The soldiers imdiately drew their weapons without hesitation at Johans command, a testant to their training.
The orderly montum of the army was easily recognizable from afar. The spectacle of the troops quickly aligning side by side made their pursuers stop in their tracks.
Any sensible rogue would not engage with dozens of well-ard warriors. The band of rogues slowly retreated.
Shall we pursue them?
No, its fine.
Johan restrained Marco. While they could win the fight, he did not want to waste ti battling in such a place.
.
Johan and Suetlg seed as incredulous as Caenerna about the situation. She rode her horse slowly towards them and stopped in front.
Really bad luck today, isnt it?
. . . . . .
Despite Suetlgs call, there was no response. Caenernas face seed devoid of energy. Johan spoke up.
Should I offer so consolation?
No need. A viper dies if it eats anything other than poison. Dont bother with pointless comfort.
Suetlg-nim, even vipers eat normal snake food. . .
People in this world often had limited information.
They were unaware or misinford about things outside their knowledge. Johan once seriously heard soone say, .
. . .Really? I didnt know that. Anyway, dont offer empty comfort to that wizard. It might sound like mockery.
If it sounds like mockery, its because of their twisted disposition, not mine.
. . . . . .
Suetlg was slightly impressed.
Johan was not usually eloquent, but occasionally he had the ability to strike sharply like an arrow.
Caenerna would have bristled if she had heard this.
When Johan approached to console her, Caenerna surprisingly did not get angry. Instead, she showed a different reaction.
. . .Is it okay if I join you for a while?
Johan openly showed his displeasure. Noticing this, Caenerna raised her eyebrows. She was an advisor to the Emperor and a renowned wizard, yet he was openly wary. . .
Ill ask Suetlg-nim.
Wait a minute.
?
My reputation rivals that of the philosopher of the Ipal River, and I hold the position of a court wizard.
It was pitiful for a wizard to boast about their own fa, but sotis it was necessary.
Of course, to Johan, it was nothing more than a ? mont.
So what am I supposed to do with that. . .?
. . .Never mind.
Its bound to be worriso.
What are you talking about?
Misfortune, thats what. Wizards believe in ons. If one experiences misfortune thrice and fails to recognize any sign, they dont deserve the title of a wizard. A true wizard ought to hear the voice of fate in such signs. Caenerna, skilled in prophecy, might have heard sothing in this misfortune.
Like a voice saying, ?
That sounds trivial when you put it that way. . . Its not exactly a direct voice, but more like a revelation. Honestly, if I were in her shoes, having faced thrice misfortune, Id do anything. I havent experienced it myself, but Caenerna, having gone through it, might see things differently.
So, is it alright to accompany us?
Why ask ? Its for you to decide.
Arent you worried she might poison your drink?
Ah. Thats what you ant. . . As I said before, no need to worry about that. Havent you saved her life multiple tis?
The wizards debt to Johan was several tis more significant and weighty than he imagined.
And besides, accompanying her would be beneficial given your skills.
But?
Shes the Emperors wizard. Saving her might be seen as a noble act by you, a knight, but accompanying her is different. Rember, others might misunderstand.
? People like the Jarpen, the Abner family, or the soldiers might misconstrue.
To those not wizards, a wizard can seem far more suspicious than one would think.
It doesnt matter.
Oh? Are you sure?
Yes. Those with us wont be swayed by such.
Johan trusted his companions and the image he had shown them.
Their faith wasnt so weak as to waver just because he was accompanying the Emperors wizard.
Johans expectation was correct.
Even with Caenerna joining, the rcenaries and his family mbers werent overly surprised. Marco was more shocked than anyone.
Is it alright for the Emperors wizard to join us?
Sir Johan must have his reasons.
But shes the Emperors wizard. . .
Arent you a knight of the Emperor?
. . . . . .
At a loss for words, Marco fell silent.
Caenerna asked Marco.
Arent you the illegitimate son of Marquis Crucho? Youre still alive.
. . .Yes. . . How is the Marquis?
How can he be well?
Having strongly advocated for a military action that led to defeat, even a Marquis couldnt be unaffected, especially since he couldnt even face the Emperor and was in seclusion.
Marcos face darkened.
So, why are you here?
Im serving with my sword to raise a ransom.
Caenerna nodded. It wasnt unusual for knights.
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