A Knight who Eternally Regresses - Chapter 75

Chapter 75: The Alluring Squad Leader

The flames on the candle holders which were scattered across the walls of the inn’s hall were only half-lit.

Since there were no guests, they might have been trying to save on candle costs. Thanks to the dim lighting, Enkrid’s shadow stretched long across the floor.

Throughout the night, he practiced Blade Sense. The quiet interior was filled with the sounds of the soldiers standing guard outside and the clinking of glasses from the person they were protecting.

He sharpened his senses and concentrated on listening. He could read the movements and count the number of people around him. He could even judge the distance by hearing the sounds of the nocturnal birds crying from afar.

As he did so, Enkrid continuously reflected on the range of his perception.

‘Within five steps,’ he thought.

He could sense even the slightest movement and hear the rustle of clothing. As he thought about it, he questioned himself.

‘Can I achieve this by relying solely on hearing?’

Before the attack, the elf company commander and Jaxon had predicted the ambush. How did they do that?

It couldn’t have been solely by relying on their ears. Enkrid figured he should ask Jaxon later. If there was something to learn, he wanted to learn it.

‘This time, it wasn’t the wall.’

Maybe he wouldn’t repeat the same mistakes today, but that didn’t mean he wanted to die deliberately to remain stuck in the same day.

Enkrid remained steadfast.

‘For tomorrow.’

He always kept moving forward. That drive kept him from being trapped in today.

Crack! Pop!

A log in the fireplace snapped, sending sparks flying.

In addition to recalling the battle, miscellaneous thoughts flitted through his mind. Enkrid sat with his chin resting on his hand, thinking about the people he had killed.

‘For the glory of the motherland.’

Was it the Azpen’s spy unit? What was the person who orchestrated this with so many people thinking?

What did they plan to do after causing such trouble within the Border Guard?

Would there be another attack?

Would they break through the forces of two squads? Would they send an assassin?

As he pondered, he realized that capturing the runaway might be easier than he thought. At that moment, Leona came downstairs.

“You’re up early,” she said.

“I’m on duty, so I switched shifts,” Enkrid replied.

“Ah, I see.”

Leona nodded and approached. The floor still bore the marks of the previous night. She seemed to be trying hard and acting nonchalant.

That would make her more conscious. Focusing on something else would be more comfortable. Enkrid knew that from experience.

“Is this your first time at the Border Guard?” he asked.

“Huh? Yes.”

But Big Eyes did say that this woman had an unusual personality. She seemed resolute, but she didn’t yet show the kind of madness Rem had.

‘No, I shouldn’t compare her to Rem.’

That would be disrespectful.

“There are many legends about the Pen-Hanil River. Do you know the story about a sword made from the river’s water?”

The tales of bards always stirred the heart. Enkrid had memorized a few of those stories. They were good for conversation and made the duty hours less tedious.

The story he was telling now was like idle chatter during duty. However, it would be a fresh tale for someone hearing it for the first time.

“Tell me,” Leona said, showing interest with a smile and a nod. Even though it was a trivial story, Leona listened with bright eyes. She responded with smiles and engaged at times.

“So, while it once became a trend to forge swords from river water, no swords that could summon the spirits living in the river were ever made, as the stories claimed.”

“You’re quite a storyteller.”

“I’m pretty good at it.”

Even Rem admitted that he couldn’t surpass Enkrid’s ability to provoke others with words. After all, he was the squad leader here.

As he nodded, Leona suddenly said,

“Will you come with me?”

Enkrid tilted his head and asked,

“Where to?”

She was still the escort target. Even though two squads’ forces had taken control of the inn following the attack within the Border Guard, and no one was inside, Enkrid’s mission wasn’t over yet.

There were still two days left so it was natural for him to follow her wherever she went.

“I mean, when we leave the Border Guard later, I’m inviting you to come along with me.”

It seemed like a sudden proposal, but it was prepared, with the nuance typical of those who had commanded many people. She sat quietly, opened her red lips, and said,

“Come.”

Her confidence suggested that the position she was offering was better. Leona genuinely thought so. What kind of place was the Rockfreed Trading Company?

It might lag behind the Rengadis Trading Company or other large trading companies, but it was influential in the region.

The trading company had ties with the ‘Shepherds of the Wilderness,’ located at the northernmost point of the Pen-Hanil River. They were a hunting group capable of capturing dragons if they were prepared. They also had ties with the ‘Black Leather Guild’ and the ‘Glacier Rangers’ who lived in the deep mountains, communing with nature.

These three were their key trading partners. Moreover, they had maps that incorporated the experiences of the previous generation, who had traveled across the continent of Pen-Hanil.

These were the Rockfreed trade routes. They were maps which recorded trade routes. These maps, which had the specialties of each trading company and the fastest routes in detail were treasures among treasures.

If someone were to steal them and sell them, they would have enough wealth to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.

Such was the allure of the Rockfreed Trading Company. Anyone would be tempted. More so, if one thought of it as their own, being of the previous generation’s bloodline.

That must have prompted the bold attack yesterday.

‘To draw a sword here first.’

That was why she was angry. Why did they choose now for such boldness? She wasn’t related by blood, but she was working hard to honor the last wishes of the previous head.

Why did the others ignore all that? If not for the last wishes of the previous head, she wouldn’t have come this far.

What were those last wishes?

“Before you kill or get killed, try to reach an agreement first. Can you do that for me, Leona?”

The previous head was someone who raised her like a daughter. Yet he was someone she couldn’t easily call “father.”

‘Both the trading company and the bloodline.’

It was a last wish, as neither could be given up. Leona understood the feelings of the previous head. The previous head had raised Leona to develop the Rockfreed Trading Company.

But he couldn’t simply abandon his bloodline. That’s why she was here. This was Naurillia’s Border Guard, chosen as the last place to talk without swords.

If not for the last wishes of the previous head, the succession competition would have ended long ago. And in that situation, an ambush had occurred. To draw a sword within the Border Guard?

‘Idiot.’

That was the end of her scattered thoughts. She noticed the man who had saved her during the crisis. The first thing that caught her eye were his lake-like eyes.

Those blue eyes. They were so captivating that they seemed magical. Black hair, blue eyes, a well-trained body and a handsome face. It was natural for her to feel interested.

‘He really has a great appearance.’

Moreover, he had impressive skills. He burst into the room and subdued the opponent in an instant. And what about his nature of not wanting anything in return?

After being rescued, when he mentioned “work,” Leona’s heart raced. It started from then. She desired him. She wanted to take him with her.

“I promise you a better position and better treatment than now.”

Enkrid didn’t have to think long. Hadn’t he already tried being an escort for a trading company? If his goal was only Krona,

‘That wouldn’t be bad.’

Living as a sword for a growing trading company wouldn’t be bad, but he had dreams, a path to follow, and even if it was slow, he was already on that path.

There was no room for distraction.

“I’m fine,” he replied.

He placed both hands on his thighs and straightened his posture. It was a firm response from a straight posture. When rejecting, it was best to do so clearly. Enkrid knew that from experience.

Leona’s pupils shook.

“Clinging to someone who says no is disgraceful.”

At some point, Jaxon’s voice was heard from behind.

“Indeed, it is disgraceful.”

The elf company commander’s words were heard as well.

“Is that so?”

Leona neither lashed out in anger nor showed any irritation or nerves. She just nodded calmly.

“You’re content with your current position.”

Not quite. He had to be here to see the path to advancement.

“*Sigh,* business is…”

The innkeeper, who had come out at some point, sighed deeply. The blue of dawn was gradually turning into the yellow light of daybreak. It was morning.

“The trading company will cover the losses,” Leona said again. It seemed like she had brought it up to get a clear answer from the start.

“Oh, if you’ll do that.”

The innkeeper rubbed his hands together and spoke. Leona nodded at the sight.

“Don’t worry. We’ll have guests arriving around noon, so please be prepared.”

“Understood.”

She seemed used to giving orders while seated. Soon, her nanny came downstairs. Leona said she would rest and left her seat.

Jaxon approached and spoke,

“There are many beautiful women in the city, so don’t mess with the successor of a trading company.”

I didn’t mess with her. I turned her down.

Enkrid had plenty of experience with women being attracted to him. After all, his face was what it was. Moreover, a well-trained body was a great tool for radiating charm in many ways.

“Enkrid, high-rank soldier.”

The company commander called out to him. Without approaching, she called him from her place with her usual posture and tone and then asked.

“Do you have a reputation for womanizing?”

“…No.”

“Do you flirt with every passing woman?”

“No.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Surely it was a joke. It was a joke, but her expression was incredibly serious, and her gaze was exceedingly calm. It made it difficult to deal with her.

‘I wish she’d stop now.’

“I see.”

The company commander nodded. Enkrid stepped outside to catch his breath. One of the soldiers from the Fourth Platoon of the 2nd Company acknowledged him.

“If you flirt with every passing woman, what happens to people like me?”

This, too, was a form of acknowledgment.

“Who?”

“First, the company commander, and then the lady from Rockfreed. Wow, you’re quite the alluring squad leader.”

The one expressing admiration was the Platoon Leader. Enkrid was familiar with him as well. He had been called out on various missions here and there, and on temporary duty many times.

“That’s not it.”

“Oh, it isn’t?”

“It’s not.”

“He says it isn’t.”

Several soldiers echoed his words. It was a chant. Perhaps they were bored, being dispatched to surround an inn in the city for no reason.

It made sense they would feel bored. There hadn’t been another attack afterward. There were no signs of one, either.

Yes, I understand they’re bored, but,

‘Still, I’m not thrilled they’re using me to pass the time.’

Rumors were always scary. Sure enough, soon enough, rumors spread again. Kraiss, who had come to the inn, said,

“Hey, didn’t the squad leader sleep with the company’s leader after just one day? How did you pull that off? Even for me, it’s not easy, and the lady from Rockfreed is known for her high standards. They say she’s got a prickly personality.”

“She’s not prickly.”

“Oh, she is.”

“If you’re here, do some work.”

“What?”

Enkrid assigned Kraiss some work instead of idle chatter. He didn’t even bother clarifying the misunderstanding. Kraiss knew and was teasing him.

“One of the attackers escaped. Find him.”

Enkrid was curious about the runaway’s whereabouts. The Azpen Duchy spy, who died on Enkrid’s sword, had cried for the glory of the motherland. But if the one who conspired all this survived, it wouldn’t be amusing.

‘They must pay the price for what they’ve done.’

It was the proper and righteous thing to do. It was good to say justice was alive. And soon, the order would come from the company to find him. Enkrid didn’t want to let him go.

If one had started something, one must take responsibility. Leaving all subordinates behind and fleeing?

Since he had revealed himself as a spy from the Azpen Duchy, there was no way to let him go alive.

“Understood.”

With the Thieves Guild present, they knew most of what happened within the city. It was an advantage. Finding one person shouldn’t be too difficult.

‘Krona keeps coming in, too.’

This time, he considered buying a good shortsword or a guard sword with the money he earned. He liked the guard sword when he used it last time.

Ragna had recommended using a shield, but it didn’t come easily to him. If necessary, he would learn, but if his strength was his specialty among his abilities,

“It’s better to wield a sword with both hands. But in battle, having a shield is beneficial.”

That’s what Ragna said.

As a light infantryman, he knew how to handle a shield to a certain extent. What is the purpose of the army?

It was a place where the strength of many, standardized, was seen as superior to a single outstanding individual. It was common sense that a standardized squad was stronger than a squad with two exceptional swordsmen mixed in.

Part of the standardized training included group formation training which in turn involved handling shields. Though his squad members skimped on it, Enkrid diligently learned that as well. It was just that he wasn’t improving easily.

‘It doesn’t come naturally.’

Those were his thoughts every time he held a shield. Like Ragna said, wielding a sword with both hands felt more like a well-fitted garment.

Whether to use a shield or not.

If he became someone who could break the rule of standardized many, it wouldn’t be a significant concern.

Shortly after Kraiss left, a man with mischievous cheeks and a group of ten soldiers arrived. One of the escorts stood out. He had narrow eyes and drooping arms. He wore a thin, long rapier at his waist.

‘He looks like he’d be fast.’

That was the feeling he got immediately. The opponent didn’t hide himself. It seemed like an expression of confidence.

‘I use a fast sword. But knowing that doesn’t mean you can block it.’

His posture and attitude seemed to say that. The man with cheeks filled with mischief was named Polid. He was Leona’s rival in the succession race. As soon as he entered, he took a table, sat down, and said,

“Hey, bring Leona here.”

The one addressed as “hey” was Jaxon.

Naturally, Jaxon ignored him.