How to Live as a Wandering Knight

Chapter 290: ๐’๐ญ๐ซ๐š๐ง๐ ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ (8)



The Dukeโ€™s reaction made Lamar flustered. Initially, he thought it was a joke or some kind of teasing trick.

The reason Lamar bragged that he could meet the spirits in the first place was because he was confident, ironically, that the Duke would never meet them.

Someone like the Duke would never go through the lair of rogues or cross the lair of giants to meet some spirits.

But now, he suddenly wanted to pass through the lair of giants and see the spirits, which was absurd.

โ€˜๐˜๐˜ด ๐˜ฉ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜บ๐˜ช๐˜ฏ๐˜จ ๐˜ต๐˜ฐ ๐˜ต๐˜ฆ๐˜ด๐˜ต ๐˜ฎ๐˜ฆ?โ€™

Nevertheless, Lamar managed his facial expression, for he was the chief of a tribe. He couldnโ€™t just let the Western strangers have their way with him.

โ€œIf you wish to go down the path where the giants dwell, I will not stop you. I also use that path sometimes.โ€

โ€œIs that so? Well, thatโ€™s good. I wonโ€™t have to look for a guide separately.โ€

โ€œ. . . Aside from the fact that the giants sometimes roll down boulders to block the path and eat the passing pilgrims, it is a path you donโ€™t have to worry about. It is a remote path, but itโ€™s flat.โ€

โ€œAll the more reason then.โ€

โ€œ. . .โ€

Lamar gave up after the Duke continued to ignore him no matter what he said.

โ€œYour Highness, why are you doing this?โ€

โ€œWhy are you chattering away when you should be quiet?โ€

โ€œYouโ€™re going down the path with the giants! Do you know how violent the giants are?โ€

Jyanina, who was listening, pointed out a mistake.

โ€œThe giants are violent, but theyโ€™re not the type you canโ€™t communicate with. . .โ€

โ€œThe only time you can communicate with those b*stards is when theyโ€™re about to eat you.โ€

โ€œWhoโ€™s that over there yapping disrespectfully? Do you want to be the first one to be eaten by the giants?โ€

โ€œ. . .โ€

Lamar shut his mouth at the centaurโ€™s threat. Although he had mentally prepared himself for death several times while living as a rogue, he had never experienced an ending where he died in the belly of a giant.

The other mercenaries ridiculed Lamar for being a coward, but Johan decided to respect Lamarโ€™s opinion. After all, the giants in this Black Mountains range might be a little different.

โ€œIf the giants are the type you canโ€™t communicate with, we can just retreat right away. Would Your Excellency think that is reckless?โ€

โ€œItโ€™s not like that. . . but it feels like a waste of time.โ€

โ€œThen itโ€™s decided. Get ready. We need to see the spirit of the mountain.โ€

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

Ohmal was one of the chieftains of the Black Mountains.

Normally, the chieftains changed when they got old. It was because it became difficult to defeat the young warriors with either strength or skill.

However, the reason he could still remain as the chieftain, despite being one of the older ones, was because of his experience.

Thanks to that, the other chieftains were visibly relieved when Ohmal was chosen to lead the mission. Ohmal himself was very reluctant to go.

โ€œCheck your outfits again before we go. Leave behind the dagger with the triangular ornament. Itโ€™s not good for the monotheists to have accessories symbolizing other gods.โ€

โ€œYes.โ€

โ€œWhen we arrive, I will speak, so donโ€™t say anything. No matter how much the foreigners from the West insult you, donโ€™t open your mouth.โ€

โ€œYes, I understand.โ€

Ohmal gave a strong warning and began to descend the mountain range. When he got down to the point where he could see the fortress occupied by the foreigners in the distance, Ohmal saw a strange sight.

Some of the Dukeโ€™s troops were headed to a remote part of the mountain range.

โ€œ. . .???โ€

โ€œWhat are they doing over there?? Isnโ€™t that where the giants live?โ€

โ€œThe foreigners must be crazy. Isnโ€™t that a good thing?โ€

โ€œA good thing? With those kinds of fools. . . Do you think Lamar will be okay if we just let the foreigners enter the giantโ€™s lair? He has to come out with all four limbs intact, especially if there are any important figures among them. What is Lamar doing!โ€

Ohmal lamented. He had a suspicion that Lamar might have incited them.

No matter how much he held a grudge, if he provoked them like that, the repercussions would come back to him. . .

โ€œDo you think the Dukeโ€™s men are going around looking for treasure on their own?โ€

โ€œNo. The fact that theyโ€™re carrying the Dukeโ€™s banner means they must have a certain level of authority. Hurry. Letโ€™s get closer and stop them!โ€

The mission, which was originally headed for the fortress, hurriedly changed direction and began to chase after the procession disappearing in the distance.

If they didnโ€™t stop them somehow, a catastrophe might occur.

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

โ€œGiantโ€™s stones.โ€

Johan was glad to see the stones after a long time. The wizards also nodded.

โ€œThe giants here are pretty skilled. Theyโ€™ve paved the road nicely. Look.โ€

โ€œThatโ€™s right. Itโ€™s not as good as the Empire, but itโ€™s good enough to make me want to hire them as workers. Why donโ€™t the giants work as laborers?โ€

โ€œIt must be because itโ€™s in their nature to wander. They donโ€™t like staying in one place.โ€

The amiable conversation about the giantsโ€™ territory made Lamar feel like he was going crazy.

โ€œYour Highness, c. . . can we please hurry up a little?โ€

โ€œHurry up? We have to wait until the giants come out.โ€

โ€œExcuse me? Why is that?โ€

โ€œWe have to pay the toll.โ€

Lamar was speechless. Pay the toll to the giants.

He had no idea why he had to do something like that or where to even start asking, so it was dizzying.

In the first place, Lamar was the one who collected the toll, not the one who paid it.

โ€œThose greedy and violent giants wonโ€™t find any use in that, will they??! Why are you giving them that. . .?โ€

โ€œThey worked hard to pave the road, so whatโ€™s wrong with paying a little toll? Easterners are too stingy.โ€

In that moment, Lamar blurted out something he shouldnโ€™t have due to being momentarily dumbfounded.

โ€œ. . .Then why didnโ€™t Your Highness pay the toll when you came to us?โ€

โ€œHave you finally gone crazy, you bandit b*stard? Since your mouth is still intact, you mustโ€™ve been blabbering away quite a bit!โ€

The killing intent of the centaurs, who pulled out their swords as if they would attack him at any moment, made Lamar flinch.

โ€œS-Sorry. I misspoke.โ€

โ€œNo. You must be curious.โ€

Johan said while calming down the centaurs.

โ€œYou asked about why we didnโ€™t pay, right?โ€

โ€œ. . .Yes.โ€

โ€œThe road wasnโ€™t good. It wasnโ€™t worth paying for.โ€

โ€œ. . .โ€

Johanโ€™s subordinates burst into laughter. Lamar could only force a smile, at a loss for words.

๐“๐ก๐ฎ๐โ”

โ€œ!โ€

As if to belie the fact that he had been laughing just now, Lamar was terrified. A giant was lumbering over from up there.

He was half-naked, had a huge and rugged body, and was carrying a crude club. Although he had no murderous aura, Lamar was very tense.

He knew very well how much blood would flow if a clash occurred with the giants.

โ€œT. . . toll. P-Pay the toll.โ€

The giantโ€™s voice was hoarse and cracked, as if he hadnโ€™t spoken for a long time. Johan nodded and answered readily.

โ€œSure. Do you want a sheep or a cow?โ€

โ€œ. . .Pay. . . toll????โ€

The giantโ€™s large eyes widened. His face was filled with shock that he had never expected.

โ€œWhy are you surprised?โ€

โ€œA-A traveler who pays the toll. Itโ€™s been a very long time. There havenโ€™t been any travelers around here for a while. Itโ€™s been lonely and difficult.โ€

โ€œ. . .โ€

The party looked at Lamar. The reason there were no travelers here was obvious.

โ€œI see. Anyway, we want to pay the toll properly and pass through. Is that okay?โ€

โ€œThank you. Traveler! One sheep is fine.โ€

Johan was surprised by the giantโ€™s modest appetite.

โ€œOne sheep is enough?โ€

โ€œYes. But I hope you can visit often. Travelers passing by. It makes paving the road worthwhile.โ€

โ€œOkay. Weโ€™ll try our best.โ€

The giant smiled broadly and carefully held the sheep in his arms. Then he moved out of the way. As Johan and his party were about to pass, the giant followed them.

โ€œWhy are you following us?โ€

โ€œThere might be monsters. Iโ€™ll see you to that point.โ€

โ€œI appreciate it, but donโ€™t you have to guard the road?โ€

โ€œI have a friend. Another friend is guarding the road.โ€

The sight of the fierce giant following them closely made Lamar feel dizzy as he rode on his horse.

โ€œUgh. . .โ€

โ€œIs something wrong?โ€

โ€œItโ€™s nothing.โ€

๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ๐Ÿ”ธ

There were a few more giants along the way, but they smiled and moved out of the way when the giant following them spoke.

โ€œThat must be the cave.โ€

The wizards could tell that the cave up there had powerful magic without even needing an explanation. It was definitely the cave where the spirits lived.

Suetlg asked Lamar. Spirits were powerful and enigmatic beings in and of themselves. The best weapon for humans to use when dealing with spirits was rules.

โ€œWhat are the rules?โ€

โ€œFirst, we wait outside the cave. If the spirit of the mountain gives permission, we will step inside. Once we step inside, we state our requests. Then the spirit will tell us what to. . . uhm.โ€

โ€œHas no one ever gone inside the cave?โ€

Lamar made a sacrilegious expression at Suetlgโ€™s words, as befitting a follower of a divine religion. Although he was neither a monotheist nor a polytheist, he was sincere in his worship of the spirits.

โ€œWho would dare do something like that?โ€

โ€œI see. Has no one ever entered and returned alive?โ€

Suetlg simply checked what he needed to check, regardless of how the other person reacted.

โ€œLetโ€™s try calling it carefully.โ€

โ€œOkay. Iโ€™ll go.โ€

Johan walked briskly. It was because he was that curious about the spirit of the mountain.

While Suetlg and Caenerna were simply academically curious, Johan was more curious about the information or treasures that the spirit of the mountain might have.

If it had been there for so long, it must have accumulated quite a lot.

โ€˜๐˜ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ด๐˜ฉ ๐˜ ๐˜ค๐˜ฐ๐˜ถ๐˜ญ๐˜ฅ ๐˜ต๐˜ณ๐˜ข๐˜ฅ๐˜ฆ ๐˜ธ๐˜ช๐˜ต๐˜ฉ ๐˜ช๐˜ต.โ€™

โ”๐ˆ ๐ฌ๐ฆ๐ž๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐š ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ž๐ข๐ ๐ง ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐š๐ ๐ซ๐š๐ง๐œ๐ž ๐Ÿ๐ซ๐จ๐ฆ ๐š๐Ÿ๐š๐ซ. ๐€๐ซ๐ž ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ž๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ?

โ€œYes, we are. We came from the west.โ€

โ”๐…๐จ๐ซ๐ž๐ข๐ ๐ง๐ž๐ซ. ๐–๐ก๐š๐ญ ๐๐จ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฐ๐š๐ง๐ญ?

โ€œI want to know your identity.โ€

โ” . . . . . .

The spirit seemed to be shocked by the unexpected request and fell silent. Suetlg spoke up from behind in a forceful voice.

โ€œWhat is your name?โ€

โ”๐‡๐จ๐ฐ ๐๐š๐ซ๐ž ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐š๐ฌ๐ค ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐œ๐ก ๐š ๐ฉ๐ซ๐ž๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐ญ๐ฎ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐ช๐ฎ๐ž๐ฌ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง?

A sharp gust of wind and a rustling sound began to grow louder inside the cave. Lamar cried out in fear.

โ€œYour Highness! You shouldnโ€™t make the spirit of the mountain angry!โ€

However, Johan didnโ€™t even blink. There was no reason for him to be afraid of the spirit now.

โ€œI have no intention of causing trouble. But I have a reason to find out whether you are a malevolent spirit or not. If youโ€™re going to continue to receive the worship of the people in this mountain, you should reveal your identity.โ€

โ”๐…๐ข๐ง๐ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ญ ๐ข๐Ÿ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐œ๐š๐ง!

Along with the words, a thumping sound could be heard from inside the cave. It was a troll.

โ€œTroll??!โ€

โ€œNo. It must be a spirit disguised as a troll.โ€

Johan charged at the troll with his horse. Since he wouldnโ€™t have expected Johan to attack without drawing his sword, the spirit was caught and fell over.

๐–๐ก๐š๐œ๐ค!

Surprisingly, a shrill cry came from the trollโ€™s mouth. The spirit, whose throat was being squeezed by being overpowered by force, gasped and looked incredulous.

Smoke billowed out, and the spirit transformed again. It was a manticore, a monster with a human face, lionโ€™s body, and a scorpionโ€™s poisonous stinger.

Johan used his shield to block the manticoreโ€™s poison and swung his sword like lightning, inflicting a deep wound on the manticoreโ€™s body. Before the manticore could do anything, the spirit was caught by its torso again and had its bones broken.

โ€œThis is a spectacle that I will never see again in my life!โ€

Suetlg watched the fierce battle between the spirit and the duke in awe. It seemed like he was overwhelmingly pushing it back, so there seemed to be no need to help from here.

Cornered, the spirit tried to transform into various things. However, even when it transformed into something like a basilisk, the human didnโ€™t show any surprise and immediately responded.

From the spiritโ€™s point of view, it was unbelievable.

โ€œYou monstrous creature! You demon-worshipping b*stard!โ€

โ€œTell me your name, malevolent spirit.โ€

โ€œIโ€™m not a malevolent spirit. I wonโ€™t tell you my name either!โ€

โ€œReally?โ€

Inside Johan, Valkalmur began to laugh mockingly. It was a laugh that only someone who knew who the other person was daring to defy could burst out.

Johan tightened his grip on the arm and hand that were holding the spirit. The spirit struggled, unable to breathe as the herculean strength squeezed it so tightly that it couldnโ€™t even transform anymore.

โ€œMe. . . me.โ€

โ€œMe?โ€

โ€œ. . .If you let me go. . . Iโ€™ll give you the treasures I have. . .!โ€

โ€œOh.โ€

โ€œDonโ€™t be tempted!โ€

Suetlg felt himself becoming embarrassed for no reason. What did he mean by โ€˜ohโ€™? Comparing a precious opportunity to catch a spirit to material goods. A spirit couldnโ€™t be compared to material goods.


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