Ch.50EP.15 – The Knight Hosts a Banquet (1)

# The Underdog’s Rebellion

No one expected it—a true underdog rebellion.

It was rare for a War Game between mages and warriors to end so anticlimactically and quickly.

And even rarer for warriors to dominate so thoroughly.

Yet no one dared question the warriors’ victory.

For good reason.

‘They’re completely spent.’

‘I can’t tell who’s the winner and who’s the loser.’

While the mages appeared perfectly fine, the warriors had collapsed from exhaustion, each one deathly pale.

It was proof they had given their all, evidence of how much effort they had poured into this fight.

In other words, the decisive difference that determined the outcome was who was more desperate and who tried harder.

That’s why the audience gave them generous applause for their all-out effort.

Snap! Snap! Snap!

Some were taking pictures.

No one doubted those photos would make tomorrow’s front page.

It was that entertaining of a comeback.

“Is it a concept of explosive power release?”

“Hmm, I’d say it’s more about focusing one’s momentum. Perhaps it’s a method of amplifying potential.”

“What an unusual fighting technique. Interesting. Did that knight teach it? Quite impressive—ah, no, does it have more flaws…?”

Nobles with keen eyes showed interest in this new technique that, while fundamentally different from traditional martial arts, deserved recognition for its momentary explosive power and force.

Yet they showed interest without revealing greed.

As the mages had noticed, the technique seemed riddled with fatal flaws.

Not only did it have time limitations, but it also placed tremendous strain on the body.

Such methods were not “noble.”

While the new technique was certainly interesting, it wasn’t impressive enough to replace traditional martial arts,

and above all, it lacked dignity.

Of course.

“—Many people wear eyes merely as decoration. Wouldn’t you agree, Lac?”

Those with truly discerning eyes did not hold back their admiration and shock.

“They’re people who think what they possess is the best. But that statement isn’t entirely wrong. For those who have mastered higher techniques, such ‘skills’ aren’t very appealing. …However.”

“However?”

“If someone were to perfect that technique, they would surely be threatening. To the point where no knight would dare underestimate them.”

“Oh? I expected a narrow-minded assessment, but this is unexpected.”

“M-my lord….”

It was a knight from a certain duke’s family who had immediately grasped the value of the technique, and his lord who teased him.

The Duke.

Blake de Vivian Galahad stroked his chin with interest.

“That young man continues to be a pleasure to watch. Not only is he skilled, but he also has teaching talent? Fascinating.”

“He’s not someone worth valuing.”

“Is that fellow still burning with competitive spirit? He must be quite desperate—I thought he might have fallen in love.”

“!!?”

“Haha!”

Duke Blake laughed heartily.

This knight was as close to a disciple as he had.

Usually serious and cold with no fun in teasing him, but since getting involved with that knight, he’s started to show some humanity.

Like a wooden puppet finally beginning to act like a person.

Well, as he became more human, his training hours increased, and those who became his training partners spent more time looking miserable, but that wasn’t Duke Blake’s concern.

“I’m envious. If he weren’t my nephew’s man, I would have brought him to my side.”

“……”

“But perhaps leaving him as your rival benefits your growth. He’ll be a great stimulus for you.”

“T-that’s not it. Why would such a lowly person—”

“Tsk, tsk, so dishonest.”

“……”

These knights are problematic with their excessive pride and competitive spirit.

“…Still, high competitive spirit is better than being a sly cat.”

But his cheerfulness was short-lived.

His gaze grew cold.

How irritating.

Was it the demonic nature of the magic sword? Just having those lions around stirred up murderous intent.

But even without the magic sword, Galahad and Lionel had already crossed a river of no return.

Essentially mortal enemies!

People who must be eliminated.

However.

“If you give the order now, I will mobilize the knights.”

“Enough. Losing you because of those northern cats would be a greater loss.”

“My lord! We will not lose!”

“You may not lose. But there will be sacrifices.”

“Hmm-!”

Since he couldn’t guarantee their complete elimination, he had to be patient for now.

The Duke’s knight, Lac de Duron, couldn’t deny his lord’s words.

As his lord said, the opponent’s skill was not beneath theirs.

He wasn’t so lacking that he couldn’t sense the opponent’s ability.

“Let’s get up now. I should go talk with my nephew after so long.”

“…You’re not going to meet the young lady?”

He paused.

For the first time.

“…That child seems to dislike meeting me.”

His expression darkened.

“Hmm.”

“…Sigh.”

Duke Blake, who always maintained dignified nobility, let out a long sigh.

He couldn’t help but sigh when thinking about his willful foster daughter, whose mood was as unpredictable as the weather.

“Hmm, Sir, am I that unlikable? That child always frowns whenever she sees me. I was rather confident in my appearance, but perhaps I’m getting old…”

“……”

At this point, he was at a loss for words and remained silent.

There was much he wanted to say, but Lac held his tongue. Instead, he turned his gaze to look around.

Young maidens of exquisite beauty were glancing at his lord, blushing, which was quite…

‘My lord, if you speak like that in public, you’ll get stoned.’

Especially by men.

Lac could not utter such disrespectful words to his revered lord and simply bowed his head in silence.

*

*

*

The students, or rather the warriors who had fought so admirably, received endless applause of encouragement and congratulations.

“Congratulations on your victory.”

“Well done.”

“I’m proud of you, Lady Pollet.”

This victory wasn’t for the Swordsmanship Department.

It was an achievement earned solely through their efforts.

Thus, this honor belonged to them alone, and the audience didn’t hold back their support for the winners.

For this moment, a heartwarming scene transcending social status unfolded, and the noble ladies presented bouquets.

Bouquets from beautiful noble ladies.

They received them with deep emotion.

“T-this is too much…”

“Please accept it. You deserve it.”

“Haha…”

“…You were amazing.”

“!!”

It takes 0.3 seconds for a man to fall in love.

Sprout #5 had already thought of names for their children.

But he wasn’t the only one experiencing such delusions and excitement—everyone felt the same.

Even ladies not from the Swordsmanship Department were presenting flowers.

When else would they have such an experience?

There could be no greater luxury.

Unfortunately, the popularity showered upon them was only momentary, and the one who received the most flowers and attention from the noble ladies was a certain girl.

“L-Lady Pollet, I-I’ll support you from now on.”

“W-would you accept my handkerchief?”

“…You were so cool at the end.”

“T-thank you.”

The brave female warrior.

The hero of the comeback.

Today’s best player.

All these titles pointed to Levi Jeanne d’Arc.

‘I-I didn’t do that much.’

In reality, she had only tried her best like the others and was lucky enough to deliver the final blow, which made the person herself feel awkward.

But that’s not what matters to the audience.

‘You were amazing, truly.’

‘It was moving.’

The courage shown by her small frame.

The charismatic judgment displayed like an orchestra conductor.

The way she persevered to the end, swinging her rapier.

Levi Jeanne d’Arc had already become a role model for women.

In any era, progressive and strong women become objects of admiration.

Above all, she was a noble.

This is important.

A noble lady who held a sword instead of embroidery.

‘She might become a female knight.’

The position of female knight.

The qualification to enter this path, more difficult than threading a needle, is given only to noble ladies, and one must demonstrate that even with a woman’s body, she can stand against other knights.

And today, Levi Jeanne d’Arc showed the potential to become a female knight.

Considering that the last female knight was appointed 40 years ago, the girl’s value skyrocketed.

Meaning not everyone approached her with pure goodwill.

But for now.

“Thank you…”

Wouldn’t it be good to savor this joy?

…Of course, not everyone was congratulating them.

“This is impossible! Y-yes! You should have captured the flag! Since when does breaking it count as victory?!”

“How ugly, slave.”

“N-no! We didn’t lose…!”

There was someone who couldn’t accept defeat, or rather, couldn’t accept reality.

Odwal Bernard.

That was the name of the loser who had demanded the War Game only to end up defeated.

He was about to insist that he needed to call a lawyer right away.

He absolutely couldn’t accept defeat—

“—No, the warriors are indeed the winners of this game. Those who should protect the king failed to do so, and the king’s life was taken. How could they not be the losers?”

“!!”

Suddenly, Odwal froze like a person whose breath had stopped, his whole body trembling.

Even someone as stiff-necked as him couldn’t dare oppose the apex predator that had appeared before him.

The princess,

The kingdom’s next heir, shot him a cold glance.

“If you do not trust the judgment I have rendered and are thus being so unreasonable, speak now. I will listen.”

“……”

“Go on.”

“…N-no. I accept the defeat.”

How could he dare to resist further?

Faced with the princess’s pressure, Odwal had to nod while trembling and accept the result.

“Hmph.”

Casting a contemptuous glance, the princess commended the students.

“Well done.”

-Swoosh!

Everyone suddenly knelt.

Before Isis Elaine de Pendragon’s appearance, heads automatically bowed.

She satisfactorily examined the students.

“I am impressed that the kingdom has so many talented individuals.”

…Even breathing seemed to have momentarily ceased.

“I have seen countless roses. Beautiful, they were. But roses blooming in the fields give a different kind of emotion. Beautiful and brilliant, and that is what you all were.”

The longer her voice continued, the sweeter it became, giving the feeling that one’s brain was melting.

Could even the heavenly soprano be this sweet?

At some point, the people began to sob, regardless of social status.

“I-it is the glory of our family.”

“Sob…”

“Princess, we adore you.”

Not strange magic or brainwashing, but a phenomenon created by innate charisma and charm.

But in a way, it’s scarier than brainwashing.

Just one person’s innate charm and charisma exerting such influence.

“I am in a good mood today. In that spirit, I shall hold a banquet. You are the guests of honor. Make sure to attend.”

-Swoosh!!

Who would dare disobey?

Even if it’s a sudden banquet, they must attend.

They cannot commit such disrespect…!!

“—Count me out. I have other business.”

“…What an ill-mannered fellow.”

Smack!

The princess’s fan blazed.

The supreme master of ‘(unintentional) child labor’ who easily deflected charm stronger than brainwashing.