kscans

1

After a smooth journey, the group crossed over to Linz by boat from Padellia. The Count of Linz was delighted to reunite with Bard, Godon, and Karz, and welcomed them as rare guests of the Gerkaast heroes, treating them to his finest wine. At the same time, he showed great pleasure at the unprecedented event of the leaders of the Frontier Knights coming to visit him, crossing the river just to pay their respects. The deputy commander of the knights, Maitalp, showed the proper etiquette of a nobleman to the Count, causing his joy to overflow.

Bard reported to the Count that he had adopted Venn Urill and renamed him Karz Rowen. He also recounted how Karz had appeared at the perfect moment to save the group from danger, and expressed his gratitude to the Count for taking care of Karz.

“Hmm, interesting things always seem to happen around Bard. I’d like to accompany him on his travels. No, no, it was the right decision to keep Karz here for a while. I thought it wouldn’t be good to miss each other, but I also wanted to keep him close for a bit. Besides, Karz didn’t seem to want to go to Krausk. And to think he’s been adopted by Bard. There must be many envious people,” the Count remarked.

That night, the Count shared a private conversation with Bard and Godon. He told them that the Zarkos family’s treasured weapons were being sold, and he had bought a considerable amount of them. Godon, upon seeing the actual weapons, confirmed that they were the ones from his castle.

There were also amusing stories to be told, such as the value of monster fur. The Count had learned that the value of monster fur was not understood in Pakula territory, thanks to Jurchaga’s report. He sent an envoy to the Tercia family, offering to take any old fur or bones they were willing to sell. Even small scraps of monster fur could fetch a high price. Items adorned with monster fur or bones, from armor to furniture and decorations, were considered luxury goods. Craftsmen in the capital city of Parzam knew how to process them, and different types of monster fur had different uses. The Tercia family had a stockpile of every kind of monster fur and bone imaginable. Bard was surprised to hear how much the fur sold for. Now, the Count was inundated with requests for monster fur from the capital city. It was said that no decent monster fur had been traded in decades, and the rumor that a family on the frontier had a large stockpile of them had piqued the interest of astute nobles and merchants. The Count had been entrusted with all the monster fur from Pakula, and the Tercia family had gained a great deal of economic prosperity.

The Count said that he had also profited greatly from the fur trade and generously gave them a horse as a gift, saying that Engdahl, a man they would meet, would need transportation. Gerkaast warriors could ride horses, so this thoughtful gift was much appreciated. Yangzengo was angry with himself for not thinking of it.

They arrived at Engdahl’s home in a surprisingly short amount of time compared to their previous journey. When they finally met, it was amusing to see the battle-hardened warrior Yangzengo so nervous. When Engdahl called Bard “Nged,” a term of respect for a warrior, Yangzengo’s eyes widened. It meant that Engdahl considered Bard to be an equal warrior.

In the end, it was the knight Maitalp who moved Engdahl’s heart. Maitalp told him in detail about how his father, Eugene, had been imprisoned and how he had committed suicide, leaving a note asking Engdahl to be told of his atonement. Eugene’s wife had regretted it until her death. Maitalp admitted that his actions had been wrong and that the only way to restore his father’s honor was for it to be revealed that Engdahl’s guarantee had not been a mistake.

Engdahl, who had been stubborn until then, finally agreed to return to his clan. The next morning, Bard announced to everyone that he, Godon, and Karz would be parting ways here to investigate what had happened to the Zarkos family. Engdahl said that he would join them if they needed transportation.

“Is Koito City far from here?” he asked.

“Not at all. In fact, the shortest route to Mageia is through Koito City,” Godon replied.

It was then that Bard finally remembered. The merchant Coinshilll, who had brought goods to Engdahl, had mentioned having a shop in Koito City. Bard planned to inform him before leaving with his companions.

Engdahl had no interest in going to Koito City or being taken there. He was still the same as ever. As a proud Gerkaast warrior, he would never ask a human for help. Bard had no choice but to understand this. He declared that they would all go to Koito City together.

The residents of Koito City were surprised to see this strange group on their way. Coinshill welcomed them with joy, but he pulled Godon aside to tell him some troubling news.

Godon’s uncle had taken control of Mageia and was doing as he pleased. Godon’s nephew, who had returned from his knight training, was likely being held hostage in a prison. The lord of Mageia knew about this, but he was not interested in interfering with internal affairs and was likely being bribed to stay silent.

When Godon had left on his journey with Bard, he had left behind documents to transfer the lordship to his brother-in-law. However, Koito City had not received any such notice. Coinshill’s information network had not picked up any information about a change in lordship in Mageia. Bard thought this was to be expected. Godon’s brother-in-law had no intention of taking the lordship. Godon was still the lord of Mageia.

2

Bard said that he, Karz, and Godon had some business to attend to and would be parting ways. However, everyone seemed to have noticed something and no one wanted to leave. Bard explained the situation, and they all demanded to help. This backfired, as it made them all seem like troublemakers to both the Gerkaast and the Frontier Knights. Nevertheless, everyone was eager to fight.

Bard took a deep breath, composed himself, and gave instructions. Their first priority was to rescue the hostages and ensure the safety of Godon’s brother-in-law and sister. Fortunately, there was a secret passage from the mountain to the castle. Godon provided detailed information about the layout of the castle, and Karz went to rescue the hostages through the secret passage.

The three Gerkaast warriors stormed the front of the castle, causing a commotion. The soldiers of the castle rushed to see what was happening. After drawing enough attention, Engdahl shouted, “Bring out Eureka and Kainen Zarkos!” His two fangs protruded from his lower jaw, making his already fierce appearance even more intimidating. Godon’s uncle surrendered the hostages, and they were pushed out of the gate, trembling with fear. Engdahl handed them a letter from Godon, which read, “These Gerkaast warriors are my friends. They are currently rescuing Middle through the secret passage. Pretend to talk to them for a while to buy time. From Godon.” Middle Zarkos was eventually rescued, and Godon returned to the gate with Bard, two Frontier Knights, and Karz.

Godon was a large man, with a body like a log that exuded martial prowess and strength. He announced, “Listen up, everyone! I am Godon Zarkos, the lord of this castle. I have returned from my journey after hearing that my uncle, Kritop Zarkos, has broken his promise to my late father and taken control of the castle and the land. My nephew, who was held hostage, has been rescued. My brother-in-law and sister are here with me, along with my loyal retainers. We will now fight against the wicked. Do not interfere!”

Bard’s ancient sword trembled on his waist from Godon’s loud voice. A man who appeared to be Kritop Zarkos trembled on the castle wall. The renowned hero Godon Zarkos had returned, accompanied by three fearsome green giants and four powerful knights.

“Close the gate! Archers, fire!” Kritop ordered.

The gatekeepers did not obey Kritop’s command. Instead, they opened the gate for Godon and his companions.

“The gate will not be closed. My lord, please enter!” shouted the guard. Some of the archers followed the orders of Kritop, but Godon’s nephew was protected by Karz, and his sister and brother-in-law were guarded by the Gerkaasts. Kritop had hired more than ten wandering knights, and there were also loyal retainers and some hired soldiers. They thought they could win with numbers, so they challenged them to battle. The outcome was settled in no time, as if it was a one-sided fight.

Especially impressive was the young Gerkaast warrior, Meritoke. He was a bundle of resentment, having set an unprecedented dishonorable record of losing one-on-one to a human in battle. He shook his dizzy head and found that his enemy had fallen. He immediately attacked, but was knocked down by the acting chief. He heard that he had been easily defeated by a human and that Bard Rowen had defeated that human without even drawing their swords. He had cowardly attacked an unconscious opponent who had already lost the fight, and had been saved by a human. What a disgrace! What humiliation! He had been looking for someone to vent his frustration on, and now he had his chance. He tried to blow away the approaching enemy, and the skinny arrows and blunt swords were no match for him. He grabbed the sword of a knight who had attacked him and broke it, then glared at him with hatred, but he collapsed. He lifted him up and slammed him against the wall. However, he had been warned beforehand not to kill anyone unless it was absolutely necessary, as they were all members of the Zarkos family. He had not killed anyone, and they had recaptured the castle.

They had won without killing anyone, which meant that there was a significant difference in their strength. They had not even been seriously injured. All the villains were tied up, and the hired knights were given money and food and exiled unless they had committed a crime that needed to be punished. The wandering knights, who had been saved, became quiet. Kritop Zarkos, Godon’s uncle, was brought forward.

“Godon, there should be no punishment for your uncle. I apologize for what I did while you were away. Please untie me first.”

This was not the argument of someone who had behaved like a rebel. This man underestimated Godon Zarkos.

“Uncle, you once raised an army against my father when he became lord, against the wishes of my grandfather, the previous lord. As a result, the retainers of my territory fought each other, and seven lives were lost. You were spared on the condition that you would never interfere in politics and that you and your descendants would renounce the inheritance rights of the Zarkos family. Breaking that oath is a serious crime. It cannot be compensated for except by death.”

Kritop tried to say something sweet, but Godon Zarkos’ battle hammer crushed his head without hesitation. The courtyard fell silent.

Kritop probably didn’t expect Godon to return so soon. He was supposed to be traveling far away, beyond the rumors of the Mageia territory. Even though Kritop was not supposed to interfere in the management of the territory, it was an internal agreement of the Zarkos family, and it was not something that vassals or subjects could interfere with. After all, he was still a direct descendant of the Zarkos family. Even if it was done by force, as long as he remained in the position of the actual lord, it would eventually become the right way. Time has that kind of effect. If Godon’s return had been delayed a little longer, loyal retainers might have been driven away or even assassinated. It was a good thing that he had returned now.

If he hadn’t stopped by Linz, he wouldn’t have known about the Mageia territory’s troubles. He stopped by Linz to guide the Zoi clan members to Engdahl, and he met the Zoi clan members because he helped Doriatessa. If it had only been Bard, Godon, and Karz, they would not have been able to capture the castle so brilliantly. Things are connected in mysterious ways, and what one does for others ultimately helps oneself. That’s the beauty of travel and the subtlety of life, Bard thought.

3

In the stillness, Eureka and Kainen stepped forward to Godon, barefoot, with their hands behind their backs, kneeling on both knees and bowing their heads. It was the manner of a criminal.

“Lord, we were unable to protect the estate. My uncle kept interfering and we couldn’t stop him from entering the castle. Eventually, he took my son hostage and forced me to hand over the lord’s seal. I reluctantly helped him maintain his private army and indulge in luxury. The treasury was depleted, and we had to sell many ancestral weapons. Please take revenge on us. However, please spare my son, Middle.”

Upon hearing these words, Middle tried to run to his parents, but Karz stopped him. Gordon’s voice followed, filled with kindness.

“I was ignorant before. But when I accompanied Sir Bard Rowen, I woke up. There were many towns and villages. With the lord’s heart, the territory could prosper or decline. It takes strength to protect the people’s peace and wisdom to support their lives. Kainen.”

“Yes.”

“How long has it been since I left on my journey?”

“It’s been 294 days.”

“List the names of the deceased among the 294 days.”

Kainen Zarkos listed the names, ages, and causes of death of the deceased. Most were elderly or infants who died shortly after birth. This was not unique to this region. Infants are prone to death. Usually, they are not registered until they are five or six years old. Therefore, it is unusual for someone to know that a child who was only a few days old had died. This shows that officials and village chiefs are paying close attention to the people. Nevertheless, Kainen, who could name the dead of eight villages without looking at the ledger, was an extraordinary bureaucrat. In the end, 23 people were listed.

“Did anyone die of starvation among those 23?”

“No, there were none.”

“Did anyone die unjustly due to the lord’s actions?”

“No, there were none.”

“During my absence, did anyone sell themselves or lose their homes among the people? Were any retainers killed or exiled?”

“No, there were none.”

“I see. The Zarkos family’s assets have decreased, but the people have been protected. Oh, oh! Kainen, Eureka. You did well! My family’s honor has been preserved.”

Upon hearing these words, Kainen and Eureka cried and fell to the ground. They had managed to protect the people and retainers in difficult circumstances. They were recognized and praised, and they cried with joy. They were not the only ones crying. The retainers were crying, surrounding them. They were moved by what they had just heard. It was not just the retainers. The nearby villagers heard the commotion and gathered. The people were also crying.

“Kainen, Eureka.”

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

“I was truly ignorant. But I learned what a knight is by receiving lessons from Sir Bard Rowen during my travels. And I made a wish. That wish is for my territory to be a place where children can live like children.”

“Children can live like children?”

“Yes. But you see, I’m not very smart. I don’t know how to make that happen. So, Kainen, Eureka. Help me!”

“Yes!”

“Yes, we will definitely help.”

A commoner prostrated himself at Gordon’s feet, looking satisfied. Gordon noticed and spoke to him.

“Oh, if it isn’t Mayor Toruko. Are you well?”

“Yes, my lord. We have been eagerly awaiting your return.”

“Hahaha. You have a way with words. There should be no lord who works harder than me.”

“No, no. You always travel around the territory and speak to us. When we hear that beasts have appeared, you are the first to come and drive them away. When we hear that a house has collapsed, you come to help us rebuild it. The bandits fear your martial prowess and no longer come near this area. People from other territories are always envious of you. Lately, we have only been asking if you have returned or if there is any news of your safety. My lord, I have a request.”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“Thank you for using this old man’s power to fulfill milord’s dream,” said the village chief.

Hearing these words, the gathered villagers fell to their knees before Godon Zarkos, offering their own services to help achieve his lord’s dream.

Godon watched as his retainers and the villagers continued to gather around him, blinking his eyes in surprise. Eventually, his emotions got the best of him and he began to cry.

It was Kaien and Eureka who calmed the situation. They ordered their retainers to bring food and drink, and the villagers also brought their own contributions. The square in front of the castle quickly turned into a grand feast.

Word of the celebration spread, and people from distant villages came to join in the festivities. As night fell, the crowd only grew larger, and the party continued with no end in sight.

At the center of the gathering were the Zarkos family and Bard. The green giants illuminated by the flames were particularly eye-catching. Even the ferocious Gerkaasts had come to assist Godon, a testament to his leadership and the prosperity of his lands.

Everyone talked about Godon’s journey, and he regaled them with tales of the “People’s Knight” and his quest to help the common people. Though not a skilled orator, Godon’s heartfelt stories were full of truth and captivated his audience. The listeners were moved to tears as they heard about the revenge of the three siblings, the crisis in the village by the river, and the capture of an innocent craftsman. They drooled over the description of the delicious Colcordur.

But the most popular story was that of Doriatessa. People repeatedly asked Godon to tell them about the beautiful baroness’s adventures. They cheered when she bravely faced a superior knight to protect her princess, and applauded when Bard accepted the impossible task of hunting down a demonic beast. They wept when the Great Red Bear was finally defeated, and cried along with the grateful princess.

As Bard listened to the stories at the center of the gathering, he felt a mix of emotions. While the stories were mostly true, Godon had made him out to be an invincible hero. Bard thought it was a bit too much, but he couldn’t deny the admiration in Godon’s eyes. The stories were not just boasting, but a reflection of Godon’s passion and what he had learned on his journey.

However, Bard, who had been elevated to the status of a fairy tale hero, was filled with an unbearable feeling. Sighing, he thought to himself, “To actually believe such a ridiculous story, they must be country bumpkins,” and glanced to the side. Knight Maitalp and Knight Lahorita, as well as the brave warriors Yanzengo and Meritoke, were looking at Bard. In their eyes, an undeniable sense of reverence was evident.

4

Despite feeling uncomfortable with the exaggerated tales, Bard went along with Godon’s wishes and took the Middle Zarkos Knight’s oath the next day. He also gave Godon 200,000 gales, a quarter of the promised amount for the demonic beast’s fur, which was rightfully Godon’s. Godon used the money to buy ten male and ten female Colcordurs in Krausk, intending to raise them in his lands.

Bard left with Godon to accompany him on his mission, while the rest of the group stayed behind. Knight Maitalp reminded Bard to return to Lordvan Castle before the martial arts tournament, and Chief Engdahl invited him to come and try the delicious Yatz meat that the Zoi tribe raised.

Karz stayed behind in Mageia to be by Godon’s side for a while. Bard was impressed by their thoughtfulness. The son of Kritop, Bench, had not been found. It seemed that Bench Zarkos had fled early, abandoning his family and subjects, and had taken a considerable amount of money with him. The released knights and mercenaries had not gone far either. The troubled territory was easily targeted by villains. If there was one skilled and agile person, Godon would be saved in many ways.

In Krausk, they were suddenly taken to the first lord’s residence and warmly welcomed. They gladly agreed to buy Colcordur and taught them how to care for it. They loaded a cart full of birds and souvenirs. Of course, they didn’t forget the Pran wine.

They passed through the Tuorim territory on the way. Godon asked them to see how things were going. The relatives of the former lord had become the new lord. The previous unreasonable tax rates had been lowered, and the collection had become more lenient. The people were lively. A mound had been built on the outskirts of the town. It was a mound to worship Enba, his wife, and their three children. It was proposed by a traveling merchant who had met the three siblings the day before the former lord was killed. Various offerings were made at the mound, but dried grapes were the most common. One of the children had said before he died, “Dried grapes were delicious. Thank you.” The new lord found Enba’s relatives and made them a officers. Seeing this, the people knew the new lord’s intentions and were very pleased.

Travelling in the depths of winter was tough, but Middle Zarkos, full of youth, endured it well. The pleasure of the novelty of the scenery and cultural artifacts seemed to outweigh the hardship. Only young people were chosen to accompany him. They learned a lot and grew up well. They would soon be the future of the Mageia territory. The sensitive young people had been praying for a long time in front of the mound of the three siblings.

“Cry. Get angry. Let your heart tremble. All of these feelings will become your flesh and blood,” Bard spoke to their back like that.

They returned to the Mageia territory. It was finally time to say goodbye to Godon Zarkos. Kainen and Eureka held a three-night feast. On the last night, they arranged for Godon and Bard to talk without being disturbed by anyone. They never ran out of stories to tell.

Bard and Karz said goodbye to Godon Zarkos and his family and returned to Linz. Then, they were asked for a favor by the Count of Linz. Two southern villages were destroyed by beasts, and soldiers were dispatched, but they only suffered losses. It seemed that it was not a wolf demon. Bard returned just as they were considering asking for help from the Tercia family.

The enemy turned out to be two long-eared wolf demons. Bard and Karz defeated them. Bard asked the Count of Linz to make Karz’ leather armor from their fur. Then the two crossed the Great Ova and rode their horses to the Lordvan Castle. They had to witness the battle of Doriatessa. It took a little longer this time because the forts and supply depots of the Parzam Kingdom were not available, but they managed to avoid the Storm General.

The two arrived at the castle around the end of March. Bard had turned sixty.

(End of Chapter 2, “Forest of New Life”)