Chapter 12: Ronnie’s Stunning Emergence

The spectators were in awe, having never witnessed a weapon spontaneously ignite in battle. They believed Draxel to be imbued with divine power.

‘This is my final shot to secure the victory,’ Draxel realized.

Clasping his Germanic longsword tightly, his body tensed, quivering with intensity. He swung the sword horizontally, like a whirlwind, striking Noyan Tu Lu’s face.

Recovering from the previous hit, Noyan Tu Lu couldn’t brace for the blow and was sent flying, his nose scorched and broken, revealing the shattered bones.

The battle was over. The winner decided.

[You have gained 2000 experience points.]

[Reputation +50, Honor +3, Horsemanship skill +1, Xiko Village favorability +10.]

[Current reputation 80, honor 6.]

Draxel was overjoyed with the Horsemanship skill. He was finally ready to experience the thrill of true mounted combat. However, he didn’t know that this spectacular duel laid the seeds of discord between the Kingdom of Swadia and the Khergit Khanate for the future.

After the duel, Noyan Tu Lu became infamously known as ‘The Noseless One,’ a source of lifelong shame and fury.

Meanwhile, Safiya, Owens, and the others burst into loud applause and cheers, matched by the villagers’ joyous smiles, though they dared not cheer loudly. After all, Nayan Tu Lu still governed this place. Their restrained celebration, however, unmistakably revealed the people’s sentiment.

Watching Noyan Tu Lu’s dire condition, Draxel estimated it would be a month before he could leave his bed.

“You scoundrel, if you dare to mistreat the villagers again, I’ll come and give you another thrashing like today’s,” Draxel warned, then turned to his companions. “Let’s prepare to leave. Safiya, Owens, we’re moving out.”

Safiya’s tears of worry transformed into tears of relief and joy, nodding eagerly in response. Owens, too, dutifully gathering the troops which now included two khergit worriors, and prepared the supplies and water.

Their party set off unscathed, resuming their journey to Uxkhal, while the villagers of Xiko villagers of Xiko watched them leave with lingering affection.

On the third morning of their return, though April was near, a chill still lingered in the air. A thin layer of snow blanketed the landscape, making the path through the mountains and plains treacherous.

Draxel’s gaze stretched across the vast plains to a tavern ahead, its ornate architecture emitting thin trails of smoke, almost exuding a sense of royal grandeur.

“Why didn’t we pass this way on our journey to the Abyssal Mountains?” asked Draxel.

“My lord,” Owens answered, “we didn’t take a detour through Xiko Village earlier.”

Approaching the tavern, Draxel noticed a provocatively dressed woman lounging at the entrance. Noticing the troops, she rose with a flirtatious smile and disappeared inside.

Draxel was reminded of a similar scene he had once seen in an izakaya in a far-off island country.

[Assessment: Please keep your thoughts in check and focus on the game.]

Hearing the system’s jibe, Draxel responded with a chuckle, and turned to his companions, “Looks like our new Khergit friends might be useful. Owens, send those two Khergit tribesmen to check out that tavern.”

Owens, ever obedient, respectfully acknowledged, “At your command, my lord.”

The pair quickly set off toward the distant tavern.

Safiya, looking slightly jealous, puffed up her rosy cheeks and grumbled, “Hmph, Count, are you more interested in that woman or in getting a drink?”

“It’s neither. Doesn’t it strike you as odd for such an luxurious tavern to stand in this deserted location? Without a strong armed force, I think…”

Draxel paused, then added confidently, “Without good protection, it would’ve been plundered by bandits or deserters by now. Perhaps, this tavern has ties with the kingdoms.”

“Hmm… alright, I’ll trust you’re not after wine or women,” Safiya said, her mood lightening as she smiled again.

[Your friendliness with Safiya has increased by +1, current friendliness is 42.]

[Assessment: You’re quite good at playing the gentleman, Count.]

‘Nonsense, I am a gentleman,’ Draxel thought in response to the system.

Unbeknownst to the others, the sight of the alluring woman at the tavern had stirred a subtle physical response in Draxel.

Soon after, the two Khergit tribesmen returned.

“Lord Count, they’re part of the Neutral Mercenary Corps associated with the tavern, widespread across the continent. This branch is particularly prosperous, which explains their affluence.”

[Neutral Tavern Mercenary Corps Introduction]

[Unaffiliated with any kingdom, they are scattered across Calradia, a group of warriors driven solely by the lure of coin.]

“Interesting, but odd,” Draxel mused. “Wouldn’t kingdoms want to absorb them to boost their power? How can a few mercenaries in a tavern stand against a kingdom?”

Draxel was perplexed.

“My lord, all kingdoms have tried your suggestion. However, once these mercenaries are captured by kingdoms and not paid, these mercenaries won’t lift a finger. They’re outcasts with no family, no beliefs, no loyalty. They work purely for money,” Owens, who had seen such scenes in Swadia, explained.

“So, if one tavern is seized, others won’t help. It’s just business, no emotional ties, just monetary interests right?” Draxel deduced.

“Exactly, my lord.”

“Alright, let’s visit this tavern. Safiya, interested?”

Safiya playfully stuck out her tongue at Draxel. “I’m not really interested, but I need tol keep an eye on you, in case you misbehave.”

Her mind lingered on the captivating tavern woman. ‘She’s too pretty. I can’t let Draxel get too close to her.’

Inside the lavish tavern, Draxel was taken aback by the sight of two muscular, young bouncers at the door, exuding a sense of calm professionalism without any frivolity.