Chapter 217: Intermission

“Now, we need to decide who to bring along next.”

“Yes.”

From Josel’s perspective, Gerhardt was the strongest swordsman in the count’s territory. A former adventurer, even in his mid-sixties, his physique showed no signs of decline. He boasted that he was currently in his prime.

In actual combat, the nature of weapons could influence the outcome, but in a pure swordsmanship duel, Josel and Hero Ricardo wouldn’t be able to match him. However, venturing into the bandits’ lair with just the two of them was too unsettling. Despite being both a master of enchantments and swordsmanship, they couldn’t entirely delegate the task to Gerhardt just because he volunteered.

“So, are we relying on Lutz again this time?”

With a slightly mischievous smile, Gerhardt asked, and Josel quietly shook his head.

“Whether it’s this incident or the previous monster subjugation, in other words, relying on someone who shouldn’t be relied upon has been the result. To consider the future of the count’s territory and the maintenance of public order, it would be better to refrain from dragging him onto the battlefield.”

“Hmm, I see.”

Gerhardt was impressed and pleased that Josel had a well-thought-out opinion. Watching a young man grow was enjoyable, especially when that young man was his disciple.

Although Josel was over thirty, being called a young man might have been a bit misleading, but from Gerhardt’s perspective, anyone under fifty was a child.

“However, as a duty of good-hearted ordinary citizens, let’s ask for at least one favor.”

“A fa-favor…? Oh, well, as a good-hearted person. What do you intend to ask him for?”

Both Josel and Gerhardt already possessed renowned swords. The enemies were ordinary humans, and they weren’t opponents who couldn’t be defeated with special weapons like the Flame Demon. What cooperation did they need from the blacksmith besides forging a sword?

“I want him to write a letter of introduction.”

“Asking a man who isn’t even a formal noble for a letter of introduction. Well, he might have a broader network than both you and me. So, who are you planning to involve?”

“Former knight. Since the site of the attack is close to the baron’s territory, I thought it would be a good opportunity to have him help.”

“Hmm, you, who dislike the knight order, are quite highly evaluating him.”

“He’s quite skilled, and he doesn’t lack courage and a sense of justice.”

The two were discussing a man who had killed two knights, deserted the knight order, and was currently working as an adventurer in the neighboring baron’s territory.

To atone for past sins, he had accepted a dangerously challenging job of defeating a giant orc, and to rescue hostages, he had leaped into the flames. Josel, who hadn’t judged the sins of his former subordinate within the baron’s territory, had let go of his past misdeeds.

However, this time, the incident was caused by the negligence of the knight order. It wouldn’t hurt to ask for his assistance in cleaning up the mess.

Josel held Donald, the former knight who had boldly plunged into a burning shed, in high regard. He didn’t say it in front of him, but at that moment, he had felt a deep sense of admiration. He and Lutz had dragged the fallen Donald near the exit, with his singed hair, making it a memorable experience.

“So, if we establish the Second Knight Order, do you plan to bring him in too?”

“I’d like to, but I doubt he’ll agree.”

“Well, maybe the atmosphere is too uncomfortable for him.”

Gerhardt laughed and nodded. It seemed there was no objection to involving Donald.

“Also, let’s bring Ricardo along. Since he’s an adventurer employed by the count, it shouldn’t be a problem to call him in times like these.”

Hero Ricardo’s enchanted sword Tsubaki forced anyone within a radius of five meters to commit suicide. He would be genuinely reliable in bandit subjugation. Just letting that human weapon charge in alone might be enough to finish the job.

Unfortunately, Gerhardt shook his head.

“He set out on a monster extermination just the other day. The earliest he might return is in ten days, and it could take up to a month. What will you do, wait for his return?”

A month, that much time might result in more victims. It was concerning that Ricardo wasn’t around, but they couldn’t afford to wait leisurely.

“No, let’s go. Leave a message for Ricardo to come if he can when you meet him.”

“Understood. I’ll report to the count and prepare for the subjugation. You, ask Lutz about the introduction letter. Well then, departure will be in three days or so.”

“Three days…”

“You seem to have a face that says you want to leave right away. Hmph, with that haggard look, you might collapse on the way. Rest a bit; it’s also time for that.”

However, just as he was about to say that, Gerhardt glared at him. Normally a carefree old man, when he made his gaze intense, it was powerful enough to make even a high-ranking knight flinch.

“The person who brought up the conversation becoming a hindrance… What’s the point in that? Rest. Just rest for three days; cool your head during that time.”

“Yes…”

I’m calm; I’m not even tired. If I think about that old man’s feelings, I can’t afford to leisurely rest. That’s what I wanted to argue, but if I said it out loud, it seemed like Gerhardt would truly abandon me. His words carried an irresistible force.

Josel stood up, bowed, and left the workshop. He thought he closed the door slowly, but the sound of it closing echoed unusually loud.

Walking heavily down the corridor, he suddenly glanced at the window. Josel’s shoulders twitched, and he took a step back.

“What is this…”

Once again, now more composed, he peered into the window. There was an undead. Cheeks gaunt, eyes sunken. Since it was reflected in the window, it wasn’t easy to discern the complexion, but judging by the appearance, it seemed to be in quite a terrible state.

“This is me…?”

Josel muttered in self-deprecation. He couldn’t believe that this thing was his face; he didn’t want to believe it.

It was only natural that Gerhardt had strongly advised him to rest. To save others, one must first pay attention to one’s own health. If he collapsed on the way, he wouldn’t be able to do anything in the end. There are times when you must rest, even if you have to force yourself.

“Alright, I’ll rest!”

Determined to rest, he gathered his spirits, tensed his stomach, and started walking.

In other words, Josel was that kind of man.

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