Chapter 005 : The Code of Chivalry in My Heart
I was riding my horse when I came across a stream, just as my throat was parched.
After quenching my thirst, I checked my reflection in the water.
The earring dangling like a curtain on my left ear, uncovered by the eyepatch, swayed lightly.
I flicked it with my finger.
TING.
It signifies a noble who has formally left their family.
It’s a decoration that the fledgling nobles of the Empire, setting out on their martial pilgrimage, take pride in.
In my previous life, when I was expelled in disgrace, I never had one… so its meaning feels especially poignant to me now.
This single earring, a modest travel fund, one horse, and a sword engraved with the Benkou crest on its blade—that’s everything I took from my family.
‘…Bittersweet, isn’t it.’
I never dreamed I’d feel this way.
The entire household was ready to make a grand send-off, so I slipped away quietly before dawn, like a fugitive.
I couldn’t muster the courage to leave with their eyes on me.
My steps would’ve surely grown heavy.
Especially because of Grandmother—she’d have been the main culprit.
Thanks to that, I could face my farewell alone, quietly.
I prayed for my family’s safety under the pale blue dawn sky, gazing at the estate tinged with its light.
Compared to my previous life, it was a truly grand parting.
‘….’
I touched the Six-Pointed Star Hairpin that Grandmother had returned to me.
The promise to become a star—I haven’t forgotten.
“I thought it was close, but it’s farther than I expected.”
Brushing off the lingering emotions, I looked around.
A vast field of lush greenery stretched out before me.
“Hermann Brian.”
I’m on my way to meet that friend from my previous life.
There are two reasons for this.
First, to get information on a smuggling ship heading to the Kingdom.
Hermann’s the kind of guy who’s got connections in that area.
The second… well, calling it a reason feels a bit silly and embarrassing.
Since things have come to this, I figured it’s only right to at least see the face of the one friend I had in my previous life before I leave.
“What a persistent bond, Hermann.”
A forgotten detail suddenly came to mind.
Despite appearances, that guy’s the son of a count, a lord.
Compared to me, from a lowly martial family, there’s a bit of a status gap, you could say.
“Haha.”
I couldn’t help but chuckle. I suddenly imagined Hermann acting all high and mighty.
Of course, that’d never happen.
When it comes to making friends, Hermann’s got an almost suspicious knack for universal kindness.
‘Well, I suppose that’s why he ended up ruining his life over a married woman from the Kingdom.’
All of a sudden, I was dying to know what kind of mess this pathetic guy was in now.
I climbed back onto the saddle and hurriedly pulled the reins.
* * *
What’s the quickest, most natural way to meet Hermann?
It didn’t take long to find the answer.
CREAK.
I stepped into the largest tavern in Brian’s city district.
It’s the place where Hermann and I first met in my previous life.
‘He’s definitely here, loafing around.’
He once bragged, with that big head of his, that ever since he was old enough, he’d spend entire days lounging in taverns.
I never quite understood what was so boast-worthy about that.
“Excuse me? Young Master Hermann?”
I grabbed a random waiter and asked. He stopped wiping the table and blinked at me.
“I heard he comes here often.”
“Well, yes… that’s true, but….”
He cautiously sized me up.
It’s only natural he’d be wary of a stranger speaking so casually right off the bat.
His wandering gaze finally settled on the earring on my left ear. Only then did he nod, as if convinced.
“Young Master Hermann….”
The waiter abruptly cut himself off and glanced over his shoulder.
Following his gaze without thinking, I saw a spacious area in the back—a prime spot, likely reserved for distinguished guests or big spenders.
Right now, it was occupied by a rowdy group of young men, probably mercenaries, laughing and chattering loudly.
“…….”
The waiter seemed to be gauging their reactions.
He swallowed hard and mouthed to me:
‘Follow me.’
The waiter briskly passed by me with quick steps.
His expression and demeanor were so grave that I couldn’t help but follow.
“What’s going on?”
The waiter, leaning against the building’s wall, was panting as if he’d done something strenuous.
In the light, he looked about my age.
“Phew, I was so nervous.”
“Why?”
“I saw the outer earring… you’re a friend of Young Master Hermann… right?”
The earring on my left ear was serving its purpose as a badge of a noble who’d formally left their family.
That aside, it was a rather abrupt question.
The current me and Hermann haven’t even met yet… but it felt like saying no would be a bad idea, so I vaguely nodded.
“…Sure, something like that.”
“Oh, thank goodness. The truth is, Young Master Hermann is in serious trouble right now.”
“What kind of mess has that guy gotten himself into now?”
“Haha, as expected of a friend—you know him well. It’s not like Young Master Hermann causing trouble is anything new. When will he ever grow up, honestly?”
“…….”
“…….”
An awkward silence hung between us.
Realizing he’d spoken out of turn, the waiter hurriedly corrected his expression and bowed repeatedly.
“I’m so sorry. I overstepped… please forgive me, sir.”
“You seem pretty close with Hermann.”
“…….”
“It’s fine. Hermann’s a fool, that’s plain as day. Anyway, what kind of trouble is he in?”
The waiter glanced around again and lowered his voice as much as he could.
“Sir, have you ever heard of the Jecheng Association?”
“You mean the Empire’s Youth Chivalry Corps?”
“Yes! Exactly. Those ruffians at the back table are from the Jecheng Association.”
The name sounds impressive, but they’re just a gang of thugs.
In the Empire, there are countless hoodlums like them, strutting around under the guise of youth and romanticism.
Well, even in my previous life, didn’t I play at being a righteous bandit with Hermann, albeit clumsily?
Of course, some do it to climb the social ladder or gain worldly fame.
They might draw attention with bold actions or eccentric ideologies, or they’re often a gathering of promising heirs from prominent families, known as the “late bloomers.”
If my memory serves, the Jecheng Association fits a bit of all those descriptions.
“The Jecheng Association is based in the central region. What are they doing all the way out here?”
“They’re establishing a western branch this time. The man at the head of the table earlier is Brandt, a headquarters officer and a first-rate swordsman.”
Brandt, Brandt… If I don’t recall him, he probably didn’t make a name for himself later.
I answered while picking at my ear.
“So?”
“Brandt gave Young Master Hermann a few orders under the pretext of appointing him as the western branch leader….”
The waiter frowned and continued haltingly.
“Well, those orders… they told him to bring back the head of Uncle Dezol, someone Young Master Hermann is close with. Of all people….”
“Who’s Dezol? They wouldn’t tell him to kill some random person for no reason.”
“Here’s the thing: Uncle Dezol is a fairly well-known physician around here. I only learned this recently, but apparently, Dezol caused a big incident in the central region a few years ago and came here. The Jecheng Association issued the order as a form of retribution.”
The waiter slid down the wall and buried his face in his hands.
He looked like he’d burst into tears at the slightest touch.
“Damn it… Uncle Dezol is someone we often hung out with. He’s a really good person. I don’t think Young Master Hermann would actually kill him… but with those Jecheng Association ruffians tagging along, I don’t know what’ll happen. If things go wrong, Young Master Hermann himself might be in danger….”
“…….”
“If we inform the estate, things might spiral out of control… so I’ve just been standing here, wringing my hands. Please, sir, help Young Master Hermann…!”
My one and only friend, Hermann—what kind of man is he?
A man who harbors both the ambition to make his name resound through the world and the pure devotion to lay down his life for a woman he loves.
Perhaps this incident was the turning point that shaped the Hermann of the future.
“Where can I find Hermann?”
* * *
On the way, I didn’t feel much worry or impatience.
If history unfolds as it should, Hermann will be safe, at least for now.
‘But being alive doesn’t mean truly living.’
After all, like me, Hermann is a swordsman.
A swordsman lives with the beliefs etched into their blade as their soul.
‘The difference between a true swordsman and a clumsy novice, perhaps.’
By that measure, in my previous life, I was a clumsy novice.
Merely wanting to reach a higher realm doesn’t count as a swordsman’s belief.
From this perspective, Hermann and I are the same.
In the end, we were both ignorant fools, swinging our swords for worldly ambitions.
—“Foolish swordsman, this is true chivalry. The path a swordsman must walk.”
‘….’
Just as the Old Knight’s words resonated with me in my previous life, I intend to set a guidepost for Hermann in this life.
If that can change his world, even a little…
That alone would be meaningful.
‘This must be the place.’
A hill on the outskirts of Brian. Evening twilight was settling in.
Following the shortcut the waiter had told me about, I found myself looking down at a cabin below the hill, likely where this Dezol person lived.
“Young Master Hermann! How long do you plan to dawdle?”
A sudden voice made me instinctively open my left eye, which I’d kept closed.
Having reached the pinnacle, my enhanced vision pierced through the twilight, granting me a clearer view.
“For the sake of petty personal feelings, you’d forsake the greater cause, Young Master?”
“Do you think the position of Jecheng Association’s western branch leader is some trifling matter?”
“Make your decision!”
A group of about a dozen surrounded the cabin, brandishing their weapons in a show of force.
Standing with his back to them was a man whose long, wavy golden hair stood out vividly.
‘Hermann.’
He’d already drawn his sword. He seemed to be facing someone.
I couldn’t see from my angle, but it was probably that Dezol person.
“…I simply can’t do it.”
Hermann muttered, his head bowed.
His subdued voice was so unfamiliar it gave me slight chills.
“What was that just now?”
“I said I can’t. This isn’t chivalry.”
“Young Master Hermann! You dare lecture us on chivalry?”
Hermann slowly turned to face the group.
“Killing Old Man Dezol with my own hands is unthinkable. I, Hermann Brian, live by loyalty and will die by loyalty.”
“…What?”
“This is my code of chivalry.”
I blinked, rubbed my eyes, and looked again. I was starting to doubt if this was really Hermann.
‘How could such words come out of that guy’s mouth….’
My reckless friend, hiding convictions? The shock was immense, considering I thought we were on the same level. A slight sense of betrayal, too.
“Hahahahahaha!”
A burst of laughter made me look up.
The Jecheng Association guys were all roaring with laughter.
“Young Master! That was hilarious!”
One of the men stepped forward, facing Hermann.
“Young Master Hermann. Chivalry is the greater cause. It’s the justice everyone acknowledges. Thus, chivalrous acts are the realization of justice that upholds the moral order. A child lost their life due to that man’s negligence and malpractice. To console the child’s soul, comfort the parents, and prevent further innocent victims, punishing that quack physician—is that not chivalry? What else could it be?”
“Ha, ha, ha! No use asking such questions to this ignorant swordsman. Old Man Dezol is my benefactor who saved me when I was nearly crippled. I don’t forget kindness. Even if it means turning my back on the world.”
“…….”
“That’s all.”
Before I knew it, one corner of my mouth was curling up.
Perhaps I’m the one who needs to learn something here.
“Anyway, I’ve confirmed that the Jecheng Association and I walk different paths. Let’s call it a day and head back. You’ve all worked hard to get here, so I’ll treat you generously.”
“…What nonsense are you spouting, Young Master?”
“Look at the way he talks. Fine, I’ll say it again. I, Hermann Brian, cleanly renounce the position of Jecheng Association’s western branch leader. Got it?”
“Get a grip. Do you think our Jecheng Association is some social club you can join and leave on a whim?”
“…….”
“Let’s cut to the chase, Young Master. You have two choices: follow the orders, or settle with us what true chivalry is.”
“Look here. You’re crossing the line. Are you openly threatening me, Hermann Brian, in the Brian family’s own territory?”
“Haha, the one crossing the line is you, Young Master. Have you forgotten who we are?”
“That’s….”
The spirited man from moments ago was gone, replaced by a coward shrinking his shoulders like a fool.
‘It’s unfair, isn’t it, Hermann? In a world where convictions turn into empty words without personal strength to back them.’
That’s the conclusion.
In my previous life, Hermann gave in to them here and ultimately broke his convictions.
Then my task is clear.
‘I’ve got to protect a man’s convictions.’
I kicked off the ground and leaped over their heads in a single bound.
THUD.
I landed between the Jecheng Association group and Hermann.
My sudden appearance startled everyone.
“Who… who are you!”
I turned my head slightly to glance at my friend from my previous life.
Just looking at his face made me want to laugh, as always.
With a smirk, I turned back, straightened up, and declared firmly:
“A wandering knight.”