Chapter 47

If one avoids a duel due to lack of skill, it's not shameful. However, if they refuse despite having the capability, it is disgraceful.

It also suggests a lack of trust in one's knight's abilities. Proud knights would take such a sentiment as a grave insult.

"If you win, I will call you my brother. But if I win, you must address me as Young Master. What do you say?"

Just in case he tried to avoid it, Dani dangled a tempting bait. If Sylas still refused, it would be an admission of cowardice.

Werner looked uneasy, while Sylas and Toby whispered to each other from behind.

''Hey, doesn't he know your skills?''

 ''Probably not.''

 ''Why?''

''He left for the capital before I made a name for myself.''

''So, he only knows your bad reputation?''

''Sounds like it…?''

The master and servant, having gathered their thoughts, exchanged a sly smile. As the two continued their conversation, Werner shook his head and spoke up.

"Master Dani, if I may advise you, it would be best not to proceed."

"Are you defending him now?"

"It's not that. It's just that Sir Toby is incredibly strong—"

"That's nonsense! A duel?!"

At that moment, Sylas quickly cut Werner off and stepped forward without hesitation.

"Even if you agree to a duel, how can I trust you'll keep your word? Unless you swear an oath, I can't believe you!"

"Oh? So, if I swear an oath, you're saying you'll accept the duel?"

"N-No, that's not what I meant...!"

Oh no, what a mistake! Dani smiled triumphantly as he watched Sylas's flustered reaction. How typical of a commoner. Nobles live and die by a single slip of the tongue.

"Very well! I swear by the great ancestor Leonik and the goddess that if my knight loses, I will call you my elder brother!"

"W-What?!"

He actually swore! This was a disaster! Sylas, utterly taken aback, stepped back in shock. Dani, baring his teeth, laughed at the sight.

"Now, swear your own oath! If you claim to be a noble, you won't go back on your word, will you?"

"D-Damn it! I, I—!"

"My lord! Please do it!"

Toby stepped forward, standing in front of the regretful Sylas. He embodied the spirit of a knight ready to face death.

"How can I call myself a knight if I don't defend my lord's honor? I swear I will win, even if it costs me my life. Please, allow me to fight!"

"But the opponent is from the Golden Lion Knights! Even I have heard of their fame! I can't lose you!"

"How can a knight avoid a battle because of reputation?!"

Toby dropped to his knees, pleading earnestly.

"Though I may be a knight from a rural part of the South, I still know a knight's duty! Please, allow me to fight!"

"Very well... if that's truly your wish...!"

Moved by his vassal's loyalty, tears welled up in Sylas's eyes as he stood up. Clenching his fists, he was filled with a sense of resolve.

"Fine! If I lose, I will call you 'young master' and serve you with all my devotion! I swear this by the great ancestor Leonik and the goddess!"

"Haha! Your courage is at least worthy of a noble!"

Dani burst into laughter and gestured to Gino, who confidently stepped forward.

"My lord, what should I do?"

"He is a knight with spirit. Give him the treatment he deserves."

"Understood."

On the surface, it sounded respectful, but the hidden meaning was clear—kill him under the guise of an accident. There was no reason to spare the servant of a detestable commoner.

Hearing their exchange, Toby bit his lip as if he sensed his fate and approached Werner.

"Sir Werner, please do not stop the duel, no matter what happens to me. It would be an insult to me."

"What are you talking about? You're the strongest one here—"

"It seems it's time! Please declare the start of the duel!"

Before Werner could respond, the two knights faced each other. Toby drew his sword with a tense expression, while Gino looked completely at ease. It was strange—Werner's eyesight might have worsened recently, but it wasn't bad enough to mistake the expressions on their faces.

"Sir Werner, when will you begin? We're already prepared."

At Dani's urging, Werner gave up trying to make sense of it. If they were both eager to fight, what else could he do?

"...May this duel be one without shame before the goddess. Draw your swords."

Whatever happens, happens.

***

'This is the perfect stage to showcase my skills.'

Dani's knight, Gino, was quite pleased with the situation. Since signing a lifelong contract, he hadn't had the chance to demonstrate his abilities to Dani. A knight who swears loyalty to his lord must prove himself one way or another.

Even the most generous lord would frown upon an idle knight wasting his hefty salary.

'And a duel, no less—this is my specialty.'

The Golden Lion Knights were originally founded to combat humans rather than monsters, and Gino was above average even among them. Though he had been expelled due to his behavior, he was confident in his combat skills against other people.

'Alright, let's finish this in one blow.'

Nothing left a strong impression like a swift, decisive victory. Lowering his stance and raising his sword horizontally, he saw the southern knight readying his own posture.

Foolishly, the man was preparing to parry. Confident of his victory, Gino charged forward and swung his sword horizontally with all his might.

Clang.

'I've won!'

The moment the swords clashed, Gino felt certain of his victory. His blade had smoothly slid past after the initial impact. Though he didn't feel the sensation of cutting flesh, how could the sky be so clear before his eyes?

"...The sky?"

Wait, why could he see the sky? Before he could process the thought, a powerful impact struck Gino's entire body.

Thud thud thud

"Ugh!"

It was only after tumbling across the ground several times that Gino realized what had happened. At the moment their swords had first clashed, his opponent had launched him into the air—sword and all. And only now had he crashed to the ground and rolled to a stop.

"What the… ugh!"

Stunned by the incredible strength, Gino's body shivered before he lost consciousness. Both his arms were dangling, broken from trying to block that monstrous power. It was no wonder he passed out after hitting the ground with broken arms.

"...."

"...."

A heavy silence fell over the training ground. Toby sheathed his sword and bowed his head slightly toward Gino.

"It was a good match."

"...."

"Just a hair's breadth difference. If my reaction had been even a moment slower, my head would have been taken off..."

"Stop talking nonsense, sir."

Werner, unable to hold back any longer, finally spoke up. He had to say something reasonable.