4 – 2. I Want to Study
A long journey lay ahead.
And the road ahead was a place where wolves lurked and thieves roamed, a place where one had to take care of their own life. Therefore, solid preparation was necessary before setting out.
Bole was merely a passing place.
The area where the savages had descended was further north.
Here’s a piece of common knowledge for you.
Those who didn’t believe in the gods were collectively referred to as heretics. But if you subtract culture and intellect from the equation and express disdain, the word “savage” comes into play.
They were often heard to bring back souvenirs from the villages along the northern coast, as it was commonly known medieval-wise.
If they succeeded, they would immediately board a ship and head back north. The army, having received the news belatedly, could do nothing but watch their backs as they sucked their fingers.
It was possible for those who lived in villages or tribal units without a focal point. Complex diplomacy and politics were not even considered.
So, one day, when a tribal member impulsively desired to plunder, if someone responded appropriately, they would immediately grab their weapons and turn the bow southward.
That’s why they were called savages.
There was no control, no discipline.
According to what I had vaguely observed, the destruction of discipline and disorder posed a formidable challenge even for the empire, but anyway.
The hordes that poured in from the north simply wanted to plunder the monasteries and churches flowing with milk and honey, and the empire and the church struggled to protect their small and precious piggy banks.
It had been a relationship that had lasted for centuries.
There was nothing particularly new about it now.
Back in the early days of medieval fantasy life, I used to tremble at the thought of the empire collapsing whenever I heard such news.
“The savages are plundering the coast! Isn’t this something we need to deal with quickly?!”
“Why bother? They have been plundering for more than a day or two.”
“Don’t you know? They habitually plunder. What you witnessed was just a surprise attack.”
“……”
Now, well, knowing it’s an annual event, I just go along with it.
I only realized then that the empire’s durability meant it could continue to operate even after numerous civil wars, plundering, and invasions. Surviving meant being strong.
Anyway, with the recent increase in attacks, it became clear that the north would soon become a battlefield.
And the demand for weapons follows the flow of blood. The destination is also clear.
I spent the next morning wandering the city, looking at equipment in the blacksmith’s shop, and buying extra clothes from the tailor, enjoying a rare shopping spree.
Every time I feel this way, there is one thing. Knights are truly a profession that endlessly sucks money.
The word “knight” literally translates to a warrior on horseback.
The value of a knight lies not only in the armor that provides the state of invincibility, but also in the power that comes from the mobility using a horse and the speed when charging. Furthermore, it has become an appeal to show off how wealthy I am.
That’s why, when considering the price and purpose of a horse, it is the sports car of this era.
However, this sports car boasts a much more dismal level of fuel efficiency compared to its modern counterpart. Where in the world can you find a sports car that consumes fuel even when parked?
Moreover, it frequently experiences sudden acceleration and lacks features like airbags. There is also a risk of theft, and due to the inclusion of autonomous driving artificial intelligence, sometimes the sports car runs away on its own.
And a knight originally has to manage two or three of these sports cars at the same time, in addition to playing the role of a mechanic.
It’s not for nothing that knights are not just for noble families or wealthy households.
I may be in a situation where I can barely afford a horse and a suit of armor, but in fact, even with just this much, I can be considered a master of martial arts and archery according to the standards of this era.
There are also many who swagger as knights with just a crude sword in hand.
I, too, have gained a reputation for my skills in the vicinity of Bolle.
I often pushed my face into the battlefield against the northern barbarians, and even earned a nickname. This is evidence that my life has not been in vain, having survived two encounters.
No barbarians remain where I pass.
People say that such a sight reminds them of something, and with respect and admiration, they call me by this name.
“Look, it’s the Bolle Plague!”
“I heard you played a significant role in defending against this invasion. Indeed, the name ‘Plague’ was not just for show!”
“I appreciate it, but could the nickname be a bit better…?”
From Noble mtl dot com
“The Bolle Plague! The Bolle Plague! The Bolle Plague!”
I didn’t particularly like the nickname, as it seemed more fitting for a bandit leader, but it was better than having no reputation at all.
Getting appointed by a lord and receiving land
Anyway, as the weather got colder, I chose leather instead of a blanket and sharpened the dull sword.
I replenished the medicines and bandages used for the girl. Finally, after scraping off the rusty parts of the armor and oiling it, my tasks in the city were mostly done.
If there was anything left to do, it was to prepare provisions before moving, but that could be done right before departure, so I passed on that.
Just as I was leaving only the departure for later, a sudden thought crossed my mind: I wonder if the child is doing well.
Without much hesitation, since I had nothing else to do, I went to the church to check the current situation and perhaps pray for the salvation of my thinning wallet.
And the moment I entered the church, as if he had been waiting, Father Pippin, who seemed to pop out from somewhere, spoke to me abruptly.
“The child is quite intelligent.”
The priest seemed somewhat excited. A peculiar enthusiasm was evident in his eyes.
Before I could say anything, he went straight to the point.
“Born in the scribe’s household, I suppose, familiar with writing.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“You didn’t tell me?”
“No.”
Since a scribe helps with administrative tasks in towns or cities, it’s natural for them to know how to write. But it’s not a given that even their child would know how to read and write early on. Quite a talented individual, I thought. Somehow, his speech and thoughts seemed mature for his age, even considering that. In fact, he still seemed precocious, considering that.
“Anyway, isn’t it a good thing?”
“Of course, it’s a good thing.”
“If he knows how to read and write, he won’t starve to death anywhere. It might even help with the work at the church.”
“It’s a waste of talent to rot in a city like this. So, how about providing him with a better education?”
I see. But why is he telling me this?
Could it be that I’m being asked to educate someone? From someone who surely knows the length of my bag strap.
As I kept silent with a constant question mark in my mind, Priest Pippin looked at me straight and said, “The child pointed you out.”
“What? Me? Is there a reason for that?”
“Find out the details directly from the child.”
What kind of nonsense is this?
*****
After telling me to wait here for a moment, Priest Pippin, as he did when he approached, suddenly disappeared.
Sitting on a chair in front of the church and waiting for not long, Lycia hurriedly approached. Whether it was consideration for us to talk alone or not, the priest’s figure was not visible.
The girl was wearing clothes given by the church for the children. I used to wear something like that once.
Seeing it up close, it seemed that leaving it to the church using some connections was effective. Clearly, her complexion was much better than before.
When I was about to greet and say who called me, Lycia suddenly bowed her waist.
“Thank you for last time.”
“No, well, it’s just that much.”
“There are many people in the world who can’t even do that.”
The girl raised her head and sat next to me.
I expected her to say something since she called me, but she continued to stay quiet. When I turned my head, thinking it was strange, she was hesitating, avoiding eye contact with me.
If there’s something to say, you can say it freely.
“…Yes, then.”
Was she trying to say something rude? But this body is the last morality of the cruel medieval fantasy world.
I said I could accept whatever she said, and then the girl’s mouth opened.
“I’ve been thinking while staying at the church for a few days.”
“About what? What you asked me?”
“Yes.”
“Are you talking to yourself?”
“No, I got a lot of help from Father Pippin.”
It is the right thing to grill the clergy if you want to have theological discussions.
Especially if it’s a priest who is a verified knowledgeable person, you can expect quality answers.
“So what conclusion did you come to?”
“I still… don’t know.”
If even a person who has devoted decades to studying cannot resolve doubts, there may not be many ways to go further.
It was at that moment when I was thinking about squeezing the priest more for an answer.
“So I thought, I want to go to university to learn more.”
Unexpected words popped out from the girl.