Chapter 56: ???????????? ???? ?????? ?????????? ???????????? (????)


    Suetlg was wless.


    The face was unfamiliar, and the fact that he was said to be Countess Abner’s son suggested he was either an imposter or a b*stard. Either way, there was no good in keeping him alive.


    It would only incur Countess Abner’s enmity for no reason.


    “Even if to kill, it would have been better to extract information first. . .”


    “What would such a kid know anyway? Probably just foolishly used. It’s already been a hassle dying this long, and it would get moreplicated if someone from abovees in.”


    The moment someone else from above saw this man, neither Johan nor Suetlg could hastily kill him. Especially with Stephen outside.


    In this chaotic situation, it was essential to make sure he was dead.


    Suetlg was thorough in this regard.


    “You don’t think Countess Abner is involved, do you?”


    “. . .I doubt it. If she were, she would have sent a punitive force, wouldn’t she?”


    “That’s a relief at least.”


    “Let’s hope she didn’t care much for the b*stard. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be in such a ce to begin with.”


    The ves crushed the b*stard’s face and destroyed anything that could identify him. Meanwhile, Suetlg searched the wizard’s body.


    “As expected, he was studying blood magic.”


    Blood-rted magic was referred to as blood magic. Among various magical fields, magic dealing with blood was particrly considered ominous and evil.


    And then there were the shadows. . .


    Even the most talented wizards couldn’t get proper recognition if they dealt with such magic.


    “Do you have any idea what he was nning to do with these monsters?”


    “Wizards are human too. Probably nned to sell them to nobles.”


    “Even at the risk of being emunicated?”


    “If they don’t get caught, that’s the end of it. . . The Church tends to be more lenient towards nobles, doesn’t it?”


    The life of a wizard unrecognized in public was miserable. Magic was a study that consumed all kinds of wealth, and without a patron, research was difficult. Especially blood magic required many sacrifices.


    A wizard studying such magic would have desired a strong patron. Regardless of right or wrong, many nobles wanted powerful monsters infused with magic.


    “Search the surroundings. Take out anything useful. We must search thoroughly before anyone arrives.”


    The ves moved busily. Soon, people would enter, and the temple would bepletely burnt down. They had to gather anything useful before that.


    The first thing Suetlg prioritized was the wizard’s research papers. For a wizard who could perceive mysteries, these papers were more precious than gold.


    ‘???? ????????’?? ???????? ?????? ????????????. . .’


    Suetlg frowned. Even among wizards who explored mysteries, there were differences in methods. This wizard’s methods were those of a lunatic.


    Feeding goblins to each other to strengthen them, collecting their blood for evil spells, controlling beasts. . .


    The ultimate n was to mix the strengthened goblins and beasts to create a robust monster.


    The monster encountered in the temple corridor was the result of this. It was not maintained properly, but itsbat power was indeed threatening.


    “Is this. . . an Empire University bracelet?”


    “Not surprising. There aren’t many ces to learn magic in the first ce.”


    There weren’t many ces to learn the mysteries of magic. Suetlg was lucky to learn the secrets of the Ipa?l River passed down from his master, but not everyone was that fortunate.


    “Yet, if one still desired to learn magic, they had to seek it anywhere. One such ce was the Empire University.


    Empire University, a hall of various disciplines such asw, astronomy, medicine, alchemy, theology, and numerology, was one of the most advanced educational institutions. Young intellectuals from across the continent traveled great distances to reach it.


    “Do they teach magic?”


    “Hardly. Magic isn’t that easy. If you’re lucky, you might find just the tip of it. This fellow here did the same.”


    “What about universities in other cities?”


    “Whether it’s Ens or Catalia, it’s the same. Magic isn’t something you can learn just anywhere. Surely you’re not still harboring the vain hope of learning magic?”


    “Does this Empire University bracelet sell for a high price?”


    “Changing the subject. . . It’s more of a symbolic item, not a costly one. Rather, this ring would be better. Look, this ring. It would be best if you took it.”


    “Eh? Why offer such a suspicious. . .”


    “No, it’s not that suspicious.”


    Suetlg wiped the ring with his robe before tossing it to Johan. The copper ring held a dark abyss at its center, which strangely flickered if stared at continuously.


    “Cleverly encapsted shadows. If it breaks, darkness will spread around. Good for deception.”


    “Why didn’t you use it?”


    “Because you’d blow your head off?”


    “Ah.”


    Johan gratefully epted it. Although he didn’t know the extent, he figured it would be useful.


    “There’s some gold from the Ens Kingdom. Take this too.”


    “Oh, can I really take all this?”


    “I swore to repay you properly. Compared to this research, it’s nothing.”


    To a wizard, mysteries and secrets were more valuable than gold. It didn’t matter much to give these to Johan.


    ‘?????? ??????????’?? ?????????????? ???????????? ???? ????????.’


    Suetlg was frustrated. Searching this heretical temple was somewhat risky for Johan too. If a promise was made, it needed to be honored ordingly.


    But nothing useful was in sight. This wizard seemed to have delved only into evil magic, owning things that were ominous or cursed.


    In contrast, Johan was at ease. In fact, he had little intention of getting his investment back. He had already gained enough.


    ‘?????? ?????????????????????? ?????? ?? ???????????????? ??????????????.’


    Just seeding in the subjugation, which had failed numerous times before, was enough. Besides, more gold would soone.


    An anxious wizard and a leisurely knight.


    It was the knight who made an unusual discovery. Johan noticed a red leather belt hanging on the wall and asked.


    “What is this?”


    “. . .Don’t touch it for a moment.”


    Suetlg cautiously picked it up, swung it a few times, and clicked his tongue.


    “Really trivial research.”


    “What is it?”


    “A weapon suited for an assassin. Desperate as one might be, creating such a thing to sell to nobles. . .”


    The red leather belt transformed into a whip-like weapon when swung with force, draining blood from its target. It was an assassin’s tool.


    Suetlg sighed, saddened by the desperate intent of the cornered wizard.


    “Such a thing is not even worth giving to you.”


    “No, I’ll make good use of it.”


    “??!”


    ????????????


    The news that Johan had sessfullypleted the subjugation was immediately delivered to Count ‘s ears.


    It was surprising enough that the several failed subjugations had seeded, but what was more surprising were the people behind it.


    The report of the subjugation of the group left Countess Abner with no choice but to shake her expression. It was a background she truly hadn’t anticipated.


    The vassals, who were equally astonished, regained their senses and eximed.


    “Congrattions, Countess!”


    “What could be the reason for the previous failed subjugations to seed? It must be that God has chosen you, Countess.”


    “I have always thought that Sir Stephen was a brave and outstanding knight. I am overjoyed that such an opportunity hase to prove it!”


    “Stop talking nonsense.”


    The noble who had opened his mouth at Countess Abner’s cold words blushed and had to bow his head.


    “If Sir Stephen had the opportunity to show his ability, he would have shown it long ago. Don’t make unnecessary remarks. The matter now is about Johan.”


    Honestly, it was good news that Stephen yed an active role, but Countess Abner was not foolish enough to be deceived now.


    The sess of this subjugation was entirely due to Johan’s ability.


    She thought that she should have ced Stephen among credible knights earlier. . .


    But now, such assumptions were meaningless.


    “The monks sent by Bishop Mocheau were lurking around the fiefdom. Ordinarily, I would have immediately expelled them and protested, but this time is different. I should send a messenger to express gratitude and make a donation.”


    “. . . . . .”


    The vassals wore dissatisfied expressions.


    Normally, meddling in someone else’s fiefdom, even if done by a bishop, was not something that could be overlooked.


    But the situation was different this time.


    Since the monks had subjugated the heretics, it would have been an affront to the Countess’s dignity if she did not express gratitude. Generosity and piety were virtues of nobility.


    “Countess, someone from the church hase to see you.”


    “Let them in.”


    A priest entered with a respectful demeanor, unfazed by the scornful looks of the nobles. If he were to be deterred by the gaze of lower nobles without fiefdoms, he wouldn’t have been able to be a priest.


    “We are grateful for this subjugation, and Bishop Mocheau sends his thanks. Without the Countess’s decisive action, the subjugation would have been impossible. We n to send a priest back to Heincut town to care for the people, hoping for the Countess’s magnanimity. Please show mercy.”


    “…?”


    Countess Abner, who was puzzled by the speech, realized the situation and cursed Stephen.


    ‘???????? ?? ????????. . .!’


    Stephen had reported too briefly.


    He reported finding all the goblin dens and that the monks came to subjugate the heretics, leading Countess Abner to assume, ‘?????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????????? ???? ?????? ??????????.’


    But now, it was clear that the heretics were also wiped out by the subjugation team. The priest’s words made it even more certain.


    “. . .It was a duty that naturally had to be done. I will consider sending a priest positively.”


    “Thank you, your grace.”


    The priest politely stepped back as if he hade in. As the worries turned into luck, the expressions of the spirits present brightened.


    What used to be a matter of owing a debt to the church had now be something that could be approached with enthusiasm.


    “When Sir Stephen returns, he shall be rewarded. Let the treasurer prepare ording to custom.”


    “Yes!”


    Upon witnessing this, the nobles thought to themselves.


    ‘???????? ???? ?????????? ?????????? ?????? ???????????????’


    ‘?????????? ???? ???? ???????? ????’?? ???????????????????? ?????? ?????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ???????? ???????????????? ??????????????????????. . .’


    However, contrary to the nobles’ worries, Countess Abner was unfazed.


    While she may have overestimated Johan, she never did so with Stephen.


    “Are you sure about this?”


    After the vassals had left, the head butler asked cautiously. Among the vassals, the head butler held a high-ranking position.


    This position entailed managing the fiefdom and even acting as a representative in the lord’s absence.


    Naturally, Countess Abner knew what she had given to Stephen.


    Now that the campaign was sessful, Stephen would certainly try to use the tax rights. After all, that was the purpose of starting the campaign.


    And if Ulrike-gong found out. . .


    “I have made my decision. The rest is up to Sir Stephen. Even if Ulrike-gong kills him, I won’t concern myself.”


    “Yes. Understood.”


    “. . .However, delivering this letter wouldn’t be a bad idea. Deliver this letter to Sir Johan.”


    “I will do so.”


    Though often deemed heartless, Stephen was an exception. Indeed, Stephen was favored by the Countess.


    ????????????


    Johan and the expedition force were preparing to return with high morale.


    Calling out the hidden vigers, repairing the town, and burning down the temple in front of the clergy. . .


    Havingpleted these tasks, it was time to return.


    Repairing the town wasn’t necessarily a duty of mercenaries, but they followed Johan’smand without muchint. Sometimes, orders could be given without gold.


    “Are you really going to meet Ulrike?”


    “As I said, negotiating with Ulrike is the priority. Other matterse after.”


    The best candidate to sell the tax rights to was Ulrike.


    Of course, she was also the one most likely to be enraged upon learning the truth, but Johan believed that if Ulrike understood the situation properly, she would engage in the deal.


    Unlike Stephen, she had that level of intelligence.