I'm not a Witcher anymore.

Chapter 186 Subduing the Semi Family

The Semih family was not initially vassals of von Porgel.

They had lived on this land for generations, while von Polgár had only been in Trossky for a few short years.

The reason he was able to quickly establish himself in Bohemia was not because of any inherited kindness or prestige, but because he knew well enough to know who to hand the knife to.

During the years when Wenceslaus IV and Sigismund were vying for control of Bohemia, von Porghaur bet on Sigismund.

He levied exorbitant taxes on behalf of the Hungarian king in royal cities and monasteries, squeezing out a large sum of money, with Kutenberg, a city rich in silver, being the place where he made the most of his wealth.

It was through this achievement and wealth that he bought Troschi Castle and expanded it into the most formidable stronghold of Sigismund's power in the region.

Consequently, the Semih family, who originally only needed to bow to the Prague court, was also forced to fall into his shadow.

But as soon as von Polgar took office, he gave the Semih family a severe beating.

After taking over Trossky, von Porgaard renovated the old fortress, which was not far from Semih estate and was practically a nail driven into the Semih family's nose, and gave it as a reward to his old subordinate, Jaromil Nebaf.

And Yaromir did not disappoint von Polgao, because he knew that the purpose of the lord granting him the Nebakov fortress was to make him cause trouble for the Semi family.

Therefore, Yaromir would occasionally give the Semi family a warning so that they would always remember their identity.

Oda's father, old Semih, was furious at von Polgár's actions.

After his outburst, old Semih only hoped that von Polgar would show leniency towards the Semih family.

Moreover, during this time, old Semih even went to Trossky Castle several times to meet with von Polgár, hoping that he could attend Oda's wedding.

The hot-blooded young Oda couldn't swallow this insult, so he devised a plan to kill von Polgar and restore the glory of the Semi family.

And now, a duke with true royal blood stands before Auda, telling him that this rebellion is not a pipe dream.

"I did not come here for sightseeing, my friend. This land is bleeding, and Sigismund is like a greedy butcher trying to shred Bohemia and swallow it whole."

"And that monster called Lord Alliance is the sharpest boning knife in his hand."

"Otto von Polgár, he is the hardest piece of iron on this blade. As long as he remains in Trossky, Sigismund's hooves can trample this land with impunity."

"Von Polgao is not only your enemy, but also the nightmare of all those on this land who yearn for freedom."

Oda Semi gripped the reins tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force.

Every word Zieg said was like a heavy hammer blow, precisely striking the most hidden pain in his heart.

"Your Highness—" Auda's voice was hoarse, a hoarseness born from long-suppressed anger, "You mean—you intend to deal with von Polgar?"

It's not a "plan," it's a "must."

Zieger corrected him.

"In this impending storm, this thorn must be removed. And as far as I know, no one longs for that day to come more than the Semi family. You have lost your land, your fortress, and even the right to stand tall before that usurper."

Sieg rode forward two steps and came to stand in front of Oda.

The distance between the two has shortened.

"I can help you, Oda."

"I can put von Polgár's head on your plate. I will help you get back everything that is rightfully yours, and even more."

Auda's heart pounded violently, and blood rushed to his head.

This was not just a temptation; it was the redemption he had been longing for.

But he was, after all, an aristocrat, and he understood that there was no such thing as a free lunch in this world, nor was there any generosity without a reason.

"So, what's the price?" Auda forced himself to calm down, though his voice still trembled slightly. "A duke's sword isn't drawn easily. What do you need me to do? How much gold will it cost?"

"Gold? No, you should save the Semi family's savings to buy jewelry for your bride."

Zieg shook his head.

"I don't need your gold coins, nor do I need your land. I only need one thing: your sword, and the hand that holds it."

"I want your loyalty, Oda Semi."

"From the moment you reclaim your family's glory, you will no longer be von Polgao's punching bag, nor the schemer who needs to secretly contact the rebels in the dead of night. You will become my vassal, swearing allegiance to Sieg of Luxembourg."

Where your sword points, my will must follow.

Upon hearing this request, Oda Semijipin did not hesitate at all, nor did he struggle for even a second.

On the contrary, an overwhelming joy instantly overwhelmed him.

If it were a farmer who had never read the Code of Chivalry, he might think it was just a matter of replacing a collar with a new one.

old.

But in the eyes of nobles like Oda Semi, Zieg's request was nothing short of the most perfect gift from God.

Because this is not only a grant of power, but also a bestowal of status.

On this land, no matter how sharp a sword you hold, if you don't have a legitimate reason to wield it, you are still just a despicable robber, a rebel, or a traitor who breaks his oath.

The bold and unrestrained statement, "Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny?"—a statement brimming with Eastern flair—had no place in the aristocratic circles of medieval Europe.

For a vassal, insubordination and murder of his lord is an unforgivable crime.

And now, standing before him is a duke with royal blood of the Holy Roman Empire!

If he pledges allegiance to Sieg, he will no longer be a rebellious vassal who murders his lord, but a righteous knight who follows the royal family and punishes the usurper's lackeys!

His revenge will no longer be a personal vendetta, but a matter of public justice.

This isn't a price to pay; it's clearly a ticket to the path of glory!

"No problem, Your Highness!"

Oda Semih dismounted.

The mud-caked riding boots slammed heavily onto the withered grass with a dull thud.

The young heir of the Semi family slowly bent his knees before the duke, who sat upright on horseback.

"I, Oda, son of the Semi family, hereby swear to God and to St. Wenceslaus."

Auda's voice trembled slightly in the wind, but every syllable seemed to be squeezed from his chest, carrying a resolute and fervent determination: "From this day forward, I will be your sword, your shield, the extension of your will. Your enemies are my foes, your glory is my life. I will defend your banner with my blood until death takes my soul, or you break this oath."

Zieg lowered his eyes and looked at the young man kneeling in front of the horse.

"I accept your vow, Oda Semi."

"From now on, you will no longer walk alone in the darkness. Rise up, my knight."

Aoda slowly stood up.

Although it was still a desolate wilderness with a biting wind, at this moment, he felt an unprecedented flame burning in his chest.

The fear and unease of being a rebel have been replaced by the sense of security that comes with having a legitimate cause.

He took a deep breath, looked up at Zieg, and the confusion in his eyes had disappeared, replaced by a gleam of eager anticipation.

"Your Highness, now that the oath has been made, I will hold nothing back."

Aoda grabbed the saddle and nimbly mounted the horse.

"As you said, oaths alone are not enough to remove von Polgar, this thorn in our side. We need real iron and blood. Please come with me; I will take you to see a person—or rather, to see a 'knife' that I have already sharpened for you."

Hans Capon, who had been watching the swearing-in ceremony with great interest, raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? There's an unexpected bonus?" The young master of Lathai whistled, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing, but his hands were already gripping the reins tightly. "Hopefully, it's not some petty poacher. My Duke is very picky."

Auda didn't refute, but just smiled mysteriously: "Believe me, young master Capone, that person will surprise you."