kscans

The fishing rod shook vigorously. It seemed like a fish had taken the bait. After struggling for a while, Bard was in a good mood as he reeled in a big catch. Then, he heard a familiar voice.

“Long time no see, Lord Bard.”

When he turned around, he saw Knight Cedermont Expenler kneeling on the grass of the riverbank after dismounting his horse. Two others were doing the same behind him, and Bard recognized their faces. However, there was an unexpected man on horseback behind them, looking down at Bard with a displeased expression.

It was Jyotish Payne, a knight who served under Lord Caldos Gwendell of the Dorba territory. While it was expected for Cedermont to come, it was surprising for the Gwendell family to send an envoy, especially one of such high status.

“Lord Payne, please dismount your horse.”

It was rude to speak to a dismounted knight while remaining mounted, even in peacetime, and Cedermont’s words were nothing more than stating the obvious. However, Jyotish made a face of great displeasure.

“Sir Expenler, that man is no longer a knight. He abandoned his lord. A non-knight does not deserve knightly courtesy.”

“Lord Payne, Lord Bard Roen has not lost his lord. His knight’s oath was made to the people, who he serves as his lord, and he has not abandoned that oath.”

“Hmph. The ‘People’s Knight,’ huh?” t/n: there’s a small note saying ‘galdegasi guerra’ in basque, ‘ask for war’ translated by ogogle

As Jyotish spoke, he dismounted his horse. His attitude made it clear that he thought this was all foolishness. However, he knew better than to be too forceful with Cedermont, or rather, with the Expenler family. Their name carried weight in this land.

Bard told the three knights who were still kneeling to stand up. However, Cedermont remained on his knee and looked straight into Bard’s eyes as he spoke.

“My Lord Bard, please return. Lady Galliera is also worried about you.”

That was probably true. The current Lord of Pakula, Galliera Tercia, was a kind-hearted person. She even treated Bard, who had served the previous four lords of Pakula like an older brother. After the death of the previous lord, Vola, two years ago, Galliera relied on Bard more than anyone else.

“Lord Bard Roen, my lord says that she was not considerate enough. A territory will be prepared for you. The Gwendell and Tercia families both need your services.”

“He sure talks big,” Bard thought to himself as he heard Jyotish’s words.

Bard didn’t know where the territory he would be given was, but it was unlikely to be under the control of either the Gwendell or Tercia families. It would probably be either a guardian contract land of another Great Lord or even a direct territory. If he were to declare ownership of such a town, it would lead to war.

Bard’s reputation had grown too big. He was an undefeated knight who had never lost a fortified castle he had defended and had never lost even in the most unfavorable situations. For some reason, people said that Bard’s efforts were a significant factor in the Tercia family’s ability to defend against magical beasts and wild animals, prevent invasions from other families, and keep thieves and bandits at bay, despite having fewer retainers than other families.

However, Bard’s fame was now a hindrance.

The current Lord of Gwendell, Caldos, was a man of deep greed. He undoubtedly wanted to attack other territories and gain as many tax collection rights as possible now that he had finally achieved his long-held dream of becoming a Great Lord. However, after years of war, his territory was exhausted. It was doubtful that his treasury had not run dry in the last few months, during which he had continued to deploy such a large army. Now, he had no choice but to maintain peace.

But with Bard as a pawn, things would be different.

Under the pretext of a Lord’s Council resolution, they would provide a harsh battlefield for Bard and the Tercia family, wear them out, and then take only the fruits of their labor. Such a strategy could work. If Bard remained healthy, he could fight to his heart’s content and reap the benefits for the Tercia family. However, lately, he had been aging rapidly. He probably would not be long for this world. There was no greater betrayal than leaving the Tercia family in a hopeless battlefield and dying.

What if Bard were not there?

If the big pawn fell, such a strategy would not work. If they crush the Tercia family without Bard, they would allow magical beasts to invade. If that happened, Gwendell and other lords would be forced to fight against magical beasts and wild animals and would be worn down. The position of a Great Lord would not be sustainable.

That’s why Bard decided to leave the Tercia family. If Bard left, the Tercia family would have time. Fortunately, young retainers were growing up. They needed time to endure the present, build their strength, and prepare for the future.

This should be understood by Cedermont, Bard’s disciple. However, if they did not detain Bard, it would damage the Tercia family. Rumors often reversed the order of events and importance. They might say that they had exiled the aging hero to silence him.

That’s why it was necessary for the Tercia family’s retainers to find and persuade Bard. It was overly generous treatment to send three knights, including someone like Cedermont, to an old knight from a rural family.

“Bard Roen. Answer me. You can’t possibly be refusing, can you?”

“This man is a mystery.” he didn’t understand the purpose of Caldos Gwendell sending him.

Sending his nephew as a gesture to show that he is serious about stopping him is a good move. However, it shouldn’t just be a gesture for Gwendell. The best outcome is to keep him as a pawn.

If he cannot be retained, then it’s best to blame Tercia for it. If this man comes, Gwendell will also bear the responsibility of not being able to keep him.

Furthermore, his words and actions are so rude that it seems like he’s intentionally trying to provoke him.

“Lord Payne, hold back. While my lord has agreed to the Gwendell family’s claim as the Great Lord, the Tercia family has not submitted to the Gwendell family. Lord Roen has no reason to take orders from your noble family.”

For some reason, Yotishu Payne fell silent after that. What is this man really here for?

After that, Cedermont tried to persuade Bard for a while. Bard simply replied that he can no longer fight and just wants to die peacefully. He cannot say anything that would suggest he’s leaving the Tercia family for good. The reason for his retirement must be solely due to his own physical and mental decline. It’s important for Siedermont and the two knights to hear this and spread the word to many people.

After a brief exchange, Cedermont reluctantly gave up on persuading Bard and handed him a bag of gold coins.

“Even if you don’t come back, at least have a peaceful trip, this is a wish from Lady Galliera.”

Hmmm. What would happen if I refuse? Some may suspect that I have some dissatisfaction with the lord.

Bard quickly decided to accept the bag of gold coins. At that moment, Yotishu Payne’s eyes showed an unusual light. The gaze was not directed at Bard or Cedermont, but at the bag of gold coins. It’s a valuable resource for a lone traveler, but not a significant amount for a noble to covet.

As the knights of the Tercia family bid farewell to Bard and returned on horseback, Yotishu followed suit. However, when Bard put the bag of gold coins into his baggage, he felt like Yotishu was still watching from afar.