How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 21.2: 𝐊𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭, 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭, 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲, 𝐒𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐞 (𝟔)

This world was one where travel was rare. Most people lived and died in the town or city where they were born. As such, an outsider who came to the town inevitably received a mix of curiosity and caution.

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Suspicious but wanting to hear news from outside!

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In this regard, Goran’s mercenaries were quite convenient. Since Eldans brought them, they were somewhat trustworthy. The townspeople approached the mercenaries, asking where they were from and how things were around these days.

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“Be careful with your actions, okay?”

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“A day or two as a mercenary. Of course, don’t worry.”

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Of course, Goran’s mercenaries didn’t act recklessly. In such a large town, careless behavior could cause trouble.

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What if they became friendly and got into a fight while drinking? If they couldn’t handle it well, their lives would be at risk. In a small town, they might escape, but a large town had its own vigilante group and pride. Being caught or chased would be a big problem.

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Therefore, experienced mercenaries were cautious in their actions, especially in towns they weren’t familiar with. If trouble arose, it would likely be blamed on them.

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Of course, there were more thoughtless mercenaries in the world. And Gamson was one of them.

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“Where did that b*stard Gamson go?”

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“He said he was going to drink.”

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“Damn it. . . Okay, we aren’t his father, can’t watch him all the time.”

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🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸🔸

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“Are you the new mercenary?”

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“Yeah. What, do you have a problem?”

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“Whoa, calm down. Just curious about what kind of guy the new mercenary is.”

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𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐝━

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A young man from the town sat next to Gamson. Gamson recognized him instantly. Young, energetic, full of complaints and greed. The kind of guy scorned in the town for being immature. Hadn’t Gamson also run away from the town to become a mercenary?

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There was only one thing this guy would be curious about, just like Gamson had been.

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“Interested in mercenary work?”

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“Thought it might be a good distraction.”

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“You buy the beer. Then I’ll talk.”

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Gamson returned the same words a mercenary he had met before had said to him. Pretending not to, but the other guy was excited. He would have accepted an offer to work as a mercenary right away.

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The beer arrived, and they drank it refreshingly. Soon, two became three, and three became four. Rutzbeck was a fairly large town, and there were several hot-blooded guys.

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“So, I dealt with a troll there, and the village folks were so grateful. The nobles said they would report it. . . even the knight dastards came and admired it. Asking how a mercenary caught it. . .”

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Gamson bragged with a flushed face. In the mercenary group, he was just a low-ranking member often scolded, but here it was different. With every word he said, the young guys looked at him with admiration.

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Of course, they didn’t believe everything, but what did it matter?

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“So? What did they say?”

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“Just get the reward, why bother getting involved with nobility? It’s damn annoying dealing with them. Do this, do that. . . Being a mercenary is the best! If you have silver, you won’t envy the nobles.”

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Although Gamson would bow down at the opportunity to meet with nobility, he was just posturing. However, it seemed others didn’t agree. For everyone, rising in status through the favor of nobility was a dream.

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“But you could even receive a title, like knighthood.”

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“What’s the use of such titles? Just grab the silver, *sshole.”

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At Gamson’s words, the young men were infuriated but held back. They were the ones who wanted to hear more.

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“Hey, speaking of which, didn’t you say there’s a knight in your group? Heard he’s a damn good fighter.”

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“Yeah, I heard too. Did he slaughter them all by himself? Is that what a real knight does? That wandering knight dastard we had last time was pathetic.”

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“That guy is also a wandering knight!”

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“Come on, not all wandering knights are the same. His equipment was different.”

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“Hey. Do you know why that guy is so strong?”

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“?”

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“Have you seen his gear? His longsword is an amazing famous sword.”

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Like a cow backing into a mouse, Gamson stumbled upon the right answer while belittling Johan. Of course, even if Johan’s longsword was a twig, it wouldn’t have mattered in killing the attackers, but Gamson couldn’t know that.

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“With that sword, even someone like you could kill two or three mercenaries.”

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“T-That much?”

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“It’s nonsense. . .”

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“Think about it. How could you fight and win against more than ten enemies? Is that a normal weapon?”

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“Aren’t knights trained from a young age for that?”

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One was doubtful, but the rest seemed intrigued by Gamson’s words.

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“Man, that sounds like an amazing sword. . .”

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“. . .Should we steal it?”

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“?!”

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Gamson was shocked as he gulped down his beer. ‘𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘨𝘶𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵?’

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Luckily, the other villagers tried to dissuade the one who brought it up.

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“Are you crazy? How would you handle the consequences?”

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“Just grab it and run. Weren’t you planning to go to the city anyway? You said you didn’t want to rot in this town forever farming. If it’s such a great famous sword, even selling it would give us a good share. Could it be a famous sword from the ancient Empire?”

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“Really. . .!”

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Drunk and naive, the youngsters quickly got excited. Gamson was panicked. He wasn’t sure whether to dissuade them or not.

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“Gamson, join us!”

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“M-Mme?”

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“You know the mercenary business. We can’t do it without you in the city.”

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“There’s a mercenary group here. . .”

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“Who cares about those lousy guys? They’re no help anyway. Leave them! Come with us. We’re different from those cowards.”