Barbarian Quest - Chapter 60: Audience (2)

Chapter 60: Audience (2)

The armory of the Order of the Sun Warriors was one of the largest weapon warehouses in the world. Steel weapons forged by the imperial smithy hung around the armory and were grouped up by weapon type. There were even a few sets of plate armor.

“How is it? Isn’t this awesome?” boasted one of the Sun Warriors, showing Urich their armory.

The Order of the Sun Warriors was an order of warriors filled with only Northerners, Southerners, or those with some barbarian blood in them. They had enough freedom to call themselves ‘warriors’ instead of ‘knights’. They greeted Urich, an outsider, and showed him their armory.

“Wow, this is killer. The edge is so sharp. Can I take one of these?” Urich asked while thinking about his axes that broke during the previous duel.

“That’s why we’re telling you to join. If you do, you can take whatever weapon you want,” replied a Sun Warrior. They were laughing amongst themselves while looking at Urich.

“It’s a better place than I thought it was. I thought that it would be filled with people like Havald.”

“Havald is a bit stiff. But high-ranked people love people like him, haha.”

The Sun Warriors laughed. A lot of them spent their youths outside of civilization. Even if they became civilized after converting to Sol, they still had that distinct barbarian feeling about them.

Swirl!

Urich grabbed a double-sided axe and lightly spun it around. The sound that it made while cutting the air was different. This weapon was the pinnacle of metallurgy.

Not all iron was created the same. The iron quality changed depending on where it was mined from, and the properties of the iron changed based on how it was heated. Weapons made from steel, also known as imperial steel, were made with the highest quality iron.

‘This weapon was made through research after research.’

It was in a completely separate league from the iron weapons of his tribe. The tribe’s iron weapons were either made with low-quality iron ores or from scraps of iron being sloppily pounded together.

‘I want it.’

Urich’s imperial steel sword was nearing the end of its lifespan. No matter how excellent a weapon was, in the end, it would inevitably be exhausted.

“You want it, right? Of course you want it. Because you’re a warrior that knows about the value of this weapon,” said one of the Sun Warriors, almost teasingly.

“Just give me one. I’ll even give you money.”

As Urich whined, the Sun Warrior shook his head.

“This isn’t something for sale, Mr. Armor Destroyer.”

“So did you call someone over to tease and make fun of them? What a nasty personality.”

Urich put the weapon back in its spot.

“The Order of the Sun Warriors never have enough people. Surprisingly, there aren’t a lot of people who are both skilled warriors and converted barbarians or have barbarian blood in them. Those who are skilled won’t even convert on the verge of death, and the majority of those who do convert only did so to adhere to civilization and lack true faith. They’re lacking as warriors too.”

That was the reason why the Order of the Sun Warriors were eyeing Urich so much. Havald had already testified for his strength.

“Hmm…”

Urich thought for a second, rubbing his chin. The Order of the Sun Warriors was not as strict of an organization as he thought it was. There were simply a variety of people. It was also a rather famous group.

“But then I’d have to serve the Emperor. Gross. Just thinking about having someone above me makes me want to vomit. It doesn’t suit me,” said Urich, waving his hands. He looked at the Sun Warriors. Each and every one of them were strong warriors. They were all individually much superior to the other soldiers.

“Then who are you going to use your strength and sword for?” asked a Sun Warrior, standing up. They were people who gave their swords to the Emperor.

“You’re starting to sound like Havald. It’s pointless to answer.”

“No matter how you try to spin it, the violence that we have is evil. In the end, we can only use it to harm others. But if we swing our swords for Sun God Ru and the Emperor, it could be used for good.”

“I can’t believe you’re saying that it’s ‘good’ to kill and conquer your own kin. That’s disgusting in its own right,” retorted Urich, the corners of his mouth twisting up.

“I don’t have anything I could say for that criticism. We are, without a doubt, treating our own kin as enemies, but a small sacrifice must be made for proper change.”

“Pointing your sword at your family and brothers is revolting. No matter how you try to spin it.” Urich, like Sven, felt an intrinsic hatred towards the Sun Warriors. It was hard to accept with Urich’s values.

‘In the end, I’m like Sven. I can’t accept their ways.’

Betraying your tribe and your brothers was an unacceptable thing. While many things could be forgiven, that could never. In Urich’s eyes, the Order of the Sun Warriors was an existence filled with ‘evil’.

“Urich, even though you’ve converted, you still have yet to throw away your identity as a barbarian.”

“One must never forget their roots,” answered Urich. The Sun Warriors shut their mouths.

‘He wouldn’t fit with the Sun Warriors.’

They no longer tried to persuade Urich.

“I enjoyed looking at the armory. See you again next time.”

Not too long after, he received a summon from Fahel. Urich left the training ground and returned to the Swallow Castle. He looked at the other castles from afar.

‘Even though he acted like he’d show me everything… the only place I’m allowed to go is here.’

It felt like he was imprisoned.

‘It might have been better to leave the castle and explore the city,’ thought Urich. He thought about other such things before entering Fahel’s room.

“You’re here.”

Fahel welcomed him while in the middle of a conversation with Phillion, a bright expression adorning the prince’s face.

“So, when can we meet that Emperor person?” asked Urich as he pretended to yawn.

“It’s not that simple. It seems like the Empire doesn’t think that greatly of me. We might even have to wait for a long time.” Fahel laughed awkwardly.

“You’re royalty. High status! Where did that confidence go, you bastard?”

Urich slapped the shit out of Fahel’s back. Fahel wobbled like he was going to fall over.

“Even then… If the Emperor is the moon, I am just a tiny firefly,” said Fahel, mocking himself. He could feel his pitiful standing.

“Cheer up, Fahel. Why did you risk your life to come here? To go back home empty-handed and offer up the throne to your uncle?”

It was Urich’s way of cheering him up. Fahel smiled bitterly and signaled Phillion to give them some space. The knight took a bow and left.

“Urich, you already did more than enough as a mercenary leader. No reward would ever be enough for what you did. And I don’t have anything on me to pay you additionally. Furthermore… if my stay gets extended, I won’t even be able to pay for the mercenary group’s expenses.”

The mercenary group wouldn’t easily betray Fahel. They were able to hold on without pay because they were looking forward to the final reward that they would receive from him. However, at the end of the day, mercenaries were mercenaries. If Fahel wasn’t able to pay them, they would eventually leave. Perhaps they might even try to sell Fahel over to Duke Harmati. Even if their mercenary leader opposes it.

“Stop that depressing nonsense.”

“So, this isn’t something that I’m requesting of you as your employer,” said Fahel, his fingers laced together. His lips jittered and trembled as he lifted his head.

“You’re a man too. Stop hiding shit like a girl and tell me.” Urich was tapping on the table with his fingers.

“If I want an audience with the Emperor, I need a different method. One that would make the Emperor gain interest in me, a prince of a small kingdom.”

After a long deliberation, Fahel came to a decision. He didn’t want to say it. He had a good relationship with Urich and didn’t want to request something that would destroy that relationship.

‘But I have to become king.’

A king should be beyond his emotions. He must decide on bigger things.

“And?”

“If you think of me as a friend… I’m asking this of you as a friend, Urich. Enter the jousting tournament and win. With my name, as my knight.”

Fahel closed his eyes tight then opened them again. He couldn’t bear to look at Urich’s face right away. He knew better than anyone how shameless of a request it was.

‘I’d have nothing to say if he refuses. It’s a ridiculous request.’

However, if Urich rejected his request, it would be difficult for both of them to have the same relationship that they had before. A request under the pretext of friendship was always something like that. It was equivalent to using their friendship as a hostage to threaten Urich to do something.

Fahel requested this after resolving himself for the potential breakdown of their relationship. It was a king’s decision.

“You were worrying about something as pointless as that? I just have to fight with your name, right? Fighting’s what I’m best at.”

“What? Huh?” Fahel impulsively reacted. Urich accepted it without hesitation. He didn’t expect that answer.

“You and I are different, Fahel. Killing a few people and fighting’s nothing to me. If it’s something as minor as that, make as many requests as you want. If we have different specialties and things we’re good at, we should use that and help each other out, no?”

“But even though I’m asking you to do this, I can’t do anything for you.”

“…Sometimes, friends help each other out without expecting a reward. And you’re not requesting this from Urich the mercenary, but from Urich, your friend.”

Fahel was on the verge of crying but held it back. He bit his lips with resolve and nodded.

‘I will become king no matter what.’

His resolve was strong. He looked at Urich. Urich tilted his head to the left and to the right, scratching his chin.

“Hey, what’s this jousting thing though? It’s fighting, right? You wouldn’t have asked me if it wasn’t something like that.”

After hearing that, Fahel almost let out a laugh but choked on his spit and coughed instead, a few tears coming out.

‘Really, he’s amazing. He accepted it before even knowing what it was.’

* * *

* * *

The Jousting Tournament. It didn’t have a long history. It was a new custom that started around five years ago in various parts of the Empire.

The last major war that the Empire participated in was the Barbarian Subjugation ten years ago. Wars on the national scale were over, but smaller regional battles between the lords still continued. Nobles continuously fought other nobles over their territory, and as a result, the need for a skilled knight was still there.

‘But how will we find skilled knights?’

The nobles found how. Joust. Unlike traditional mock sword battles, it was a new way of having matches to test all of the essential skills of a knight.

Jousting matches might have become a way for wandering knights to make money and get hired by nobles, but it was still limited to knights who had both war horses and equipment. As always, poor warriors had no chance of advancing their careers other than through war.

“The jousting tournament is split into battles on horseback and battles on foot,” said Phillion, explaining the jousting tournament. Urich was listening to him while leaning on Kilios.

“Do you have to use a lance? It’s not like I can’t use spears. It’s just not my type.”

“You don’t have to use one. But nine out of ten people use it. All winners have also used lances. It’s just an overwhelmingly superior weapon when it comes to fighting on horseback, to the point where you don’t even need to consider other weapons. In the jousting tournament, at least. That’s why it’s called jousting! Because it ‘ting’s when the lance hits the opponent!” Phillion emphasized. He then showed Urich how to hold a lance. He took a form that stuck the lance under his armpit and put the horse’s weight into the tip of his lance.

“If properly trained cavalries charge at you on their horses with lances in their hands, nothing can stop it. There are only a handful of cavalries that are that well-trained, but… Anyways, the person who falls off their horse first during the joust is put in an unfavorable situation. Since you have a low chance of winning once you’re off your horse, a lot of people just forfeit at that point.”

“Hmmm.”

Urich was rubbing his chin. He also knew how terrifying the cavalry could be. It was extremely difficult for a foot soldier to face a cavalry. Facing a horse wasn’t just intimidating. Even Urich would have to fight tooth and nail if he were to face a cavalry.

“It’s a completely different method of fighting than the one you’ve used up to now. You’ll have to wear heavy iron armor, have a shield in one hand, and a lance in the other.”

“Then wouldn’t it be better if one of you guys went out instead? Instead of someone like me.”

“It’s something that hurts my pride to admit, but you, even with a shallow knowledge in jousting, have a much higher chance of winning than us…” Phillion bitterly spoke. Urich was a top-grade, first-rate warrior. He was one of the strongest people amongst the countless knights and warriors that Phillion had met. He was young but had a lot of real battle experience. It also wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that his strength was god-given. Urich’s caliber of strength couldn’t be achieved just by effort alone. It was in the realm of talent.

‘If a warrior like that learns civilization’s techniques… How amazing of a knight would he become! It terrifies me, but I also want to see it with my own two eyes.’

Phillion had a demonstration match with the other guard knights. He used his body to show Urich how matches typically progressed.

“You fight well despite missing fingers on your right hand, Phillion!” shouted Urich as he watched.

‘He says that so easily despite being the person who cut them off.’

Phillion chuckled while comforting the rented war horse. He then slowly steered the stallion to continue the demonstration match with the other knight.

Urich opened his eyes wide and meticulously focused on the mock battle. His eyes were chasing Phillion’s every movement.

‘He’s watching and learning well. As expected, he’s smart.’

Phillion also knew that Urich was quite smart. Urich often learned words from Fahel, and Fahel would get shocked every time at his ability to learn. Urich would never forget something that he learned once.

“Alright, that’s enough for a demonstration. Now, let me try it. Be my opponent, Sir Phillion,” said Urich while patting Kilios.

Kilios swiftly blew air out of its nose, waiting for Urich to climb upon his back.

—————

———

—————