Chapter 14.1: ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????????????? (????????)

Chapter 14.1: The End of Childhood (14)

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Anyway, I was just grateful now.

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“And you?”

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“Who would care about someone like me?”

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Joseph smiled faintly.

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The story of trying to escape was when the Aitz family was intact and intended to offer to Karamaf, but who would care about a hunter like Joseph now that the Aitz family was destroyed?

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“Thank you, Joseph. If someone asks, just respond appropriately. I don’t mind.”

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“. . .Yes. I will do that.”

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Joseph answered, enduring something tickling his throat. He had lived his life despising nobles, but the young knight before him had a compelling presence. He made Joseph feel it wouldn’t be regrettable even to sacrifice his life for him.

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I was both regretful and amazed at myself.

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“I hope we can meet again someday.”

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“I. . . feel the same.”

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After bidding farewell, Johan turned his horse and ran into the forest, quickly hidden by the darkness. Left alone, Joseph looked around to assess the situation.

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‘Is the Aitz family all dead? What will become of this fiefdom? If a hunter like me gets involved. . .’

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Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves thundered. Startled, Joseph looked up. Karamaf, having regrouped with the main force, was looking down at him from his horse.

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“Have you seen Johan Aitz?”

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“. . .Yes.”

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It wasn’t a question, but a confirmation.

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Serfs holding torches appeared. Joseph smiled slyly and nodded.

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“Let’s search together! It’s reassuring with you around. If anyone swings a sword, let’s shoot them.”

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“Oh my. Is it really okay to shoot?”

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“Didn’t you see Karamaf-nim kill someone earlier? And he paid us in silver right away.”

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Joseph blended in among the serfs. Being among them meant he wouldn’t be suspected even if he went a bit far. Next, he planned to sneak away with an excuse and escape.

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“. . .Keep pursuing them.”

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“Yes. Are you returning, Karamaf-nim?”

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“No. I’ll search elsewhere.”

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“??”

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The mercenaries were puzzled but didn’t question further. They just had to follow Karamaf’s orders.

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“Find him at all costs. I’ll put a gold reward on it.”

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“. . .!!!”

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The mercenaries, excited by the unexpected fortune, gripped their weapons tighter, their breath heavy with desire.

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“We will certainly capture him!”

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After sending the mercenaries, Karamaf didn’t return to the town. He changed direction and headed towards the forest, the same Black Forest from where mercenaries returned after encountering wolves.

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Karamaf kept his suspicions to himself. But something unnerved him. Choosing the dangerous forest over a safe path seemed foolish, yet. . .

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Karamaf was drawn to the forest as if enchanted. He was a cool-headed knight but didn’t ignore the signals his intuition sent.