kscans

1

It was said that the distance from the port to Lordvan Castle was about 80 koku-ri. The group consisting of Seifert, two knights, Bard, Godon, and Karz, managed to cover that distance in just seven days.

To the west of the Ova River lay a vast desert and grassland, while to the east were mountains and forests. Both were collectively referred to as the Eastern Frontier of the continent. Among the central countries, those facing the Eastern Frontier all had their own Frontier Knight Orders. Their mission was to protect their countries from the demonic beasts, wild animals, and demi-humans that emerged from the vast frontier and to secure trade routes. Despite being called Frontier Knight Orders, they never crossed the Ova River to the east.

About a hundred years ago, eight Frontier Knight Orders from different countries participated in the Frontier Martial Arts Tournament. However, now only the Goriora Empire and the Parzam Kingdom were participating. As time passed, the smaller countries lost their power and were unable to maintain their Frontier Knight Orders.

In recent years, demonic beasts were hardly seen to the west of the Ova River. They had gained some understanding of the demi-humans’ territories and movements, and coexistence had become possible, resulting in fewer major conflicts. Furthermore, for the past hundred years, there had been ongoing conflicts between the central countries, leaving no room for interest in the frontier.

Bard and the others thought of the frontier as the area east of the Ova River. They knew of the Frontier Knight Order’s name, so they wondered why they hadn’t heard anything about the frontier. It wasn’t until they heard Seifert’s story that they finally understood.

Lordvan Castle was the residence of the Goriora Frontier Marquis and the headquarters of the Parzam Frontier Knight Order. As the name “Land’s End* (Lordvan)” suggests, it was far from the capital. The Frontier Knight Order used to be more like the Marquis’s private army. However, now its maintenance costs were paid from the national treasury, and the appointment and dismissal of the Knight Order’s leader were directly made by the king. Nevertheless, since their activities were carried out under the Marquis’s protection, the Marquis still held significant influence. The Marquis of Goriora, who had inherited his father’s seat in the Senate, was highly respected by the king for his insight. He was currently staying in the capital to advise on important matters. (t/n: Saihate no Ji – The furthest end of the land)

Now, the castle was in sight. As they approached, it became clear that it was not just a castle but a fortress city.

They tried to enter the castle through the east gate, but there was a commotion. Soldiers were on the wall with bows and slings, and about twenty knights on horseback were in front of the gate. Facing them were giant green men riding wingless birds.

They were Gerkaast.

Among the demi-humans, Gerkaast were particularly aggressive. They didn’t fight humans recklessly for their own reasons, but when they did, it took five knights to fight one Gerkaust. When they formed a group, they were even more terrifying. It was said that if there were thirty Gerkaast, they could take over a castle. There were about a hundred Gerkaast now, holding ominous weapons and overflowing with anger, ready to attack at any moment.

Seifert intervened between the two sides.

“Vice Captain Maitalp, what’s going on here?”

“Captain Seifert, welcome back. These cursed savages are making false accusations that tarnish the honor of knights.”

The Gerkaast were demanding that the knights hand over one of their own who had tricked and attacked them. Seifert dismounted and approached the Gerkaast.

“I am Seifert Bowen, the leader of the Parzam Frontier Knight Order, which oversees this castle.”

In response, a particularly large Gerkaust descended from his bird and stepped forward.

“I am Nged Zoi Yanzengo.”

“Do you need something from our knights?”

“Two months ago, according to your calendar, a member of our tribe named Komajie rescued a human who had collapsed in the desert. The human identified himself as a knight of the Parzam Frontier Knight Order named Garpla. However, Garpla repaid his kindness with treachery. He stabbed Komajie in the throat while he was sleeping and stabbed his grandson in the left chest. But Garpla didn’t seem to know that Gerkaast have two hearts. The grandson survived his life-threatening injuries and made it back to our tribe. He entrusted me, the deputy chief, with the task of avenging his blood. Ichenikemi!”

A young girl was called forward. She pointed to her own left chest, where there was a fresh scar.

Seifert turned around and said, “Vice Captain Maitalp, wasn’t Garpla the representative of the rapier division in the martial arts tournament? Where is he now?”

“Captain, are you planning to betray our knights to these bloodthirsty monsters?”

“Silence! The honor of knights is protected only by the truth. Garpla must prove his innocence before the gods. Anyone who obstructs that proof will not be forgiven!”

The two men glared at each other sternly. Seifert called out to a knight standing diagonally behind Maitalp.”Captain Onema, bring Knight Garpla here,” commanded Bard.

Knight Onema bowed and rode his horse towards the castle gate. Bard thought to himself that this would be a difficult situation. He had heard some of the circumstances leading up to this moment. The Frontier Knights were the largest and bravest knight order in the Parzam Kingdom, but they had a strong independent streak. They were uncooperative with the military reforms initiated by the previous king, and it was Seifert’s duty as their new leader to change their ways. However, gaining the trust of the veteran members would be difficult, as they were stubborn and required delicate handling.

Furthermore, Seifert himself was not well-liked. His father held the title of Count, but not in Parzam. He was a nobleman in exile, and while the Parzam King had a policy of recruiting talented individuals from other countries, many did not appreciate Seifert’s father’s position. Seifert’s father had tried to accumulate good deeds despite the cold stares he received, and Seifert himself had learned patience and perseverance. However, his abilities and loyalty were not properly recognized, and he faced unwarranted criticism. He followed his father’s teachings to focus on his unseen accomplishments and worked hard to improve himself. He was eventually assigned to Prince Wendelland, who was considered a minor figure and was not well-regarded by those around him. However, Seifert found his true master in Wendelland, who continued to play an important role in the military and earned the respect of the soldiers. Seifert also earned military honors as a charge captain and helped defeat the enemy’s main force in a decisive battle. Wendelland was eventually crowned king, but Seifert’s reward was temporarily put on hold. He was sent to the east of Ova as a messenger, and after confirming the whereabouts of Prince Julelant and escorting him to the capital, he was suddenly promoted to Count.

His achievements were impressive, but the Frontier Knights did not find them interesting. They felt that even if they risked their lives in the obscure frontiers, they received little recognition. To them, Seifert was a clever man who had suddenly gained a title by serving the king.

Knight Onema returned with a pale-faced knight. “Is this Knight Garpla?” asked Seifert.

The knight dismounted and saluted his superior. “I have been accused of a serious crime,” he said.

“Kneel and swear,” ordered Seifert.

Knight Garpla knelt before Seifert, who placed his hand on the knight’s head. “In the name of the god of justice and truth, Yanero, Knight Seifert asks you, Knight Garpla, to swear.”

“I swear,” replied Garpla.

“Good. Do you recognize this young girl from Gerkaast?” Seifert asked, pointing to a frightened girl.

Garpla looked at the girl and fear was evident in his eyes. The girl’s eyes burned with flames as she stared back at him.

“Yes, I do,” Garpla finally confessed, trembling.

Seifert continued, “Knight Garpla, you have been accused of attacking a grateful Gerkaast girl. Speak truthfully and provide evidence.” The other knights murmured in surprise. Garpla broke down and tearfully confessed.

“I, I… I wanted the head of a demonic beast. I needed it to participate in the martial arts tournament. I heard that a demonic beast had appeared near the western fortress. I haven’t heard of anyone defeating a demonic beast in decades. I thought that if I had the head of a demonic beast, I could participate in the tournament. But I got lost in a sandstorm, separated from my companions, and lost consciousness. When I came to, I was in Lord Komajie’s tent, and Lord Ichinikemi was treating me. I was grateful. But then I had a thought. Gerkaast never backs down from a challenge. And if I were to defeat Gerkaast in an honorable one-on-one duel, it would be just as honorable as defeating a demonic beast. Maybe I could win against this old Gerkaast. Ah, but… When I saw the two of them sleeping in the middle of the night, the devil in my heart whispered to me. Kill them now. And then… Ah! I killed the two of them and brought Lord Komajie’s head back. I was insane at that time!”

After that, he continued to sob and couldn’t speak. Seifert asked Knight Maitalp where the Gerkaast’s head was. Knight Maitalp ordered his subordinates to bring the head. Ichinikemi cried and clung to Seifert when she saw the salted head taken out of the jar.

Bard thought to himself, “This is a serious situation.” If they rejected the Gerkaast’s demand, the entire knight order, and ultimately the country, would lose honor because of the knight’s cruelty. On the other hand, if they gave in to the demand of the subhuman’s martial prowess and sacrificed the knight’s lives, Seifert would lose the trust of the knight order forever.

However, Seifert’s face did not show any signs of panic. He waited for Knight Garpla to stop crying and spoke in a quiet but firm voice.

“Knight Garpla. You were possessed by a demon and committed an unforgivable act as a knight and as a human being. You must apologize to Lord Komajie and Lord Ichinikemi with more than just words. But since you regained your right mind at the last moment, if you willingly accept the judgment of the sword, you can die as an honorable knight. Tell your family that you died on a mission. If you have anything else to say, say it.”

Knight Garpla took off his helmet and placed it beside him. He calmly said with a strange voice, “I pray for my parents’ health. Thank you, Captain.”

He clasped his hands together and put his head down on the ground, offering his neck. Seifert drew his sword and beheaded Knight Garpla. The sword was not an execution sword or a duel sword. It was a knight’s sword used to fight knights in armor, with a dull blade and a thick, heavy body. He cut off the head with one blow without even touching the neck guard protruding from the metal armor. Moreover, the tip of the sword stopped just before touching the ground. Seifert’s swordsmanship was extraordinary. Even more impressive was his composure in doing this calmly in this atmosphere.

Seifert handed the sword to his attendant to wipe off the blood and took off his cloak. He wrapped Knight Garpla’s head in the cloak and gave it to Knight Onema to hold. Then he turned to the Gerkaasts.

“Lord Yangzengo. I have just proven Knight Garpla’s guilt with his life. Therefore, my sword has cleansed his sin. Knight Garpla has apologized with his life. I also apologize. Please accept this apology.”

“Knight Seifert. We will tell our ancestors that you have made amends with your life. Give us his head.”

Tension filled the air. Would the knight commander hand over Knight Garpla’s head to the barbarians? Or would he protect the knight’s lives? Everyone held their breath, waiting for Seifert’s answer.

“I cannot do that. Nged Yangzengo. I challenge you to a duel. An honorable one-on-one duel. If I win, your subordinates will bring back your head and Lord Komajie’s head. If you win, you can take my head. But you will not get the heads of my subordinates.”

Yangzengo was momentarily stunned, then laughed. No matter how skilled a warrior was, a human could not defeat a Gerkaast one-on-one. Especially when the opponent was the brave warrior Yangzengo. In other words, Seifert was offering his own head in exchange for protecting his subordinates’ heads. Yangzengo laughed at the audacity and bravery of Seifert’s proposal. However, there was no mockery in his laughter. This kind of act was suitable for the Gerkaast’s temperament. And by laughing, Yangzengo forgave the knight’s sin.

Yangzengo stopped laughing and was about to answer Seifert when the Gerkaasts behind him began to murmur. They pointed at Bard and talked to each other in a loud voice. They were telling Yangzengo something. Yangzengo walked over to Bard and looked intently at the ancient sword hanging from his waist. No, that wasn’t it. He was looking at the scabbard. The pattern sewn into the scabbard.

“Human. Where did you get that sheath?”

Bard answered that it was made for him by a Gerkaast warrior who had become friends with him, named Nged Zoi Engdahl. The Gerkaasts began to stir and make a commotion upon hearing this name. When Yangzengo raised his hand to calm them down, he asked where Bard had met Nged. Bard asked why he wanted to know, to which a large Gerkaast behind Yangzengo shouted, “That’s none of your business! Answer the question!”

Yangzengo had other Gerkaasts who could speak human language, one of whom was named Meritoke. Yangzengo punched Meritoke with a powerful attack that would have killed a human. Yangzengo then turned to Bard and said,

“Nged Zoi Engdahl is the chief of our tribe. We have been searching for Chief Engdahl for 25 years. 25 years ago, a human accidentally desecrated the resting place of our ancestors. The crime cannot be atoned for except by death, but the human said he had important news to report to the king and asked to be allowed to return home just once. Chief Engdahl became his guarantor. The human never returned. Chief Engdahl was ashamed of the breach of contract and disappeared from the tribe. For us, leaving the tribe to live alone is more painful than death. Chief Engdahl is an excellent warrior, and his achievements are unparalleled. He is innocent. Even if he were guilty, he has suffered the hell of living alone for 25 years. That’s enough. We must find and bring back Engdahl. He is still our hero and chief. We want to know where you met him.”

Knight Maitalp was the first to respond emotionally to these heartfelt words, not Bard.

Maitalp approached Yangzengo and asked, “What is the human’s name?”

“Eugen,” Yangzengo replied.

Maitalp’s face twisted in anguish as he said, “That’s my father. Forgive me, Gerkaasts. My father said he would return to fulfill his promise. But my mother, uncle, and I locked him up to prevent him from leaving. We thought we were saving his life. In the end, my father committed suicide in despair. He left a note asking me to convey his apology to Engdahl. I haven’t fulfilled his last wish until today.”

Yangzengo stared at Maitalp sternly, but after a long silence, he said, “The innocence of the brave Engdahl has now been proven. One hundred members of the tribe have heard this. Human. Your testimony has served its purpose.”

Yangzengo then looked at Bard intently. It was Bard’s turn to answer. Bard told Yangzengo that he couldn’t reveal the location because he didn’t know if it would be acceptable to Nged Engdahl. However, he offered to guide two people from the tribe to the location. These two people would swear to the ancestors’ spirits and the spirit of the Akaha not to forcibly bring Engdahl back against his will. If Engdahl refused to return, they would not disclose the location.

Yangzengo narrowed his eyes and asked Bard why only two people. Bard replied that if there are more than two, he might not be able to subdue the Gerkaasts by force. Yangzengo laughed heartily at this bold declaration by an old human knight. Meritoke, who had risen next to him, glared at Bard with a fierce expression. After the laughter subsided, Yangzengo translated Bard’s proposal to the tribe members, who also laughed heartily.