A Knight Who Eternally Regresses - Chapter 332

Chapter 332: CHAPTER 330
‘This guy is a lunatic.’

Kin instantly read the madness hidden behind Encrid’s facade.

Regardless of his appearance or skills, there was something deeply wrong with his character.

She immediately grasped the essence of Encrid.

Kin had honed her ability to assess people while handling external matters for the Visar family.

And that skill was now shining brightly.

‘A madman!’

What if the Count accuses him of insulting nobility right now?

Or worse, what if he returns home and raises an army because he’s offended?

Even in the Central Government, the Count was a troublesome figure.

It was known that he had several Knights of considerable skill under his command.

No one even knew the full extent of his actual strength.

Kin couldn’t help but wonder why he had been lying low, biding his time until now.

She swallowed hard and watched the Count’s lips, waiting for his response.

Meanwhile, Encrid remained composed.

‘He talks so well.’

People killed by monsters?

People slain by beasts?

Those left behind?

Does a man who claims to care about these things send no reinforcements and simply turn away?

No, this is the same man who ignored even his own family.

Is Edin Molsen some child he picked up off the streets?

Otherwise, why has his name barely ever been mentioned?

Edin Molsen even expressed a desire to be dispatched to the Green Pearl garrison upon hearing that his father had arrived.

That was exceedingly strange behavior.

‘He used sparring with me as an excuse to stay here.’

At some point, he stopped sparring altogether, gradually withdrawing, and now he’s abandoned even his public excuses and simply fled.

Though Krais had said something when he arrived.

“He’s a scary man. Well, just looking at him gives that impression. But what’s scarier is that he’s willing to cast aside his own son.”

Encrid now trusted his instincts more.

Those instincts were telling him that there was a winged chimera sitting right in front of him, one that had swallowed dozens of snakes.

In other words, what he saw now was a facade.

The mask was flashy, but seeing through it only made it all the more revolting.

“Is it not working?”

The Count’s demeanor changed quickly.

He didn’t get angry.

Instead, he responded like a merchant from the marketplace, causing the atmosphere to become slippery and uncertain.

“It’s not working.”

“I heard you fought spectacularly while saving a child? That if you hadn’t stepped up, our losses would have been greater, and that you later crossed the battlefield, risking your life?”

It wasn’t entirely false, but there were plenty of details he could correct if he wanted to.

However, Encrid didn’t bother.

What’s the point of discussing it at length?

“Yes, that’s what they say.”

“You speak as if it’s someone else’s story.”

“I’m still recovering from battle fatigue and haven’t had time to think.”

Of course, that was nonsense.

He had made two nobles, one of whom was the head of a family, wait two days while he was off in his own world.

What battle fatigue could he possibly be talking about?

“Did you see my guard?”

“I did.”

“What do you think would happen if you fought him?”

Encrid paused to think.

Honestly, the moment he saw the guard, he wanted to face him.

But now wasn’t the time.

He shouldn’t.

If he fought now, he might unintentionally kill the guard.

Unless his opponent was significantly weaker or had superior skills, there was a chance he could die.

Encrid couldn’t control his strength properly at the moment.

“I don’t know.”

“You’re no fun.”

“Would it be fun if I assured you that I’d win?”

“That would make it exciting.”

Behind the Count stood his usual guard.

It was clear that the guard was listening to their exchange.

The Count was speaking loudly enough for him to hear.

In other words, it was a provocation.

The guard didn’t bother to hide his hostility.

He stared at Encrid with eyes that said, ‘If you come at me, I’ll crush you in an instant.’

Encrid cleanly ignored him.

Normally, he wouldn’t avoid a fight—he’d jump in right away. But this time, he did?

Anyone who knew Encrid might start to worry if he had a fever.

“Then, I’ll just be the boring guy.”

“I see. It’ll be troublesome for you after I leave. Will you be alright?”

“I’ll be fine.”

The corners of the Count’s lips lifted even more as he watched.

“It was a needless worry. Hahaha.”

The Count laughed heartily and stood up.

The guard, seeing the Count’s movement, immediately withdrew his hostility.

He stepped aside, waiting for his master to pass.

Watching them, Encrid thought the guard was no different from a loyal dog.

Does he get his treats on time?

Is he taken for walks regularly?

Who knows?

“My offer still stands. If you ever feel like it’s not too late, you’re always welcome.”

The Count said as he turned to leave.

“Yes.”

“Take care of my son and daughter, will you? It seems they both want to leave my protection.”

The Count was a meticulous man. If he wanted to bring Edin Molsen back, he could do so at any time.

And he didn’t hesitate to mention the presence of his daughter, disguised as a man, whom Edin had brought along.

Of course, Encrid was already aware of this.

Anyone sharp would have noticed by now.

Surely, all the members of his unit knew.

“Take care. I won’t be going far.”

After making them wait two days, he had the nerve to say he wasn’t going far.

Graham, the Lord of the castle, stepped outside to see the Count off as per his request.

“Your Excellency, Count.”

“Isn’t that the Captain of your company? He’s quite cheeky. How about we take care of him with a quick hanging?”

Even as he walked away, the Count threw out a joke.

Graham, sweating profusely, responded.

“If you hang Captain Encrid of the Independent Company, I’ll be stoned to death by the citizens.”

He was saying that the city had made him a hero.

Hearing this, the Count burst into laughter once again.

He spoke with his hearty laugh.

“It’s just a joke.”

But was it really just a joke?

Encrid watched the Count depart with his eyes.

Soon, the door to the drawing room closed.

The soldiers standing guard outside stood as if they saw and heard nothing.

Getting involved in such matters would cost them more lives than they had.

“Are you crazy?”

At last, Kin spoke.

She had been holding her breath, watching the heated exchange unfold.

“I hear that often.”

Encrid still seemed calm.

“No, but if you do things like that…”

She must have been too shocked to continue. After all, she wasn’t stupid—she had made it this far.

Encrid’s eyes landed on the leftover refreshments in the drawing room. He popped one into his mouth.

He was hungry.

Hadn’t he just gone two days without eating?

Munching on the cookie, Encrid spoke.

“So, did you hand over the Border Guard to the Count’s domain?”

“That’s ridiculous.”

Kin was there to make sure neither Encrid nor the Lord of the castle was swayed.

She was also acting as a warning from the Marquis of Visar.

“If you’re going to tell him to step down anyway, the Count won’t care whether it’s said politely or harshly.”

Kin understood.

Count Molsen was like a loaded crossbow—ready to fire at any moment.

If things went awry, that crossbow’s bolt could end up pointed at the Royal Palace, which made him a dangerous figure.

It wasn’t an option to deal with him immediately, as his strength was formidable, and the central power wasn’t united enough to handle it.

At this rate, no one would be surprised if the Kingdom split in two.

Kin pushed aside her distracting thoughts and looked again at the madman known as Encrid.

His words contained a blind spot.

Knowing something and acting on it were entirely different matters.

This man was not normal. That much was clear to her.

“You’ve got guts.”

That was Kin’s evaluation.

“Are you going to stay and help sort out these annoying problems?”

Once again, Encrid cut straight to the point.

Kin shook her head.

“Now that the Count has left, we can’t stay here. It’ll cause more issues.”

If rumors spread that the Marquis of Visar had his eyes on this place, it could harm their standing in the Central Government.

Marcus hadn’t gone to the Capital without reason—he had to consider the political position of his family.

Of course, he couldn’t afford to be falsely accused of rebellion either.

That’s why people had been impressed by the leader of the Black Blade Bandits when he had taken down Marcus so effortlessly.

When it came to cunning, he was on par with Krais.

“So.”

“Are you telling me to leave immediately?”

Kin asked in disbelief.

Did this guy realize she had waited here for two days?

Moreover, didn’t people usually turn their heads to look at her?

If she was lucky, they’d only look once, but often men and women alike couldn’t help but turn multiple times.

The name ‘Kin Visar’ was known even in the Capital as a beauty.

How many young men had shed tears and pined for her in agony when she traveled away for work?

But this guy?

He was so refreshingly indifferent.

“Do you have something urgent to do? Didn’t you say it was troublesome for you?”

He was right.

Kin stood up.

She had to go.

It was time to leave.

There was no point in staying longer.

Still, couldn’t she stay for one more day?

As she stood, her guard came close and whispered to her.

“He’s an unusual man.”

Her guard had somehow cast a spell in her eyes. The two were as close as sisters.

“He’s a madman.”

Kin muttered as she took her first step.

So this was how the Squad Leader of Enchantment made his first impression?

If that was the case, it was an effective approach.

Though she wasn’t sure what to think of him as a man, her interest was definitely piqued.

‘He’s unusual.’

“Well then.”

Encrid repeated the same words.

Was he telling her to leave already?

Kin felt a wave of irritation but forced herself to ignore it and began walking.

A brief farewell followed.

Once Kin left, she saw a bunch of nobodies who had been lingering nearby.

They included minor nobles, wealthy merchants who had purchased titles with gold coins, and even some hereditary nobles.

Among them were a few noblewomen who had come to catch a glimpse of Encrid’s face.

A gathering of people with no real power.

Though perhaps some had come with the backing of certain factions.

In any case, they were all like a pack of jackals trying to catch hold of the luck called Encrid.

‘The jackals of the political arena.’

There probably wouldn’t be any real danger, but they would be a headache to deal with every time.

How would it all turn out?

Kin decided not to worry.

This was the man who had managed to ensnare even Count Molsen with his smooth tongue.

He wasn’t someone she needed to worry about.

As Kin left the city, she looked back three times.

Then, suddenly, a thought came to her, and she swore.

“Shit.”

The guard, who was like a sister to her, turned her head.

She had just boarded the carriage.

“Kin?”

“That bastard didn’t even ask for my name.”

Despite being a recognized beauty, she was treated like this.

It felt as if her family’s influence and her looks had been completely ignored.

And yet, she didn’t entirely hate it.

‘This is a first.’

A crazy bastard like him.

That’s why she wanted to see him again.

Kin made up her mind.

The guard, who was like a sister, worried about her mistress.

Kin had a flaw.

She could be obsessively persistent about useless matters.

* * *

There were many nobles and merchant guilds coveting Encrid.

“I can’t handle this on my own.”

Graham raised both hands in surrender, and Encrid stepped forward.

“If you come to my estate, you can be with my daughter.”

The first one was an idiot who wanted to sell his daughter.

Encrid brought Esther along.

“Is it okay for her to stay in human form?”

“It’s fine.”

Esther’s appearance was so striking that anyone with even half a brain would turn to look.

If Kin had seen her, she would have nodded in agreement, understanding why Encrid wasn’t interested in her looks.

“Well, um…”

The noble, who was trying to pawn off his daughter, quickly clammed up.

On the contrary.

“What is the lady’s name?”

Another idiot appeared, trying to make a move on Esther.

Encrid had to intervene quickly.

Esther was about to act without even asking for permission to kill the man.

After that, he began bringing Sinar with him instead.

He couldn’t go around producing dead nobles, after all.

Sinar, at least, wouldn’t kill anyone immediately.

But Sinar had a downside too.

“He’s my Fiance.”

Strange rumors began to spread.

People were saying that the Squad Leader of Enchantment was engaged to a Fairy and a witch.

Encrid didn’t bother correcting it.

If he left it as it was, at least no one would try to use their daughters or beauty tricks on him.

“Why don’t you take me along?”

“I’ve got some free time as well.”

Dunbachel and Teresa spouted nonsense at one point.

Both of them were considered beautiful, but taking Teresa would lead some nobles to misunderstand and think she was brought along to beat them to death.

And Dunbachel, in some ways, had even quicker hands than Esther.

He figured it was better to let strange rumors spread.

When merchants came talking about gold, he brought Krais along.

“If you join my merchant guild, you’ll gain wealth beyond your imagination.”

“Sure, how much?”

“…What?”

“How much exactly?”

Krais was cold.

“Don’t even talk to me if it’s less than a hundred gold coins. Also, don’t even think about this being a one-time thing. The contract is monthly, and I get a share of the profits. By the way, what’s the name of your merchant guild?”

No merchant was willing to part with shares.

“That’s ridiculous!”

“The door’s over there.”

“You insolent wretch!”

“Got a problem with that?”

It all ended when a few members of the Reserve Unit appeared behind the enraged merchant.

The guards who had come with him just stood around, hesitant.

Even if they weren’t part of the Madmen Platoon, the Reserve Unit’s strength was superior.

These were the men who had survived battles against the Aspen forces.

If the merchant said the wrong thing, it would be his own life at stake.

Though he ground his teeth in frustration, he wisely kept his mouth shut and withdrew.

There were others who tried to flaunt their authority as well.

At times, Encrid felt the urge to send Rem to crack their heads open, but he held back, preferring to keep things peaceful.

“Join my ranks. It will elevate your honor. I could even recommend you to a Knighthood. And yet, you dare refuse me?”

Encrid, still in the mindset of keeping things amicable, replied.

“Swords don’t have eyes.”

With that rather cliche line, he handled the situation.

“You insolent wretch! How dare—”

Whoosh.

With a swift motion, Encrid swung his hand, cutting a lock of the noble’s already thinning hair.

The noble’s mouth clamped shut immediately.

“A mosquito.”

What mosquito could there possibly be in the middle of winter?

The noble didn’t dare pursue the matter further. After all, his opponent was looking at him with eyes that seemed capable of burying him at any moment.

“Can you really handle it this way?”

The Lord of the castle asked, concerned.

“What if he truly has a large army and declares war on you?”

“Well then, we’ll fight and thank him for it afterward.”

Krais responded in Encrid’s stead.

The Border Guard was undeniably the most powerful force in this region.

However, they were lacking in gold.

Thus, what they needed most urgently was Krona. City expansion was essential, but without Krona flowing smoothly, they figured they might as well devour anyone who challenged them and take war reparations in the process.

In any case, Krais kept turning them away, again and again.

Sinar and Esther also helped fend them off.

And Encrid was constantly being called out.

After about two weeks of this, Encrid realized that his body had largely recovered.

His senses had returned.

He no longer had to worry about accidentally killing someone.

“Phew.”

He sighed in satisfaction.

What would have happened if he had fought the Count’s guard back then?

He didn’t know for sure, but he likely would have killed or seriously injured the man.

It was in moments like these that everything he had learned and trained for flashed before him.

He hadn’t fully mastered it yet, so his control wasn’t perfect.

That’s why, for the past two weeks, even though it felt like a waste of time dealing with trivial matters, it had also been a period for him to hone his skills as much as possible.

With his control back, the urge to swing his sword freely surged within him.

And, as luck would have it, today, no noble or merchant had come looking for him.

Encrid returned to his barracks.

He had been too busy lately to visit it often.

When he stepped into the barracks, the atmosphere felt familiar to him.

The silence, the tension in the air.

It was heavy, as if something could erupt at any moment.

It was a dangerous scent, one he hadn’t encountered in some time, but it was all too familiar.

Just like the first time he had set foot in the chaotic barracks of the Troublemaker Squad.