But Johan responded with a sad expression.
That seems unlikely.
Why is that?
You are a man of the Emperors faction, arent you? His Grace the duke would be furious if he heard I was mingling with the Emperors people.
Ah, no. What! Im not of the Emperors faction!
Youre not of the Emperors faction?
W-Well, among the knights with , there are a few vassals of His Majesty. They are certainly knights of Cardirian. But thats just because we share the sa goal, Im not of the Emperors faction. Rather, if the others in the city belong to the Emperors faction, they are, but Im not part of that. . .
Gareld began to firmly deny it, driven by his desire to recruit Johan. Johan skillfully inflated that desire.
Is that so? I once heard from His Grace the duke that Sir Gareld was a regrettable knight. He said he would have t you if only you werent one of the Emperors n.
I-Is that true??
Would I lie? I am the honorable standard-bearer of Brduhe and a knight of His Grace the duke. And your na was also ntioned by Horamric-gong.
Horamric-gong too?
Yes. Horamric-gong and I are close friends. Thanks to him being not far, we often keep in touch.
Johans face did not look at all like that of a liar.
In addition, Johans lies were subtle. Lies like The duke ntioned it once, or The dukes son said it, seed plausible.
I. . . I do not like the rule of Cardirian! He is a tyrant of the south. Moreover, he is a despicable man who does not respect the honor of the nobility. To be considered part of the sa force as such a man, I cannot bear it! Rather, I respect His Grace the duke.
Really?
Of course! You see. . . Sir Johan. May I possibly et His Grace the duke once? I have always admired the dukes renowned na.
Im sure sir is busy with his duties, and when will he travel to Baien? How about eting Horamric-gong? Im sure hed be happy to co all the way here to et you.
!!!
Gareld was about to cry now. Though he was a noble in the city, he was tossed around because he was an outsider.
But such an opportunity had co his way.
Moreover, it was more surprising that the dukes child would co himself. Such a lie was unimaginable. To him, who was a knight of no significance in the Empire, the na of the dukes family exerted absolute power.
He. . . Hes coming? Really?
Of course.
I will. . . I will trust you only!
Trust only .
Johan nodded his head with a satisfied expression. It was an unexpected harvest. This city noble would beco a suitable pawn for Johan, who had no connections.
I ca originally to plead for the lives of the knights. . .
Sir. Think carefully. What would His Grace the duke think if you associate with knights of the Emperors faction?
T-Thats right. You are correct.
If Orlons family or other families question you, speak firmly. They have insulted the bishop who serves God and committed dishonorable acts as knights.
It was a statent that would drive the Orlon family or other knightly families crazy.
When it was ti to beg and plead for help, and now to cut off all ties.
However, such thoughts did not reach Gareld, intoxicated by the aura of the duke. It didnt matter what those southern bumpkins from the peninsula said.
I will do so!
After Gareld left, Suetlg and Caenerna ca out from behind the tent with an astonished expression. As soon as Caenerna ca out, she scrutinized Johan from top to bottom.
?
. . .Did you use magic?
Regardless of the outco, Garelds visit seed to have given the bishop hope. Its as if one of the enemies had provided information.
He beca more active and energetic.
. . .
The irony was that Johan, who knew less about the republic than the knowledgeable bishop, was assessing the situation more calmly. People tend to be blinded when its their own affair.
The citys rumors were still bad, and the withdrawal of the bishops position from the church was underway. It ant nothing if this issue was not resolved.
, ?
It would cost hundreds of tis more than the money used to hire Johan and the rcenaries, especially if he were to donate to the citys poor and offer bribes to the order.
However, Johan did not say this out loud. He was certain that the bishop wouldnt listen anyway. The bishop would rather hang himself than spend all his wealth.
So people prefer to hold onto what they have and sink with it, rather than throwing everything into a gamble.
Now that I think about it, brother. Your actions seem to have improved the situation.
Thats good to hear, bishop.
Brother, you must be accompanied by Gods love.
Ah, yes.
Now Johan was moving with a select few, along with the bishop, to enter Beneto.
People like Achladda, Euclyia, and Marco were left outside to control others. Johan had chosen only Gerdolf to accompany him.
Dont be surprised when we enter the city, brother.
Yes.
The bishop, aware of his own rumors, admonished Johan earnestly. It would be a problem if Johan wavered upon hearing these rumors.
The bishop was now going for negotiations, having learned the na of the enemy. He believed that negotiating with them could resolve everything.
. . .
Thats what Johan thought. Why would the enemy accept such terms when it seed the bishop was at a disadvantage?
! !
! , !
!
!
Over dozens of vagabonds shouted these accusations. The citys underbelly, composed of such beggars and wanderers, always ca out to play a central role in any disturbance.
They were the perfect candidates for inciting riots, demonstrations, or threats!
The fact that they appeared as soon as the bishop arrived was clearly intentional.
! !
?
!
!
! !
?
Johan was taken aback when suddenly people in the crowd began to recognize him. The rumors were sowhat strange, almost as if they were intentionally boosting Johans image.
. .
Johan smirked upon seeing a familiar face in the crowd. It was Garelds servant. It seed Gareld had countered by hiring people.
.
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