Chapter 18: The Finger Bone of Galido I

When Leo arrived at the camp accompanied by the brown bear, a hush fell over the place. The knights paused their maintenance of weapons, the nobles ceased their boasting and banter, and even the squires set aside their tasks, all quietly watching the bear Leo had brought.

Everyone's reactions were different, but the shock in their eyes was the same. After all, it was a bear—a creature even the most seasoned hunter would hesitate to claim mastery over. Yet Leo had managed it.

Some of the younger knights swallowed hard. Was he truly a cleric? Or was he a paladin sent by the Church?

“Your Grace!” Leo, keenly aware of the gazes upon him, felt a surge of pride. Standing in the center of the camp, he called out directly to Matilda.

Matilda, who was inside her tent, soon emerged and saw the prize Leo had brought. She, too, was visibly astonished, just like the others. Lifting her skirts, she approached, scrutinizing Leo from all sides.

Startled by Matilda’s scrutiny, Leo quickly raised both hands to show he was blameless. “Your Grace, perhaps you’d prefer to inspect the bear first…”

“Sir Leo, are you hurt?” Matilda asked, her eyes fixed on him. “Did the bear strike you? That could cause internal injuries.”

So she was concerned about him.

Leo relaxed instantly, warmth blooming in his heart. Matilda truly was remarkable—capable both of managing and caring for people. No wonder she was the foremost noble beauty of the Middle Ages.

“I am unhurt, Your Grace,” Leo replied.

“Good,” Matilda nodded, then turned to the massive brown bear. “You mentioned before that you intended to give me your prey. But such a dangerous creature, hunted by your own hand, ought to remain with you.”

Before she could finish, Leo shook his head. “Your Grace, I would never break my promise. Whether I return with a rabbit or a legendary sea serpent, I will always keep my word.”

Matilda was momentarily stunned by Leo’s declaration. Raised in the court, she had rarely encountered anyone truly honest, let alone someone committed to keeping promises. Leo’s actions stirred in her a feeling that transcended mere self-interest—a warmth she could not quite name but could not deny.

“Then I shall accept it. Thank you for your gift, Sir Leo,” Matilda said, nodding.

“And this was hunted with my knights; they are the true heroes,” Leo added, glancing back at Corrado.

Corrado seemed overwhelmed, bowing his head, unable to meet anyone’s gaze.

“A fine knight matched with a fine lord—that’s wonderful,” Matilda said, then abruptly turned toward Alberto. “Alberto! Bring out the horse for Sir Leo!”

On hearing Matilda’s command, Alberto immediately dropped the rabbit he was holding and rushed to the rear of the camp. After a brief commotion, he led out a tall, majestic steed.

The gleaming, jet-black Friesian horse dazzled Leo as soon as it entered. Standing nearly six feet tall, powerfully built yet graceful, each step exuded elegance and strength.

Was this the Ferrari of the Middle Ages?

Leo couldn’t help but walk over and rest his hand on the horse’s mane.

“It doesn’t have the best temperament,” Matilda warned. “Be careful…”

Before she could finish, the horse lowered its head, sniffed Leo’s hand, and nudged him with its nose.

What kind of person was he, really? Matilda couldn’t understand.

Alberto patted Leo’s shoulder, his tone full of envy. “Luck is on your side. Go on, give it a name—it’s a fine horse.”

A name?

Staring at the black horse before him, Leo’s thoughts raced. At last, he gazed at the animal and softly uttered a name that had haunted him for years.

“Your name isn’t Carrot; it’s Grape.”

Just then, a system notification sounded in Leo’s ear, filling him with satisfaction.

[Competition Quest: Emilia Hunt complete]
[Reward: Small Relic]
[The reward will appear in your tent tomorrow morning]

…

With the rising sun, the camp came alive again. People began packing their belongings, loading everything onto wagons, preparing to head toward nearby Parma.

Leo, who had woken early, sat on a small hill, watching the bustle. Only when everyone finished packing did he return to the group. Unlike before, knights now greeted him—not only for his elevated status but out of genuine respect.

Knights respect strength above all.

“Sir, I found this in your tent,” Carlo said, holding a small box. He hadn’t dared open it, merely presenting it to Leo.

At the sight of the unfamiliar box, Leo knew it was a reward from the system.

[Phalange of Saint Callistus I]

From the description, Leo could tell this relic wasn’t of the highest rank, not among the most renowned. He had never heard the name before. The only clue was the “I” after the name, indicating he had once been pope.

Likely a pope from the Roman era, back when papal power was minimal. Its value was commemorative rather than practical.

Leo handed the small box to Carlo. “Keep it safe. Don’t lose it under any circumstances.”

Carlo took the box, bewildered. He glanced at it, then asked, “Sir, may I ask what’s inside?”

“Didn’t I mention it before?” Leo said as he led Grape over and mounted.

Carlo was perplexed. Had he mentioned it? Carlo racked his brains but couldn’t recall Leo ever explaining the box. By the time he tried to ask again, Leo had already moved on to Matilda’s side.

Never mind.

Carlo stopped wondering, tucking the box into his possession.

Leo, meanwhile, was beside Matilda, exchanging words with her.

“What are you planning to do with the bear?”

“Of course, I’ll have it made into a bearskin coat. It’s the first time I’ve received such a gift,” Matilda replied, her tone hinting at delight.

In Italy, owning a bearskin coat was a mark of distinction—and receiving one from a subordinate made Matilda even prouder. It proved she was a capable lord.

“By the way, Leo,” Matilda said solemnly, “when we reach Parma, I’ll need your help with something.”

“What is it?” Leo adopted her serious tone, as if expecting a grave matter.

“Do you know the bishop of Parma?”

“No.”

“He was the former pope, forced to abdicate. I’ll need you to negotiate with him for me.”