kscans

CHAPTER 6 FYUZARION – Episode 5 The Blessed Land (Part 2)

6

“Hey, old man. Were you from that village?”

“A hired bodyguard at your age? That’s tough.”

“We’ll make it easy for you. You won’t need to earn money after today. Because you’ll be dead.”

“Heh heh heh. Lucky you, big old man. In exchange, we’ll be taking your money.”

“And your horse, saddle, and armor too.”

It had been a while since he encountered thugs on horseback. Moreover, they seemed to be carrying fairly decent swords and spears. He had been wanting a spear, so this was perfect timing. Their appearance and smell were terrible, though. As five of them approached on horseback near the village, he decided to meet them head-on.

He countered the sword of one who attacked with my ancient sword. His sword shattered. As they passed by each other, he slashed at his neck. Then, he smashed the head of the thief right behind him from the front. Yueitan quickly rotated his body to the right. Using that momentum, he sliced off the head of the third thief as he was turning around. Before the thief fell from his horse, he snatched his spear and threw it at the back of a thief trying to flee. The last one was already trying to escape on his horse, but he quickly caught up and instead of slashing at his head, he body-checked him off his horse. The reason he didn’t cut off his head was that he was wearing a helmet that seemed quite usable, and he thought it would be a waste. As he was about to kill him where he lay, Yueitan stepped on the fallen thief. With a pathetic cry, the fifth thief died. Thus, he acquired five horses and their gear. Quinta and Seto would soon come to strip what was usable from them.

It seems the richness of this village has become well-known. Indeed, Bard, Karz, and Jurchaga are wealthy. They spare no expense for what they need. Of course, this is a reputation limited to a small area, but the rumor will spread eventually. To the south, the mountain range is often a refuge for thugs and bandits from the southern regions who have hit rock bottom. Looking at the smoke from here, they must feel tempted to attack. Even if there’s not much to gain, the lack of defense is the biggest attraction. And then they run away in surprise after seeing the skills of Bard and Karz. If they attack, they kill them, but they sometimes let the fleeing ones go. Those who escape might gather more comrades and come back, or they might attack other villages. Ideally, they would capture them and hand them over to the city of Himaya. They could be sold as slaves, and their labor could be put to good use without unnecessary killing. But for that, they need a proper village chief. This village needs to be officially recognized as a village. Without a village chief, presenting them as thieves would only get them accused in return. Jurchaga is only a self-proclaimed village chief. His negotiation skills are as poor as ever, though he manages to get by with shopping. People must wonder how such a remote settlement village has so much money. But they’re not officially recognized as a village or a village chief by Himaya or any other city. They really need to do something about it.

There’s another matter that needs attention. Karz and Doriatessa. Until now, he couldn’t send Karz on long trips. Initially, he sent him shopping in Himaya, but afterwards, Bard made sure he didn’t leave the village for more than two or three days. But a year has passed since the establishment of the village, and it has grown significantly. They have proper tools, plenty of salt, and two skilled knights. Not to mention an exceptionally sharp village chief and a skilled healer. The geographical conditions are excellent, and they have all the necessary conditions for development. The village population is nearly a hundred, with several capable individuals. Twenty-two respectable houses have been built, and there are fences. Egalsocia’s fields are thriving everywhere. Even if Karz leaves for a long trip, or even if he leaves for good, they’ll manage.

7

A knight was a noble, a lord, and an independent entity. However, as larger households emerged, knights who did not own lands but lived on parts of their lord’s estate appeared. They too eventually made their name, received lands from their lord as the household grew, and became independent. Whether this was actually achievable or not, it was considered the natural course of things. However, as large countries formed and noble families grew, a class of knights who were assumed to be subservient to their lord from the beginning to the end emerged. These subservient knights were indeed nobles, but their status depended on the power and wealth of their lord’s house.

Karz Rowen was not a subservient knight but the heir to Bard, who himself had no land or status. Therefore, Karz was seen as a knight of dubious origin. It was impossible for Karz to marry Doriatessa. However, Doriatessa was a Viscountess of Kovrien. She owned lands and held a title. If Karz married into her family, he could establish himself as the lord’s representative, allowing them to marry. Of course, it was absolutely necessary for Karz to be proven a knight of honor. Bard considered writing a knight’s proof for him but decided against it. Arflaburne and many other knights would vouch for Karz’s origin. He had worked hard enough to deserve that much.

Karz deserved to be happy with Doriatessa, even if it meant leaving here and never returning.

Bard’s decision not to write the knight’s proof was also a matter of pride. To put it another way, he felt an unbearable sense of apology towards Karz. If Bard had been a knight with land, wealth, and proper status, he could have allowed Karz to propose to Doriatessa without making him feel inferior. But in essence, Bard was just a wandering knight. The thought of not being able to provide Karz with a proper status filled him with remorse.

However. But still. Is the greatness of a knight measured only by land, wealth, and status? Rather, isn’t the greatness of a knight measured by his martial prowess, aspirations, and achievements? In that case, is there a knight on this continent as great as Karz Rowen? A knight who has silently accomplished so much does not deserve to be denied the right to propose to his beloved princess.

Therefore, Bard’s decision to send Karz off without writing a knight’s proof was a matter of pride. “How do you intend to treat this man?” Bard challenges the Fafarlen family and the Goriora Empire. It was also a challenge to the gods who watch over and judge the actions of knights.

Gods. Great life. If you recognize justice and devotion in what Karz Rowen has done. If you praise his achievements. Please let this proposal succeed.

That’s what Bard Rowen wanted to say.

8

September 2nd. Exactly one year since Jurchaga’s declaration of the establishment of Fyuzarion. They offered sacrifices to the gods, grilled a lot of meat, and celebrated with wine and fruit juice. Such festivals are necessary once in a while. Everyone had a great time. The children were also excited, shouting “festival, festival.” Quinta, Seto, Yugur, Nuva, and Miya have grown remarkably in this one year. Perhaps they were lacking in nutrition before. He thought Miya was about four years old, but it seems she’s actually about six.

Quinta has become incredibly strong. He has mastered the skill of shooting fish with a bow. His swordsmanship is improving rapidly. He doesn’t flinch at the sight of blood, nor does he falter in front of a raging beast. He’s more useful than the weaklings from the Central Plains.

Seto is calm and thoughtful. He has a high capacity to understand people’s words and express his own feelings well. He used to be the leader among the children, but lately, he’s been quite active as Jurchaga’s assistant.

Bard felt fulfilled. Imitating a pioneer farmer at this age is tough. But the sense of accomplishment is greater. It’s nice to be adored by the children, calling him “grandpa, grandpa.” He never knew being treated as an elder could be so pleasant. The five orphans are now like Bard’s grandchildren. He’ll watch over the village as it prospers. And when his body finally weakens, he’ll climb Fyuza and die. That’s what he’s come to think.

That night, Bard said to Karz.

“Go to Lady Doriatessa. Take your time. Both Lady Doriatessa and you, as well as Jurchaga, must find happiness. Don’t be bound by duty or position. Decide for yourself where you want to live, where you want to be. Follow your heart. You must not hesitate in this matter.”

Karz nodded. And then, he smiled. To see such an expression on this man. He felt a pang of guilt for having separated two people in love.

Wait. Suppose Karz and Doriatessa are united. What about Jurchaga? He’s settled down as the village chief. He needs a wife. Yes. My last great task in life is to find a wife for Jurchaga. Bard was breathing heavily with excitement until he fell asleep that night.

Karz departed early the next morning. Bard saw him off. Jurchaga, Quinta, and Seto also saw him off. These three and Zariya were told that Karz was being sent to the imperial capital on an errand. They were not told that he might not return. Karz’s figure soon disappeared beyond the grasslands.

A large herd of Shirozuno was moving. Winter is coming soon, so he’d like to catch a couple of Shirozuno and make smoked meat. A flock of white birds crossed the sky. Could they be Karikazai? They’re delicious whether grilled or boiled. Bard wonder if there’s a land as rich as this anywhere else in the world.

7

That night, Bard had a strange dream. On a hill, there were two splendid knights. One knight was middle-aged, and the other was very young. It was clear from their demeanor that the young knight was the lord, and the middle-aged knight was his subordinate.

“Look, Quinta. From here, you can see our country, the sacred peak Fyuza, and even Ova. It’s a magnificent view.”

“Indeed. By the way, my lord.”

“Hmm. What is it?”

“Please declare yourself king.”

“What? Can’t things stay as they are?”

“Now that Fyuzarion has grown so large, we can’t continue with a republic. Besides, the lords, knights, people, and other countries all think of you as the king. Everyone has been waiting for you to grow up.”

“Hmm. But what would my mother say?”

“The one who named you, my lord, was your mother. She gave you a name of such high status that it rivals any royal family. Isn’t her intention clear?”

“Other countries might become wary.”

“On the contrary. The current situation is unnatural, inconvenient, and suspicious. They say in the Central Plains, ‘If you want to raise a good knight, send them to Pakula or Fyuzarion for training.’ Those studying medicine or blacksmithing are said to need to go to Fyuzarion at least once. Nuva is struggling with the backlog of reservations from chefs seeking training from various countries. It would be easier for other countries to interact with us if we transition from the current republican system to a proper kingdom. Declare the founding of the kingdom to the gods, ascend to the throne, grant titles, appoint ministers and officials, and establish the form of a nation. Taranka has already prepared everything. Everyone has been eagerly awaiting this day. It all depends on your feelings, my lord.”

“Ha ha. It’s an honor to be compared to the holy land Pakula. So, I’m to be king, huh? My father would be quite surprised.”

“Indeed.”

When he woke up, the laughter of the two knights still echoed in his ears. What was this dream about? A premonition of something? He didn’t recognize the two knights. But somehow, they felt familiar. The middle-aged knight was called Quinta. Could it be that Quinta? He also heard the name Nuva. And the horse ridden by the young knight. It felt nostalgic. Its eyes resembled Yueitan’s. Not just the eyes. The entire body, in terms of size and strength, closely resembled Yueitan. And the color of its coat and the appearance of its mane seemed very similar to Krildzuka.