348 - A Knight Who Eternally Regresses

348. Whom Are You Worried About? “I can’t go.” Just before deciding who would leave and who would stay, Kraice was the first to decline. Enkried had not intended to take him along anyway. “There are too many tasks left for me here. Don’t go getting yourself beaten up while I’m not around.” He stated it so assertively that Enkried felt the need to nod in agreement naturally. “Yes, getting beaten up is something to avoid.” Having reaffirmed this, Kraice took a step back. “Why are you acting like this? Planning to hit me?” “Why would I?” His response came out of genuine concern. “Anyway, I can’t go. There’s maintenance work to be done at the outpost. Even though I trust Leona, you should be wary since merchants tend to pilfer the storage when left unsupervised.” True to his word, Kraice could not leave. He had to deal with those pretentious individuals who still couldn’t get their act together—those who pretended to be nobles but whom you could only call fools. Even though ten bodies wouldn’t have been enough, Kraice managed to handle everything. He got all the rest he needed and met with everyone he needed to meet. It appeared that he had even been going on occasional dates with Nurat, who had entered the city about ten days ago. Nurat was the black woman who served as the guard and lieutenant to Garrett, the captain stationed at Greenpearl. Kraice had tied a letter to a crow’s leg to request personnel from Garrett, and it was said that she had come because there were urgent matters to discuss. But surely those discussions didn’t include dining together and strolling through the market? Considering there were days when he didn’t even return to his quarters, it was easy to assume that everything had already happened between them. Of course, this was none of Enkried’s business. “As Commander Garrett wishes to retire, we need to appoint a successor.” Kraice was determined to get involved in the city-wide matters. His passion was evident, and Enkried realized this. ‘He’s caught the bug—ambition.’ Indeed, Kraice intended to make this city prosperous. So much so that he would be content to consume whatever surplus remained after. He wouldn't abandon the practice of earning gold in preparation for any civil war. That was Kraice’s goal. In truth, he took an interest in various herbs and poisons emerging from the swamps while building outposts. And hence... “It’s nerve-wracking sending you off on a long journey without me,” said Sinar. No one else matched her knowledge in exploring swamps, distinguishing between herbs and poisons, and discovering useful materials. “Is that so?” She had a doll-like face; her beauty was complemented by her stern demeanor, speaking without a single change in expression. “It was a joke.” “Yes, I know.” “I didn’t think you’d catch on.” So, had everything until now not been a joke? No, it was all a joke. It was pointless to draw distinctions. Faery humor was notoriously difficult to acclimate to. Enkried shook his head internally. Besides Sinar, Audin and Teresa remained. “I still have too many soldiers to train, my brother,” Audin said with a kind smile, though there might be more to it than that. Enkried instinctively felt that Audin was hesitant to go to the capital, specifically the royal palace. But there was no point in questioning it. Enkried always respected the choices of his troops. Understanding the reason behind the hesitation wasn’t considered crucial. “I’ll stay and help as well.” Teresa had, at some point, stuck closely to Audin. There were no brave soldiers who dared mention the nickname “Giant Siblings” in front of them, but it suited them well. “Very well.” With that, it was settled. “Ugh, the weather’s quite dreary.” With the fierce barbarian Rem. “When we enter the capital, I have some personal matters to attend to.” “Handle them as you see fit.” The sly wildcat Saxon openly hinted at a hidden agenda. “The journey to the capital? That should take about half a year.” Given that it only takes fifteen to twenty days by horse with favorable weather conditions, it was unclear why the journey would take half a year. Anyway, if left alone, there was a lazy swordsman who seemed likely to become a legend by wielding a sword all over the place. “A journey, huh. It’s the delight of a mundane life.” And a fickle magician, today having turned into a woman, with unclear reasons for tagging along. “Think there’ll be lots of battles? I hope so.” Serving as a guard with complete disregard for the identity of whom he was protecting or even if they were in danger, his attitude was as reckless as he was skilled. “Hie-hee!” Add to this, a wild horse flowing with the blood of a magic beast, eyes each of a different color. “Are you serious?” Their whip-wielding escort asked. After taking a good look at each one, he grew serious. Serving his lord, he had to carve a path through rough terrain. Nothing could be taken lightly. Marcus, who had led the vanguard, turned out to have left the previous night, stating urgent matters. ‘Indiscreet.’ The escort with the whip cursed Marcus internally. But Kran shrugged it off as no big deal. “He’s a busy man, after all.” He actually defended him. With Marcus gone, how would they reach the capital? He even thought about borrowing Marcus’s escort troop. If not, they would have to make use of the resources they had planted here and there, the seedlings they had nurtured in anticipation—such as the Language Restoration Guild. That guild was indeed one of the seeds their lord had sown. But even that was not possible. ‘Why now?’ The Language Restoration Guild failed to build power within the Border Guard. At least in terms of armed strength, they were weak. Wasn’t it said that a mad frog had been subjugating all those who used force? ‘What nonsense.’ Could it be just an idle rumor—was there really a frog doing such a thing? Just as there were many peculiar people in the world, perhaps there was such a frog, too, taking on troublesome tasks while staying here? ‘Bound by an oath?’ It was a reasonable suspicion. Given the constraints of the situation, having Enkried’s crazy company escort them on the journey was indeed fortunate. Sure enough, it was. ‘But still uneasy.’ Years of living life on the edge as a bodyguard had honed his instincts finely. These guys weren’t normal. Relying solely on them was a strategy doomed to fail. Each one seemed to add to the unease. Why was it that reaching the royal palace would take half a year, and why did they seem so uninterested in the task of escorting? Why were they grinning while speculating about potential attackers? “You all know how to ride, right?” Meanwhile, Enkried addressed everyone. “No carriage?” “A carriage would be too conspicuous! We need to move discreetly, and you think a carriage is a good idea?” The whip-wielding escort burst out mid-sentence, but Rem picked his ear, unfazed. “What’s wrong with this guy? Why's he yelling from the break of dawn?” This damn bastard... “Enough.” Just as the escort was about to genuinely lose his temper, Kran intervened. His eyes shone brighter than ever. These were genuinely peculiar individuals. Kraice had a rough idea, and Enkried knew instinctively—Kran possessed great insight. In other words, he had an exceptional eye for people. It wasn’t a magical ability to see through everyone's hearts, but... ‘Interesting talents.’ He knew instinctively. These were not ordinary individuals. The rumors that had reached him seemed even understated. ‘Madmen.’ Whoever nicknamed them deserved an award. There were no better words than those four syllables to describe them. Even with a childhood spent dabbling in poetry and writing, it was challenging to find better words. ‘Uncontrolled force.’ It was clear at a glance. These weren’t people who moved at others’ commands. Then why were they gathered here? For self-preservation? That was out of the question. “Talking about a carriage? Get real. This is a mission. We're escorting that person to the capital.” When Enkried chided Rem, he looked at the two standing idly and asked, “Those two?” “I’m the escort.” The whip-wielding escort found it particularly hard to keep his cool today. Initially, he managed to calm his excitement somehow. But the unfamiliarity of the situation and the illogical events that followed shook his equilibrium. Moreover, he found the whole thing extremely distasteful. All these factors combined to make him uncharacteristically agitated. As he replied, the escort took deep breaths to steady himself. ‘This isn’t good.’ If things went haywire, he might have to escort his lord alone. Excitement would be his downfall. The escort took a couple of deep breaths. He was no ordinary man, after all. Then it happened. “Escort?” “Not a guide?” “Who?” The gray-haired jerk. The slant-eyed blonde fellow. And finally, the crazy beastman’s trio harmonized. ‘Ah, these bastards.’ “Cut it out.” Enkried broke it up. Following Enkried’s words, the others calmed down naturally. Kran’s eyes sparkled even more at this. ‘Can they be controlled?’ These unpredictable whirlwinds? How? With power? Skill? No, it wasn't that. ‘Influence.’ Just as Kran himself was influenced, these people, too, were under Enkried's influence. They followed his words. They respected his intentions. Enkried was the key to controlling them. ‘Oh.’ Kran’s insight was remarkable. He deduced the process by observing the result. ‘If they were mediocre, Enkried would just seem like a madman.’ To the average person, Enkried’s demeanor was hard to grasp. Standing by him was even harder. He was a difficult man to get along with. Yet he was also someone you couldn’t ignore. He made you notice whatever he did, almost as if his lifestyle criticized yours. Numerous people must have passed by Enkried's side. Among them, some would have criticized him. Some would have tried their best to ignore him. Some might have admired his perseverance. But none could stay by his side. That’s the kind of person Enkried was. So, who were the ones who stayed? ‘Undoubtedly, madmen.’ Or individuals with exceptional talents in certain areas. Those who wouldn’t crumble in front of Enkried. “Interesting.” Kran concluded with a remark. “See? Didn’t he say it’s interesting? That guy’s got an eye for people. What’s your name again?” Rem approached Kran and put a hand on his shoulder. It was a brotherly act, not something you’d do to someone destined to be a king. Even a noble would likely cut off an arm over such disrespect. But Rem didn’t care about that. Nor did Kran. Before the escort could have an outburst, Kran waved his hand and replied, “Kran.” “Good. I’ll protect you. Let’s go.” Lately, sunny days had prevailed, but today the sky was overcast. Dull gray clouds blocked the morning sunlight. “So, why are you coming along?” Enkried asked the strange-eyed horse that accompanied them. “Hie-hee.” Nobody could truly converse with a horse. The escort wondered why he was seemingly chatting away with a horse. “Oh, you're bored. You’ve looked around the area, it seems. Alright, come along.” Enkried seemed to converse with the horse, speaking as he stroked the mane of the strange-eyed horse. It had no saddle or horseshoes—it was a wild horse. ‘That guy’s not normal either.’ He seemed normal only by comparison. The escort decided to keep his wits sharper than ever. The strange-eyed horse followed but didn’t allow anyone to ride it. “Good luck.” Graham said as he saw them off, offering his words. “Have you decided the direction?” Naturally, Kraice had come out to the city gates as well. “If you’re unsure, should I lead?” Lagna butted in. “Are you crazy? Are you planning to wander the continent for half a year?” Rem retorted, and Lagna turned his head. “Shut your mouth, barbarian who can’t even fight.” “...Did I lose?” Saxon reacted to that comment. Rem’s cheek twitched. A smile that wasn't exactly a smile lingered on his face. Enkried slipped between them subtly. He was also a skilled rider. The horse with a saddle moved as he guided it. “Follow the main road.” “What?” The escort was the most surprised by those words. Kran was a bit taken aback as well. It wasn’t that he doubted their capabilities. But wasn't this inviting danger? “Oh, was this premeditated? Or was it something you meant to explain?” Kraice asked, nodding. “Yes. It seemed necessary.” “Was it an intuition?” “Half of it.” “And the other half?” “I thought it through.” Enkried ran his hand through his closely cropped hair, a fresh cut courtesy of Kraice not long ago. Kran mulled over their conversation. He wasn’t dense. ‘We've already been exposed. They know.’ He had faced mortal threats in various places before. Kran was quick to grasp the situation, thanks to his vast experience. It was clear that those targeting him were already positioned before they even set off. Whether they chose the main road or lost themselves in the mountains, the outcome would have been the same. Instead, they decided to speed up by following the main road. Choosing horseback over a carriage was the fastest route. Kran’s experience traversing the continent made him no one to fall behind easily. Soon, a course outlined itself in his mind. It was the quickest path from the Border Guard to the capital. “I know a few shortcuts.” Kran said. Enkried nodded in agreement. Having an escort leader with whom communication was seamless was not a disadvantage. Crackling! At that moment, thunder boomed in the distance, and lightning struck. Blue lightning streaked down across the Pen-Hanil mountain range. If a mountain ranger had been there, they would have faced grave danger. Of course, with such weather, they would have long descended from the mountains. The rain then began to pitter-patter gently from the sky. “Then.” Dudududu. With Enkried at the forefront, they all began to move out on horseback. Everyone rode expertly. Esther transformed into a panther and ran alongside them. Watching them fade into the distance, Graham muttered. “Will they be alright?” “Who are you worried about?” Kraice replied. It was a statement about the formidable force at their disposal in the area. An ambush by an assassin group? If they were the type to fall to such threats, they would have already crossed the so-called “River of Death” hand in hand long ago, wouldn’t they?