"Well, since you are determined to become my squire, let's start with sword training. Lord Blackhammer doesn't need an Orion boy who can only hunt."
Rod was joking.
"I will, I will practice until I am the best. I promise!"
Talinnam said seriously.
"Virgil..."
In the soft snow, Rhodes summoned Virgil.
"This is my best knight, Vergil. You can learn from him. Becoming my squire is not easy. It requires a certain foundation and talent, as well as a period of training. Work hard, young man. I believe in you.
OK."
Rhodes smiled and handed the young soldier over to his chief knight.
…
A few days later, Baron Aubrey of Iron Ring City sent an invitation letter. The letter briefly stated the reason for inviting Rhodes to the banquet - his eldest son Dean Aubrey was getting married.
The daughter of Earl Cyrel, Lord of Watchfort. The wedding and wedding banquet will be held in the Iron Ring City.
Iron Ring City and Black Hammer Castle are recent allies, and it is normal for Aubrey to invite Rhodes to come and support him. Of course, Rhodes knows that from the perspective of the old city lord, Black Hammer Castle still does not count in his eyes.
What? Even though Blackhammer Castle has developed rapidly during this period, it is still less than one-third of the size of Iron Ring City, not to mention that this time his son married the daughter of the Watcher Lord...
Watch Keep is the largest castle in the entire North. At the same time, it is also the wealthiest place in the entire North. It has a permanent army of more than 3,000 people with very sophisticated weapons and equipment. Aubrey's son married the daughter of the Lord of Watch Keep.
, which is equivalent to forming an alliance with it. At this point, no one dares to look down on his status in the Iron Ring City.
Rhodes didn't want to go to such an occasion. When he got there, he would mostly listen to the bragging of knights and nobles, fight with each other, drink and play with their daughters. Black Hammer Castle is so comfortable, with natural hot springs, and two beauties who come in and out of the castle every day, watching
They all have good eyesight. But there is no other way. Out of politeness, I have to go.
Taking his squire and ranger Lawrence with him, Rhodes set out in a hurry.
Iron Ring City is still the same. Here, it still stays in the festive and peaceful atmosphere half a year ago. Blackhammer Castle blocked the invasion of beastmen, werewolves, and even Norscans for them, making the entire northern and western territories still look like they are in a state of chaos.
In peace. Only those who have personally participated in those battles know that there has never been peace in the North...
When he came to Iron Ring City, to Rhode's surprise, many people still remembered him. Last winter, he showed off his skills in the Order Arena and defeated the arena's winningest champion. Many people still remember the scene that day.
So when Lot arrived at the foot of the statue of Esun, many women and men gathered around and rubbed Lot's muscles for blessings.
This is a strange place. The arena was not originally a specialty of Mrs. Kislev, but this sport is extremely popular here. Probably because the people of the north still have combative blood flowing in their bodies, Rhodes guessed...
"Ah, Rod, my old friend, I finally see you again."
After passing a corner and preparing to enter the castle gate, a group of guards from the Iron Ring City walked towards him. Among the guards was a dwarf who was less than half the height of a normal person. That face would never be forgotten by Rhodes.
, that is Alvis, the younger brother of Lord Aubrey of Iron Ring City.
He had planned the dispatch of troops to Iron Ring City. Otherwise, with Lord Aubrey's temper, he would never have cared about outside affairs.
"You still seem to be in good spirits. Are you here to greet me?"
Rhodes laughed.
"Of course, when the great hero comes, there is no reason not to welcome him."
Alves answered with a loud laugh. Of course, Rod knew that this was also a joke.
"I heard that Aubrey is marrying the daughter of Count Hillel, the lord of Watchfort this time. It looks very grand."
"A fat and fat girl." Alvis whispered as he walked side by side with Rhodes in the castle. He blinked and continued - "Put this matter aside for now, and wait until the banquet starts.
You will see it later. What I want to tell you is about Erengrad."
"Erengrad?"
Rhodes asked curiously.
Erengrad is the largest port city in the north of Kislev. Its history can be traced back to the mythical age. It is said to be the farthest trading post of the Elf Empire in the north. After the elves were divided, this trading post was abandoned.
The local Ugor people built the largest city in the north at the time on the site. Much later, the ancient Spada people (ancestors of the Kislevites) who fled from the east conquered the area and changed it to its current name.
This historic city is located at the mouth of the Usko River and is the starting point for the Kingdom of Kislev to travel to other areas of the Old World. Its trade prosperity is unmatched by any city in the north. It can be said that it is the Kingdom of Kislev
An economic center in the north.
Rhodes didn't know what Alves was going to say to him, but things about Erlengrad were no small matter.
"Yes, I don't know if you have heard, but recently, many strange things have happened in the city of Erengrad."
Alves said, looking around, and then brought Rhodes to his office, pretending to catch up with old friends.
"I didn't hear...what happened there?"
Rhodes asked. He knew that every time this little man came to see him, he always had something important to discuss. He was the shortest man in the entire Iron Ring City, but he was also the man who could see things most clearly in the entire Iron Ring City.
"People are dead. And a lot of them are dead. It is said that blood-sucking creatures are infested, killing civilians. Moreover, they were bitten to death in the downtown area."
Alves said, walked straight to the wine cabinet, stood on tiptoes, and took down a bottle of red wine and two wine glasses.
"Vampire? Is it a vampire?"
Rhodes asked. The soundproofing effect of this room is very good. As long as the door is closed, Rhodes can hardly hear the movement outside. This allows them to talk freely without worrying about the ears on the partition wall.
"I'm not sure, but I don't think so. Vampires have existed in this world for a long time. They hide very well. Even if they suck blood, they always look for hidden corners. They won't kill people in downtown areas like this. You should know,
No vampire wants to get into trouble."
Alves said.
"If it's not a vampire, what is it?"
"I don't know, but the problem seems to be quite big. Many people are trembling with fear from the vampire monsters lurking in the dark, and the city officials seem to be running around anxiously. I estimate that the Queen will take action soon."
Alves continued -
"This matter can't be hidden for long. If the vampire thing is not solved, someone will probably leave the city soon. I always have a feeling. This will be a disaster. Perhaps, the seriousness of the problem will be far away.