Ch.37Unjust Duel (2)

Meanwhile, in a garden slightly removed from the main palace, a lovely young girl was strolling leisurely.

A girl with pure white hair identical to her sister’s and beautiful eyes that sparkled with golden light.

Her name was Miren Justitia.

“Hmm~ Hmm~.”

The imperial palace—a mysterious castle that girls her age could only dream of visiting.

Miren’s last memory of the imperial palace was when she had briefly visited for Irefi’s knighting ceremony.

Though she couldn’t quite feel it, she had been asleep for eight years. She had expected the imperial palace to have changed significantly, but it seemed that wasn’t the case.

“Still, seeing it in person is so much better.”

The romance novels Miren had been enjoying lately depicted encounters between men and women in the imperial palace.

At an age when interest in love naturally blossoms, she secretly had certain expectations.

‘The male and female protagonists had their first meeting in the palace garden, right?’

That was why the garden was the first place Miren had visited. The flower scents were fragrant, and the atmosphere was enchanting enough that romance could blossom anywhere.

Perhaps a fateful encounter was waiting for her too…!

‘Come to think of it, I wonder what Elfi sister and Nepy brother’s first meeting was like? Maybe it was unexpectedly sweet!’

Miren often asked Irefi about her first meeting with Nepy, but she had never received a satisfying answer.

Judging by how Irefi always hastily changed the subject, there must have been something there. Perhaps they accidentally kissed after stumbling…!

‘They make such a perfect picture together that I want to know more.’

Though it had been a picture painted with blood and flesh, that was a story Miren knew nothing about.

As the girl was strolling through the garden, she faintly heard the sound of people bickering somewhere.

“Who could that be? Not adults…”

Curious, Miren approached the source of the sound. The conversation became clearer, and she was able to identify the source of the argument.

“Brother, didn’t I tell you to behave and stay put?”

“Are you really from our family? If there are weapons there, we’re going! If not, I’ll… Oh? Who’s there?”

What Miren witnessed was an argument between what appeared to be a brother and sister.

Tousled brown hair like ripe rice stalks and vibrant green eyes full of vitality.

Miren could easily guess who the siblings resembled.

‘The Chester ducal family… the family that’s been tormenting Elfi sister.’

If Irefi truly didn’t care about her position, Miren wouldn’t mind either. But she couldn’t be pleased to see children from a family that tarnished her sister’s honor.

As Miren was contemplating what to do with a serious expression on her face,

The Chester girl spoke to her first.

“Who are you? I know most nobles by face, but I’ve never seen you before.”

‘Even if we’re the same age, starting with informal speech like that!’

Miren’s internal approval rating of the siblings plummeted. Her prickly response was inevitable.

“Shouldn’t you introduce yourself before asking others who they are?”

“Oh, is that right?”

‘Huh?’

An unexpected reaction. She had calculated that the girl would be irritated, but instead, she responded with innocent curiosity.

The girl confidently thrust out her chest, radiating energy.

“I’m Enella Chester. The only daughter of the family and a woman warrior who will surpass my brother Bartlant, the owner of the Conqueror’s Sword, to become the greatest warrior! What’s your name?”

“… Miren Justitia.”

She didn’t have anything as grand as Enella’s introduction. Moreover, the other girl’s positive energy was so strong that Miren felt a bit embarrassed about her prickly attitude.

“Justitia? From the family of Marquess Irefi Justitia?”

“That’s right.”

“Wow! I heard rumors that the family had a second daughter, and it’s true! When I first saw Commander Justitia, I was amazed by how beautiful she was, and you’re completely pretty too… especially those golden eyes!”

“Hmph, hmm. Is, is that so? Thank you. Enella, I’m envious of your healthy vigor too.”

Enella poured out words like a waterfall with overflowing energy. It seemed like she could chat until sunset if left alone.

“Oh, I almost forgot. This is my brother, Arnel Chester. Unlike me, he’s never even properly swung a wooden sword, so don’t expect much spirit from him.”

Enella forcibly grabbed Arnel’s hand and brought him in front of Miren.

Seeing his timid behavior as he kept avoiding eye contact, Miren greeted him first.

“Arnel, right? Nice to meet you.”

“… Y-yes!”

‘He’s the complete opposite of Enella.’

It was an extreme contrast that made it hard to believe they were siblings. If they didn’t look alike, it would be difficult to accept that they shared the same blood.

Miren took a step closer to Arnel and formally introduced herself.

“I’m Miren Justitia. I’m fourteen years old.”

“Really? You’re the same age as us! That’s great, Arnel. Right?”

“Yes…”

“What’s this? He’s usually a bit like that, but today he’s particularly lacking in courage.”

“That’s… that’s not it…”

Arnel’s cheeks were flushed with summer heat as he stammered his denial. It was a warmth that didn’t match the current chilly season.

As if Miren’s gaze were lightning, Arnel kept avoiding her eyes, which made her feel somewhat disappointed.

‘Hmm, they don’t seem like bad kids.’

The initial hostility she had felt was completely gone, and Miren decided to spend at least today with them.

◇

The training ground was lined with various weapons. It looked as if half the imperial armory had been emptied.

On the desolate ground that perfectly embodied the phrase “a sea of swords,” Bartlant and I faced each other.

“Old man… what have you done? Are you trying to reveal that you’re immortal?”

Netionpis’s thoughts reached me as I sweated profusely despite the cold temperature.

[How could that be? Be quiet. This will be a great opportunity for you too.]

“What are you plotting?”

[Without the white girl’s spell, interference with the physical body from the mental world is quite smooth. Don’t worry. Just focus on relaxing your strength and getting used to the sensation.]

“What sensation?”

[You’ll soon find out. The difference between watching and doing is beyond imagination. Let’s start with… a spear.]

Bartlant picked up a spear from the displayed weapons. In response, Netionpis also picked up a spear and returned to the training ground.

The stances of the two men holding spears were identical, as if reflected in a mirror.

The signal for the duel came in an instant.

“I hereby declare the duel between Viscount Bartlant Chester and Marquess Nepy Alteon!”

Under the Emperor’s declaration, the distance between Bartlant and me quickly closed.

Kwaaaaa!

The tips of our spears fiercely rushed toward each other. As we exchanged fierce killing intent without hesitation, I felt like I was going to cry.

‘Wah, waaaaaaah!? Damn it, even though the old man is controlling my body, the sensations and vision are still mine, so this is terrifying!!! I’m so scared!!!’

Bartlant’s massive frame charged forward like a tank, thrusting his long spear without hesitation. I was experiencing firsthand the terrifying sensation of narrowly avoiding it.

A parade of weapons genuinely trying to pierce me. The anxiety stemming from completely entrusting my safety to someone else. All of these things were making me want to cry.

“Marquess, your skills are quite impressive. But! How about this?”

Bartlant’s green eyes exploded with energy. Even a fool could tell that his abilities were surging like a flood.

[Oh, battle aura worthy of the name Bartlant.]

Battle aura.

It could be called the racial characteristic of the Chester family—a mysterious power. A unique ability that oxidizes life force too abundant to be contained, raising one’s abilities by several levels!

[Though they say it burns life force, Bartlant used to recover his life force even while using battle aura.]

‘What is that? That’s cheating! Does that mean he has infinite power?’

[That was the man called Bartlant Chester. This child will soon reach a similar level. Though he’s still… lacking.]

My heart pounded. It was a phenomenon of synchronizing with Netionpis’s emotions. Feelings of joy and delight spread throughout my body.

Simultaneously, the tip of Netionpis’s spear curved like a snake. It was spear technique with such elegant movement that it created such an illusion.

Chang! Chang! Shugaak!

Though Bartlant’s physical abilities had surely multiplied several times, Netionpis’s spear easily opened up his chest with leisure.

As the opponent’s expression twisted strangely, Netionpis borrowed my mouth.

[No, that’s not it. The Chester spear is a comet. It carries an unapproachable power at its tip, yet it’s elegant like the tail of light.]

“What?!”

Such condescending advice, and an attitude that seemed to know the Chester martial arts well. It was natural for Bartlant to be displeased.

“Haaap!”

Bartlant’s battle aura fiercely whirled. It was a series of actions to reverse the situation. With visibility obscured, the clashing spear tips lost their way and hesitated.

Netionpis’s judgment was quick. He lowered his stance, then spun around and threw the spear. The spear, flying like a meteor, made a cold metallic sound before crumbling into pieces.

“We had the same idea.”

[I knew you would do that.]

At the center of the training ground, where the dust had settled, fragments from the two spear shafts were scattered. The spears thrown by Bartlant and Netionpis had collided.

“Sword!”

[Then I’ll take a sword too.]

A sword flew from Bartlant’s display rack and landed in his hand.

Similarly, Irefi threw a sword fiercely from our display rack.

‘… Fiercely?’

Paeng-! Tremble tremble…

The sword trembled like an aspen leaf on the hard training ground floor.

“Irefi…?”

As soon as I turned my head to look at her, I understood. Her mood, where killing intent and contempt coexisted…

[The white girl’s condition is strange.]

“I don’t have any idea either. Let’s deal with the problem in front of us first.”

No separate signal was needed for the clash. As soon as their eyes met, they advanced to the center and greeted each other with vicious blades.

Kagagak… Kagak!

Bartlant’s sword, infused with battle aura, created the illusion of cutting through space.

Despite his massive frame, his swordplay was agile and efficient, proving his accomplishments.

He never carelessly shifted his center of gravity, even when taking a step.

Yet Netionpis only offered a nonchalant comment.

[Fairly excellent study. But still insufficient to be called the darling of the era.]

“Kuk…”

He groaned. Though his physical abilities, experience, and reputation as a warrior should all be superior.

Why was the man before him so difficult to penetrate, so unreachable? Such questions were evident in his expression.

[Rotten notions have already ravaged your mind. Trust your instincts. The swordsmanship you’ve built up is meaningless. Cutting well, thrusting well, avoiding well—all these eventually converge into one.]

“Who are you to deny the martial arts that the Chester family has accumulated!”

Chaeng!

Netionpis’s sword soared into the air. Bartlant’s angry outburst momentarily pushed aside his reason, making his center float.

Netionpis didn’t miss the fleeting moment and struck upward with his sword, toppling Bartlant’s massive frame.

“Not yet, not yet!”

With his center pulled backward, he stepped on the ground and retreated to the edge of the training ground.

As if knowing what Bartlant’s next move would be, Netionpis discarded his sword and picked up a large shield.

“I’ll use the Conqueror’s Sword!”

At Bartlant’s resolute cry, the attendants from the ducal family moved busily.

What five or six people struggled to bring was a single weapon.

To describe it, it was a bizarrely shaped greatsword.

With an overwhelming size large enough for a massive person to hide behind, and a wide area like a shield, it was difficult to guess its purpose.

“Hmm!”

Bartlant lifted the weapon with one hand using his explosive strength. The concept of weight seemed infinitely vague to him.

Netionpis, not seeming surprised, spoke calmly.

[This is a useful technique, so learn it.]

“Technique?”

Along with his brief thought, malice emanated from his fingertips. The dark, ink-colored energy corroded the shield, melting it and transforming its properties.

The shield, changing its form like clay, soon took on exactly the same shape as Bartlant’s Conqueror’s Sword. It was slightly smaller, perhaps because it couldn’t change its mass, but that was the only difference.

Bartlant watched in amazement.

“Marquess Alteon, you are no ordinary person. But to imitate the Conqueror’s Sword of all things—this is an insult that makes my blood boil!”

[With rotten tenacity, wouldn’t it be adequate?]

Netionpis pointed the bizarrely shaped greatsword—the Conqueror’s Sword—straight ahead.

[In the past… when I competed with Bartlant, I used to get completely shattered.]

A monologue filled with melancholy.

Along with his nostalgic emotions, a new memory flashed through my mind.

A hill with weapons stuck upside down. The previous Bartlant giving sincere advice. A playfully accepted bet.

What he felt was undoubtedly gratitude toward Bartlant and friendship.

Moreover, the weapons the two were holding in the memory landscape were…!

“Hey, did you plan this from the beginning?”

[Kuk, seems like you saw it. My oversight.]

“Old man, you had it all planned out.”

I honestly admired it. So that was ‘that’ Netionpis’s intention!

[… I’m reaching my limit soon. I wanted to enjoy this a bit longer, but it can’t be helped.]

He raised the Conqueror’s Sword vertically, stabbing the sky. Seeing this stance, Bartlant’s eyes showed a strange light.

“Could that be… no, that’s impossible!”

Bartlant’s life force erupted like a volcano. Wrapped in battle aura and about to dash, he was like a loaded massive cannonball.

The tense standoff broke in an instant!

Finally, Bartlant charged forward with the Conqueror’s Sword at the front, like a fired cannon. Simultaneously, Netionpis also struck down his Conqueror’s Sword in a vertical trajectory.

Kwadududududuk!

The impact of the Conqueror’s Sword created enormous pressure that rushed forward, splitting the ground. The tsunami-like shock that seemed like it would endlessly rush forward collided with Bartlant’s charge.

“Kuhit… Kuaaaaaaaaaah!”

“Holy shit!”

A curse reflexively escaped my throat.

Bartlant had advanced using the wide blade of the Conqueror’s Sword as a shield. The massive force, blocked by the Conqueror’s Sword, scattered in all directions like fragments.

His figure, steadily closing the distance, looked like a carp realizing the legend of ascending a waterfall.

One step, then another. The presence of his immense battle aura drew closer.

The impact of the Conqueror’s Sword had subsided, and right in front of me stood Bartlant, overflowing with life force.

I muttered to myself.

‘This is over.’

I no longer felt Netionpis’s interference. From now on, it was completely up to me.

I would definitely lose at least an arm or a leg, and I wondered how I would explain that…

As I was deeply contemplating, the man’s declaration was absurd.

“I have lost.”

“What?”

“I acknowledge my defeat and will cede my rights to Marquess Alteon.”

‘Huh? Hmmmm?!’

It seemed I wasn’t the only one having trouble understanding the situation.

Amid the atmosphere dominated by astonished disbelief, the Emperor, who had quickly regained his composure, declared the winner.

“According to Viscount Bartlant Chester’s will, I declare Marquess Nepy Alteon the winner of this duel!”

“…”

No one dared to speak. In the midst of this, only one person applauded.

Clap clap clap clap.

‘Irefi…’

It’s hard to guess her thoughts as she applauds with a fierce gaze.

While I was distracted by the confusion,

Bartlant approached me and extended his hand, which was as large as a pot lid.

“I express my gratitude to the Marquess.”

“Gratitude?”

“Though it was a duel, you taught me about my deficiencies in detail and even gifted me with the legacy of my predecessor. I have no way to repay such a heavenly favor.”

“…”

I can easily guess about the teachings. From the beginning, teaching was Netionpis’s true purpose.

The words that sounded like provocations were never personal taunts.

They were all kindness, containing gratitude for the previous Bartlant and trying to repay that debt to his descendant. That’s why he pointed out and advised on the essence of the Chester family that Bartlant had missed.

What better way to repay a debt as a warrior?

‘Then what’s this legacy he’s talking about? … Ah!’

After pondering for a moment, I hesitated at Bartlant’s eyes, which were full of goodwill.

With his intimidating physique and equally intimidating gaze, it was quite overwhelming.

He said:

“It’s shameless of me, but if it’s not disrespectful, I would like to make a request to the Marquess.”

“What is it…?”

He bent his waist at a right angle and exclaimed:

“Please become my master. I want to receive teachings about martial arts like today in the future as well!”

“Hey, are you crazy? I’ll die that way!!!”

‘I’m sorry, but I must decline.’

“… Marquess Alteon… sir?”

……

Ah.

I mixed up my internal monologue and my actual response.

…

I abandoned all thoughts of duels and etiquette and just ran away.