331 - A Knight Who Eternally Regresses

# Chapter 330 This guy is out of his mind. 'This guy is out of his mind.' Kin, in a split second, grasped the madness hidden beneath Enclid's surface. Regardless of his appearance and skill, his character was problematic. She quickly understood the essence of Enclid. Kin had honed her judgment by handling external affairs for the Baisar family. Her insight shone brightly. 'Madman!' What if the Count accuses him of insulting a noble right now? Or worse, what if he decides to raise an army out of spite when he returns? The Count was a troublesome figure even for the central powers. It was known that he had a few semi-knight-level figures under his command. In fact, the extent of his actual forces remained entirely unascertained. Kin was left wondering why he had been biding his time in silence. She swallowed nervously, watching the Count's lips intently. Meanwhile, Enclid remained unperturbed. 'He's got some nerve.' People who died to monsters? And those left behind? Is he someone who truly cares when he's avoided sending reinforcements and shown indifference? No, this was the same guy who turned his back even on his own family. Was Edin Molsen a child picked up from the streets? If not, why have we not even heard his name before? Edin Molsen had even expressed a desire to be dispatched to Green Pearl's base, supposedly because his father was coming. That in itself was incredibly strange. 'He used sparring with me as an excuse to stay, yet now he's skirting away without a word.' At some point, he stopped sparring, slowly withdrew his foot, and finally abandoned any external excuses, fleeing outright. There were things Kreis said when he arrived. "He must be a scary person. I can see that just by looking at him. But, what's scarier is that he's someone who would cast aside his own son." Enclid trusted his intuition. And his senses told him. Before him sat a winged chimera that swallowed tens of serpents whole. In short, the current appearance was a facade. Despite his mask glittering, its true form was showing, making it revolting. "Is it not working?" The Count's demeanor shifted quickly. He didn't get angry. Instead, he spoke with the casualness of a street merchant, which instantly made the atmosphere awkward. "It's not working." "I heard you fought gallantly to save a child? If you hadn't stepped in, our side's casualties would have been worse, and you risked your life crossing the battlefield after that?" Though not entirely incorrect, there were parts worthy of correction. However, Enclid chose not to elaborate needlessly. What was the point of a long story? "Yes, that's what they say." "You talk about it like it's someone else's story." "I'm still recovering from battle fatigue, so I have little room to think." Of course, it was all nonsense. He made two nobles, one being a head of a family, wait for two days claiming he was lost in his own world. Yet, talk about battle fatigue? "Did you see my escort?" "I did." "What do you think would happen if you faced off against him?" Enclid pondered for a moment. Honestly, the idea of facing him was appealing right from the start. However, now was not the time. It shouldn't be done. Engaging now could inadvertently lead to killing the opponent. Unless the opponent was significantly inferior or possessed superior skill. Otherwise, there was a chance of accidental death. His control over his strength wasn't precise at this point. "I don't know." "You're being boring." "Would it be interesting if I guaranteed victory?" "That would certainly be enjoyable." The Count's escort stood behind him. It was evident that he was listening to the conversation. The Count spoke intentionally for him to hear. In other words, it was a provocation. The escort didn't hide his spirit. With eyes that seemed to say he'd crush Enclid in an instant if he dared to come at him. Enclid ignored him cleanly. Usually, he would have engaged, avoiding wasn't his usual way. Yet here he was, avoiding it? Anyone who knew Enclid might be worried, wondering if he was feverish. "Then, I shall continue being the boring person." "I see. It will be troublesome once I leave, are you sure you'll be okay?" "I'm fine." The Count's lips curled higher as he looked at him. "It was a needless worry. Hahaha." The Count laughed heartily and stood up. Seeing this, his escort subdued his spirit. He turned to the side, waiting for his master to pass. Watching the scene, Enclid thought he seemed nothing more than a loyal dog. Do they feed him snacks on time? Do they take him for walks regularly? Who knows. "My offer still stands, you're welcome at any time if you think it's not too late." The Count said as he turned. "Yes." "Also, take care of my son and daughter; it seems they're keen to step out of my shadow." The Count was a meticulous man. If he truly wanted to bring Edin Molsen back, he certainly could. And he casually mentioned the existence of the daughter disguised as a man that Edin brought along. Of course, Enclid already knew. Those with sharp wits would have figured it out by now. Everyone in his unit would be aware too. "Take care. I won't go far." He made them wait two days to say he wouldn't go far. At the Count's request, Graham, the lord who had been waiting outside, stepped forward to escort him. "Your Excellency, Count." "He's your company commander, right? Quite the audacity he has; how about a quick execution for him?" The Count jested as he walked. Graham, sweating profusely, responded. "If I hang Enclid, the independent company commander, I'd be stoned to death by the citizens." That was to say, he was a hero crafted by the city. At this remark, the Count laughed heartily once more. "It was just a joke." Was it really just a joke? Enclid saw the Count off with his eyes as he departed. Soon, the door to the reception room closed behind him. A few soldiers guarding the door stood as if they saw and heard nothing at all, as if their lives might not suffice if they got involved. "Are you crazy?" It was Kin who finally broke the silence. She had been holding her breath while watching the heated exchange. "I hear that often." Enclid remained nonchalant. "But, doing something like that…" Surely, he wasn't foolish to have come this far, but could he just be utterly flabbergasted? Enclid noticed some remaining pastries in the reception room and casually popped one into his mouth. He was hungry. Hadn't he fasted for two days? As he munched on a cookie, Enclid spoke. "Did you agree to hand over the border guard to the Count’s territory?" Advertisements "That’s impossible." Kin's presence here was to prevent Enclid or the lord from succumbing to temptation. She was also a warning from Marquis Baisar. "If he has to retreat anyway, the Count wouldn't care whether the words are kind or harsh." Kin could understand it. Count Molsen was like a loaded crossbow. If upset, this human bore the risk of pointing that crossbow — the arrowhead — at the royal palace. It was challenging to purge him immediately, considering the unique power he held and the central powers not being unified. No one would dare speak up if the country were to divide over this. Kin dispelled her miscellaneous thoughts and looked once again at the madman Enclid. His words had a blind spot: knowing was different from acting. There was no change in her perception that he was abnormal. "You've got guts." That was Kin's assessment. "Are you going to stay and handle the troublesome issues, then?" Once again, Enclid addressed the core of the matter. Kin shook her head. "Now that the Count has departed, I can't stay here. It will stir other issues." If rumors spread that Marquis Baisar was eyeing this place, it could jeopardize their standing at the center. Markus heading to the center wasn't without reason. He had to consider the political stance of the family. Of course, he couldn't risk being falsely accused of treason either. Thus, the method employed by the head of the Black Sword to move Markus back then was said to be brilliant. If anything, they were on par with Kreis in cunning. "So then." "Just like that, you're telling me to leave?" Kin's voice was laced with disbelief. Did this guy even know she had been waiting here for two days? Wouldn't anyone pause for a second look at someone of her appearance? Once would be an understatement. Whether male or female, countless turned their heads. The name 'Kin Baisar' was recognized as a beauty even in the capital. Just by her absence, so many young men in the capital had shed tears and felt tormented. Yet this guy seemed so effortlessly indifferent. "Do you have any business? Didn't you say this was troubling for you?" He wasn't wrong. Kin got up. She had to leave. It was time to go. There was no benefit in staying longer. Surely staying a day wouldn't hurt? Advertisements As she rose, her escort leaned closer and whispered. "He's an unusual man, isn't he?" Her escort was someone who embedded enchantments in her eyes through certain methods. They were like sisters. "A madman, indeed." Kin said as she took her step. She thought, is this how he leaves a first impression — as the notorious company captain? If that was the case, perhaps it was an effective method. Even if not as a man, he had piqued her interest. 'Unique.' "Well then." Enclid repeated the same words. Was he telling her to get lost? She felt a twinge of displeasure but brushed it off and continued walking. A brief escort followed. Once Kin exited, a group of opportunists who had been watching intently appeared. That included minor nobles and members of merchant guilds who had bought their titles with gold coins. Among them were several hereditary nobles. There were even a few noblewomen who had come to catch a glimpse of Enclid. These were people gathered, lacking significant factions, hoping to catch the luck called Enclid. 'Hyenas of the political realm.' There may not be any immediate danger, but dealing with them each time would be a headache. What will become of all this? Kin decided not to worry. This was the guy who even tied down Count Molsen with just three inches of his tongue. He’s not one to be concerned over. As Kin left the city, she turned back three times. Then, suddenly reminded of something, she cursed. "Damn." Her sister-like escort turned her head. They were just climbing into the carriage. "Kin?" "That guy didn’t even ask my name." Despite being a renowned beauty, this was how she was treated. It felt like both her family's influence and her appearance were entirely disregarded. Strangely enough, she wasn’t entirely displeased. 'This is a first.' Such a madman. Meaning, she’d be back. Kin resolved in her heart. Her escort worried for her sister-like master. Kin's obsession with unnecessary matters was her flaw. * * * Many nobles and merchant guilds coveted Enclid. Advertisements "I can't handle this alone." Graham threw up his hands in surrender, and Enclid stepped forward. "If you come to my domain, along with my daughter..." The first was an idiot proposing to trade his daughter. Enclid brought Esther along. "Is it okay if I stay in human form?" "It's fine." Esther's appearance was such that anyone with a pair of eyes would turn to look. Kin would have nodded, understanding why Enclid seemed uninterested in her looks. "Um." The mouth of the noble trying to sell his daughter quickly shut. Instead... "So, what's the lady's name?" Someone tried to hit on Esther. Enclid needed to intervene quickly. Esther was ready to act without even asking if it was okay to kill. After that, he brought along Sinar. He couldn’t just go around producing noble corpses. Sinar, at least, wouldn’t kill right off the bat. However, there was a downside to Sinar as well. "She's my fiancée." Strange rumors began to circulate. Rumors about the company captain who was engaged to a fairy and a witch spread. Enclid let those rumors be. At the very least, that meant they wouldn’t bother with offering daughters or trying beauty tactics. "Why not take me along?" "I have some time to spare as well." Dunbakel and Theresa spouted nonsense amidst it all. Both were indeed considered beauties, but bringing Theresa might lead some nobles to mistakenly believe she was brought along to kill them. Dunbakel, if anything, was quicker to act than Esther. Having odd rumors spread seemed a better alternative. When a merchant came talking about gold coins, Kreis was the one Enclid took along. "If you come to my guild, you'll hold wealth beyond your imagination." "Yes, how much?" "...Pardon?" "So, how much?" Kreis was cold. "If it's below a hundred gold coins, don't even mention it. Also, don't think of this as a one-time deal. Contracts should be monthly, and I want a share. By the way, what's the name of your guild?" No merchant was willing to sell shares. "That's outrageous!" "The door is that way." Advertisements "You scoundrel!" "Got any complaints?" It was over once a few standing soldiers appeared behind the shouting figure. The supposed escorts merely watched cautiously. Even if it wasn't the famed company, the standing army’s prowess was exceptional. They had survived the battle against Azpen. If they spoke carelessly, it was their lives at stake. The merchant sealed his lips and withdrew. Though he left grinding his teeth, at least he left without saying a word. There were others who threw around their own authority. There were times Enclid wanted to send Rem to crack some heads, but he held back, thinking it was better to let things be. "Join under my command. It would elevate your honor. I might even recommend you to the knighthood. But you dare refuse me?" Enclid genuinely believed it was better to let things slide. "Swords don't have eyes." So, he had to fend off with clichés. "This ruffian dares...augh..." With a swift chop of his hand, he cut the remaining hair of the noble, effectively sealing his lips. "A mosquito." What mosquitoes could there be in the dead of winter? The noble couldn't press further. Who wouldn't hesitate with someone looking at them like they might bury them alive? "Is that alright?" The lord expressed concern. "If he really has formidable forces and can wage territorial wars." "Well, then we'll politely engage and fight." The latter was picked up by Kreis. The border guard city was the undisputed top military power in the region. However, it lacked gold coins. Thus, the most urgent thing was Krona. City expansion was crucial, but since Krona wasn't functioning smoothly, they could simply devour any challengers and collect war reparations. In any case, Kreis continued to fend off intruders. Sinar and Esther helped as well. Enclid was summoned ceaselessly. After about half a month, Enclid realized he was mostly recovered. His senses had also returned. Now he could avoid killing unintentional opponents. "Whew." He took a moment to breathe in satisfaction. What would have happened if he had fought the Count's escort back then? Chances were, he would've killed or severely injured him. It was a moment to revisit all he had learned and practiced. Advertisements He hadn't yet fully internalized it, making control challenging. Thus, while seemingly wasting time the past fortnight, Enclid was actually refining his skills. As a result, the urge to wield his sword freely surged inside him. Today, no nobles or merchants came looking for him. Enclid returned to the barracks. He had been too busy to visit often. The familiar atmosphere greeted him upon his return. Silence intertwined with tension. Heavy air pressed within the barrack, as if something might explode at any moment. Recently, he hadn't sensed this dangerous aroma, but it was familiar. Quite similar to when Enclid first visited the troublemaker unit's barracks.