346 - A Knight Who Eternally Regresses

Chapter 346: A Burst of Laughter Queen Naurilia has no children. In other words, she has no heir. Then, who should be the next king? Why doesn't the queen have a child? This scenario is one of the reasons why individuals from everywhere have started to eye the throne. Of course, the main reason is likely the weakened central power of the queen. In such a context, there are those like Count Molsen who claim kingship from the outskirts. Some within the capital aspire to become the queen's consort. There are even foreign envoys who offer their princes for the throne. Countless individuals desire the throne. One such person was Crang. Though Crays hadn't seen all those who contended for the throne, comparing Crang to Count Molsen was sufficient. Isn't he currently the most threatening candidate for usurping the throne? Based on that, Crays felt that: "He is of a different caliber." Enkried felt a similar way. Even compared to Count Molsen, the difference was apparent. Although this was purely instinctual, Count Molsen's desire was fixated on the throne. His aim ends there. But Crang was different. The bastard of the royal family didn't just look at the throne; he looked beyond it. "He has pinpointed the issues of this country." Count Molsen might have plans for what comes after seizing control of the kingdom. The difference lies in what they prioritize. Is it the throne first, or the tasks at hand? What are they advancing for? Where does their purpose lie? Amidst the sunbeams, vines tangled along the barracks’ right wall. Green moss within the wall crevices and the vines exuded a sense of vitality. With spring in full bloom, the temperature was gradually rising. However, it wasn't hot enough for one to sweat while walking. Between the somewhat gentle sunbeams, a man who attracted everyone’s attention laughed softly. "That’s why I despised doing it." The final words were almost humorous. "Is that so?" "Don’t you feel that way? Haven’t there been times you didn’t want to continue? Times when the path you're walking just felt tedious? Have you ever wondered if you really must take this path?" Enkried mulled over Crang’s words. He hadn’t. He had never found it tedious or questioned it. Not even once. Swinging his sword was enjoyable. He found joy in the path that extended before him through it. Every moment of becoming a knight was pure exhilaration. Despite his words bordering on humor, Crang's unique atmosphere remained unshaken. His eyes locked directly with Enkried’s. At that moment, Enkried felt as if everything around them vanished, leaving just the two of them. "Can one truly say there was no strife?" That appeared to be the question Crang posed. It seemed affirmative. Though not coercive, it felt like the natural answer was in the air, wrapping around him. It was the unique aura that Crang exuded. Within it, Enkried had become a steadfast blade. He spoke through the wick standing within him. There was no wavering. "Not at all." Enkried answered. At his response, the smile disappeared from Crang's face. With a blank expression, his blue eyes stared intensely at Enkried. It was a moment as long as sipping tea leisurely and savoring its taste. "Ha ha ha ha." Crang burst into laughter. Throwing his head back, he let out a refreshing laugh. * * * Crang's guard had never seen their lord laugh like that. Throwing his head back, laughing until tears welled up. It felt unfamiliar on the first glance, hard to grasp. Considering his past life, it was startling that he could laugh so freely. Preparing separate meals to avoid poison was the least of the worries. He was constantly threatened by potential assassinations. Finding out who orchestrated them was a daily struggle. Avoids and builds his power simultaneously. Making fortune ally with him was a requirement. "Why should I trust and support you?" A nobleman had once said, and the guard found themselves in agreement. What was there to trust? "Do you move through faith and trust?" His lord changed the situation with a few words and his charisma. He captivated others and altered circumstances. Yet, he never crossed the line. The line must not be crossed. What should be upheld, is upheld. Such was the life his lord chose. A harsh life. Brutal, ceaselessly harsh. The standards he set for himself were astoundingly high. Therefore, he shone. To shine means to capture attention, mesmerize, and stand out wherever you are. Is this why the value of a multicolored stone outshines eating, drinking, or dressing? That nobleman who once questioned his lord's validity became one of his most steadfast supporters. "How can you attain what you desire by only walking the righteous path?" An individual known as a sage inquired. His lord replied: "Occasionally, one may step into a mud puddle, and the grime on my boots might dirty the room, yet one must ensure that it doesn’t cause those around them to frown." The so-called sage, in turn, delved into deep thought at his lord's words. "That is true." "And your words ring true as well." Crang and the sage became extraordinarily close. The guard witnessed all of these happenings. He knew the years they had spent. Thus, he realized—never had he seen their lord laugh like this. His sincere laugh was unfamiliar. "Ah, I see. You don't have any." His lord used a finger to wipe tears from the corner of his eye. Tears had fallen due to his laughter. "Yes. None." The companion didn’t inquire why he laughed. He simply responded nonchalantly. Not even fazed. Thus, the exchange continued between his lord and the man with black hair. After that, the unique radiance in the air was gone. Only trivial chatter followed. "So why did you charge into the enemy camp alone back then?" "I tried to hit and retreat, but my feet got stuck." It was a story from when they got ensnared in a trap devised by a strategist named Avnier. "Wouldn't it have been easier if you had led your troops?" It was learning for the future. Not dwelling on the past, but reflecting to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Listening beside them, Crays found Crang's approach to be wise. Even amidst the chaos of the battlefield, there are always lessons to be learned. Crang exemplified an attitude of listening instead of nitpicking. He had a demeanor that allowed him to listen to others as attentively as Enkried did. "In that case, the casualties on our side would have been uncontrollable." Enkried survived by dying and resurrecting countless times. Had he led a troop in, they would all have perished. At least half would have been decimated. In hindsight, it was the right choice. "But you didn't know that then, did you?" Crang asked. "I figured striking alone at the enemy’s forefront would draw significant attention, allowing our movements to become unrestrained." "A strategy relying on a small, elite force, I see." What might have seemed a serious discussion of tactics and strategy to an outsider was, for the pair, a trivial conversation. Naturally, the topic swiftly shifted. "What’s with that scar?" Enkried inquired. "I misjudged a person." Crang bore a long scar beneath his chin. It was likely a life-threatening wound. Enkried didn’t add much to that. His attitude was essentially, "Oh, is that so." However, it did make him internally question Crang's discernment. What is a king? A king is one who commands people. Without the right judgment, suffering is inevitable. Sometimes, meaning is conveyed even without words. Enkried’s demeanor encapsulated this understanding. Without speaking, the message was delivered. Seeing this, a vein started to bulge on the forehead of Crang’s guard. It wasn't that Crang had misjudged someone. If one knew the circumstances, they'd never say such a thing. "I’ve learned a lot as well," Crang replied with a chuckle. This was another unfamiliar sight for the guard. Up until now, the most he had shown was a mere smile. The peaceful encounter of those who enjoyed a stroll and conversation amidst gentle spring warmth came to an end. "See you again, friend." Crays felt deflated. Crang had not once suggested aligning with his side in conclusion. Why had he prepared reactions to various scenarios? After all, aren't certain words almost obligatory in situations like this? Typically, one might say, "How about dreaming of such a country? Stand with me and realize your aspirations. I’ll let you swim in gold coins and indulge with different beauties all month long!" Doesn’t everyone say something along those lines? Then again, if he were that type of person, perhaps he would never have made it this far. These were idle thoughts. "Are we really friends?" Enkried asked Crang. "Why not?" "Let’s just say we are, then." For the guard, the conversation was dreadfully tense. Yet, there was nothing for him to intervene in. His lord had instructed him to withdraw. Moreover, he believed there was significance and meaning to his lord’s actions. Yet, that didn’t mean he found it agreeable. Wasn’t it like his lord was handing out crowns to ask the other to be his friend? As if paying silver to make a friend, as they commonly say. The guard's jaw muscles tightened unexpectedly. He found himself clenching his teeth. "If we talk much longer, that guard’s whip might just end up flying at my head." "Try avoiding it, then." Crang chuckled with another joke. Enkried also let out a small smile. Given that he had already befriended Leona, the owner of the Lokfryd Trading Company, befriending someone who might someday sit on a throne wasn’t a bad trend. Truthfully, it wasn’t for such reasons. Rather, he found Crang himself to be likable. "Alright then." "Indeed." Enkried and Crays departed. Crang quietly watched them leave. Seeing this, the guard finally spoke up. "You're aware of the danger in coming here, aren’t you?" "I am." Crang rested one hand on his hip and looked upward. Thinking again, he found the day quite splendid. The sun’s warmth was inviting, and the air was gentle. It was one of those days you’d love to nap in a grassy field. Seeing this, the guard felt compelled to ask a fundamental question. A phrase his lord had repeated countless times. Without addressing uncertainties and communicating properly, misunderstandings inevitably build. Don’t provoke a situation where a simple exchange of words turns into a drawn blade dispute. Following his lord’s teaching, the guard did just that. "So why did you come here?" "Curiosity." He was presumably speaking about the man who had just left. A natural question arose, which the guard voiced. "His abilities, you mean?" Should they have sparred? The guard pondered internally. Crang, shielding his eyes from the bright sun, turned his gaze to the sky. The sky was pristine, dotted with clouds. Nice, indeed. Thinking thus, Crang responded. "I was curious if he remained unchanged." Crang let out another chuckle as he spoke. The guard tilted his head in puzzlement but didn’t pursue it further. It's not necessary to ask everything in detail. He didn’t need to know everything about Crang’s internal thoughts. His lord needed to confirm something, had done so, and was satisfied. That fact was crucial. That ended the guard’s curiosity. There was no misunderstanding. "Yes, I see." "Hmm." Crang held Enkried in high regard. Higher than anyone else who knew him. Even more than Enkried did himself. 'If he can remain unchanged like that.' The way he continued onward without change mesmerized, captivated, and influenced those around him. From Crang's viewpoint, having influence was a significant thing. 'If he had ventured into politics.' A man who could have led a lineage chose to wield a sword. He aspired to be a knight. A knight stands at the pinnacle of martial prowess. What would happen if such a man truly became a knight? It wasn’t his concern. His approach was unwavering and unchanged. He simply followed his path. Crang found satisfaction in confirming that. Indeed, his friend Enkried had remained unchanged. He aspired to be a knight. Crang aimed to lead the kingdom. "Is a continent without war possible?" "If that is what my lord desires." "Easier said than done." Crang chuckled and patted the guard’s shoulder. He was back to his usual self. But did his shoulders seem slightly more relaxed than usual, or was it just an illusion? Crang walked on. "Let’s move. If we don’t struggle, death awaits us." The guard knew this well. "Yes." Leaving the sunlight behind, the guard followed Crang as they walked away. * * * "Perhaps someone who doesn’t want the throne should sit on it," Enkried mused on their way back. Crays quickly corrected him. "More precisely, it should be someone who knows what they’re doing. Someone who doesn’t know their own actions can't even beg properly, let alone rule a kingdom." He amended the statement with a touch of a wise old saying. Even if one intends to be a beggar, not knowing what to do makes it impossible. It’s a well-known saying on the continent. Enkried's words were a response to a question posed by Marcus. It’s not about wanting and desiring continuously; it’s about knowing the weight of the path and moving forward accordingly. "In that aspect, he's quite remarkable." "Not exactly lacking intelligence, is he?" Crays caught the underlying implication in Enkried’s question and responded with the truth. "No, I don’t think that's the case." Crays speculated on why Crang had visited this place. What could the reason be? 'He must have come to see this one.' Why did he want to see Enkried? Because he was a man rising in fame? Getting a bit renowned recently? Not that it mattered, but those weren't the reasons. So then, what has been sacrificed to see the leader? Time, location, information, and position. "It must be dangerous, right?" Enkried suddenly asked. He sensed the danger that might arise from Crang’s visit there. No, he anticipated and understood it. The leader indeed has a sharp mind. Crays considered this while responding. "Yes, whether he'll make it out alive is uncertain. Didn't you say he planned to head to the palace?" Indeed, he had mentioned it before, predicting the path to be perilous. In such a scenario, he had brought even a border guard. Whatever the reason, he had clearly taken a significant risk. Crays' establishment of the border guard post had resulted in a booming surge of commerce. Moreover, with the involvement of the Lokfryd Trading Company, trade had literally exploded. This is what happened within merely a month or two, causing quite a stir in the city. A significant increase in the population meant more potential for hidden shenanigans. 'You can't block all the spies anyway.' Crays focused on meticulously protecting the key facilities. For everything else? He left it aside for the time being. He considered bolstering the internal security with a more robust information guild later, but now wasn’t the time. If Crang was still under imminent threat of death? He assumed as much. Even now, Enkried continued chatting away, basing his conclusions on clear observations. "The guard was ready to pounce, supporting himself so he could move at a moment’s notice." "It seems he's had some struggles, considering he wouldn't eat or drink anything unless it was prepared." "Looking at how he moves without any concealed guards around, it seems he doesn’t have many people." Therefore, there couldn’t be any place more dangerous for Crang than the border guard post now. He might just be ambushed by assassins the moment he left, prepared to attack even his carriage. Crays nodded in understanding as he listened to Enkried. He also understood the simple reason motivating his leader’s words. "If he desires it, he gets to do it, right?" Who leads the Mad Brigade? It’s none other than the blue-eyed madman with black hair. Enkried. "I know. Still, understanding the why is important." "I agree; it's a waste for someone like him to die here." Messy-haired Marcus had already appeared back at the barracks. Predicting that assassins, their brothers, fathers, and grandfathers might swarm, Enkried snatched the lead before Marcus could sternly warn him. "I’ll escort him to the palace. Negotiate the fee with Crays." Marcus could only manage a confused noise, his jaw agape. The speed at which Enkried's mind worked had left Marcus utterly astonished. "Huh? Are we going somewhere?" Inquired Rem from behind. He seemed itching for action already. Taking Rem along seemed wise. Enkried nodded in agreement. Left unchecked, he’d definitely get into trouble. Keeping Rem close was prudent.