The Master of Language - T.M.L Chapter 32 (Part 2):

He said nothing.

He doesn’t seem entirely satisfied.

Why did Legless Monkey spare the Count’s life?

This suspicion seems to have led him to think there must be some agreement between Duke Balkan and Legless Monkey.

After all, Duke Balkan wouldn’t want Count Furst dead.

I shrugged.

“In the end, there are only two possibilities, right? Either Legless Monkey and Duke Balkan are working together, or they’re not.”

“That’s right.”

“If neither feels quite right, let’s mix them together a bit.”

The Count tilted his head, then looked up at me.

“How?”

I grinned.

“They joined forces midway through.”

“……”

“Remember? When we arrived at the building, Legless Monkey was with Governor Krom.”

“That’s right.”

“Don’t you think some kind of conversation might have taken place before we arrived?”

The Count’s eyes widened like full moons.

Just then, the carriage suddenly came to a stop.

Thud!

Soon footsteps approached, and someone opened the carriage door.

“Count!”

It was the Knight Commander.

“What’s the matter? What’s going on?”

“Unknown knights are approaching, sir.”

The Knight Commander’s expression looked urgent.

Seeing him sweating and his eyes darting around, their numbers must be overwhelmingly greater.

“Unknown, you say?”

“They have no flags or emblems, sir.”

“I’ll go take a look. Ran.”

“Yes?”

“Can you protect me?”

I pulled out my staff from inside my robe. I was already holding my magic book in my left hand.

“I’ll do my best.”

The Count nodded once, as if trusting me, then went outside.

I feel my shoulders rising with pride for some reason.

I followed him out.

In the distance at the end of the road, black knights on horseback were charging towards us. As if they had emerged from a pool of lava, they were entirely black from head to toe.

I sent out a bit of psychic energy and detected a faint magical response. So they have a mage on their side too.

This could turn into quite an interesting battle.

Just then, a man in pristine white priestly robes appeared among the black knights. Surrounded by the dark knights, he really stood out.

His movements seem familiar.

“Isn’t that Priest Hansis?”

The Count turned to look at me.

“Priest Hansis?”

“Yes. Remember, we had lunch together before?”

The black knights soon took up positions half-surrounding us. Judging by the confidence in their gaze beneath their helmets, they seemed confident they could slaughter us at any moment.

Such arrogant looks that I want to utterly crush.

“Sir Ran! Do you remember me? I’m Hansis. Please don’t misunderstand. We haven’t come to fight.”

Ah, I must have unknowingly let my fighting spirit show on my face.

Priest Hansis slowly rode his horse up to us. He dismounted with difficulty, grunting.

He continued speaking in a polite tone.

“We were sent by Duke Balkan.”

“Duke Balkan?”

When Count Furst gazed at him with a strange look, Hansis nodded.

“This area has poor security, you see. He told us to escort you safely.”

At those words, the Knight Commander shouted loudly.

“The knights of the Count’s house are more than capable of protecting the Count!”

Even though he was terrified just moments ago.

The Count raised his hand to silence the knight commander, then spoke to the priest again.

“It would take at least 6 days from the Duke’s territory to here. Are you saying you’ll escort us that whole time? Do you even have enough supplies for today?”

Hansis waved both hands.

“Duke Balkan left his territory secretly. He enjoys hunting, you see, and wanted to hunt in this area. He’s staying just a couple hours away. In fact, he’s been here for quite some time now.”

“……”

“Shall we go together? I’ll guide the way, haha.”

The Count spoke in a calm voice.

“Very well. I’m grateful for Duke Balkan’s kindness.”

He turned without hesitation and entered the carriage, and I soon followed him inside.

Inside the carriage, he had his hands clasped at the bridge of his nose, wearing a terrifying expression.

After a short while, when the carriage started moving, he spoke in a low voice.

“He’s showing off. Trying to flaunt his power. This area should be House Stocke’s territory.”

I understand the mentality of nobles.

Operating your private knights and staying to hunt in another noble’s domain?

This shouldn’t be possible unless there’s an overwhelming difference in power.

“It just seems childish to me. Don’t worry too much about it, Count.”

The Count closed his eyes and grimaced.

“You’re right, Ran. He’s definitely telling me to bow my head. That’s why he’s gradually flaunting his power.”

His breathing started to become rougher.

I slowly looked him up and down.

People don’t often reveal their true nature unless faced with a crisis.

Count Furst.

I’ll be able to see what kind of person he really is at his core.

We traveled in silence for an hour like that.

The carriage stopped, and the time for the encounter finally arrived.

The coachman said:

“The road ahead is too rough for the carriage. You’ll have to ride on horseback from here.”

Count Furst raised his eyes to look at me.

“Ran.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“If something happens to me, don’t try to protect me. Focus on your own survival. And please take care of Fabre.”

“……”

“You’re a mage, so you should be able to guide Fabre well.”

We soon exited the carriage and mounted separate horses.

Dangun

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