A Knight who Eternally Regresses - Chapter 67
Chapter 67: The Entire Guild
Kraiss assessed the situation, seeking the most profitable path.
‘Though it’s a thieves’ guild…’
When examined closely, it was essentially a business.
If they removed pickpocketing operations and just collected protection fees, it could be a legitimate enterprise. Moreover, Kraiss had plans that involved leveraging the thieves’ guild.
This was Border Guard, known for its stringent law enforcement. Normally, a criminal guild would find it hard to operate here.
But the Gilpien Guild had thrived. Whatever they did, it wasn’t by ordinary means. How could they have accumulated so many heated hides and over ten million Krona in coins and promissory notes?
‘No way I can lose here.’
Kraiss, wise enough to be called a sage, grasped and accepted the situation.
“Become a thief?”
Enkrid echoed, questioning Kraiss’s suggestion. Kraiss stared at his squad leader.
He had said his dream was to become a knight, to rise higher. Proper training and quality equipment would require Krona.
Knights, after all, often made their living through war.
“Don’t think of it negatively. The Gilpien gang is finished, and if we leave it alone, how long before another thieves’ guild takes over?”
Kraiss’s mind worked quickly, the blood flowing to his brain. Considering Gilpien’s character, this was a golden opportunity.
“At most, a month.”
Enkrid nodded reflexively. Kraiss was right.
“It’s warm!”
Rem, donning a coat made of heated hides, exclaimed.
“Of course, you won’t be cold.”
Ragna chided him.
Distracted for a moment, Enkrid’s attention was drawn back by Kraiss’s voice. Calm yet filled with a subtle intensity.
“Instead, we could keep Gilpien, who seems competent, and create a guild that doesn’t steal or kill.”
It was an enticing proposal.
Maintaining honor as a knight?
That too required Krona.
Enkrid understood reality well. Knights with the right skills had money flowing to them, and some knights would fight for the right price. Above all, Enkrid believed a knight’s honor was about following one’s heart. Kraiss’s proposal had no downsides. If viewed positively, it was beneficial.
‘If it improves people’s lives…’
Then fewer children would cry.
Parents raising their kids would have less to worry about. Every city had those who were struggling to survive. This could provide them some solace. Initially, they aimed to collect firewood to survive the winter, but if they could help people in the process…
There was no reason not to.
“Is it okay?”
“It’s okay.”
“I’ll divide the profits fairly and give them to you. Just keep the other squad members in check.”
Why was Kraiss clinging to him? Because of Rem and the others. If Kraiss took over the guild, they wouldn’t just stand by.
“What’s in it for you?”
Enkrid was curious. Why go to such lengths for a thieves’ guild?
“It’s about information.”
Enkrid admired Kraiss’s cleverness. Information was valuable. Even trivial details in the city could be worth good Krona within the unit. Even knowing the name and hobbies of a florist could attract buyers. It could be used in many ways.
“You get it. That’s why you’re the squad leader.”
Kraiss extended his fist. Enkrid did the same, lightly tapping it. This sealed their agreement. Enkrid would gain Krona and keep the squad in line. Kraiss would gain a guild.
Returning to the fireplace, Enkrid heard Jaxon speak first.
“I’m fine with Kraiss taking it.”
A perceptive fellow. Jaxon had remarkably keen hearing. They had discussed this at least ten paces away.
“Gilpien, handle the corpses and pick out anyone who’s likely to cause problems. We’ll take them to prison.”
They wouldn’t be left unchecked.
“Hmm, I should hand over a few guys.”
“And from now on, this guy is the guild leader. You can stay here. But if you try to set up another guild, we’ll meet again.”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
Gilpien habitually rubbed his bald head as he spoke.
“By the way, soldier…”
“What?”
“It seems like it’s best to disband. If we stay, we’ll all die.”
Die? Why?
Enkrid asked with his eyes.
Gilpien hesitated before explaining the situation so far. Most of them wouldn’t have known, but the dead guild leader was an agent working for Azpen. Not a spy, but an agent.
“There’s a regular check-up. If not for that, we would have disbanded long ago.”
Gilpien was no ordinary thief. Even if he seemed gentle and caring, he must have had his reasons to be where he was. The visitor was the problem.
“If the dead guy isn’t seen, there’ll be chaos. We were planning to sell the mansion and disappear.”
“How many come?”
“Just one. But it’s…”
“But it’s?”
“A Frog.”
A terrifying species known for their exceptional strength, superior to humans. Enkrid had once been kicked by a Frog and ended up in the medical tent.
“A Frog is coming?”
“Yes.”
What should he do?
Why would a Frog be overseeing a thieves’ guild in a remote city?
Frogs seen on the continent were recognized by the people. They were verified warriors. By the standards of Naurillia’s soldier ranking, they were at least Unique rank.
“What exactly is this place?”
“I don’t know the details. But every time he came, he gave us Krona as operating funds.”
He wasn’t taking money but giving it?
What on earth…
Enkrid couldn’t fathom the reason.
“That’s strange.”
Kraiss felt the same. The others were at a loss.
What to do now?
“We’re taking over the guild.”
Nothing changed. They still had time. The future would be considered later. Or they could disband when the time came.
Thus, they decided to take over the guild.
Gilpien had no objections. He was just relieved to be alive. Enkrid thought these thieves might agree now, but they could cause problems later.
Would such a group continue to obey?
It was now Kraiss’s responsibility. Since he took the lead, Enkrid would let him handle it.
“I’m taking this.”
Jaxon grabbed a few rings and jewelry, probably for a woman. Rem took a heated coat and hides for bedding, then inspected the vault’s contents. Ragna checked the collected swords, dismissing them all as trash. He showed no interest in the wealth. Audin was the same.
“They said wealth clouds vision.”
He only prayed. But he did honor Enkrid’s request.
“Open the vault.”
“Yes, brother.”
It was the dead guild leader’s vault. A solid lock with chains wrapped around it. Audin grabbed the lock.
Crrrrunch.
It was almost like a strongman show. He crushed the lock with his hands. Was that even possible?
“Damn, you’re strong.”
Rem was impressed.
With the lock broken, the chains were useless. What would’ve taken hours with a saw was done instantly. This was the strength of a squad member who could open locked doors with a knock. Enkrid was curious about the vault’s contents. He walked over quickly.
“Want to open it yourself?”
Rem asked Enkrid.
“Sure.”
He was genuinely curious. Approaching the vault, Enkrid asked,
“So, when is that Frog coming?”
Walking beside him, Gilpien answered.
“At the start of the first season. He comes once at the start of the seasons.”
Once in spring and once in autumn. They still had time. Enkrid nodded and stood before the vault.
What could be inside?
He was curious. He grabbed the latch and lifted it.
Creeeeak.
The rusty metal hinges squealed.
Thump.
The vault opened, the heavy lid swinging back with a metallic thud. The sound echoed faintly in Enkrid’s ears.
Thud. Thuuuuud. Thuuuuuuuud.
He couldn’t see it. He couldn’t touch it. But he felt something wrapping around him. He felt isolated from the world. Suddenly, everyone around him disappeared from sight. He tried to blink, but his body didn’t respond.
‘Huh?’
He tried to speak, but even that was impossible.
“What’s in there? Something good?”
Suddenly, Rem’s voice brought him back. Enkrid returned to normal. He blinked and opened his mouth. No problem.
“Didn’t you feel that?”
“You’ve always been weird, squad leader. I know that well.”
No one else seemed to feel it. Ignoring Rem’s nonsense, Enkrid decided it was a trick of his mind.
“Let’s see.”
He shook his head and looked inside the vault. There was a leather armor inside.
“What is this?”
Enkrid asked Gilpien.
“I don’t know. The dead guy treasured it.”
He pulled it out. It seemed special. Pressing it with his fingers, he felt its elasticity.
“It’s valuable leather. Take it, squad leader. Better than getting a hole in your gut.”
“Seems like a good piece.”
Kraiss inspected it. He had an eye for such things. They kept it. Good armor was more valuable than a weapon for a soldier.
“I’ll take this.”
No objections. They agreed Kraiss would handle the rest.
“Do you think the snow’s been cleared by now?”
Rem stepped forward. Enkrid looked outside, calculating the time. The snow hadn’t melted yet.
If they returned now, they’d likely spend the night shoveling snow. It wasn’t worth the hassle. Enkrid gathered the squad’s opinions.
“Our mission ends tomorrow morning.”
By then, there’d be no snow to clear.
“Fine. There’s still a lot to do here.”
Rem settled by the fireplace, agreeable. He was content with the heated hide and the fireplace’s warmth.
“Indeed, there’s much to do.”
Ragna sat opposite the fireplace.
“True. The divine message must be spread.”
Audin added.
“I’ll return in the morning.”
Jaxon requested individual action. No objections. They were in sync. If only they were like this all the time. Enkrid had thought this often during the mission.
“Squad leader.”
Kraiss called Enkrid, subtly giving a thumbs-up. A high praise.
“All squad members reporting back. Located and destroyed the thieves’ guild.”
Enkrid’s report made the company commander in a thick coat glance up. It was the officer’s private training ground. Despite two torch stands being lit, the day remained cold. The frozen ground made the company commander repeat.
“Destroyed?”
Did she know something?
Enkrid replied calmly.
“Yes, destroyed. We sorted those for prison and executed the rest.”
“I see.”
The company commander rotated her shoulders, as if warming up.
Did she really know something?
Enkrid couldn’t just say, ‘Kraiss took over the guild.’
“The treasure from the base was brought back.”
“Yes.”
Except for a few heated hides and some jewelry, everything was handed over to the unit. It was the right thing to do. Extra benefits from missions belonged to the unit. Taking a little was customary.
“You did well.”
The commander didn’t ask further. Instead, she looked into Enkrid’s blue eyes with her green ones and made an offer.
“A match?”
“…Pardon?”
“The Elf’s Sword. Want to experience it?”
“A duel?”
“I heard you never refuse.”
The Elf’s Sword was light but sharp.
It was a common saying. Enkrid had encountered Elf’s Swords before during his mercenary days. It wasn’t rare to meet elves.
But back then, his skills were poor.
Their keen senses made the Vallen Style useless, making it embarrassing to even call it a fight.
“Yes.”
A duel would be a valuable experience.
Recently, he’d thought,
‘The more I fight, the more I gain.’
Enkrid knew he lacked talent. Experience was crucial. It shone through when he faced a repetitive day. Even without that reason, he wouldn’t refuse. That’s who Enkrid was.
“Good.”
“Good. Come at me.”
The elf company commander drew her sword.
Ching.
Naidhl, the elf’s sword. It was a real duel. Enkrid drew his own sword.
Chang.
They crossed longsword and Naidhl once.
Ting.
Simultaneously, they stepped back two paces.
Enkrid was cautious. He remembered being defeated by an elf commander before. It was in the medical tent.
How different was he now?
He didn’t know. He would find out.