Chapter 346
The Queen of Naurilia has no children.
Which means there is no heir.
Then who should be the next King?
Why doesn’t the Queen have children?
This situation soon became one of the reasons why those who coveted the throne emerged from everywhere.
Of course, the biggest reason is the Queen’s weak central power.
As a result, some, like Count Molsen, falsely claim to be Kings in the frontier.
There are also those within the capital who wish to become the Queen’s consort.
Some even sent princes as envoys from other countries.
Countless people are after the throne.
Krang was one of them.
Krys hasn’t seen all the people who are after the throne.
But comparing him to Count Molsen alone was enough.
Isn’t he currently the most threatening candidate to usurp the throne?
That’s what Krys felt based on that.
‘His caliber is different.’
Encrid felt something similar.
It’s the same even when compared to Count Molsen.
It’s purely a hunch, but Count Molsen wants the throne.
That’s the end of his goal.
But Krang is different.
The royal family’s illegitimate son didn’t look at the throne, but beyond it.
‘He saw the problems of this country.’
Count Molsen would also have thoughts after taking over the country.
However, it’s a difference of where to put more weight.
Is the throne first, or is the work to be done first?
What are you moving forward for?
Where is that purpose?
Between the sunlight, vines were tangled on the right side of the barracks wall. The green moss and vines between the walls gave a sense of vitality.
It was a day when the temperature was slowly rising because it was the height of spring.
However, it wasn’t enough to sweat while walking.
Amidst the cozy sunlight, the man who absorbed everyone’s attention and spoke chuckled.
“So I hated it so much.”
The last words were close to humor.
“Is that so?”
“Aren’t you? Haven’t you ever hated it? Haven’t you ever been bored with the path you’re walking now? Haven’t you ever wondered if I really have to go this way?”
Encrid pondered Krang’s words.
No, he hadn’t. He had never been bored or worried. Not even once.
He enjoys wielding his sword.
He found fun in the path he was taking through it.
Every moment of becoming a knight was exhilarating.
Even though he spat out words close to humor, Krang’s unique atmosphere was not disturbed.
His eyes stared straight at Encrid.
At that moment, Encrid thought that everything around him disappeared and only the two of them were left.
‘Can I say that there was no pain?’
It was as if Krang was asking that.
He felt like he had to say that. It wasn’t pressure, but an atmosphere that made him feel like he had to say that enveloped his body.
It was Krang’s unique atmosphere. Encrid became a straight sword in it.
He spoke through the wick he had built inside himself.
There was no shaking.
“Never.”
Encrid replied.
At those words, the smile disappeared from Krang’s face.
His expressionless face and blue eyes stared intently at Encrid. After a time that was enough to take a sip of tea, savor the flavor, and swallow it.
“Pahahaha.”
Krang laughed violently. He threw his head back and burst into a cool laugh.
* * *
Krang’s escort had never seen his lord laugh like that before.
To think that he would throw his head back and laugh until tears welled up in his eyes.
It was unfamiliar because it was the first time, but he didn’t understand it either.
Looking at his life so far, it was amazing that he could laugh like that.
Worrying about poison and preparing food separately was nothing.
He was constantly threatened with assassination.
It was difficult to even figure out who the subject was.
He had to avoid and avoid again, and in the meantime, he also had to build up his power. He had to make what could be called luck on his side.
– “What should I believe in you to support you?”
A nobleman said that, and the escort agreed. What should I believe in to support him?
“Did you move with faith and trust?”
The lord changed the situation with a few words and his inherent charm.
He charmed others and changed the situation.
At the same time, he keeps the line. He must not cross the line. He keeps what he has to keep. That is the life that the lord has set.
It’s harsh. It’s a harsh and harsh life. The standards he keeps himself are too high.
That’s why he shines.
To shine means to steal people’s attention, fascinate them, and stand out everywhere.
Is that why the value of a stone that scatters colorful colors is higher than eating, drinking, and wearing?
At that time, the nobleman who said those words became one of the lord’s most reliable supporters.
– “How can you get what you want by only going the right and righteous way?”
A man called a sage asked.
The lord replied.
– “Sometimes I can step in the mud and the dirt on my boots can dirty the room, but I can’t let the people who live with me frown at it.”
The sage was rather deeply immersed in thought at the lord’s words.
– “That’s right too.”
– “Your words are also right.”
Krang and the sage became very close.
The escort watched the whole process.
He knows the past few years.
That’s why he knew. He had never seen his lord laugh like that at any moment. It was unfamiliar to see his lord laughing sincerely.
“Haa, yeah. You don’t have it.”
The lord wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes with his fingers.
It was because he laughed so much that he cried.
“Yeah. I don’t.”
The other man didn’t even ask why he laughed. He just answered calmly. He doesn’t panic.
In that way, the conversation between the lord and the black-haired man continued.
After that, there was no atmosphere that exuded a unique light. Only a few more trivial stories were exchanged.
“Why did you charge into the enemy lines alone back then?”
“I was trying to hit and run, not charge, but my feet were tied.”
It was the story of when he fell into the trap created by the strategist Avnair.
“Wouldn’t it have been easier if you had led your troops?”
It was a word for the future. It’s not about blaming the past, but about reviewing the past by revisiting the situation and not repeating the same mistakes.
Krys felt that Krang’s attitude was wise as he listened from the side.
Just because it’s a battlefield situation doesn’t mean there’s nothing to learn.
Krang showed an attitude of listening, similar to Encrid.
It was an attitude of being able to listen to other people’s words.
“Then the damage to our allies would have been uncontrollably large.”
It was because Encrid himself died and died again and came back to life.
What if he had led the troops in? They would all have died in it. At least half destroyed.
In conclusion, it was the right choice.
“You didn’t know that back then.”
Krang asked.
“I thought that if I hit the front of the enemy lines alone, I could draw a lot of attention, and if I did that, our allies would be able to move freely.”
“So it’s a small elite fight.”
If someone saw it, it would be a serious story of strategy and tactics, but for the two of them, it was a trivial story. So it was natural that the topic changed in an instant.
“What’s that scar?”
Encrid asked.
“It’s because I saw the wrong person.”
Krang had a long scar under his chin. It must have been a scar from dying and coming back to life.
Encrid didn’t say anything special.
It was an attitude of ‘Oh, I see’.
However, he only thought to himself whether there was a problem with his eyesight.
What is a King? He is the one who uses people. If you don’t have an eye for people, you deserve to be attacked.
There are times when the meaning is conveyed even if you don’t say it.
Encrid’s attitude is like that now.
Because what needs to be conveyed will be conveyed even if you don’t say it in words.
The escort’s forehead bulged with blood vessels when he saw that.
It wasn’t that he saw the wrong person. If he knew the situation, he wouldn’t be able to say that.
“I’ve already learned a lot anyway.”
Krang chuckled and replied.
This is also an unfamiliar sight to the escort.
Until now, all he could do was smile at best.
The meeting of those who enjoyed the walk, the conversation, and the cozy spring temperature was over.
“See you again, friend.”
Krys felt deflated.
Because Krang didn’t say to stand by his side until the end.
Why did he prepare to accept this and that?
No, but isn’t there a set thing to say in this case?
Usually.
How about dreaming of such a country? Stand by my side and let’s spread our dreams. I’ll let you swim in gold coins, and I’ll let you play with different beauties all month long!
He should say something like that.
Well, if he was such a human, he wouldn’t have come this far, would he?
It was a moment of random thoughts.
“Are we friends?”
Encrid asked Krang back.
“Then aren’t we?”
“Let’s just say we are.”
It was a conversation that would make the back of the escort’s neck stiff.
But he couldn’t step in. Didn’t the lord tell him to step back?
Above all, he thought that there was a meaning and significance in his lord’s actions.
However, that doesn’t mean it looked good.
It looked like his lord was handing over Krong to the other person and asking him to be his friend.
It’s like giving silver coins to make friends, as they often say.
The escort’s jaw muscles split.
He clenched his teeth without realizing it.
“If I do more, that escort’s whip will fly into my head.”
“Try to avoid it.”
Krang chuckled again with a joke.
Encrid also chuckled.
He became friends with Leona, the owner of the Rockfreed Merchant Group, so it wouldn’t be bad to do this with someone who might take the throne in the future.
In fact, he threw away such reasons and liked Krang himself.
“Then.”
“Yeah.”
Encrid and Krys left.
Krang stared blankly at the two leaving.
The escort who saw that opened his mouth.
“You know it’s dangerous to come here, don’t you?”
“I know.”
Krang put one hand on his waist and raised his head.
Thinking about it again, the weather was really nice.
The sun is warm and the air is cozy. It’s a day when it would be nice to lie down on a grassy field and take a nap.
The escort had to ask a fundamental question while looking at it.
It’s a word that his lord has said countless times.
If you don’t communicate while leaving questions, misunderstandings will eventually pile up.
He told them not to create a situation where they would draw their swords in a problem that could be solved with a simple question and answer.
The escort did that.
“Then why did you come?”
“Because I was curious.”
He must be talking about the man who just left. It’s a natural question. The escort spat it out.
“Are you talking about his skills?”
Then should they have fought?
The escort thought to himself.
Krang shielded his eyes from the sun with his hand and looked at the sky.
It’s a clear sky with clouds dotted here and there.
Good.
Thinking that, Krang replied.
“I was curious if he had changed.”
Krang laughed again as he spoke.
The escort tilted his head. However, that was it.
He can’t ask everything one by one.
He didn’t think he needed to know everything about Krang.
He just needed to confirm something, confirm it, and be satisfied.
That fact was important.
That’s the end of his question.
There is no misunderstanding here.
“Yes, I see.”
“Yeah.”
Krang valued the human being Encrid highly.
More than anyone who knows him.
In fact, even more than himself.
‘If he can go on without changing like that.’
The appearance of moving forward without changing fascinates those around him. It captivates and captivates. It has an impact.
In light of Krang’s own ideology, having an influence is a great thing.
‘If he had done politics.’
A human who would have built a family wields a sword. He dreams of becoming a knight.
A knight is the one who stands at the pinnacle of power.
Then what will happen if such a human becomes a knight?
It doesn’t matter. His attitude is consistent. He doesn’t change.
He just goes his own way.
Krang was satisfied because he confirmed that.
Indeed, his friend Encrid had not changed.
He was trying to become a knight.
He is trying to lead the kingdom.
“Is a continent without war possible?”
“If the lord wants it.”
“That’s easier said than done.”
Krang chuckled and patted the escort on the shoulder.
He is now the usual lord. However, would it be a delusion to say that his shoulders look a little softer than usual?
Krang walked.
“Let’s go, we still have to struggle if we don’t want to die.”
The escort also knew that well.
“Yes.”
With the sunlight behind him, the escort followed Krang.
* * *
“The person who doesn’t want the throne should sit on it, not the person who wants it.”
Encrid said as he returned.
Krys corrected the words.
“To be exact, it would be better for someone who knows well to sit on it. Because a guy who doesn’t even know what he’s doing can’t even beg properly, let alone sit on the throne.”
He corrected and mixed in an adage.
Even if you want to become a beggar, you can’t become one if you don’t know what to do.
It’s an adage of the continent.
Encrid’s words were the answer to Marcus’ question.
It’s not about wanting and wanting, but about knowing the weight and walking the path.
“In that respect, he’s a great person.”
“Isn’t he stupid?”
Encrid’s question had a different meaning, and Krys understood it. That’s why he spat out an answer he could give.
“No. That won’t be the case.”
Krys guessed why Krang came here.
What could be the reason?
‘He must have come to see this guy.’
The reason he wanted to see Encrid?
Because he’s a human who’s making a name for himself and moving forward?
Did he become a little famous these days?
It doesn’t matter, but that’s not the reason.
Then what did he sacrifice to see the captain?
Time, place, information, location.
“Will it be dangerous?”
Encrid asked abruptly.
He sensed, or rather, guessed and grasped the danger that would arise from Krang coming here.
As expected, the captain’s head is spinning well.
Krys thought and replied.
“Yes, I don’t know if he’ll be able to get out alive. Did you say he’s going to the Royal Palace?”
He said that too. He will now return to the Royal Palace, and he expects the road to be rough.
In that situation, he bothered to come to the Border Guard.
Whatever the reason, it was clear that he took a pretty big risk.
The outpost of the Border Guard that Krys created brought about an explosive development of the upward trend.
Moreover, due to the intervention of the Rockfreed Merchant Group, trade literally exploded.
This happened in just a month or two, but the city was bustling.
That means a lot of people gathered.
And the fact that there are many people is the same as saying that it is easy for humans to hide who will do nonsense.
‘Anyway, you can’t stop all the spies.’
Krys thoroughly defended only the main facilities.
What about the rest? He left it alone for now.
Later, he was thinking of growing the information guild more and doing internal control, but that’s not the case now.
What if Krang is still threatened with his life?
Of course, he guessed that.
Even now, Encrid is talking incessantly. These are the things that became the basis for his judgment.
“The escort changed his posture. He was giving strength so that he could move at any time.”
“He doesn’t eat anything unless he prepares the water and food, so it seems like he’s had a hard time.”
“He doesn’t have any hidden escorts, so it doesn’t seem like there are many people around him.”
Then there is no place as dangerous as the Border Guard for a person named Krang right now.
He thought that assassins might rush at the carriage as soon as he stayed here and left.
Krys nodded as he listened to Encrid’s words.
He also knows why his captain is saying this. It’s a simple reason.
“If you want to do it, you can do it, right?”
Who is the commander of the Madman Company?
He is a madman with black hair and blue eyes.
It was Encrid.
“I know. But I need to know why.”
“I agree that he’s a person who’s too good to die here.”
Marcus had already arrived when he returned to the barracks.
Encrid had already expected that assassins, assassin brothers, older brothers, fathers, younger brothers, and grandfathers would all rush in, so he was able to strike first before Marcus said anything with serious eyes.
“I’ll escort you to the Royal Palace. Discuss the commission with Krys.”
Marcus uttered an unintelligible word ‘Wooer’ and then stopped with his mouth open.
It was because the speed at which Encrid’s head turned exceeded Marcus’ expectations.
“Huh? Where are we going?”
Rem asked from behind him.
He already seemed to be itching for action.
First of all, he should take Rem with him.
Encrid thought and nodded.
It’s clear that he’ll cause an accident in that state.
It would be better to keep him by his side.