Chapter 43 Two Lions

A tall burly man folded his arms while riding his horse with a serious face. The white lion emblem on his chest with a golden cross. His pure white cape was being blown by the wind gently as he crunched his face more to think.

" It doesn't make a sense. Why would an imperial army would need our help? They could have asked Henry for help, yet they asked me who is the head paladin of internal affairs."

The wind seemed to chill down his thoughts, bringing some ill thoughts to his mind but even so, he couldn't refuse his rightful duty. The honor came with responsibility that would bind him forever. Hence, he had no right to refuse it unlike his friend Henry who liked roaming across the continent.

"Maybe Lord Henry refused their call because I heard he disliked working with imperialists."

One of the paladins opened his mouth, bringing a fair point to Richard's justification. However, he wasn't convinced by this simple remark since politics was much more vicious and cruel than this, so there must be a deep reason that was hidden from his eyes.

" Ah, I don't know but I will figure it out on my way to the north. They said the north was in chaos because apparently a civil war broke out between the Vikings and it created a massive disruption in the imperial trading routes with the north."

Richard heard the peaceful Vikings were at war again after having a decade of peace. Obviously, there were some little skirmishes and battles between them but that wasn't something serious compared to this because this time it was a full out battle among themselves.

Vikings had supplied them with food, wool, iron, and so on but this trading was halted for more than a month, and the upper echelons were anxious about their goods after spending a hefty amount on them which made him go there.

" Ah, I am so sick of going there and here. I want to go home and embrace my family. Why couldn't they just send inquisitors or Templars there? We paladins always meddle in something like this."

One of the older paladins complained with an annoyed expression to Richard's words despite their ranking difference. Albeit his rude words, Richard didn't mind his manners at all.

" I will give you a month off after this, Hans. No need to worry. Besides, everyone is going to take a month off after this. I swear it on my sword. Otherwise, I am going to hack those bastards in the church down with my sword and bash their heads with my shield."

The paladins burst out laughing when he showed his sword, believing in his words because he could really do that. Out of all paladins, only he and Henry could say something like this in the open due to their fame and prowess.

No one would dare to mess with two great lions in the church after hearing their tales. They were legends among the men and idols of the young generation.

" Lord, we are approaching Aachen. They might require our ID."

A young squirrel stood before him while waiting for his answer as Richard handed his emblem with a white lion on it. Furthermore, he instructed his men to raise their flags high to avoid any unnecessary brawls or problems here.

The looming buildings of Aachen entered into his vision, slowly growing bigger and bigger. One could say Aachen was probably one of the most developed cities in the north by its look and the security was tight here.

" Lord Richard, I am humbled to meet one of the great lions of the church. I shall act as your guide here in Aachen. My lord is pleased to hear that you are visiting his territory. He instructed us to show our best hospitality during your stay here."

An old butler approached them with iron-clad knights while bowing his head to show his courtesy. None of the knights dared to question his words because the lion was staring at them like they were prey.

" Not bad. As expected from the lord, he knew I was coming despite my attempt to hide it. Guide me to the inn where I can relax. After that, I will meet with the lord."

Richard took back his emblem, grinning with a calm face.