[V] Challenge

With a serious face, Arthur looks down at him. Walter had never seen him act like this before so he's anticipating he would say something that will surely surprise him, something that involves his daughter, Sofia.

Is it something about them being engaged? Or is it something he still doesn't know about? For now, he still hasn't got the answer, but he waited for the truth as Arthur looks at him.

[ Walter, about my daughter, Sofia... she's - ]

But before he could complete his sentence, a call interrupted - a voice that came from the entrance of the balcony behind the two of them.

[ So this is where you were, father! We've been looking for you. ]

There, three people stood. They're all men at the same age as Walter, and they also have all something in common with Arthur, may it be his face, the color of his hair, or the build of their body, either way, it proves that - like what they have called him: he's their father.

[ You three, what are you doing here? Attend to our guesses. ] including Walter, Arthur turns to the three of them, and Arthur, in particular, ordered them to go back to where they came from - interrupting their conversation that's just about to turn serious.

[ But we've already attended to all of them. How about we provide something that will entertain them? The ball is still later for tonight, so it would be better if we could fill the gap. ] the one in the middle, who seems to be the most confident voiced.

( So these are his sons that this celebration is for, huh? ) Walter guessed as he observes their conversation.

[ An entertainment, huh...? ] and as Arthur repeated the word in a whisper, he turns a glimpse at Walter, seemingly figuring out something.

[ Yes, it would be bad if we couldn't provide something little that will at least entertain our guesses... fine... Walter Ainzach, how about you help us? ] Arthur says in a voice that makes sure his sons would hear.

[ Walter Ainzach? ] and just as expected, one of his sons repeated the name that was told with a baffled expression.

( Ahh... I know where this is going... )

[ It couldn't be... an Ainzach? And it's Walter Ainzach? ]

[ Yes, I've seen him in the academy... It really is him... ]

The other two mutters to themselves as they look at him. Then, they turned even more surprised when their eyes gazed at the crest on the pommel of Walter's sword.

[ This is a chance in a lifetime! Walter Ainzach-sama, it's nice to meet you! My name is Halberd Brunhild, I studied at the knight's academy at the same time as you, but... this is actually the first time I had a chance like this, please! Give me a chance to spar! ] Halbert, the one in the middle immediately came up to him to shake his hands, and Walter did shake it so, only to meet with an invitation for a spar after.

[ Walter, this is my 7th son, he's the eldest of these three, and like me, he boasts great knowledge in tactics, though... I might say, he and the others are not really well versed in actual duels. As a veteran duelist and challenger, how about you give them bits of lessons? ] Arthur asks, and to it, he just doesn't have the right to refuse.

[ Haah... It would be my honor. ] so, with a tired sigh, he accepted.

( I haven't got the chance to spar with anybody since the graduation... might as well consider this as practice instead of a real fight. )

Just like that, they seemingly have already forgotten what they have anticipated. Without a word, they both realized that they will just talk about it again later at night when it would be better.

***

[ Wait... is he really an Ainzach...? ]

[ Yes, look at that sword, it looks cheap but it actually has their crest! It's the real deal! ]

[ Now this is something to get excited about! I wonder how it will turn out... ]

Voices coming from the seats on all four sides far from where Walter stood can be heard. Some are just excitedly chatting, while some are cheering, and there are others too who are starting to show pouches of coins to bet.

The place looked exactly like a Colosseum, only better and well-designed. And on its stage, where huge blocks of white tiles fitted the ground, Walter stood - practicing swinging his sword as he waited for his enemy.

( I can't believe they have a place like this... ) placing back his sword in its sheath, he turns to all corners of his vision to observe the audience, and he couldn't believe just how many of them are participating to watch and how they are all looking excited. Even the place too - he didn't expect that the Brunhild family will have something like this for themselves.

Continuing to wait at the same block of tile, the cheering of the people suddenly grew louder, and Walter already knew why the second he heard them...

His enemy has finally arrived: waving to the audience with a smile as he did so.

And when he reaches a distance enough to clearly see Walter's face...

[ Thank you for giving this chance, Ainzach-sama... It's an honor to be able to fight with such a strong and renowned knight as you are... Please, don't hold back so I can feel what it really is to fight one of the members of the strongest family of knights in this kingdom. ] as he announced his presence to Walter, he bowed and pulled out his sword - the type that's most common for knights - and prepared a stance - it seems that he won't give Walter any chance to practice his sword again anymore.

And as an acknowledgment, Walter took hold of the grip of his sword and also prepared a rather weak form. He did not even hide the fact that he's underestimating his enemy.

The fight will now start, and the best way for it to be done so is to gauge out the strength of the enemy. If he will be able to observe how strong this person is, then he will be able to get a guess on how strong his next two opponents would be, too.

[ Please, don't hold back yourself. ] he gave the final words as his enemy nodded and immediately rushed at him after.

*Bang!!!

Almost instantly as their swords clashed, waves of strong wind were produced, together with a loud banging and screeching sounds that surely scrape the ears of those around them.

And wouldn't you know it, Walter was pushed back from his position by the heavy hit of his enemy. Even he wasn't expecting that.

[ Ohho~? Well-versed in tactics my ass... You just came straight at me...! I'm sure you could do better than that! ] as his face turns an excited smile, he pushed his sword hard that's clashing blades with the enemy and push him back a meter with much force, only to dash fast when his enemy let his guard down.

[ Tsk! Too strong! I thought it was just an ordinary sword...! ] his enemy whispers in regret to himself as he sees Walter going towards him with his sword pointed at his chest. And as soon as it reaches an inch away from his skin, he made sure to respond and dodge.

He swifts back and suddenly, spikes that penetrate the skin and impales the body appeared on the ground, pointing towards Walter. Instantly, he was forced to jump back to dodge for the sake of his well-being.

[ Please don't think it would be that easy, Ainzach-sama... ] his enemy voiced as they both jumped back to dodge each others' attack. That's right, even Walter too, who was the supposed aggressor didn't expect the enemy to use magic to counter his straightforward attack.

[ Magic, huh...? ] Walter whispers as he looks at the spikes of dirt protruding from the ground that separates the two of them.

[ The fight is only starting Ainzach-sama. ]

[ It seems like it... I guess I underestimate you for a little. For a fighter to use magic, it's not common even for experienced knights. ] a small smirk on his mouth appeared as he murmurs. And as he does so... finally, his grip relaxes on his practice sword, only to grip it hard after. Then...

[ A serious stance... It seems I'm worthy enough. ]

[ Oh, you are... but, please don't expect that you would last long, you might get hurt. ]