The Third Son of a Medieval Knight Family Chapter 27 - Knight of the Principality (13)

For a knight to work for a city was, strictly speaking, different in nature from a feudal contract.

The city had no land to grant to a knight, and in principle, there was no one of higher status than a knight, who was a noble.

After all, the council members of the veche who could be called city nobles, or the Administrator elected by them, were not, strictly speaking, true nobles.

That was a separate matter from the power or strength they currently wielded.

In other words, it meant that notions such as Viktor pledging loyalty to the Administrator, or being obligated to follow the city council’s orders, would not stand.

Thus, in a contract between a city and a knight, money had to take precedence.

“There’s a guard unit that Permikoff operates independently. Of course, if you would take command, I couldn’t ask for more…”

“I’m sorry. That would be difficult.”

Viktor flatly rejected the proposal.

Fedor smacked his lips.

From the city’s perspective, having a knight serve as captain of the guard would be ideal—they could legally employ him and potentially keep him tied down—but few knights were foolish enough to make such a choice.

Above all, it was a matter of noble pride.

“Well, that was just a suggestion. What I want is for you to serve with the city’s army in case of battle with the barbarians. That’s all.”

‘And if you end up staying here permanently, all the better.’

It was a merchant’s natural instinct to want to monopolize an uncommon quality commodity.

The Administrator, with his merchant background, didn’t want to let go of the commodity called Viktor.

But regardless of those feelings, forcefully pressing the matter wasn’t a good approach.

Slowly build connections, gradually win his favor!

If Viktor stayed in the city, that would be ideal, but even if he left, establishing a friendship would be valuable since the future was unpredictable.

The Administrator wanted to maintain a connection with Viktor for as long as possible.

“By serving, do you mean I would have to follow the orders of the city’s commander?”

“Well… I understand that aspect might not sit well with you… but if we’re going to war, what choice do we have? Of course, I regret that your family’s banner won’t fly highest…”

‘Even in this aspect, he’s completely a knight.’

Fedor inwardly clicked his tongue.

The knights’ thirst for glory and pride was beyond imagination.

Even if ordered by someone of higher status, they would readily ignore commands they disliked. Asking one to follow the orders of a city guard captain would likely twist his guts.

It was something ordinary people couldn’t easily understand, but there was no helping it.

If Viktor participated in the war, it would be all gain and no loss for Fedor.

As the Administrator pondered how to convince him, Viktor threw out an unexpected remark.

“I don’t particularly mind.”

“…Hm? Really?”

When the Administrator shot him a puzzled look, Viktor continued.

“Once one commits to the battlefield, it’s natural to follow the commander’s orders. No issue there.”

This was a statement that could only come from someone with views influenced by his past life.

For Viktor, regardless of how great a knight was supposed to be, or whether there were conflicts arising from absolute differences in status, such things were utterly unimportant.

Once he agreed to fight together, he would follow the chain of command as long as there were no major issues!

It was simply common sense and perfectly reasonable.

However, Viktor’s attitude left quite an impression even on the experienced Administrator.

‘My goodness… is there really such a knight?’

Having governed the city for a considerable time, he had seen countless nobles and knights, but rarely had he encountered someone as reasonable as Viktor.

And since he believed such attitudes were simply unavoidable areas of discontent, the current shock was all the greater.

Knights weren’t just being rowdy and empty-headed when they caused trouble or disobeyed orders.

They simply considered upholding their honor and dignity as knights more important than submitting to others!

‘Despite his apparent youth, his mental fortitude exceeds even that of experienced knights.’

From the remarkable patience Viktor had shown from the beginning, to his casual dismissal of the sensitive issue of command authority…

Any other young knight at the height of their blood and vigor would have, at the very least, hurled insults at the Administrator’s face when the servant had acted up, even if they couldn’t bring themselves to raise a hand against him.

“I swear by God, you’ll truly become a great knight. I, the Administrator, guarantee it.”

“You needn’t flatter me so.”

When Viktor responded nonchalantly, Fedor shook his head vigorously.

“No! I mean it sincerely. A robust physique and martial prowess, outstanding wisdom, and incredible patience and mental fortitude that belie your young age. Bostov has brought me a true gem. Hahaha!”

Coming from the Administrator of a major city, such praise was excessive for a young knight without proper land.

Any ordinary person would have been moved or at least swayed, but Viktor remained unmoved.

‘He’s working hard to make up for his mistake. He didn’t reach that position for nothing.’

Though Fedor was speaking sincerely, to Viktor, those lengthy words seemed like nothing more than a strategy to win him over.

“Thank you. Then, though I hope it doesn’t happen, please call on me whenever the enemy invasion approaches.”

“Haha, yes. I’ll do that. Ah, and one more thing!”

The Administrator suddenly lowered his voice as if remembering something.

“Do you plan to continue staying at that Bostov fellow’s mansion? If you find it uncomfortable, I could arrange other accommodations.”

After all, one couldn’t keep staying with someone suspected of being an informant, even if it wasn’t certain.

However, to his surprise, Viktor shook his head.

“No. It’s fine.”

“…Is that so? May I ask why?”

“After pondering your words, I believe Bostov is unlikely to be a traitor.”

“…What? How can you be so sure?”

Viktor continued speaking as if it were nothing.

“Well, although war has broken out in the east, not many people could have predicted that the flames of war would reach a place as distant as this so quickly. In fact, wasn’t Bostov unaware that the barbarian army had approached so close?”

“…!”

“If there truly is an informant, they would likely be someone well-versed in eastern affairs, able to quickly obtain information that the eastern lords’ united forces had been defeated. Or someone deeply connected to the barbarians, enough to predict their movement routes or influence their course. And Bostov doesn’t seem capable of that.”

“…!!!”

Fedor’s eyes widened in shock, as if he’d been struck hard on the back of his head.

‘Indeed… it was a bit strange. Normally, even with barbarians rampaging, only the eastern region would be in turmoil for a while. It’s hard to imagine an army would reach here so quickly… How did I not think of this?’

With the barbarian forces approaching the vicinity of the city much faster than anyone could have anticipated, and suspicious circumstances surrounding some individuals, his judgment had become clouded in confusion.

To think he hadn’t considered something so simple!

‘Someone familiar with eastern affairs, someone who might be connected to the barbarians… that narrows it down quite a bit.’

Fedor looked at the knight before him.

It was as if a halo shone behind his face.

“Y-you…”

Fedor grabbed his hand excitedly and exclaimed.

“Could you be a messenger sent by God?!”

****

‘This matter will be easily resolved thanks to you. I suspect I know who it is. Once I’m certain, I’ll handle it.’

‘And I’ll personally send Bostov my apologies. You needn’t worry about it anymore.’

‘Now, rest comfortably until you hear from me. If you need anything at all, just say the word.’

Fedor sent Viktor back with extremely favorable assurances to provide for all his needs.

And before long, a week had passed since Viktor’s arrival in Permikoff.

Viktor was holding a sleek, streamlined helmet and examining it from various angles.

Before him, a merchant introduced by the Administrator was constantly wiping away sweat as he spoke rapidly.

“Helmets of this quality rarely come in. Made by famous craftsmen from the old empire in the south—truly a premium item, it is.”

“Is that so.”

Indeed, the helmet looked quite excellent.

Though Viktor already had decent armor, he still lacked a helmet, making this item perfect for him.

Moreover, the price was much lower than expected.

The merchant rubbed his hands together and said.

“Haha, and who was it that referred you? By all means, Sir Knight, please put in a good word with the Administrator…”

“Yes, thank you.”

Viktor was truly feeling the incredible advantages of having the city’s authority figure backing him.

He could obtain high-quality weapons and equipment that were difficult to find at reduced prices, and when acquiring other quality daily necessities, clothes, travel supplies, and most types of goods available in this massive trading city, he received convenient benefits.

‘And also…’

A portly merchant who had been waiting for Viktor in the distance waddled over.

“Sir Knight. Are you satisfied with the item?”

“Haha, you didn’t need to personally guide me here. I feel like I’m causing you unnecessary trouble.”

“It’s nothing, escorting you here isn’t much effort at all. More importantly, you’ll be attending the banquet today as well, right?”

“Of course. It would be my honor.”

“Hahaha, Sir Knight, you’re too kind! The honor is all mine!”

The merchant wearing expensive-looking clothes was a council member of the veche.

After Viktor’s unofficial contact with the Administrator, many council members had been approaching him, and this man was one of them.

‘It’s a bit troublesome, but there’s no reason not to attend.’

He couldn’t refuse the council members’ invitations.

Ignoring their invitations might be perceived as an insult.

Besides, there was no need to distance himself from them.

After all, the city nobles all wielded certain influence in the city, and most were major merchants.

There was absolutely nothing bad about becoming friendly with merchants.

Especially if he planned to continue living in the principality.

Forming connections with merchants meant having people who could help him throughout the trading nation.

With such tremendous potential benefits, he could certainly tolerate attending banquets every day and listening to the council members’ stories.

‘And the food is quite delicious too…’

Since being born into this world, Viktor was, for the first time, able to enjoy luxurious food every day.

It was an unbelievable change compared to when his greatest pleasure had been meat dishes generously seasoned with spices.

That’s when it happened.

As Viktor was adequately dealing with the council member before him while lost in various thoughts, he noticed a now-familiar servant of the Administrator approaching.

Incidentally, the servant who had gone too far in following the Administrator’s orders had disappeared without a trace.

‘Not that it matters.’

Viktor waved his hand in recognition.

However, unlike usual when he would politely smile and greet him, the servant immediately spoke in a hushed voice.

“Sir Knight, Sir Knight! The Administrator says he’s finally caught the culprit!”

“Hmm…!”

‘That was much faster than expected… indeed a formidable person.’

Of course, Viktor’s words had been a crucial hint, but it was still impressive to uncover evidence of collusion so quickly.

As Viktor nodded, the servant continued with a strangely rigid expression, suggesting that there was more.

“And… he says the enemies have begun to move… he wants you to come as quickly as possible.”

Viktor’s relaxed face instantly transformed into that of a sharp knight.

After showing no particular movement all this time, they had finally broken their silence and begun to act.

‘Is this the result of the informant lashing out after being unable to withstand the investigation? Or perhaps it’s merely a coincidence…’

In any case, the situation was developing in the direction he had hoped would not occur.

If the barbarians had abandoned their attack and retreated, Viktor could have enjoyed the city’s gold coins without fighting.

But,

‘Now that things have come to this, there’s no helping it.’

It wasn’t that Viktor was always so mild-mannered that he always sought to resolve things through dialogue first.

He had remained quiet simply because there was no need to fight first, but within him still dwelled the soul of a violent warrior.

Like a sleeping beast awakening with a growl, Viktor glared in the direction from which the barbarians were coming with those fiery eyes of his.

Avoid unnecessary fights, but once you decide to fight, tear them apart thoroughly.

It was a lesson learned from his first battle.

A reunion with the barbarians was approaching.