kscans

1

Parted with the old woman, I was alone again. It was almost evening when I entered the village in front of me. There was a river near the village, a rich and abundant one. This river flowed from the northern mountains, not from the east to the west. It was a tributary of the Great River Ova (Taiga Ova). The fish in Ova were numerous and delicious, and I was looking forward to trying them. I spoke to the old horse carrying my luggage, but of course, it didn’t answer. I knew the name of the village, and I thought it was a small one, but surprisingly, there were many people living there, and there was even a communal inn. It was bustling with people. I tied my horse, Stavros, and asked if there was a room available for me to stay in.

“Sure, there’s a room available. You’re lucky, you know. To be staying here on a day like this,” the landlady said cheerfully.

I asked her what she meant by “lucky.”

“Oh, didn’t you know? The king was crowned today! He’s a splendid king, and he even sent his envoy to this remote village. Everyone who came here today will be treated to a drink, courtesy of King Wendelland. Come on, have a drink too!” she explained.

The drink she gave me was honey wine diluted with water. It didn’t taste very good, but I couldn’t complain about a gift. I toasted to King Wendelland three times before ordering a distilled liquor and asking about the king.

The landlady explained that on the other side of the Ova River was the Kingdom of Parzam. They had been at war with another country, but they won last year. The war was a fierce one, and many princes, including the crown prince, died. In the end, Prince Wendelland, who led the army, won the victory. He returned home triumphantly as a hero, but the old king, who was already sick, died for peace of mind.

There was a dispute over who would be the next king. Prince Wendelland was older than the crown prince, had a lot of popularity, and had outstanding achievements, but because of his mother’s low status, he was not considered a possible heir to the throne. However, now that he was a hero who saved the country, the military supported him. In the end, Wendelland became king, and a year after the victory and the old king’s death, his coronation was held. The king wanted to spread the joy of his victory and coronation, so he sent envoys to various places, giving gifts and explaining his new policies.

The landlady’s information was impressive, considering that this was a remote village. Bard was amazed. The border was too vast, and it was too far from Parzam. It was inconvenient to collect taxes, send troops, or enforce laws, and it was not worth it. Many countries, including Parzam, had declared ownership of this part of the eastern border of the continent, but no country had effectively governed it. The Great Ova River refused to be controlled. The most realistic option was to appoint a powerful lord as a proxy and govern indirectly, but several countries, including Parzam, had already done so. However, it was not functioning. Without the ability to grasp or control it, the balance of power on the ground was constantly changing. It was not uncommon for villages and towns to be wiped out by monster attacks or natural disasters.

In the end, what connected the central countries of the continent with the border was only a small number of people traveling and trading. There were several countries west of the Ova River, but only Parzam had established a trading village on the riverbank. If you crossed the river from here, you could trade. If you got on a carriage from the trading village, you could go to Parzam. Those who wanted to study or make a name for themselves in the city aimed for Parzam. In the eastern frontier of the continent, the name of Parzam was spoken with a little familiarity and admiration.

“It’s strange to be spilling wine* in a place like this. The king’s name will be forgotten in three days,” I thought to myself as I ate. Suddenly, the noise in the tavern quieted down. A knight in splendid attire had entered. (t/n: splling wine on purpose bring lucks)

“I am sorry to disturb everyone celebration. Is there a physician or someone knowledgeable about disesases? The special frontier district envoy, Father Bali Toad, is seriously ill. He suddenly felt cold in his hands and feet, complained of severe headaches, and is now unconscious with a high fever. Is there anyone who could help him?” he asked in a firm, young voice. (t/n: physician here is similar to previous chapter, make medicine from herb)

In this remote area, there is no physician to be found. While there is an apothecary in Linz, there is no one who can help the priest who is currently in critical condition. No one wants to get involved with knights from “the other side of the river.”

Bard stood up and ask for more detailed symptoms. When asked if he was an apothecary, he replied that he was not, but if it was the disease he thought it was, he would have to take action immediately.

Bard was immediately taken to the village chief’s house, but the chief himself was absent. He had gone to the next village to inform them of the arrival of the special envoy and to arrange accommodations for them. The chief’s wife was also absent, she was at her new home due to the birth of her daughter. There were only two girls in the house to take care of meals and such, and they could not handle the priest’s sudden illness. The young knight explained that he had gone to the tavern in desperation, hoping that someone in the village might have knowledge of medicine.

An older knight was with the priest, who was said to be a special envoy. The young knight explained briefly, and the older knight bowed his head to Bard, saying, “Please help us.”

Upon closer examination of the priest’s condition, it was not caused by Geriadra, but rather by a disease known in the region as “one-night fever.” The old woman taught him about her strange theory that mosquitoes carry the disease. Although it is surprising to suddenly have a high fever, it usually goes away in two or three days if left alone. However, if the fever is too high, the patient may lose consciousness or lose the ability to move parts of their body.

Bard explained that he was not a professional physician, but according to his diagnosis, this was the case. He also mentioned that there were herbs that could cool the fever and that it was important to keep the room warm and ensure that the patient drank enough water. The older knight said, “Please help us,” again, and Bard crushed the herbs, boiled them, and gave the patient a sip.

Fortunately, the patient drank both the medicine and water. A brazier and a pot of water were brought in, and the bedroom became hot and humid. Bard took care of the patient while sweating, and the young knight unexpectedly helped with great skill. The two attendants also worked hard. The older knight stayed in the room and kept watched over the priest without leaving. He maintained his posture and appearance in the hot room.

After sweating profusely and smelling unpleasantly in the middle of the night, the patient’s condition stabilized, and he began to breathe peacefully in his sleep. The older knight thanked everyone and instructed them to take turns resting. By dawn, the fever had subsided, and all signs of the disease had disappeared. When Bard said that everything was okay now, the older knight got up from his chair and bowed to Bard, saying, “I am truly grateful. I have no words to express my gratitude. By the way, I haven’t asked for your name yet.”

When Bard introduced himself, the older knight said, “Are you perhaps the Galdegashi Guerra (Jinmin no Kishi, People’s Knight)?” and his solemn face relaxed a little.

2

“How about another glass of wine, Lord Rowen?” (changed Roen to Rowen)

Upon receiving the words of Priest Bali Toad, a servant brought a wine jug and poured more into Bard’s cup. The wine was of high quality and the cup was a luxurious silver with sculpted decorations and a foot.

At first, Bard had underestimated the mission of being dispatched to this remote area with only two knights and two servants as “envoys” for the new king. It was strange for a priest to be an envoy. However, this person was not just any ordinary priest. He was accustomed to high-class and refined products, had a high level of education, and did not exude the vulgar air common among wealthy clergymen.

The two knights were also quite remarkable. The older knight was named Seifert Bowen, a skilled and likely seasoned warrior. He seemed accustomed to commanding others. Despite sitting next to the priest all night without sleeping until dawn, his attitude showed no signs of fatigue.

The younger knight introduced himself as Chantillion Graybuster. He was very diligent in his duties, but had a narrow-minded and rigid way of looking at things. However, he truly believed that knights were guardians of justice and goodness, which was both heartwarming and dazzling. Chantillyon (King of Swords) is an impressive name, but Seifert told Bard that he was one in a million when it came to swordsmanship, so as not to be heard by the person himself.

Both of them were talents that made people marvel at the fact that such knights existed in a country where only rumors of corruption and decadence were heard. Although they seemed to come from a prominent family in the country, Bard appreciated that they did not speak of their status beyond being knights. Their two servants were also impressive in their manners, attentiveness, and natural serving style that did not make Bard feel uncomfortable. Although most of the dishes in front of him were prepared by the servants, their culinary skills were also exceptional.

In short, this group was not a hapless underling dispatched by the whim of the new king to patrol the remote areas with a small number of people. They were people with abilities who had a mission of some kind. However, Bard did not want to know what their purpose was. He was just happy to have the good fortune of being able to drink and dine with such unexpectedly pleasant people.

“Well, well. I said there would be plenty of rewards, but I didn’t expect such a feast to be laid out in such a small village,” said the priest with a smile.

Looking at the healthy face of the priest who had been near death last night, Bard could hardly believe it. The group’s mood was very good due to the priest’s recovery, and Bard was also happy. Placed in the center of the dining table was a large dish of fish.

Jyabo.

A fish that can only be caught in the Ova River, and is also called “Knight Fish” (Kishi-gyo) around here. Some say it is dangerous like a knight, while others say it requires the courage of a knight to eat. It is poisonous. The skin and internal organs should never be eaten. Just one bite can kill you. However, its deliciousness is incomparable. Since only one was caught in the net, the landlady of the Gantz, who knew how to cook it, was called upon to prepare it.

The Jyabo was sliced thickly, lightly seared, and then cut into bite-sized pieces. Since the flesh is fragile, dexterity, boldness, and delicate knife handling are required. The flavor won’t come out if the surface is not seared, but if it’s seared too much, the umami will escape.

Take a piece and put it in the mouth. A rich sweetness spreads from the tip of the tongue throughout the mouth. The flesh falls apart with just a light bite. Savor it in the mouth. Subtle differences in taste spread softly in different parts. It is said to have seven flavors. While the flesh is still present, take a sip of wine. The flesh naturally dissolves, and the plump texture and sharp stimulation slide down the throat. Exhale and a refreshing aroma escapes the nose, and the aftertaste is deep.

Although it has a light and mild taste, it does not lose to a strong and bitter red wine. The red wine was a 43-year-old Laufwen McAllister. The priest apologized to Bard that this miraculous white fish was not up to par with the 43-year-old wine, but he could not bring any more vintage wines on the journey.

Bard said, “I am completely ignorant of brands. I don’t think this red wine is inferior to the Jyabo at all. However, it is true that wine should not be transported on a journey.”

If you transport a red wine that has undergone exquisite aging and maturation over time in a rattling carriage, it will not return to its original state unless it is left to rest for a year. It may never return to its original state. Drinking wine in the land where it was made is the best way to enjoy it. If it is a young wine, it is relatively resistant to vibration. The priest was young enough to travel, so he chose the red wine that had matured to the maximum in the midst of his journey.

“Indeed, indeed. I thought this 43-year-old wine would be strong enough for travel, but it seems to have a strange bitterness.”

Certainly, there is a slightly unpleasant sensation on the tongue, but once you get used to it, it seems to be part of the taste. This wine makes the exquisite fish even more delicious. Both the priest and the two knights are now completely captivated by the taste of Jyabou, which they are eating for the first time in their lives. Bard warned them that only an experienced cook should prepare this fish, despite his old-fashioned ways.

“Lord Seifertt, what is the ‘People’s Knight’?”

It was not the older knight who answered the young knight’s question, but the priest.

“Oh, Lord Chantillyon, do you not know about the People’s Knight? Although, it has been almost forty years since this name was rumored in the capital. I never thought the day would come when I would meet the person himself. Thank you, Star God Zayen, for guiding us.” (t/n: God word is Shin, not Kami)

“Chantillyon, when a knight is appointed, a higher-ranking priest, a lord, and senior knights will be present to witness the knight’s oath.”

The older knight took over the explanation from the priest, who had no intention of explaining.

“Yes, we swear loyalty to our lord and the king.”

“Lord Rowen, in the frontier, only one senior knight serves as a witness.”

Bard affirmed this question and added that priests may also be present as witnesses.

“Nowadays, knights are appointed within the country, with different ranks, various lord-vassal relationships, and connections between families from the beginning. However, it was not always like this. Becoming a knight meant starting a new family and creating a new noble, and a new lord and town were born there. The choice of loyalty determines the fate of the family and its people, and the way of life of the knight is tested by whether he can keep his oath. Choosing the person to whom you offer your loyalty without any constraints. This is the essence of the knight’s oath. By listening to the contents of the three oaths, you can guess what kind of person the knight is. Therefore, the way of the frontier is closer to the original. You can choose not only the person you serve but also the virtues and gods you worship.”

The older knight quenched his thirst with wine.

“Do you choose virtues? And god too? Then, do you not have to protect virtues and god other than the ones you choose?”

The older knight cut a thick slice of ham with a knife and answered.

“That’s not the case. However, protecting all virtues may mean protecting nothing. In the current ceremony, when asked which virtues to worship, they recite thirteen virtues in a row. It’s not bad, but many people think of it as an exam to remember thirteen virtues. Well, that’s fine. Anyway, in the frontier, you still choose the person you serve, the god you worship, and the virtues you must protect, and make a pledge yourself. It is closer to the original form. When I was a squire, I heard a story about a knight who swore to an oath to dedicate his loyalty to the people in the frontier. It was a well-known rumor among knights and squires in the capital at that time. I was impressed and thought that it was the true nature of a knight.” (squire is knight apprentice, or in the old days, the boy who carry the knight’s luggage and horse)

Perhaps when it became a rumor in the capital, there were many people who made fun of it. However, Bard felt the depth of Seifert’s personality, who did not dare to speak it out loud. The young knight seemed to be lost in thought about something. After that, Father Bali Toad livened up the conversation with his witty talk, and everyone raised their glasses.

“Excuse me, but at your age, you have remarkable physical strength.”

The priest was referring to the fact that he had taken care of them without sleeping all night, and had not slept since then, and had eaten dinner. However, according to Bard, a knight who cannot stay up for two or three days and conduct military operations is not suitable for being a knight, and taking care of someone is not something that requires much physical strength.

“What kind of training is best for building up physical strength?” asked the young knight.

Both the older and younger knights took turns taking naps once his condition stabilized. The young knight was impressed by Bard, who did not seem tired or sleepy, even though he had been dozing off in his chair all night.

Bard answered, “Running, I suppose.”

He explained to the young knight, who looked puzzled.

During his apprenticeship, Bard was made to run every day. He ran around the mountains and fields with a bag full of stones on his back, and then, when he returned exhausted, he began martial arts training, followed by armor maintenance, horse care, cleaning, and so on. The senior knights often said that there was no better training than running to develop endurance and patience and to develop all the muscles in the body evenly. He had even been made to run for two full days.

“Chantillyon, today’s squires would complain about how difficult it is to march half a day in knight’s armor. There is something worth listening to Lord Bard Rowen’s words.”

The conversation is lively, the food offered by the villagers at the priest’s generosity is delicious, and the wine is of good quality. All of them had an extremely enjoyable evening.

3

“My body feels heavy. I can’t move because of the numbness.”

Bard woke up because he felt a suspicious presence. He managed to make his trembling legs move and went to where his cloak was. Inside the cloak’s hidden pocket was a universal emergency herb. He put it in his mouth and chewed it vigorously. He took his sword and went out into the hallway, heading towards the source of the noise.

“That’s the priest’s sleeping quarters.”

In front of the room, a young knight was collapsed. He wasn’t dead, he just couldn’t move because of the numbness. When Bard approached him, he showed him the room with pleading eyes. There was a sound coming from inside, as if someone was searching for something. The culprit wasn’t even trying to hide the noise. In other words, they knew that everyone was unable to move. Bard drew his sword and jumped into the room.

“What? Why can you move?”

The culprit showed a foolish reaction and stopped searching through the luggage. He quickly put on the backpack that probably contained stolen goods and tried to escape. Bard grabbed something nearby and threw it. It was a demon statue used for exorcism. The wooden statue, which weighed almost as much as an adult, hit the culprit’s back as he tried to jump out of the window frame.

“Nuaaaah!”

Bard tried to move his legs, which were still not free, to chase after the culprit who had fallen outside the window. At a glanced, he could see that the priest was still sleeping in his bed. There were no signs of violence. He climbed over the window frame and rolled outside. The culprit had gotten up and was trying to untangle the demon statue that had gotten caught in his backpack. Bard fell to the ground and swung his sword from left to right, cutting the culprit’s legs.

“Hyaa!”

The culprit reflexively jumped up and avoided the sword. It was a reaction as if he had eyes in the back of his head. However, he jumped carelessly and hit his head on a large tree branch, falling over.

“Tteee!” (Ouch!)

While groaning in pain and holding his head, the culprit got up and slid down a slope covered in grass. Bard threw the demon statue again, which hit the culprit’s head directly after he had reached the bottom. This seemed to have worked, as the culprit stumbled and wobbled for about five steps before falling backwards and lying on his back.

However, he quickly regained consciousness and shook his head from side to side while lying down. But this time, he couldn’t get up. Bard caught up to him and pointed his sword at his neck. The culprit’s face, illuminated by the moonlight, was surprisingly young. The idiot opened his hands up in a gesture of surrender and, for some reason, grinned.

4

Bard had a clue as to who the bad guy was. When Bard asked if he is Jurchaga, he answered without hesitation.

“Wow. Am I pretty famous? That’s great.”

Gora Caesara (Rotten Flesh Hunter) was a thief who had been frequently heard of lately. He would drug the household members to sleep and steal valuable items without killing anyone.

At first, Bard thought that the numbness was caused by Jyabou’s poison. However, Jyabou’s poison should have taken effect immediately after eating it. The numbness was caused by the drug that Jurchaga had put in the red wine and teapot. He had secretly put the drug in the red wine that had been left in the dining room, still in the pot. The house was probably vulnerable due to the priest’s illness.

“From a little while ago, I’ve been following the envoy from the Parzam Kingdom. I was waiting for an opportunity. The two samurai escorts were like walking hazards, so I was stimulated by my professional pride. If I could expose these two, I’ll be able to live comfortably for a month. However, my God of Trade En-Nu-sama has great blessings. When I prayed so that I succeed in this theft, I offer the best sake. The priest fell ill and then recovered. By dawn, everyone was tired and sleeping. That’s when I thought it was my turn. So, who are you?”

When Bard revealed his name, the “Rotting Flesh Hunter” closed his eyes and looked up at the sky.

“Wow. What a mess! Why is the ‘People’s Knight’ here? I didn’t want to meet you.”

Bard had conquered many thieves before. The lords of various regions rarely cracked down on criminals outside their direct jurisdiction, so Bard was feared by bandits and thieves.

Fortunately, as the “Rotting Flesh Hunter” said, the numbness from the drug wore off after a certain amount of time. The things Jurchaga stole were gold, valuable items, food, and wine. He was indifferent to documents and the like. One of the rumors about the “Rotting Flesh Hunter” was that if there were valuable items and delicious food, he will steal the food. He was just a thief with no background.

Bard decided to leave the “Rotting Flesh Hunter” to the village chief. The village chief was responsible for handing him over to a wealthy person in a nearby town who had put up a reward. The reward could be used as income for the village.

“You have helped me twice. I am now heading towards the Dorba territory. Lord Rowen has retired and is on a leisurely journey. Would you like to join me for a while?”

The priest suggested it, but Bard refused, saying he wanted to go to Linz. The Dorba territory was governed by Caldos Gwendell. It was the center of the newly born Giguenza Grand Lordship.

The priest didn’t try to express his gratitude with money or expensive items. Instead, he offered Bard a bottle of distilled spirits. Bottles are something that you don’t often see in remote areas.

“The liquor inside seems to be of high quality.”

“This also tastes great.”

“More than anything else, it’s good that the taste doesn’t change even after traveling.” said the priest with a laugh.