Chapter 55
Chapter 55
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 55
Chapter Title: That Man's Knights
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Clack, clack.
"Raise those planks higher!"
"We have to finish repairing the roof by tonight. Everyone, hurry up!"
The Foreign Skywing Unit had returned after scouting the plains bordering the Habis Kingdom.
The next morning, a group of laborers kicked up a fuss as they launched into large-scale repairs.
"Thank you, as always. That was delicious."
"Hee-hee, it's an honor that the lord eats so heartily every day. Nothing could make me happier."
After cleanly finishing the smoked duck slathered in sauce, freshly baked bread, and fish stew simmered with honey, potatoes, and vegetables, Lucia's mother wore a satisfied expression.
'Am I going to get fat at this rate?'
The Western-style high-calorie meals day after day.
They were tasty, but with my native Korean palate, I desperately craved kimchi and doenjang jjigae.
'I should make some kimchi when I have time.'
Thanks to my mother, who'd touted self-reliance since childhood and exploited my labor even for housework.
Because of her, I had the skills to make kimchi even for a whole winter if I had the ingredients.
'I wonder what today's waiting for me.'
The moment I stepped outside, Derbal would come running.
Even during the forced rest, he'd spent his time thinking of countless things.
For Neruman's development alone, he'd grill me endlessly.
"I'll bring tea to the office."
"That would be appreciated."
A cup of tea after a greasy meal.
The locals always drank something like black tea called Albra after meals here, and I was starting to get hooked.
'I need to build a large fortress near the border with the Habis Kingdom. Sealing off the entrance would let us perfectly control passage in and out, and prepare for any potential threats.'
A suitable fortress site near the Habis Kingdom border I'd spotted during yesterday's flight.
Unless it was a naval force, the only places that could directly threaten Neruman were the Temir Tribal Alliance and the Habis Kingdom passage.
Thanks to the Rual Mountains and Kobiran Mountains, no infantry beyond light troops could invade Neruman.
'He's already waiting.'
The faint breathing from the office.
It had to be Derbal.
Creak.
"Slept well, Derbal?"
"My lord, you've arrived!"
Derbal answered my greeting with vigorous energy.
Whether due to the forced rest or not, his complexion had properly returned.
"There's a saying from where I used to live: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
"My lord, you needn't worry anymore. To repay your affection, I'll take care of both work and my health."
'Kyaa, always so reliable.'
A man who trusted and followed me absolutely like this.
He was an indispensable talent for managing this vast territory.
"Right, so what's on our plate today?"
"First, the Skywing Unit has entered large-scale maintenance. As the lord ruling Greater Neruman, you must now carry the appropriate dignity."
'Lord ruling Greater Neruman? Sounds good. Heh heh.'
"Got it. Handle the minutiae yourself, Sir Derbal."
"Thank you, my lord. And there's something that needs swift handling."
"Swift?"
"Yes. Once you've had breakfast, go straight to see Count Yaiks."
Out of nowhere, Derbal told me to visit Count Yaiks first.
"The news of the battle with Viscount Lukens will have already reached Count Yaiks, the supreme commander."
"Probably."
"Then, without hesitation, receive the handover of the Neruman-origin soldiers as promised. You must take custody of them as quickly as possible to stabilize the territory."
He was right.
The imperial troops were leaving anyway, so the Neruman soldiers' loyalties would waver, and stabilizing their hearts to prevent loss of forces was only natural.
"And take every strategic supply you can get your hands on—don't hold back. We have few blacksmiths in Neruman right now. If we make them produce military goods too, we won't advance on anything else."
It was something I'd been thinking about too.
In Neruman, nothing was more important than military strength.
Even Skyknights were short, so without soldiers, it'd be a paper tiger.
"Got it. I'll head out right away. By the way, where are the armors and air plates we took from Viscount Lukens's Skyknights?"
"They're all in the hangar being used as storage. Just thinking about them makes me regretful. Without the Magic Tower's help, we can't repair them... If we sold them as is, we'd get less than half their value."
Derbal smacked his lips in regret.
'Don't worry too much, Derbal. We don't need the Magic Tower's help.'
Derbal still didn't know my exact capabilities.
He might even resent me later for deceiving him, but I didn't want to reveal my full abilities yet.
"Sir Derbal, do you have many friends?"
"Pardon? Friends..."
"People who'd come running at your word."
"Of course!"
"Then call them. Anyone with loyalty—bring them all. Tell them I'll give them a beautiful dream."
"My lord..."
Derbal, fully moved yesterday and today.
'As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. Smart Derbal's friends should all be useful, right?'
Unaware of my true intentions, he clenched his fist to calm his emotions.
"We'll hold a general meeting tonight, so gather everyone."
"Yes, sir!"
Derbal's vigorous reply rang like a vow from the man who'd take responsibility for Neruman's vibrant future.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
'Orak Castle. The stability of the northern territories hinges on this fortress.'
Orak Castle, the northernmost frontline defense, two hours' flight on Bebeto from the city of Denfos.
Its high walls, as if showing the passionate years past, were worn, with precarious spots here and there.
Yet it boasted a scale rivaling Denfos, enough to house tens of thousands of soldiers.
'I need to use the empire's magic communication orbs. Connect everywhere at once.'
The current imperial military communication orbs had a max range of about 50 kilometers.
And that required 3rd-grade or higher magic stones.
'If I can connect all of Neruman territory like phone lines, we can repel most threats.'
Hovering over Orak Castle, I organized my thoughts.
The massive bulk of the Rual Mountains visible in the distance.
Beyond them, the Temir Tribal Alliance forces.
To forge Neruman's peace, they were a threat that absolutely had to be eliminated.
'Count Yaiks, you've worked hard all this time.'
Supreme Commander Yaiks, who'd guarded northern Neruman without decent wyverns or proper imperial support.
I genuinely respected his achievements in defending Neruman with such meager forces.
Count Yaiks must have poured in everything he had.
The Bazran Empire, which slighted such an upright and outstanding general, would one day surely regret it.
'That's the count's wyvern.'
The gray wyvern of Count Yaiks, said to have been wounded recently.
It was flapping its wings in front of the hangar at Orak Castle, loosening up.
And like most Skyknights, Count Yaiks was playing with his wyvern right there.
Screeeech.
Turning the reins toward the ground, Bebeto landed beside Count Yaiks on his own.
No AI needed.
"Welcome, Sir Kaier."
Even with the dust cloud, the count greeted me with a bright smile.
He looked much less fatigued, as if nothing had happened in days.
"Have you been well?"
Since he wasn't my formal superior, I gave a light nod instead of military salute and asked after him.
"Of course, thanks to you, the Temir bastards haven't shown their faces lately. Ha ha, peace like this after so long."
Count Yaiks was genuinely delighted.
He seemed to have been terribly overworked in Neruman all this time.
"Looks sleek."
"Faster than most."
The wyvern had deep scars near its belly and wing roots.
Its slender build looked good.
Groooowl.
Grrrrr.
But the two wyverns facing each other didn't seem to think so.
'Sigh, a male.'
The gray wyvern struck a provocative pose toward Bebeto.
It was about two meters shorter than my Bebeto.
"Ilfos! How dare you be so rude to our guest!"
Yaiks scolded his wyvern harshly, as if scolding a person.
"....."
Reprimanded by its master, the wyvern meekly lowered its head.
"Bebeto! Who gave you leave to act up as a guest? One more growl and you're grounded for a while!"
Grrrum...
Bebeto grumbled in protest at my threat.
The guy had a prickly personality.
"I heard. You drove out Lukens?"
"Something like that."
"Impressive. Such tremendous skill at your age... As I said before, the empire will greatly regret burying a talent like you here!"
Count Yaiks shared my sentiments.
"No way. The Bazran Empire will roll on fine without me."
"True... in peaceful times like now."
Not falling for my feint, the count wore a bitter expression.
"Come inside. I have important matters to discuss with you."
'Important matters?'
As if he'd been awaiting my visit, Count Yaiks led the way inside.
Today, the old warrior's shoulders seemed more stooped.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
"If you wish, I'll formally hand over the soldiers tomorrow."
Entering the office, Count Yaiks calmly stated he'd relinquish the troops.
Proving he wasn't too old with his actions.
"Thank you."
"I'm the one grateful. Thinking of leaving this godforsaken place for my territory makes my heart soar."
The man told the lie so sadly.
Despite his words, regret shadowed his face.
"I'll make Neruman livable."
"You must. These people are born by the gods' grace too. They deserve human happiness. That's the duty nobility owes for their privileges."
The count spoke of noblesse oblige.
Of course.
For my happiness, those around me must be happy—that's human society's structure.
"How many knights from here?"
"Knights... About a hundred from Neruman who can wield blades."
'1000 soldiers.'
More than expected.
But the issue wasn't numbers—it was loyalty.
"They're all fine knights. Some I appointed myself, but half have knighthoods from the empire or other nations. You can trust them."
As if reading my mind, Count Yaiks scratched the right spot.
"How are the branches composed?"
"Mostly infantry. Excluding about 3,000 archers, the rest are spearmen."
Spearmen: cheapest and most practical.
Their gear was naturally inferior to the main imperial troops.
"Can you hand over military horses?"
Horses, vital after knights.
We hadn't bought from merchants yet, so we desperately needed them.
"I'll support as much as possible. Less than 300 anyway—crossing the Rual Mountains, they're just baggage."
Crossing rugged mountains on foot took over half a month.
Dragging horses would be grueling.
"Now's the perfect time to cross the Rual Mountains. Winter snows make it hell, summer rains block the passes. Thanks to you, we hit the sweet spot."
Yaiks spoke unprompted.
He seemed empty-hearted now that departure loomed.
"Thank you for your consideration."
"Ha ha, thanks? How could a knight not show this much favor to his lifesaver?"
Being around him felt great.
His hearty laugh held no pretense, his broad shoulders exuded reliability.
Truly a man worthy of the title knight.
"I have a difficult request."
In the jovial mood, the count suddenly spoke gravely of a favor.
"What might it be..."
I guessed it wouldn't be easy.
"Take a few as your knights."
"Pardon?"
It wasn't a request—it was what I'd hoped for.
I desperately needed knights more loyal and valiant than common soldiers.
"Whew... Even returning to the empire, I'll have nothing left. It's a nominal withdrawal, but dishonorable. Idle nobles won't stay quiet."
I could imagine.
To jobless, rice-gobbling nobles, Yaiks's withdrawal would be prime gossip.
"My territory's poor. 40% tax rate yields only about a million gold yearly."
'Territory income?'
One secret nobles hid: domain revenue.
Yet the count revealed his flaws openly.
"After knights' and soldiers' pay and management costs, even maintaining my dignity is tough."
'No way, money?'
Money talk sparked suspicion.
"I entrust the Skyknights to you..."
"Pardon?"
I nearly shot up in shock.
Unlike regular knights, Skyknights had specialized training and noble titles.
Even if count's domain Skyknights, they were knights among knights.
"No need for surprise... For capable men who lost wyverns beyond their limits fighting enemies, never owning one again would be tragedy. I don't want to dishonor them till death."
Losing a wyvern was death for a Skyknight.
Unwritten rule: no new wyvern for one who'd lost theirs.
"Plus, I'll give damaged but repairable wyvern magic armor and air plates."
'Jackpot!'
An unexpected huge offer.
I wanted to kowtow.
"I don't know how to repay such grace."
Refusal never crossed my mind.
I bowed, conveying genuine(?) thanks.
This moment, Count Yaiks was god and classmate to me.
"Now my heart's light. This feeling of war's end, heading home... Ha ha. Wonder if the wife remembers my face."
Yaiks laughed, face mixing reluctance and relief.
He'd aged.
Like hair whitening after big decisions, he looked years older instantly.
I sincerely prayed he'd rest well back in the empire.
"Let's go out. Meet the key knights, including Skyknights. They'll be your men from now on."
The bold count opened the door ahead.
'Like marrying off a daughter, yet so composed.'
Raising one knight cost money, devotion, time.
Skyknights especially: ribs closer than family.
Yet he yielded them casually.
Outwardly rock-solid, inwardly perhaps bloody tears.
Truly a magnificent man.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
'.....'
Over 40 fully armored knights assembled in the small training ground by the wyvern hangar, orders received.
'Steel incarnate!'
First impressions matter.
I'd met countless knights, including capital guards, in Bazran Empire's capital, but never this vibe.
Worn, faded armor and cloaks.
Faces and auras utterly unlike flashy knights prowling banquets.
Battle-fresh sharpness quietly flowed around them.
Even average folk would choke just looking.
Their gazes turned to me, entering with Count Yaiks.
Faces slightly tense.
They seemed to sense the situation.
"Loyalty!"
At the count's appearance, crisp shouts in unison.
Knights' resounding voices echoed through the castle.
"Fine weather today."
The count smiled warmly at them, eyes like a father seeing grown sons.
They returned warmth and respect.
I saw their silent, heartfelt exchange.
"Sir Shilt, is your wounded right arm healed?"
"My apologies for worrying you, my lord."
The sturdy middle-aged knight called Shilt saluted knight-style, contrite.
"Why apologize? It's my failing as a lord..."
Count Yaiks showered infinite affection on his knights.
He smiled at each one.
'Can I be like that?'
Not words, but hearts conversing like men.
A sharp emotion swirled in my chest.
"As I said days ago, I'm transferring command of Neruman-origin soldiers to Vice Baron Kaier here."
"....."
Knights listened silently to the count's calm words.
"Also Neruman-origin knights... and Skyknights too."
"M-my lord!"
"Impossible! How can you make knights serve two lords!"
Clank clank.
With cries of "my lord," all knights dropped to one knee.
'Tsk, anyone'd think I came for surrender.'
I'd done nothing, yet felt like a villainous merchant grinding hearts and loyalties.
"...I understand your feelings. But now, I have no dreams... No will to protect the empire; my old sword yearns to rest in my chest. Tasking me with your futures burdens me more as a knight... Thank you. But I want rest now..."
"Urk..."
Yaiks's monologue, blatantly false to any ear.
Knights swallowed fury, emitting low groans.
"All Skyknights and Neruman knights, pay respects to your new lord, Vice Baron Kaier! This is your lord's final command!"
The count bellowed, mana-charged like a lion's roar.
Yet not one knight budged.
How could they not know?
The political tribulations awaiting the count and knights upon Neruman withdrawal.
Wrongly blamed, demoted to common soldier or mana hole sealed into slavery.
But men's loyalty doesn't break for despair or hardship—what difference from a cur selling its bone?
I was pleased by the knights' stance.
Even if not mine, more such men make the world better.
"My command stands. As you know, once given, orders can't be retracted. I'm no longer your lord."
Cold, heartless Count Yaiks.
But I knew.
Bloody tears streamed inside now.
"Sorry for the ugly sight. Tomorrow... I'll visit formally. All documents and gear too."
As if unable to stand longer, he left for the inner castle with an apology.
Even a fierce general couldn't endure this.
A lord forced to cut his limbs for lacking ability.
Any human with emotions would feel that poignant pain.
"My lord!!"
"Urk..."
With the count gone, knights shed bean-sized tears.
How could they not know their cast-off lord's heart for their future?
Unable to obey or defy his final command.
I watched silently.
I wanted to give them minimal time to compose themselves.
"We cannot obey! Whatever you did to sway our lord, our hearts won't change."
The lead Skyknight declared defiance in anguished voice.
"Right! Our lives are our lord's! We'll never serve two in life!"
"Begone! We can't bear seeing you sully knightly honor!"
Furious arrows, no target, flew at me.
As if I were an enemy general forcing their lord's separation, knights raised mana, threatening(?) me.
"Heh..."
A cold, dry laugh escaped my lips.
I understood their hearts, but they'd crossed the line.
"Funny bunch."
"W-what?!"
"A mere vice baron dares!"
"Insulting us?!"
"Playing tough guys" perked their ears.
Knights' faces flushed red.
"Count's too much, entrusting me childish knights like you. Can't tell shit from soup without tasting—how can I acknowledge such dimwits as knights?"
Clang!
"Y-you done talking?! Daring to insult knights!"
"Unforgivable! Draw swords!"
Provoked, the knight group challenged to duel.
"You'll regret it? You who failed your one lord so badly he recalled you to empire—do you even qualify to draw? That brave fury should turn to monsters or foes, no? Then your lord wouldn't be like this today... Heh."
I stabbed their hearts mercilessly with sneering barbs.
"Skyknight Shilt de Hirzuan. I formally challenge you to duel."
The Shilt from earlier talks pointed his sword-tip at me, issuing challenge.
Bloodshot eyes gritted.
Properly pissed.
"Fine. I accept. But isn't it laughable? Skyknight without wyvern... Tsk tsk, like a beggar claiming kingship—what's the difference?"
"Shut your mouth!!!!!!!"
Flash!
The knight's sword thrust straight at my heart.
Skyknights excelled regular knights.
Clean, fast strike—decent.
'Pathetic.'
But such words weren't for others.
Clang!
"Gahk!"
My drawn sword lightly slapped his blade aside; powerful rebound sent sword-wielder Shilt staggering back, screaming.
Wiiiiing.
Well-made sword—didn't break, just vibrated wildly in his grip.
"How about it? I'll duel any of you—come at me. Seems like loudmouth cowards..."
"Uwaaaah!"
"Die!"
Clang clang clang.
Swords gleaming in sunlight.
Blue blades overlaying edges.
'You're all dead today—chant it! You met your match!'
I didn't want those I disliked.
But I couldn't stomach their childish whining, ignorant of Count Yaiks's pain enduring agony for their future.
Truth was, if they were strong, would they face this today?
Victors write history.
The world was winners' monopoly.
Few sheltered the weak.
This continent least of all.
Today, I'd reforge their spirits with hot spice.
For these poor souls daring to raise swords at me fearless.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Clang!
Boom!
"Arrrgh!"
"Kuhk!"
No war, yet Orak Castle rang with sword clashes and screams.
Soldiers on walls peeking during watch wore subtle terror.
One-sided duel.
When knights' blades flared, soldiers thought casualties imminent.
They knew knights didn't draw casually outside life-or-death duels.
But reality wildly differed.
One man pulverizing over 40 knights.
Kaier, who'd recently blocked Temir ambush, saved count and soldiers.
Ruthlessly swinging sword and feet, he sent knights flying.
Blasted meters away, crashing—knights who handled mana couldn't rise.
Whirrr.
Warm wind atop walls shook soldiers' bodies.
One thought dominated: Black-haired knight spotting you meant dog food.
★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
Drip drip, hot teardrops fell.
His blood, sweat, love-raised knights shattered mercilessly.
Hidden behind curtains beyond the window, Yaiks wept watching.
Yet he couldn't intervene.
Stepping out now would doom knights to his grim future too.
'Endure, my knights... That's my sole wish.'
Knights sprawled like storm-felled trees.
One alone stood, blade-sword shining brilliantly.
'Kaier... I entrust them. Show them the dreams I couldn't...'
Yaiks, lived hot but branded loser for lacking ability.
Toward staunch Kaier like millennium oak, he poured his hopes.
Become the mighty rock those fallen knights could lean on...