kscans

t/n: Wow all the chapters are long. like 10000 char on raw and 5000 words for the translation. Also, updated chapter title to include the proper arc title.

1

Bard arrived in Linz, a bustling town on the banks of the great river Ova. There were many other ports on the east bank of Ova, but none were as lively as Linz. This was because, if you crossed the Ova River from Linz, you would reach the trading village of Padellia in the Parzam Kingdom.

The Ova River was so wide that you couldn’t see the other side, so crossing it was a big job. The lord of Linz owned many large trading ships and traded with Padellia. If you came to Linz, you could buy goods from countries all over the continent. Naturally, Linz prospered, and the lord of Linz began to call himself a count. Although he only owned one town, his economic power surpassed that of the great lords.

Walking along the street lined with stalls, Bard was amazed by the hustle and bustle of Linz, which he was visiting for the first time. The scent of food wafting from the stalls was enough to make his heart flutter. He was now eating dumplings made by shredding chicken meat. Crushed smelly mountain birds, some kind of fat, and probably mashed yam were mixed together. The rich flavor of the chicken and fat was mixed just right. The small green color was probably finely chopped herbs of Rohas or Peris. It concealed the smell and also served as an accent to the taste. Of the three dumplings skewered, only the top one had a brown, gooey sauce on it, which was also delicious.

While walking and enjoying the food, Bard saw something strange. A man was sitting on the side of the road with a tag around his neck that read “For Sale.” Passersby were looking at him curiously, and some were even making a fuss. A passerby asked the man, “How much are you selling for?” The man replied, “One million gales.” The crowd erupted in excitement. One million gales were a lot of money that even the Count of Linz could not easily prepare. In other words, this man had no intention of selling himself. It was either a joke or a way to attract people. The crowd probably thought so too.

Bard heard the man’s voice and was surprised when he saw his face again. The man noticed Bard and their eyes met. The man signaled Bard to come over, and Bard walked further down the street. Stavros, who was carrying his luggage, followed behind him. The man took off his tag and said to the crowd, “We’re closed for the day,” and followed Bard, carrying his rolled-up mat under his arm. They walked to a place where there were no people in the bustling town, and Bard stopped. The man approached him and said, “We meet again, Bard Rowen.” The man was “Red Raven” Ven Uril, the renowned swordsman and battle maniac. (t/n: previously was red Crow, but i suppose Raven would be the mightier one)

2

This legendary swordsman and battle maniac had attacked Bard just over two months ago. However, Jyotish Payne was killed by Bard, so he dragged the corpse back to his employer, Caldos Gwendell. When Caldos found out that his nephew had been killed by Bard, he demanded payment from Ven Uril. “I followed the contract and instructions, so I have the right to receive payment. That idiot ignored the agreement, ignored my warnings, and foolishly died on his own. But Caldos said he had no money to pay the bodyguard who failed to protect his nephew. I said I would only make an additional contract after receiving the payment for this job, but Caldos had no intention of paying. This job had a high reward, but it was all promised to be paid later. I needed money. That’s why I put myself up for sale.”

Bard was amazed by Ven Uril’s explanation, saying, “He’s a strange guy.” Caldos’ words was also unrealistic, and the idea of ​​lowering the price and sitting in the market because he needed money was strange. He was a widely known swordsman. If he went to the Count of Linz and showed off his skills, he might not be able to reach a million gales, but he could be hired for a high reward. He could also visit other great lords besides Caldos. There was plenty of money to be made for a skilled swordsman. Even if he tried to sell himself in the market, buyers would definitely come if he showed his sword skills. However, for some reason, he was hiding his sword in the mat and trying to sell himself.

Perhaps it was his pride, or maybe it was a wish. Bard thought so, but he didn’t ask him. Instead, he unpacked the luggage carried by Stavros and handed Ven Uril a bag of gold coins, asking, “Is this enough for your needs?” Ven Uril spread out the mat and lined up the gold coins, counting them. Then he closed his eyes and thought for a while.

“Hmm. Ninety-three pieces. It’s not even one-tenth of a million gales. But it’s none other than the Knight of The People. Maybe this will work. I’ll take the loss.” After saying that, he put away the gold coins, stood up, and said, “My lord, please give me some time.”

“I have no intention to buy you. Do as you please.”

“Where are you going now, my lord?”

“I have no plans. Maybe I’ll go north.”

“I see. It will take a short two months or as long as six months. When I’m done with my business, I’ll come to you, my lord.”

With that, he walked away without waiting for a reply. He was truly a strange man. But Bard thought that his strange side was good.

3

Bard and Stavros returned to the market. There were many things they wanted to try eating. Bard had never traveled far from the remote mountains where he was born. Moreover, he had no urgent business at the moment. He couldn’t contain his excitement at the liveliness of the city. While searching for food stalls, he was approached from the side.

“Excuse me, but are you from Pakula?” asked a young man who looked like a merchant’s servant.

Bard asked, “Yes, I am from Pakula. What about it?”

“Lord Julelan is waiting for you,” the young man replied.

4

They were taken to the mansion of the Count of Linz. They passed through the main gate and were led to the finest building in the back of the main house. The building was cleverly constructed using the natural terrain, and at the top of the stairs was a large room. The door at the back of the room was open, and the balcony and the room were connected. From the balcony, they had a panoramic view of the great Ova. It was a spectacular sight.

Two people were sitting in chairs on the balcony, drinking tea while looking down at the Ova River.

“Hey, old man. You’re late. I’ve been waiting,” said Julelan Tercia with a smile. He was the nephew of the former Pakula lord, Vora Tercia. He was a brilliant twenty-eight-year-old who excelled in both academics and martial arts, having been trained by his mother, Idora, and Bard. He was the closest confidant of the current lord, Galliera. The old man next to him stood up and bowed. He treated Bard as a knight.

“I’m Simon Epivares. Sir Bard Rowen. I’m glad to meet you. I’d like to offer you a drink later,” said Count of Linz. He had a deep voice. He is a little older than Bard, but he is about the same height and build as Bard. He had a pompous demeanor. He was a shrewd man who was good at dealing with money and goods, but he also seemed to have a surprisingly warrior-like personality.

After the greetings, the three of them sat in chairs on the balcony.

“Mother always wanted to see the Ova River once, and we’ve always talked about traveling the world and eating delicious food. When it comes to towns with lots of delicious food around here, it’s definitely Linz. I knew he’d come to this port. I explained my grandfather’s appearance to the servants here and had them look around the food stalls every day,” Julelan explained, sounding oddly proud.

“My mother passed away. She wanted to go out to the courtyard on a day when she was feeling a little better. While the maid was preparing tea, she passed away. She had a peaceful and happy expression,” he continued.

Bard’s first thought upon hearing the news of Idora’s passing was, “I didn’t make it in time.” He had planned to write a letter to Idora telling her about the delicious food and drinks he had on his travels like the Koll Rooster dish he had in the town Gantz, or the Jyabo and the red wine, and he was sure she would have been delighted to read it. His next thought was, “It feels like the bond with Pakula has been severed.” However, he was comforted by Julelan’s words that Idora had a peaceful and happy expression and that she was taken care of by such a son.

“I brought a letter that my mother wrote to my grandfather. She finished writing it and then went out to the courtyard,” Julelan said. However, there was no reason for him to come all the way here at this time of year just to bring a letter and deepen his friendship with Count Linz. He must have done it to deliver the letter to Bard. Julelan thought that he had to deliver the letter from Idora to Bard himself. So, the laborers went home first, and the squire was given a vacation to wait for Bard alone. Bard felt a warmth in his chest.

Just as Bard reached out to receive the letter, an unsophisticated voice ruined the good atmosphere. “So, it was you, Bard Rowen. Give me that letter. You must have something that Princess Idora entrusted to you. Hand it over. There was nothing like that in your luggage,” said Gienzala Payne, the brother of Caldos Gwendell and a senior retainer. He was accompanied by soldiers carrying weapons. Gienzala and his soldiers were full of killing intent.

Only a man with such determination could force armed men into Count Linz’s mansion, where guests are being entertained. They must be planning to kill everyone here.

4 (yes, the raw is 4, not 5)

“What’s going on, Oswald!” The thunderous voice of Count Lintz rang out, as his gaze was directed towards the man standing behind Gienzala Payne.

“I am following your teachings, my lord. You have always said that in business, one must not miss an opportunity,” replied the young man with a flat and smiling face.

“No, father. Only those who have come to hear my orders are allowed in this castle. May I ask you to retire from this world?” he continued.

“Lord Oswald, if you kill your father, Count Lintz, you will never become a knight. You will also not be able to inherit his title. Furthermore, will the Count’s followers follow you? And will those across the river think well of you?” said Julelan.

“Oh, Julelan-sama, your concern is much appreciated. Of course, I have thought about all of that. The ceremony will be attended by Lord Payne here. The Count’s reputation is of no concern to me. What I want is the key to my father’s personal library, which he keeps on him at all times. With that key, I can retrieve the cipher and continue trading with the Kingdom of Parzam without any hindrance. Oh, and what about our relationship with the frontier Lord? Sir Gwendell will take care of that. Those annoying officials will be fish food for the Great Overlord!” Oswald’s soft tone gradually became harsher, and his narrow eyes widened as he finished his words.

Thanks to Julelan’s guidance, Oswald’s plan became clear. Oswald was the adopted son of Count Lintz, and with the support of the Gwendell family, he was trying to take over the family. Naturally, he intended to kill everyone present. Soldiers were probably also being sent to the Count’s biological children and followers.

If this were just a business, someone who killed their parents and siblings and took over the family would not be able to continue the business. However, the Epivares family was a noble and knightly family. In noble families, it is common for the powerful to push others aside and take the position of head of the family. Especially in the borderlands, there is a strong sentiment that those without power have no right to speak of justice. (t/n: borderlands and frontier district wil be interghance to make the words flow better).

However, killing one’s father is not allowed, but if all the witnesses are killed, one can make up any story they want.

Gwendell and Oswald were accompanied by twelve soldiers. The room was large, but the entrance was narrow, and the soldiers blocked it. Beyond the balcony was a cliff. Bard’s sword was left behind when he entered the mansion. Count Lintz and Julelan did not even have simple armor, let alone weapons. It was a desperate situation.

However, Bard’s face showed no signs of panic or fear. He stood up straight and casually approached the attackers.

“What happened to Red Raven?” he asked Gienzala.

“I threw that useless one out! He demanded payment but couldn’t even protect my son. He even killed the two skilled men I sent to see him off. I never want to see his face again!” Gienzala replied with a bitter expression.

It was unnecessary to ask how he had sent them off. Bard was amazed and muttered, “What a bottomless idiot.”

“Is the idiot you’re talking about Red Raven? Is it me? No, it’s not. The biggest idiot is you, who jumped into a death trap like this. I will avenge my son, Bard Rowen. Die here and now!” Four spear-wielding soldiers quickly advanced and surrounded Bard, pointing their spears at him. Gienzala and Oswald took a step back. Behind Bard, Count Lintz and Julelan stood up. Julelan took a step forward to help Bard, but Bard sensed his movement without looking back and ordered sharply, “Don’t come. It’s not for those in the main line.” (i guess he mean an heir successor or something like that)

It was not a statement directed towards Julelan. It was a statement from a teacher to his disciple.

“I understand. Master,” Julelan replied, his voice tinged with amusement. (t/n: he called him shisho)

Bard felt Julelan’s moved back. He had probably moved to protect Count Lintz. Julelan, who was not wearing armor, should now protect Count Lintz while waiting for Bard to obtain weapons. That was the meaning of Bard’s command, “Don’t come.”

Bard was thoroughly disappointed. If Red Raven Ven Uril were here, even if Bard, Count Lintz, and Julelan had weapons, they would not be able to give a decent fight. The three of them would be killed in an instant. Even if he wear armor and put on a shield, Ven Uril’s swordsmanship was extraordinary.

However, what about these twelve people? In the front row, there are four soldiers with spears. In the back row, there are six soldiers with drawn swords. Their eyes are bloodshot and murky. They must have hired thugs and bandits.

However, one person in the back row seems like an amateur, wearing a leather hat and trembling as if about to drop his sword. The remaining two soldiers seem to be somewhat decent, wearing leather armor with metal plates embedded in key areas, standing guard to protect Gienzala. It’s pitiful that they think they can kill Bard and Julelan with such a lineup.

There is no sense of martial prowess from these twelve people. The spears and swords they hold don’t look like very good quality. If they took these twelve people after letting Ven Uril go, it would be nothing but foolishness. It’s like throwing away a precious gem and picking up a pebble.

In the first place, Gienzala and his son Jyotish are knights, but they are not skilled in battle. They should have sent two or three proper knights.

“Attack!”

Oswald commanded.

In the front row, there are four soldiers with spears. Four soldiers that was surrounding Bard thrust their spears. Their breathing is disjointed. Although they are just regular soldiers, if they attack simultaneously, they can have some effect.

Bard deflected the spears thrust out by the soldier on the far right and the soldier second from the right with his left and right hands, and jumped into the bosom of the second soldier. The spear of the third soldier pierced the air, and the spear of the fourth soldier corrected its trajectory and pierced Bard’s left flank. However, the power was weak and hindered by the leather armor, so the wound was shallow.

Bard quickly grabbed the spear of the second soldier with his left hand, pulled it back, and thrust the spear into the chest of the second soldier with a heave stone thrust. The soldier was blown away.

The first soldier pulled back his spear and thrust it. Bard grabbed the spear with his right hand and sandwiched it under his right arm. The third soldier thrust his spear out again. He deliberately received it at the thick part of the armor in the center of his abdomen. He swung his left spear around and struck the neck of the fourth soldier, who was about to strike with his second blow. The spear broke with a loud snap. The soldier, who was hit in the neck with enough force to break the spear, fell unconscious.

The third soldier tried to pull out his spear. Bard threw away the remains of his left spear and grabbed the spear that was stuck in his own abdomen. The third soldier tried to pull back his spear with both hands, but the spear grabbed by Bard’s left hand did not budge. Bard put some spirit into it and lifted the spear stuck in his right side with force. The first soldier is lifted by the spear and screams.　He was sent flying over Bard’s head and fell, hitting his head on the wall and fall, motionless.

He pulled the third soldier’s spear towards him. The soldier was pulled towards Bard and fell. Bard, still holding the spear in his left hand, made a fist with his right hand and punched the left side of the third soldier’s head diagonally from above. The third soldier immediately fainted and fell. He quickly took the sword from the waist of the falling soldier and threw it backwards, shouting “Catch!”

Julelan responded with a strangely joyful voice. He was supposed to have dexterously grabbed the hilt of the sword that flew away, but he didn’t bother to turn around and look at it.

“Oh!”

Count Lintz exclaimed.

He was surprised by Bard throwing his sword without looking behind and Julelan catching it as if it were natural. All of this happened in just a few breaths. The soldiers in the back row were stunned and unable to move. Bard turned his left spear around and aimed the metal tip at the attackers. It’s an unremarkable spear, but in Bard’s hands, it becomes the fangs of a ferocious beast. Bard stood facing the attackers with his spear ready and asked, “May I kill Oswald and the others?”

Count Lintz realized it was a question directed at him and answered shortly, “Mm.”

Someone’s throat made a gulp sound. Now, the roles of hunter and hunted had completely reversed.

“K-K-Kill him!”

Oswald’s order sounded like a scream.

At the same time, Gienzala also ordered his two guards, “Go!”

Eight soldiers attacked Bard with swords. Bard swung his spear around at the height of the soldiers’ faces and could potentially blow their heads off. The soldiers hesitated and stumbled.

Bard quickly ran to the right front. There were two of Gienzala’s guards. As expected, these two quickly regained their composure and tried to slash at Bard. He grabbed the left wrist of the guard on the right, who was holding a sword in his left hand, and charged towards the guard on the left, using his body as a shield. The bodies of the two guards collided and tangled, and they fell. When he let go of the left-handed soldier, he took his sword.

Six soldiers tried to surround him. He turned to the right and swung his sword, cutting the shoulder of one soldier with his sword. The sword entered from the left shoulder and penetrated halfway through the left chest before breaking.

“What a bunch of lazy soldiers.”

Bard let out a grumble. A soldier charged towards him, shouting wildly as he swung his sword. Before the sword could come down, Bard smashed a broken sword onto the soldier’s head. The sword, only half its original length, tore through the soldier’s leather cap and deeply embedded itself into his skull. Frozen in his stance with the sword still raised, the soldier slowly fell backwards. His eyes, now crossed, seemed to be staring at the hilt of the sword protruding from his own head.

“H-hiiii!”

Oswald cried out pathetically as he ran towards the entrance. He was pulling along one of the soldiers, likely to use as a shield. Bard charged forward with his spear in both hands. The spear pierced through the soldier’s stomach. The tip of the spear, protruding from the soldier’s back, impaled Oswald as well.

Bard continued his charge and thrust the spear into the wall in front of the entrance. There was a loud thud as the spear impaled both men to the wall. The two impaled soldiers writhed in agony. Unable to withstand their weight, the spear snapped.

Seeing Bard weaponless again, Gienzala and his two guards attacked.

“Attacking in a group of three is commendable, but unfortunately, you’re too close together. And three people aren’t enough,” Bard remarked.

The two guards raised their swords. In the center, Gienzala took a stance with his short sword. As expected of a knight, Gienzala’s presence was incomparable to the other lackeys.

Bard took two steps back before suddenly leaping forward. The two guards’ strikes were thrown off by the sudden change in distance. Bard kicked Gienzala’s hand with his right foot. With both hands, he grabbed the two guards’ hands that was holding the swords and squeezed them tightly. Gienzala, whose sword had been deflected, collided with Bard and was thrown back. The tremendous grip destroyed the muscles in the guards’ hand, and the two guards dropped their swords. Bard then proceeded to break and crush their wrists before hoisting them up and slamming them against the wall.

Gienzala had a sword lodged in his chest. Bard had intended to kick it away, but it may have pierced him when they collided. Oswald’s soldiers had lost their will to fight and did not move. However, one soldier stood up. He was the cowardly soldier who had trembled in fear and never joined the fight. Although he had stood up, he was weaponless. He had likely been disarmed by Gienzala’s guards earlier.

The cowardly soldier ran towards the balcony. He was in a state of confusion. With his momentum, he would jump off the balcony. Julelan tried to block his path, thinking it would be a pity to let him die.

The cowardly soldier deftly dodged Julelan. As he passed by, he snatched Idora’s letter out of Julelan pocket. Without a second thought, the cowardly soldier jumped off the balcony. As he jumped, he turned around and smiled. He was Gora Caesara (Rotten Flesh Hunter), the Jurchaga.

He grabbed the railing as he flew over and skillfully reduced his momentum before landing below. Count Linz and Julelan peered over the cliff. Bard also ran over. They saw the figure of the thief nimbly jumping down the cliff, using the protruding rocks as footholds, heading towards the banks of the Ova River.

“Oooh! What a guy! He’s like a monkey!” exclaimed Count Linz in disbelief.

He expressed his amazement at what he had just witnessed. He then looked around the room and saw Bard standing tall and proud.

“Nevertheless, your strength is incredible. Three unarmed men against fourteen soldiers. I was prepared to die,” he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

Julelan casually replied, “Even if a hundred sheep gather, they cannot fight a tiger.”

For a moment, Count Linz looked surprised, but then he smiled and said, “I’ve heard of the valour of the People’s Knight since I was young. I’ve always wanted to see your fight one day. It’s a pleasure to have my dream come true in this way. You have shown me something amazing. It was delightful, delightful,” he said, laughing heartily.

5

Oswald spoke as if the mansion was filled with his men, but in reality, there were not many who were actually bought by him. Upon learning of Oswald’s death, those who had a clue fled, while those who did not were unaware of what was happening. Assassins were also targeting the sons of Count Linz and his retainers. Some of them knew of the conspiracy’s failure and fled, while others were caught due to their suspicious behavior. In the end, there were no successful assassinations.

Gienzala soon died, leaving behind his final words, “What is the double vortex? Where is the seal? Tell me, Bard Rowen. Tell me.” Neither Bard nor Julelan knew what he was talking about. Before the battle, Gienzala had asked for something he had entrusted to Idora, but Idora had nothing of the sort.

After discussing what to do with Gienzala’s body, the three and the retainers of Count Linz decided to handle it through legal means. While Count Linz, Julelan Tercia, and Bard Rowen were chatting, Gienzala Payne declared that he would kill them and attacked with his subordinates. However, he was defeated by Bard Rowen, and a letter was sent to the Gwendell family asking for their opinion on the matter. Until a response was received, Gienzala’s body would not be returned.

For the Gwendell family, trade through Count Linz was essential for their survival. For Count Linz, the Gwendell family was a large customer, but that was all. If the Gwendell family lost its function as a collection point, neighboring territories would begin their own transportation, causing the economic foundation of the Gwendell family to collapse. The Gwendell family could not afford to incur the displeasure of Count Linz.

“I wonder what kind of excuse they will come up with. It will probably be an infuriating response,” Count Linz said. Bard thought that they would only receive a frustrating response, but he didn’t say anything. Julelan regretted losing the letter from his mother, which had been taken by the thief before Bard could read it, but Bard was more disappointed that he couldn’t write a letter to Idora.

The next day, Julelan returned home, saying, “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen my grandfather’s warrior spirit. I have a pleasant memory to bring back with me,” to Count Linz. Bard had planned to eat at food stalls, but but was unable to do so.　In fact, he couldn’t even get up. His hip and right shoulder hurt badly due to his reckless fighting. “Even a tiger can’t win against age,” Bard chided himself.