Chapter 285: An Old Friend Visits

The next morning, a large shipment of supplies arrives at the inn, delivered by Fred’s chief of guards.

Henwell doesn’t explain much to his men. Henwell just tells Orak that he is making a deal with Fred.

Orak doesn’t pry and immediately orders the men to load the goods onto the carts.

Soon after, Fred’s chief of guards leads a cavalry unit that appears to be overseeing their departure, but in reality, they’re providing protection.

Fred’s guards escort Henwell far out of the city.

By evening, they reach a small town several dozen kilometers away.

After settling everything, the chief of guards bids Henwell and his group farewell and departs with his unit.

Since this place is relatively safe, Henwell and his companions rest peacefully through the night.

While they’re resting, a squad of knights arrives and knocks on the already closed gates of Tusyat.

After presenting their credentials, the knights are allowed into the city.

The leader, a knight clad in golden armor, shows Fred the king’s written order once again.

Fred frowns. “You’re a bit late. They left just today. They should still be in Melava town. I’ll send someone first thing tomorrow to lead you in pursuit.”

Seeing the leader’s hesitant expression, Fred adds, “You’ve been on the road for a long time—you should get some rest. Can you and your horses really handle more travel right now?”

”Whatever you plan to do, I’ve seen that group. They’re all elite knights, no less skilled than you. So it’s best to rest up before seeking them out. That’s the safest approach.”

The leader finally agrees.

Fred arranges accommodations for the knights and then seeks out that leader alone.

When they meet, Fred drops his formal demeanor.

The fierce man finally breaks into a genuine smile, opening his arms for a hug. “Brother! Long time no see! Now I have to call you Viscount Obian! You’re already a centurion of the Golden Guard Knights. How impressive!”

Obian embraces him tightly. “You old bear, you haven’t changed a bit!”

The two men are old acquaintances. Obian is one of Fred’s few close friends, though very few people know about their connection.

They first met on the battlefield during the War of the Six Kings.

At that time, Fred was just a squad leader, while Obian was a private soldier under a noble’s command.

During battle, their units cooperated closely, and that’s how Fred came to know Obian.

Fred was already close to becoming a knight, and he was impressed by Obian’s combat skills despite his commoner background.

In one mission, both their units were scattered, and they helped each other survive.

Afterward, as a token of gratitude for saving his life, Fred taught Obian the knightly physical training techniques he had learned.

The two kept in touch through letters after the war. Obian had originally planned to teach these techniques to Henwell when he was ten, but that opportunity never came.

When the second War of the Six Kings broke out, Henwell fought desperately to survive, while Obian battled fiercely on the front lines.

Obian’s outstanding performance earned him a recommendation from the nobles to join the expanded Night Falcon Knights.

After another year of fierce fighting, Obian earned his knighthood and was promoted to squad leader for his bravery.

After crossing paths with Henwell near Six Bay Mountain, Obian followed the Night Falcon Knights south to pursue the allied main forces.

It was during this time, while leading a patrol, that Obian encountered Fred, who was being dragged along by the  princess.

Following the  princess’s advice, Obian chose not to report the incident but instead brought Fred back to the Night Falcon Knights.

Later, Fred met with Obian and told him to pretend they weren’t close.

Thanks to Obian bringing back the princess, Fred was knighted after the war.

From there, the  princess’s influence helped accelerate Obian’s promotions over the years.

Of course, Obian’s own abilities and achievements also justified his rapid rise.

But the  princess’s presence provided a clear path for his advancement.

Fred doesn’t want Obian to chase after Henwell because he considers Obian a friend.

Once Fred confirms that Henwell is already an Iron Knight, he knows that even with Obian’s Battle Knight strength and the knights accompanying him, going after Henwell would be a death sentence.

So this visit is just to clarify one thing.

After chatting for a while, Fred asks, “Why exactly are you chasing those Vorry knights this time? Be honest with me.”

Obian stays silent, so Fred grows serious. “If you don’t tell me, I won’t say which direction they went! Brother, I’ve been running this place for over a decade! If I wanted, I could make sure you don’t take a single step forward!”

Obian looks at Fred in surprise. “What are you doing? Have I done something wrong?”

Fred glares. “Are you stupid? I’m trying to save your damn life!”

Obian finally gets it and laughs. “Don’t worry! I’m not going head-to-head with the lord of Blood Hill! His Majesty’s orders are just for us to follow their trail—strictly no conflict!”

Fred rolls his eyes. “Don’t give me that official talk. You think I don’t know? That bastard Baleqi probably wants you to kill the entire Western Expedition force without exposing himself if given the chance.”

Obian dodges the point. “Don’t speak ill of His Majesty!”

Fred stands up. “I’ve met that knight lord. He’s strong—a real Grand Knight, and no joke. Forget about you lot! Even if I personally took him on, I’m not sure I could win.”

”You’re not even a Grand Knight yet. What are you acting all tough for? Hurry up, I’ll arrange for someone to take you west for a look around. Then you go back to Golden Capital and say you couldn’t find the lord of Blood Hill or his group, that they’ve already left the country.”

Obian smiles wryly. “It’s not that easy. There are His Majesty’s trusted men in knights group. Don’t worry. We’re just following along to see. I have a family! Finally made noble rank after all this time, I’m not about to rush into death.”

Fred paces, his face darkening. “Tell me who His Majesty’s trusted men are, and I’ll arrange to take care of them.”

Obian is startled. “Don’t be reckless! This isn’t a game. Our legion commander won’t let that slide!”

Fred scoffs. “What can that Zimmerman guy do to me? He can’t beat me!”

Obian laughs. “Alright, alright, you’re impressive. Come on, tell me about this lord of Blood Hill.”

Fred sighs. “Seriously, that guy’s a freak. You know how arrogant I am, but compared to him, I’m nowhere near. Twenty-four years old, a Grand Knight. Damn it! Comparing myself to him just pisses me off. If I had his talent, Baleqi wouldn’t dare look down on me.”

Fred looks at Obian and adds, “Hey, now that I think about it, that kid’s face does kinda resemble yours a bit.”