How to Live as a Genius Knight in a Fantasy World

61.

“It seems we are to subjugate the early mountain monsters.”

The sudden statement didn’t surprise anyone in the study.

Subjugating the mountains was customary once a year.

It had been a year since the last subjugation, which coincided with Rohan’s training of new soldiers, making it an appropriate time.

However, not everyone was in favor of the subjugation.

“Viscount, while the subjugation is indeed necessary… isn’t the number of soldiers insufficient?”

“At the very least, we could wait until the new soldiers finish their training…”

The opposing opinion came from the attendants who followed the Viscount.

It wasn’t that they bore ill will towards the Viscount; they were simply aware of the danger involved in subjugating the mountains, having lived as Ezel’s attendants for many years.

With news of recruiting new soldiers spreading to each village, their suggestion was to delay the subjugation to increase the military’s strength.

However, having spent his whole life in Ezel, the Viscount had not overlooked this aspect.

“While it’s true that we lack manpower, we can’t postpone the subjugation any longer. A village near the mountains has already suffered. Though it’s a small village, the damage is nearly catastrophic. We can’t leave it unattended.”

“But if we further deplete the soldiers here, maintaining security will become challenging.”

At the worried question from the attendant, the Viscount chuckled calmly.

“There will be no shortage of manpower. I intend to send Rohan on this subjugation.”

At the Viscount’s words, a subtle expression crossed the attendants’ faces.

It had been a month since the Viscount and the soldiers had returned to Ezel.

The story about Rohan’s dancing spread by the survivors made the Ezell Castle lively, and even the spirits had heard the rumors long ago.

However, no one among them took the rumors seriously.

It was simply unbelievable that he had reached the rank of a senior knight at the young age of just sixteen.

They thought it was merely a misunderstanding due to the soldiers’ lack of insight.

Since the Viscount had not given any special attention, it was natural for them not to have a precise understanding of Rohan’s status.

As one of the spirits cautiously probed Rohan’s reaction, he asked carefully, “Is it true that Sir Rohan’s dancing… is so remarkable?”

At the spirit’s question, the Viscount made a bewildered expression.

“No, haven’t you heard the rumors? Everyone in the Marquisate knows how Rohan distinguished himself at the White Castle.”

“I have heard, but… are you saying all the rumors are true?”

At the spirit’s inquiry, the Viscount seemed to realize his mistake, furrowing his brow.

Upon reflection, he realized that he had never officially acknowledged Rohan’s achievements, only discussing his feats in dancing at family meals.

‘I made a mistake. Who knows how delayed the commendation will be; I should have informed the country of Rohan’s deeds.’

It was never the case that the Viscount had forgotten or taken lightly Rohan’s achievements.

It was just that when he had arrived at Ezell, there were too many issues to address, and later, as rumors spread widely, he did not feel the need to announce it.

Although he worried if Rohan might be offended, he seemed not to be greatly concerned.

If it had been another knight, it would not have been strange to feel greatly disappointed, but Rohan was truly an outstanding disciple.

With a secretly relieved sigh, the Viscount belatedly acknowledged Rohan’s deeds.

“It’s all true. Rohan fought against the Death Knights at the White Castle, defeated the Corpse Dragon, and rose to the rank of a senior knight. Without Rohan’s actions, I might not have returned alive.”

At the Viscount’s words, astonishment spread across the spirits’ faces.

They had never imagined that the rumors circulating from ignorant mouths could be true.

But the Viscount’s affirmation was beyond doubt.

Eyes filled with amazement were directed towards Rohan.

“You are truly remarkable, Sir Rohan.”

“I was blind. To have such a remarkable knight by my side and yet be unaware.”

The spirits, now composed, expressed belated admiration, and Rohan, who had become the center of attention, greeted them with a smile mixed with embarrassment.

After Rohan’s deeds were firmly established, there were no longer any opposing voices.

Though called a punitive expedition, it was merely clearing the entrance to the mountain range.

For ordinary knights, it was challenging to swiftly adapt to sudden variables, requiring them to prepare for potential losses in manpower. However, if a senior knight took the lead, the situation would be entirely different.

In the end, the Viscount’s opinion was accepted without any objections, and the subsequent meeting concluded with discussions on the timing of the expedition and the size of the forces to be mobilized.

After the meeting, Rohan, who had a brief conversation with the Viscount, returned to his room.

After changing into comfortable clothes, Rohan, sitting in a chair, muttered softly, “There’s no need to be so apologetic.”

What had he received from the Viscount? Would he resent him for that?

Leading the punitive force was also readily accepted.

In truth, it was embarrassing to claim that he had completely reached the rank of a senior knight, but Rohan possessed a strength different from that of ordinary knights.

He had even considered practicing swordsmanship for the soldiers; could he not handle one expedition?

Moreover, no matter how strong he had become, Rohan was still just a knight of Ezell.

He had never once thought of defying the Viscount’s orders and shirking his duty.

The agreed-upon timing for the punitive expedition through the meeting was a month and a half later.

The goal was to tidy up the monsters before the farming officially began.

After marking the date on a rough paper-made calendar, I opened the status window that I started to check more often these days.

Just as the battles of the dark wizards intensified, Rohan also grew significantly.

The proficiency of the ezel household martial arts, which had not been rising, had all reached the 60% range.

Now, it could truly be said that Rohan had completely surpassed the level of the Ezel Viscount.

It was an achievement that could be considered a significant development, but what Rohan was most diligently observing lately were other skills.

The devastating blow of the Warrior King, which had reached a proficiency of 98%, and the whip technique recently learned in the stable.

Rohan’s gaze was fixed on these two skills without moving.

“There’s really not much time left now.”

Over the past month, Rohan had been leading a truly busy life.

Passing down the swordsmanship to the Viscount, sporadic dates with Sophia, practicing swordsmanship with Arghan whose level had not yet stabilized, and even socializing with soldiers including Chris.

Despite all that, Rohan never skipped a day of training.

The fruits of such efforts were the number 2 next to the feather in the status window and the proficiency of the two skills advancing towards completion.

He had successfully filled the proficiency of axe and mace techniques from Tigrune to Viscount Frederick’s estate all the way to 100%.

Now, all that remained was 2% proficiency in the devastating blow of the Warrior King and 23% proficiency in the whip technique.

Rohan’s eyes sparkled with the imagination of acquiring new skills.

Three days later.

Rohan hurriedly entered his room, a smile on his face as he opened the status window.

“Finally, I finally gathered them all.”

Next to the feather icon clearly displayed in the top right of the status window was an x4 mark, making Rohan’s heart race with excitement.

He pressed the feather icon after a long time to open the skill synthesis window and designated the skills he had thought of in advance.

“One is definitely the devastating blow of the Warrior King. The other is the ancient warrior’s swordsmanship.”

Since Rohan’s main skill was firmly swordsmanship, he decided on a combination that would increase the chances of getting a skill related to the sword.

Even though it wasn’t his first time, the R-grade skill synthesis still made Rohan nervous.

With trembling fingers, Rohan pressed the synthesis button, and the synthesis window, which had been shrouded in darkness, finally revealed the result.

“…Huh?”

Rohan, with a trembling heart, checked the skill and his eyes widened, his finger hovering over the skill on the status window froze.

After scanning the short skill names several times, Rohan’s forehead, filled with bewilderment, was struck by the anticipated pain.

As the intense pain passed, a sense of disappointment mixed with emptiness flowed from Rohan’s mouth as he finally realized reality.

“No, darn it…”

The reason for Rohan’s intense reaction was naturally because he was not satisfied with the result.

– Old Sorcerer’s Swordsmanship (R) / 30%

Even though he had synthesized two R-grade skills, a skill of the same grade had emerged.

The failure he experienced shortly after obtaining the status window had reappeared in the synthesis of high-grade skills once again.

The time he had spent striving for the feathers flashed before his eyes like a panorama, and Rohan felt a great anger rising within him.

“Sigh…”

Suppressing the anger that surged up like a fit, Rohan took a deep breath.

There was no point in getting angry; it wouldn’t change anything.

Instead of shouting or breaking something, Rohan, who activated the meditation skill after a long time, closed his eyes tightly.

After a long time passed, Rohan, who had finally calmed his mind, opened his eyes and thought.

‘I already knew that synthesis might fail. I’ve been lucky so far.’

Moreover, even though it’s a Grade R skill, since it’s a skill related to swords, it was worth training.

‘Yes, just increasing the power of swordsmanship would have a good effect.’

The additional effect attached to the swordsmanship of a skilled ancient warrior increases the power of all attacks with a sword by 30%.

Since they are of the same grade, the range of the additional effect would be similar, so it was clear that building up expertise would be quite helpful.

Even though Rohan tried to comfort himself, he couldn’t help feeling drained.

Despite wanting to throw himself onto the bed in his gloomy mood, he couldn’t even do that because his sweaty body wouldn’t allow it.

‘Let’s at least wash up.’

Since he felt like he wouldn’t have the heart to start training again today, he headed out of the room to wash up.

Approaching as if a maid was waiting, she cautiously asked a question.

“Lord Rohan, a soldier has requested to see you… would that be alright?”

For a regular knight, such a request would naturally be discomforting.

Given the difference in status, a soldier couldn’t just summon a knight like that.

The maid’s particularly cautious attitude was also due to this.

But Rohan was slightly different from an ordinary knight.

Since he had first held a weapon as a soldier, he had formed quite a few friendships.

And the person who wanted to meet Rohan today, Chris, was probably the closest among them.

At the earnest request of the only remaining comrade, Rohan’s darkened face slightly brightened.

After setting aside the clothes he had prepared for bathing, he made his way to the main hall.

As if waiting for Rohan, Chris greeted him with his characteristic sunny smile.

Though young, Chris had experienced the harsh battlefield as a soldier, witnessing things unimaginable to others.

Yet, he still retained the pure heart of a boy, which Rohan found fascinating every time he saw it.

“Sir Rohan!”

“Chris, what’s the matter? No, come over here first.”

Leading Chris into the garden, Rohan prompted him to speak.

“What’s wrong? Oh, speak freely. That’s why you came here, right.”

Upon Rohan’s words, Chris, who had hesitated for a moment, finally spoke.

“Rohan, I want to quit being a soldier.”

Surprised by Chris’s sudden declaration, Rohan’s expression showed astonishment.

“Why? You’ve been doing well so far. You’ve endured major battles… and besides, there’s still a lot of time left in your service period, hasn’t it?”

While Rohan had naturally been liberated by becoming a knight, for Chris, who had only recently become a soldier, leaving service at will was impossible.

In response to Rohan’s question, Chris smiled sheepishly and replied.

“Oh, that… it’s sorted out. I told Argen, and he took some measures. Going to the Viscount’s estate turned out to be a big help.”

Argen, who was satisfied with his position as a captain as he hadn’t yet received a knighthood, seemed to have greatly assisted Chris in his discharge.

“What? So, does that mean it’s already decided?”

Feeling bewildered, Rohan’s tone rose slightly, but Chris just looked apologetic without offering any further response.

“Well, then, what do you plan to do after leaving the army?”

Having fought on the battlefield as a soldier, Chris’s prowess was undoubtedly exceptional compared to ordinary people.

But this was a world where superhumans existed, and all sorts of monsters roamed.

With that level of power, it was impossible to leave the group and maintain a stable livelihood.

“Seems like there’s no other way…”

To Rohan’s question, Chris smiled and spoke.

“I thought I’d try my hand at being a mercenary. Honestly, I felt stifled being a soldier. I wanted to see a different world.”

“What? You’re quitting for that reason?”

“I know it seems impulsive. But if I don’t do it now, when will I? My mother goes crazy every time I come home, telling me to get married.”

“Hmm…”

At Chris’s reply, Rohan let out a sigh.

No matter how close they were as friends, Rohan had no right to interfere in Chris’s life.

But because he genuinely worried, it was difficult to offer words of encouragement hastily.

Seemingly unaware of Rohan’s complex feelings, Chris continued speaking.

“Also, it’s because of this.”

Rohan’s expression stiffened as he saw the dagger Chris pulled from his bosom.

When heading towards Viscount Frederick’s estate, he had taught Chris knife skills.

The dagger Chris now held was the one given to him back then.

“Why this?”

“I’ve been practicing all this time, and surprisingly, knife skills suit me well. But how often do you get to throw a knife working as a soldier?”

At Chris’s response, Rohan inwardly sighed.

He felt that his amateurish teaching of knife skills had led Chris to make an unnecessary decision.

He never expected that a mere N-grade skill would cause such a dilemma.

Despite Rohan’s stern expression, Chris continued cheerfully speaking.

An overflowing story full of dreams and hopes poured out of his mouth, and the more he spoke, the more Rohan’s expression clouded.

‘Should I stop him by force…’

Throughout Chris’s chatter, Rohan’s inner conflict persisted, but in the end, he didn’t hold Chris back.

Chris’s sparkling eyes revealed how much he anticipated the new journey.

If he were to block Chris’s choice using his power or status, it would be difficult to remain good friends like they were now.

Ultimately, instead of expressing his frustration, Rohan bid Chris farewell.

All he could do was wish for Chris’s safety and take care of his family.

Encouraged by Rohan, Chris also left the estate with a smile.

“Sigh…”

Alone in the spot where Chris had left, Rohan let out a deep sigh.

‘Perhaps today is just not my day.’

Standing absentmindedly for a while, Rohan eventually moved towards the estate with weary steps.