feudal Lords.
“Eastham says they’re reconsidering the spice supply contract renewal.”
“Honestly, those Samur folk have no business ethics, no ethics at all. They must be planning to deal directly with Gord if they win.”
Many Forces were trying to predict Boneyard’s future and secure even a single silver coin more in profit. The City Leadership was exhausted just dealing with them.
Moreover, there was another threat to the city.
“The northern trade route is far more dangerous. Bandit Groups are said to have tripled their numbers, and that number continues to grow.”
“They must be trying to make a killing while we’re distracted by the Hall War. Those *jackals* deserve to be torn to shreds!”
Normally, they would have assembled a Mercenary Group and formed a Punitive Expedition, but they were too preoccupied now.
“For now, let’s focus on those Gord bastards! Winning against them is our top priority, more than any petty pillaging!”
“What became of the Envoy sent to the Lady of the Forest? If she could point us to where a worthy individual might be…”
The Lady of the Forest referred to a Mage living in seclusion in the Emerald Forest near the city. In the past, she had provided significant help to Boneyard and nearby villages several times when they were in trouble.
“Far from meeting her, our Envoys wandered the outskirts of the forest for a long time before returning. They described it as ‘the forest rejecting them.’”
“Damn it, what did you expect? She’s not someone you can meet just because you want to.”
As was typical of exceptional Mages, the Lady of the Forest only appeared when she pleased.
Those who had been exchanging various stories now turned their attention to one person.
“Panis! Aren’t you the one who should be making the most noise here?”
“What about those accursed Knights? Are you properly recruiting them?”
Panis, who just days ago had been sweating profusely and making excuses, was unusually relaxed today.
“Don’t worry. I’ve succeeded in securing both our best and second-best options.”
“Is that truly so?!”
At his confident declaration, everyone clenched their fists.
Most members of the Grand Council were either of Noble blood or had accumulated wealth in legitimate ways. There were many who disdained Panis, who had risen through the ranks by dealing in alcohol and gambling in the shadows.
However, they didn’t disregard his judgment. If he guaranteed he had brought in the best and second-best, it meant he had indeed secured truly formidable Knights.
“Tell us their names quickly!”
“My entire life’s work is on the line, and with things progressing only through others’ hands, I’m dying of curiosity!”
Since they had to recruit Knights so urgently from various places, it was impossible to report on the interim situation every time. Those whose futures were at stake couldn’t help but be anxious.
“Our second-best option is Sir Karas.”
“*Excommunicated Knight* Karas!”
“That *rascal* actually came?”
Karas Cruz. A Knight from a prestigious family in Samur, in the southern Continent.
He was kind to Soldiers, slaves, and Maids, but prickly with Nobles and Knights, causing countless troubles.
He was a formidable warrior who had won every duel he had initiated or been challenged to in the south, which were more than anyone else.
The Cruz Family, though troubled by his antics, secretly took pride in his extraordinary talent as a Knight.
The problem arose when an arranged marriage was proposed.
-*Father! I’m not even the eldest son, isn’t it too much to decide my marriage partner arbitrarily?*
-*It’s time you recognized your duty as a Noble before a Knight. Is she not from the third wealthiest family in the south? It’s a rare opportunity.*
-*Even if you command me to charge a thousand enemies, I will obey, but I will choose my own love. My sword may be wielded by another’s will, but my heart is entirely my own.*
The two sides’ opinions did not narrow, and Karas left his family, leaving behind a single letter, becoming a Wandering Knight.
The enraged Cruz Family Head declared disownment, but at his mother’s tearful plea, he did not revoke his Knighthood.
-*That ungrateful wretch. Still, he needs to make a living.*
Even the stern Cruz Family Head could cut ties, but couldn’t sever the affection of blood.
As luck would have it, the timing and direction were right, and they succeeded in inviting him to Boneyard.
“Sir Karas can be trusted. His temper may be foul, but his skill is genuine, isn’t it?”
“He caused so much trouble, so of course he’d have to be skilled. Otherwise, he’d have lost a limb and become a cripple long ago.”
“But if Sir Karas is the second-best, then who is the best?”
Everyone looked at Panis with expectant eyes.
“Prepare yourselves. The famous *Knight of Prophecy*…”
“Sir Godfrey?! We won! We won!”
“Amazing! I’m curious about your secret to bringing in such a person.”
Amidst the cheers, Panis waved his hand.
“…’s *Direct Disciple*, Sir Eugene.”
Silence fell instantly.
“Eugene?”
“I’ve never heard that name before.”
“Is he really a disciple?”
Panis reflected on their reaction. He understood how frustrated Sorin must have felt when he first reported to him.
“My Subordinate and the Beard Mercenary Band confirmed it on the way here. The Knight single-handedly wiped out a pack of wolves and a Warg. That’s certainly not something an ordinary Knight can do.”
“He caught a Warg?”
The Executor, who had been listening quietly, asked in surprise.
“Yes, and in just three exchanges.”
Gasps of awe came from all directions. Wargs were large, swift, and cunning. They were troublesome creatures that led wolf packs and knew how to strike and retreat.
Even an excellent Knight, after blocking their escape route with numerous Soldiers, would have to engage in a long, sweaty struggle before finally plunging a sword into its heart.
Many Knights had their throats slit in a single mistake, collapsing while clutching their arteries.
But if he killed it in three exchanges, it meant he overwhelmed it instantly, giving the creature no chance to react.
“This must be kept a secret, but he also subdued Sir Karas in a single blow.”
“…”
All the doubt and worry from moments ago vanished as if it had been a lie, and everyone fell silent. This level of power was no different from Sir Godfrey himself being present.
*Clap, clap, clap!*
When the Executor applauded, everyone followed suit, clapping their hands.
“Indeed. There’s a reason to call Sir Karas the second-best. If this matter is resolved successfully, it will be as if you saved the city.”
“Thank you!”
Panis proudly accepted the Executor’s praise. The disdain and sorrow he had unknowingly endured in the Grand Council felt like they were melting away.
* * *
“A hunt, you say?”
“Indeed, Sir.”
Panis proposed, his demeanor even more deferential.
“Our third Invited Knight has arrived. There’s still time until the Hall War, and I thought you might be bored, so I arranged this. Isn’t it good for noble individuals to foster camaraderie?”
Eugene made a wry face. He had been trained as a Knight and had often roamed the mountains for meat, but he wasn’t someone who enjoyed hunting.
Even so, he couldn’t refuse. Living as a Knight in this world was just like that.
“Very well. Since the Magistrate chose him, he must be an excellent Knight. I look forward to meeting him.”
“There will never be another person like Sir Eugene in my life.”
The hunt was scheduled for tomorrow, after lunch.
Homi clenched her fists, steeling her resolve. The time had come for her Liege Lord to formally interact with other Knights. As a Squire, she couldn’t show any inadequacy.
“Don’t be too nervous. Let’s just go and enjoy ourselves.”
Eugene tried to reassure her, but it seemed to fall on the deaf ears of the snow leopard Young Lady.
Thus, the day of the hunt arrived. Host Panis, the Mercenaries who would act as Beaters, and the three Champions gathered.
More Invited Knights had been called to the city, but Panis, using his discretion, had selected three: Eugene, Karas, and a middle-aged Knight named Cressi.
“I’ve already spoken to Sir Cressi about both of you.”
“Pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard much about you, Sirs. I expect a performance worthy of your reputations.”
Karas nodded, and Eugene formally acknowledged the greeting.
“I will do my best not to bring shame to my sword. Rest assured, I won’t be a burden.”
“Excellent spirit.”
Cressi withdrew, satisfied. He didn’t seem particularly interested in socializing either.
“There’s another Knight I truly wished to invite, but I’m unsure if he’ll arrive in time, as he’s from a distant land.”
“If the matter is urgent enough to send someone so far, he must be a skilled Knight.”
“Indeed. He was originally our first choice. Not only is he powerful, but our relationship with him is good. He’s someone who would rush here immediately if he knew the city was in crisis.”
Panis smiled, glancing between the two strongest cards he had.
“However, with the unexpected connection of Sir Karas and the presence of Sir Eugene, it’s fine even if he doesn’t come.”
“But Magistrate, if that Knight does arrive in time…”
Eugene trailed off. No one said it, but if that Knight came, Cressi would be the one to be replaced. As a Knight, his pride would surely be wounded.
“You don’t need to worry about such trivial things. I’m only here for the compensation.”
He waved his hand, indicating he understood what Eugene was thinking.
“Sir Cressi is a flexible Knight.”
Panis bowed to him, sugarcoating the truth, but Eugene generally understood.
A Knight who had abandoned the pursuit of honor was, in essence, no different from a skilled Mercenary.
Such a person would find it difficult to be an outstanding Knight. True strength was forged through endless challenge and a struggle that spared no life.
However, finding excellent Champions quickly in a remote region was difficult.
Securing Knights of Eugene and Karas’s caliber simultaneously was close to a miracle. It was inevitable that a mediocre Knight like Cressi would be included.
Not clinging to pride unnecessarily, and accepting a replacement if a better option arose? From the city’s perspective, it was ideal.
*If these two weren’t here, those Dhampir rascals I met a few days ago might have been called.*
Eugene found this group much more comfortable to hunt with than those Dhampir.
After getting acquainted with the third Champion, Eugene looked in one direction. From the moment they arrived at the hunting grounds, there had been a presence that continuously piqued his interest.
A Warrior embodying the *Unity of Man and Horse*, radiating presence at the forefront of the Beaters. A Centaur.
“Is this your first time seeing a Centaur?”
Panis asked.
“Yes. I’ve often heard stories from my Master, but this is my first time seeing one in person.”
Eugene approached the Centaur. Since he was dismounted, even with his large physique, Eugene had to look up at him.
“Your name, Sir?”
His excellent armament suggested he wasn’t just a common Soldier.
“I am no Knight. I am merely a Guard Captain. You may simply call me Barun. And please, speak to me without such deference.”
“Barun is part of the City Guard, directly contracted by the city. He’s a capable and trustworthy friend.”
Panis looked at Barun with a proud expression.
“Has everyone brought their equipment?”
At Barun’s question, all the Champions nodded.
Cressi carried a Cavalry Crossbow, while Karas and Barun held composite bows made in their respective homelands.
Eugene mounted his horse and received a Heavy Crossbow from Homi.
“Are you really going to use that?”
Karas asked, his tone implying disbelief. It clearly wasn’t an item meant for use on horseback.
*Click-clack.*
But when Eugene finished loading it in just two seconds, silence fell. Cressi and Barun also stared, speechless.
Homi used her entire hand to pull the string and load the bolt. But Eugene, possessing strength beyond hers, could load it instantly with just two fingers gripping the bolt.
*Peep!*
A sharp signal echoed from the forest.
“S-shall we go then?”
Panis pointed towards the hunting grounds, half flustered, half delighted.
“Our City Mercenaries are exceptionally good at being Beaters. It seems they’ve already found one.”
Given the nature of a Free City, this wasn’t the first or second time they had hosted such an event. Naturally, the contracted Mercenaries had also honed their hospitality skills.
The Knights mounted their horses and galloped into the forest.
“Drive it to the right!”
“What are you slowpokes doing? It’s escaping down the narrow path!”
Shouts from the Beaters echoed from all directions. This was Eugene’s first experience with a Noble Hunt.