Chapter 116.1: ???????????????? ?????????? (2)


    To tear a trolls neck apart, what. . .


    One of the vassals spoke incredulously, causing Galen to blush. Frankly, even he found it a bit preposterous when he said it.


    However, if he was the type to know shame and back down, he wouldnt have tried to seize his nephewsnd in the first ce. Galen stubbornly insisted.


    I heard it clearly. Travelers in the fiefdom knew it, and so did the pilgrim monks.


    How can you believe rumors spread among the insignificant and ignorant? Do not be swayed by such baseless rumors. What if its a deception spread by the enemy?


    At the vassals words, Galen gritted his teeth. It was a statement he had heard directly from a high envoy of the order, but he couldnt reveal that here.


    Baseless rumors! Ignorant fools!


    Having received a letter directly from Johan and the order, Galen had been greatly anticipating Johans rumor. Johan was their savior, set to realize their dreams and desires.


    Of course, the rumor of tearing a trolls neck might have been an exaggeration.


    But theres always some truth in every rumor.


    If the rumor of tearing a trolls neck had spread, then he must have participated in troll hunting and made notable contributions.


    That was enough. For his young age, it was more than sufficient.


    Galen and his brothers prayed fervently for Johan to enter the castle soon and take Iselia.


    No matter how great that young knight is, he wont be able to cross the walls of Karis Castle. We have this fortress and our soldiers.


    Can we hold out for long? The enemy came too quickly. Were not fully prepared. . .


    Wont reinforcementse?


    Reinforcements? If the vassals had fought properly. . .


    The ridiculous rumors put forward by the Asada familys kin were ignored, but there was indeed a division of opinion among the vassals.


    The shock of Johans rapid advance was significant.


    The army had already camped in front of us before the meeting could even conclude. . .


    Because of this, there were suggestions to hold out along the walls, but there were also many suggestions to try negotiations. Going to the order for a trial could open opportunities for bribery or persuasion.


    As these suggestions came up, Galen and his brothers smirked cunningly. It had been worthwhile to spread the word that negotiations must be made, a trial at the order is necessary.


    Cant weunch a surprise attack?


    Your Excellency the Pce Steward, please restrain yourself! If you fall, this fiefdom is finished!


    Iselia was a well-trained knight butcked experience inrge-scale battles. Her experience was mostly in quelling small bands of rogues or monsters.


    If they were captured in a surprise attack, the fiefdom would be doomed.


    Understood. Iprehend.


    Iselia nodded. She might havecked experience, but she wasnt so obtuse as to not understand the words of her vassals.


    .


    A solid fortress indeed.


    Karis Castle was not located in the middle of a nearby town or city, but a bit further away, on a steep rocky cliff right by the coast.


    As a result, the only essible path was from the front. Not to mention, the castle walls were not low, so its defensive capabilities were admirable.


    It seems this area is prone to frequent attacks.


    There was only one reason to build a castle on such a cliff, leaving therge towns behind.


    After all, the Asada family itself originated from a pagan family that came from the Eastern Empire. Being a strategic point on the sea route meant it was naturally coveted by many.


    Hadnt Johan alsoe desiring it?


    It seems our time to shine has arrived.


    The Dwarf captain, McKald, spoke up. McKald had quickly be friends with Johan. McKald was a distant rtive of the dwarves from the Balpa family.


    As dwarves who devoted loyalty once contracted, their steadfastness needed no further mention.


    Among the dwarves were siege engineers. They had already started gathering materials nearby and were ready to begin preparations.


    Just give the order, and we will begin construction.


    No. I dont n to attack head-on. Lets wait a bit.


    Understood.


    The dwarves didnt ask why. They simply followed orders.


    The soldiers on the castle walls seem to be in good condition.


    It was remarkable in itself to station hundreds of soldiers there ordinarily. Normally, soldiers would just be loafing around.


    Just like the structure of the castle, it was evident that the area was prone to frequent attacks. This made it understandable that the soldiers were well-trained.


    It wouldnt be bad to rush in, break the gate with a battering ram, cedders on the walls, andunch an all-out assault with catapults. . .


    But the urgency was not on Johans side, but the enemys. Besides, Johan had many points of confidence.


    Send people to the nearby towns and cities to demand tribute for protection. And dont forget to threaten that no supplies should enter the castle, or they will not be forgiven.


    Yes!


    By blocking the entrance to the castle and waiting leisurely while receiving supplies from the surroundings, Johan could wait even more resolutely the more advantageous his position became.


    It was not the persistence and savvy of a young knight. The military priests recorded all these events and reported them upwards.


    .


    If a favorable opponent remains still, the disadvantaged side bes more anxious. As the army camped and just waited in front, the atmosphere inside the walls became eerie.


    The envoys who went outside did not return. If they werent captured, it had to be assumed that the vassals were just watching and waiting.


    What about marquis Crucho? viscount Ginolen?


    The marquis was a loyalist of the Emperor, and viscount Ginolen was a proxy ruling the Emperors southern territories. Both were supportive forces that could help from the west.


    They say they cant make a move. . .


    . . . . . .