How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 378: ????-????? (22)

Despite ignoring the hostage, it wasn’t easy to catch up with the dragon. The dragon was even increasing its speed. As it began to trudge up the foothills with loud rumbles, the thick trees hid the dragon’s body.

“What will we do?”

“We continue chasing. At the very least, we have to figure out where it is.”

The dragon must not have been unscathed during this clash. Although it was running away, pretending to be unfazed, Johan was certain that it was quite badly injured.

Then, there was a high probability that the dragon was running away to its lair to recover from its wounds. That was what all monsters did.

A chase full of distance began. It was a chase where not a single arrow was fired, only the sound of heavy breathing quietly echoing, but it was filled with intense tension. Johan’s subordinates were even holding arrows in their mouths, ready to shoot the dragon if it stopped and turned its head.

Although it was a steep mountain ridge, those who had come this far were either confident in their horse riding skills or were Centaurs. And one advantage of chasing the dragon was that the opponent was very easy to chase.

No matter how hard you try to hide, you can be seen from afar, leaving traces.

“It’s been a long time coming.”

“Don’t worry. It will get tired first. It won’t be able to move around like that with that body for long.”

Galambos said so while glaring at the dragon. The words of an Eastern Ranger were always trustworthy. Even the Centaurs nodded.

. . .However, the dragon suddenly disappeared.

“?!”

As they rode up the steep path and reached the ridge, the dragon that should have been clearly visible was gone. The soldiers looked at each other in bewilderment, as if they had been possessed by a malevolent spirit.

“Galambos, you rascal! I thought you said it can’t move for long!”

“I-I meant It can’t move for long. I didn’t mean I can’t move fast . . .”

In his bewilderment, Galambos had forgotten that the dragon, if it had indeed descended the slope quickly, would have left a trail. Johan quelled the rising tumult of his subordinates.

“There are no traces. That means he must have escaped somewhere around here. Find him.”

“. . .Yes! That’s exactly what I was thinking, sir!”

‘???? ?? ??????????? ?

The subordinates regained their composure and began the search. It was not Galambos, but Karamaf, who found him first. Galambos froze when he saw Karamaf sniffing and pawing the ground with his large front paws.

“. . .Maybe I shouldn’t say I found him . . .?”

Krrrrrrr!

As if he found it ridiculous, Karamaf ignored him and let out a resounding bark. The soldiers rushed in at the sound.

??

“You’re saying the dragon disappeared underground?”

The northern feudal lords were surprised by the unexpected news. Johan nodded and continued his explanation.

“According to the reports of those who entered, it seems to be the old ruins of the empire. It was a fairly large space.”

It was ruins located in a huge underground cavity, not just underground. The sight of the collapsed castle, passageways, and inner castle dimly lit in the darkness was magnificent. ?

“Perhaps because it was the ruins from the era of the empire, the size was extraordinary. Even the passageways inside the castle were wide enough for several wagons to pass through. . .”

“A dragon can also pass through.”

The northern knight who spoke with an excited voice at Johan’s words let out a dry cough. He was overly excited because of the unexpected discovery.

At Johan’s news, the northern knights went down the hole one after the other without a word. It was truly an amazing sight.

“Perhaps because the dragon is a long-lived monster, it may have known about the place. It might be hiding somewhere in the ruins and recovering from its wounds.”

“Then. . .”

“Isn’t it a good thing? Since it’s badly injured, won’t it avoid coming out of fear?”

The northern feudal lords said hesitantly. Their expressions were as if they wanted the dragon to fall into a deep sleep once and reappear after a few hundred years.

“What are you talking about, count!? If we don’t catch it this time, we might not be able to catch it forever!”

“That’s right! Your Highness the duke barely managed to injure it. . .!”

The northern knights were taken aback and stepped forward. For them, letting go of a monster that was almost caught was something that should never happen.

However, the northern feudal lords were not doing this because they didn’t want to catch the dragon. Would they want to leave a monster that could appear at any time in the north?

‘?? ?? ??? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ????????? ???????, ??? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ?????. ??? ???? ??????? ????

‘???? ?? ??’? ???? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ????, ?? ????? ?? ????????. ????? ??? ???? ?????? ????? ???? ????? ??????. ?? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??????, ???? ??? ???? ???’? ?? ???? ?? ????????

The northern feudal lords were now watching the expressions of the guests who had come from afar. They were people who had already spent a lot of gold coins for this hunt.

If they agreed with the ignorant northern knights who said they would catch the dragon, the atmosphere could turn cold.

“Let’s catch it. If we don’t catch it this time, it will be able to fly again in a few years.”

“. . .!”

That was why Johan’s words were surprising. The northern feudal lords looked at Johan with bewildered expressions. They didn’t think he would go this far, even though he didn’t have any grudge against the dragon.

“I knew Your Highness would say that!”

The knights exclaimed with moved expressions. Fortunately, unlike the feudal lords, the duke was on their side.

‘?? ???? ?? ????? ?? ???? ????, ?? ?????? ?

Unlike what the northern feudal lords thought, Johan had his own intentions. He had the intention of definitely catching the dragon in the northern lands and leaving.

Johan didn’t care if the dragon woke up again after he grew old and died, but what if it came out before that?

“Northern brave knights who want to defeat the dragon, volunteer. I will distribute weapons.”

At the duke’s words, the knights tried to rush forward one after another. If they remained still after hearing those words, they wouldn’t be able to call themselves knights. Even if there were knights who didn’t want to step forward, they had no choice but to do so now, watching the atmosphere.

As the atmosphere heated up, Johan suddenly remembered and asked.

“Come to think of it, what happened to Sir Volgarek?”

“. . . . . .”

“. . . . . .”

The knights who had been cheering with heated hearts paused. They didn’t know because they weren’t particularly interested.

??

As expected of a veteran knight, Sir Volgarek was alive. He had a few broken bones, but that was a very mild condition, considering that he had escaped from the dragon’s palm.

However, Volgarek’s heart was boiling like a hot volcano. Of course, he was caught by the dragon, and the attack began on its own.

‘???????? ??? ??????? ??

Of course, if you think rationally, it was right to attack rather than falling for the dragon’s hostage drama. In fact, he managed to save his life because of that. Otherwise, he would have died long ago.

However, no one who had witnessed a house-sized rock and a thick wooden skewer flying in front of them could remain rational. And Volgarek’s original nature was far from rational.

‘???????? ??? ???????? ??? ???????! ?????

He resented the northern feudal lords even more than the duke. As fellow northerners, they didn’t try to dissuade him, but agreed with him. Perhaps the bastards had instigated it out of resentment for their defeat in the civil war. The fact that they didn’t even come to the tent made him think so even more.

“A guest has arrived, Sir Volgarek.”

“!”

At those words from the servant that a guest had arrived, Volgarek’s eyes widened. It seemed that the northern feudal lords had finally come to apologize. He had no intention of forgiving them, but he thought his anger would subside a little if he spat out curses at their shameless faces.

“These shameless. . .”

“?”

“. . .?!”

However, it wasn’t the northern feudal lords who came in, but the young duke. Despite not having met Johan very often, Volgarek could guess who Johan was at a glance. How many people in the vicinity could walk around with that kind of dignity at that age?

That dignity only twisted Volgarek’s heart even more. Volgarek said in a fierce voice,

“What brings you here? What about the other feudal lords?”

“Why are you asking me about the other feudal lords? Ask them yourself. I’m here to ask you about the dragon. You must have some information since you were caught by the dragon. Will you tell me in detail so we can subdue it?”

Volgarek blinked at Johan’s words and then smiled bitterly. It was the smile he often showed when looking for someone to plunder.

“Very well, duke. Since you’re going to kill that dragon, I, as a northern man, can’t help but cooperate. Even though you came from a foreign land, you are braver than the feudal lords here.”

“I appreciate it.”

“But I have a condition.”

“What is it? Do you want a better bed?”

“. . .Make the northern feudal lords kneel before me! I feel like I can only help if I make those despicable bastards rub their faces on the dirt floor!”

“??”

Johan tilted his head at Volgarek’s words. Volgarek decided to elaborate more, seeing the duke’s attitude as if he didn’t understand the situation.

“Oh benevolent duke, you may not know this, but I don’t let those who snub me go! The northern feudal lords betrayed me and acted so insolently that they need to pay the price for it. Summon them quickly! If they have any shame, they will not refuse!

“Ah. It seems like you misunderstood something. The reason I was taken aback is. . . I’m wondering why you’re trying to negotiate so strongly in that condition.”

Johan was taken aback because Volgarek failed to grasp the subject.

What kind of guts did he have to make a fuss when he didn’t have a fiefdom, subordinates, or popularity, and all he had was grudges?

Volegarek’s face turned red as he realized what Johan meant. Volgarek said through gritted teeth,

“Don’t insult me, duke! Even in this condition, I can kill two or three soldiers. Furthermore, what if I keep my mouth shut?

“I’ll make you open your mouth.”

“I said I’ll keep my mouth shut! What the hell are you talking about!”

“Gerdolf. Come in.”

The large knight who had been guarding the entrance to the tent came inside. He was a knight who exuded a completely different, barbaric atmosphere from the duke. Volgarek instinctively felt goosebumps at his appearance. He could occasionally see such a man among the mercenaries.

“Per. . .”

“Make him talk. Can you do it?”

“Of course.”

“Good. I’ll leave it to you.”

Johan patted Gerdolf on the shoulder and went out. Volgarek screamed in horror.

“This is ridiculous! I am Volgarek of the Visalfurk family, you can’t just torture me like this. . .”

Volegarek couldn’t finish his words. Gerdolf’s sinister hands grabbed Volgarek. Gerdolf didn’t care at all that his opponent had broken bones or other injuries.

The servants outside made eye contact with Johan as he came out. Johan nodded. The servants also nodded.

After about thirty minutes, Gerdolf came out and said,

“He’ll talk.”

“Excellent. Your skills are always great.”

“It is an honor.”

Gerdolf nodded, his face flushed. However, the flushed face was not very noticeable because it was covered in so much blood.

??

“Judging from the fact that there was no sound of rocks hitting each other, it’s likely that the place where the dragon is staying is deep in the ruins.”

All the knights of the north seemed to have come down. There were so many torches that it was as bright as daytime despite being underground.

“He must be hiding somewhere, badly injured, waiting for an opportunity. If you find him, don’t rush in first and send a signal! If you covet glory and put the north in danger, it will be a dishonorable act!”

The old knights said it over and over again. Among the knights here, not many worked under the feudal lords. Small knight families who worked independently, or wandering knights who didn’t even have a town, or even mercenaries, were all gathered here.

Their loyalty to the north was loyalty, but their ambition and desire for honor to stab the dragon with a sword were even greater. It wasn’t for nothing that the old knights were worried.

“However. . . wouldn’t it be dishonorable if the knights from other places cut off the dragon’s windpipe?”

“. . .Let me say it again. Now. If you find the dragon. . .”

No matter how much the old knights talked, there was a limit. Johan didn’t expect much from the knights here in the first place.

??? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ??, ???? ??. ?’? ?????? ?? ????????.

“I heard a rumor that if you make a great achievement here, His Highness the duke will make you a vassal. Do you think that’s true?”

“Hmm. It’s possible. It’s a dragon, after all.”

If they dealt with other monsters well, their reputation would be enough for the feudal lords to call them, but in the case of a dragon, there was no need to say more.

“Hey, that knight over there, isn’t he His Highness the duke’s knight? He’s walking like that, bare-handed. . .”

“He must have that much courage.”

The centaurs on the other side looked at the conversation between the northern knights as if they were looking at a crazy person.

The eastern rangers were walking around without their armor on, trying not to make any noise, but what kind of misunderstanding. . .,

Despite ignoring the hostage, it wasn’t easy to catch up with the dragon. The dragon was even increasing its speed. As it began to trudge up the foothills with loud rumbles, the thick trees hid the dragon’s body.

“What will we do?”

“We continue chasing. At the very least, we have to figure out where it is.”

The dragon must not have been unscathed during this clash. Although it was running away, pretending to be unfazed, Johan was certain that it was quite badly injured.

Then, there was a high probability that the dragon was running away to its lair to recover from its wounds. That was what all monsters did.

A chase full of distance began. It was a chase where not a single arrow was fired, only the sound of heavy breathing quietly echoing, but it was filled with intense tension. Johan’s subordinates were even holding arrows in their mouths, ready to shoot the dragon if it stopped and turned its head.

Although it was a steep mountain ridge, those who had come this far were either confident in their horse riding skills or were Centaurs. And one advantage of chasing the dragon was that the opponent was very easy to chase.

No matter how hard you try to hide, you can be seen from afar, leaving traces.

“It’s been a long time coming.”

“Don’t worry. It will get tired first. It won’t be able to move around like that with that body for long.”

Galambos said so while glaring at the dragon. The words of an Eastern Ranger were always trustworthy. Even the Centaurs nodded.

. . .However, the dragon suddenly disappeared.

“?!”

As they rode up the steep path and reached the ridge, the dragon that should have been clearly visible was gone. The soldiers looked at each other in bewilderment, as if they had been possessed by a malevolent spirit.

“Galambos, you rascal! I thought you said it can’t move for long!”

“I-I meant It can’t move for long. I didn’t mean I can’t move fast . . .”

In his bewilderment, Galambos had forgotten that the dragon, if it had indeed descended the slope quickly, would have left a trail. Johan quelled the rising tumult of his subordinates.

“There are no traces. That means he must have escaped somewhere around here. Find him.”

“. . .Yes! That’s exactly what I was thinking, sir!”

‘???? ?? ??????????? ?

The subordinates regained their composure and began the search. It was not Galambos, but Karamaf, who found him first. Galambos froze when he saw Karamaf sniffing and pawing the ground with his large front paws.

“. . .Maybe I shouldn’t say I found him . . .?”

Krrrrrrr!

As if he found it ridiculous, Karamaf ignored him and let out a resounding bark. The soldiers rushed in at the sound.

??

“You’re saying the dragon disappeared underground?”

The northern feudal lords were surprised by the unexpected news. Johan nodded and continued his explanation.

“According to the reports of those who entered, it seems to be the old ruins of the empire. It was a fairly large space.”

It was ruins located in a huge underground cavity, not just underground. The sight of the collapsed castle, passageways, and inner castle dimly lit in the darkness was magnificent.

“Perhaps because it was the ruins from the era of the empire, the size was extraordinary. Even the passageways inside the castle were wide enough for several wagons to pass through. . .”

“A dragon can also pass through.”

The northern knight who spoke with an excited voice at Johan’s words let out a dry cough. He was overly excited because of the unexpected discovery.

At Johan’s news, the northern knights went down the hole one after the other without a word. It was truly an amazing sight.

“Perhaps because the dragon is a long-lived monster, it may have known about the place. It might be hiding somewhere in the ruins and recovering from its wounds.”

“Then. . .”

“Isn’t it a good thing? Since it’s badly injured, won’t it avoid coming out of fear?”

The northern feudal lords said hesitantly. Their expressions were as if they wanted the dragon to fall into a deep sleep once and reappear after a few hundred years.

“What are you talking about, count!? If we don’t catch it this time, we might not be able to catch it forever!”

“That’s right! Your Highness the duke barely managed to injure it. . .!”

The northern knights were taken aback and stepped forward. For them, letting go of a monster that was almost caught was something that should never happen.

However, the northern feudal lords were not doing this because they didn’t want to catch the dragon. Would they want to leave a monster that could appear at any time in the north?

‘?? ?? ??? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ????????? ???????, ??? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ?????. ??? ???? ??????? ????

‘???? ?? ??’? ???? ?? ??? ??? ????? ?????? ????? ????, ?? ????? ?? ????????. ????? ??? ???? ?????? ????? ???? ????? ??????. ?? ?? ????? ??? ???? ??????, ???? ??? ???? ???’? ?? ???? ?? ????????

The northern feudal lords were now watching the expressions of the guests who had come from afar. They were people who had already spent a lot of gold coins for this hunt.

If they agreed with the ignorant northern knights who said they would catch the dragon, the atmosphere could turn cold.

“Let’s catch it. If we don’t catch it this time, it will be able to fly again in a few years.”

“. . .!”

That was why Johan’s words were surprising. The northern feudal lords looked at Johan with bewildered expressions. They didn’t think he would go this far, even though he didn’t have any grudge against the dragon.

“I knew Your Highness would say that!”

The knights exclaimed with moved expressions. Fortunately, unlike the feudal lords, the duke was on their side.

‘?? ???? ?? ????? ?? ???? ????, ?? ?????? ?

Unlike what the northern feudal lords thought, Johan had his own intentions. He had the intention of definitely catching the dragon in the northern lands and leaving.

Johan didn’t care if the dragon woke up again after he grew old and died, but what if it came out before that?

“Northern brave knights who want to defeat the dragon, volunteer. I will distribute weapons.”

At the duke’s words, the knights tried to rush forward one after another. If they remained still after hearing those words, they wouldn’t be able to call themselves knights. Even if there were knights who didn’t want to step forward, they had no choice but to do so now, watching the atmosphere.

As the atmosphere heated up, Johan suddenly remembered and asked.

“Come to think of it, what happened to Sir Volgarek?”

“. . . . . .”

“. . . . . .”

The knights who had been cheering with heated hearts paused. They didn’t know because they weren’t particularly interested.

??

As expected of a veteran knight, Sir Volgarek was alive. He had a few broken bones, but that was a very mild condition, considering that he had escaped from the dragon’s palm.

However, Volgarek’s heart was boiling like a hot volcano. Of course, he was caught by the dragon, and the attack began on its own.

‘???????? ??? ??????? ??

Of course, if you think rationally, it was right to attack rather than falling for the dragon’s hostage drama. In fact, he managed to save his life because of that. Otherwise, he would have died long ago.

However, no one who had witnessed a house-sized rock and a thick wooden skewer flying in front of them could remain rational. And Volgarek’s original nature was far from rational.

‘???????? ??? ???????? ??? ???????! ?????

He resented the northern feudal lords even more than the duke. As fellow northerners, they didn’t try to dissuade him, but agreed with him. Perhaps the bastards had instigated it out of resentment for their defeat in the civil war. The fact that they didn’t even come to the tent made him think so even more.

“A guest has arrived, Sir Volgarek.”

“!”

At those words from the servant that a guest had arrived, Volgarek’s eyes widened. It seemed that the northern feudal lords had finally come to apologize. He had no intention of forgiving them, but he thought his anger would subside a little if he spat out curses at their shameless faces.

“These shameless. . .”

“?”

“. . .?!”

However, it wasn’t the northern feudal lords who came in, but the young duke. Despite not having met Johan very often, Volgarek could guess who Johan was at a glance. How many people in the vicinity could walk around with that kind of dignity at that age?

That dignity only twisted Volgarek’s heart even more. Volgarek said in a fierce voice,

“What brings you here? What about the other feudal lords?”

“Why are you asking me about the other feudal lords? Ask them yourself. I’m here to ask you about the dragon. You must have some information since you were caught by the dragon. Will you tell me in detail so we can subdue it?”

Volgarek blinked at Johan’s words and then smiled bitterly. It was the smile he often showed when looking for someone to plunder.

“Very well, duke. Since you’re going to kill that dragon, I, as a northern man, can’t help but cooperate. Even though you came from a foreign land, you are braver than the feudal lords here.”

“I appreciate it.”

“But I have a condition.”

“What is it? Do you want a better bed?”

“. . .Make the northern feudal lords kneel before me! I feel like I can only help if I make those despicable bastards rub their faces on the dirt floor!”

“??”

Johan tilted his head at Volgarek’s words. Volgarek decided to elaborate more, seeing the duke’s attitude as if he didn’t understand the situation.

“Oh benevolent duke, you may not know this, but I don’t let those who snub me go! The northern feudal lords betrayed me and acted so insolently that they need to pay the price for it. Summon them quickly! If they have any shame, they will not refuse!

“Ah. It seems like you misunderstood something. The reason I was taken aback is. . . I’m wondering why you’re trying to negotiate so strongly in that condition.”

Johan was taken aback because Volgarek failed to grasp the subject.

What kind of guts did he have to make a fuss when he didn’t have a fiefdom, subordinates, or popularity, and all he had was grudges?

Volegarek’s face turned red as he realized what Johan meant. Volgarek said through gritted teeth,

“Don’t insult me, duke! Even in this condition, I can kill two or three soldiers. Furthermore, what if I keep my mouth shut?

“I’ll make you open your mouth.”

“I said I’ll keep my mouth shut! What the hell are you talking about!”

“Gerdolf. Come in.”

The large knight who had been guarding the entrance to the tent came inside. He was a knight who exuded a completely different, barbaric atmosphere from the duke. Volgarek instinctively felt goosebumps at his appearance. He could occasionally see such a man among the mercenaries.

“Per. . .”

“Make him talk. Can you do it?”

“Of course.”

“Good. I’ll leave it to you.”

Johan patted Gerdolf on the shoulder and went out. Volgarek screamed in horror.

“This is ridiculous! I am Volgarek of the Visalfurk family, you can’t just torture me like this. . .”

Volegarek couldn’t finish his words. Gerdolf’s sinister hands grabbed Volgarek. Gerdolf didn’t care at all that his opponent had broken bones or other injuries.

The servants outside made eye contact with Johan as he came out. Johan nodded. The servants also nodded.

After about thirty minutes, Gerdolf came out and said,

“He’ll talk.”

“Excellent. Your skills are always great.”

“It is an honor.”

Gerdolf nodded, his face flushed. However, the flushed face was not very noticeable because it was covered in so much blood.

??

“Judging from the fact that there was no sound of rocks hitting each other, it’s likely that the place where the dragon is staying is deep in the ruins.”

All the knights of the north seemed to have come down. There were so many torches that it was as bright as daytime despite being underground.

“He must be hiding somewhere, badly injured, waiting for an opportunity. If you find him, don’t rush in first and send a signal! If you covet glory and put the north in danger, it will be a dishonorable act!”

The old knights said it over and over again. Among the knights here, not many worked under the feudal lords. Small knight families who worked independently, or wandering knights who didn’t even have a town, or even mercenaries, were all gathered here.

Their loyalty to the north was loyalty, but their ambition and desire for honor to stab the dragon with a sword were even greater. It wasn’t for nothing that the old knights were worried.

“However. . . wouldn’t it be dishonorable if the knights from other places cut off the dragon’s windpipe?”

“. . .Let me say it again. Now. If you find the dragon. . .”

No matter how much the old knights talked, there was a limit. Johan didn’t expect much from the knights here in the first place.

??? ??? ??? ?????? ???? ??, ???? ??. ?’? ?????? ?? ????????.

“I heard a rumor that if you make a great achievement here, His Highness the duke will make you a vassal. Do you think that’s true?”

“Hmm. It’s possible. It’s a dragon, after all.”

If they dealt with other monsters well, their reputation would be enough for the feudal lords to call them, but in the case of a dragon, there was no need to say more.

“Hey, that knight over there, isn’t he His Highness the duke’s knight? He’s walking like that, bare-handed. . .”

“He must have that much courage.”

The centaurs on the other side looked at the conversation between the northern knights as if they were looking at a crazy person.

The eastern rangers were walking around without their armor on, trying not to make any noise, but what kind of misunderstanding. . .