Chapter 52

Episode 52

It was rare for one person to duel multiple opponents.

Moreover, this was a mansion far from the Kalisto main estate, even though it was in the capital. There were usually no opportunities to witness duels here.

But when Selendis declared she would fight three male knights, servants and even visiting guests flocked to the training ground.

“That knight must be quite skilled.”

“I don’t know. I heard Lady Selendis is a junior knight. Taking on three opponents, especially intermediate knights from the Azure Dragon Order, seems like a stretch. Maybe she’s just bluffing.”

“It won’t be easy for a woman.”

“This is a classic case of an egg trying to crack a rock.”

“The Inspection Unit’s reputation is at stake.”

Unknown nobles began making their own judgments. I ignored them and sat down leisurely.

‘It’ll be a close fight with three opponents, but Selendis will win in the end.’

There were two essential factors to consider in a sword fight:

Aura and swordsmanship.

The size and purity of one’s aura were crucial. It was the fuel that powered their swordsmanship.

However, most knights valued ‘swordsmanship’ above all else.

Even if someone with third-rate swordsmanship wielded a black aura, it was still just a third-rate aura.

On the other hand, even someone with a weak aura could effectively subdue a strong opponent if they mastered excellent swordsmanship.

Exquisite techniques could bridge the gap in aura strength.

There were several criteria for good swordsmanship: the strength of the techniques and the smooth transitions between them.

But the most important factor was ‘rarity’.

The saying “know your enemy and know yourself, and you will not be imperiled in a hundred battles” was true.

If you knew your opponent’s swordsmanship well, you could prepare countermeasures. Therefore, those who mastered common swordsmanship had difficulty advancing in rank.

Mirror matches were tough for a reason.

“Lady Selendis seems to have improved a lot. To face three opponents at once…”

I reflexively stood up at the unexpected voice. Lady Lucia appeared, accompanied by a group of attendants.

“My Lady, what brings you here?”

“I heard there was a duel this morning. It seems I arrived just in time. You know I enjoy duels.”

“Yes, I know.”

I glanced at the training ground. Since activating their auras, the four had been sizing each other up, but there was no movement.

However, the tension was palpable, like a taut string about to snap.

I offered my seat to the Lady.

Lucia’s arrival caused a stir greater than Selendis facing three intermediate knights. Selendis now had another reason to win.

“But why aren’t they fighting? My brother once told me that striking first is crucial. Can you explain?”

I was about to answer, but Jericho, appearing out of nowhere, beat me to it.

“They’re analyzing each other’s weaknesses. The foundation of swordsmanship lies in breathing techniques. The attack will commence the moment one of them falters in their breathing. Mark my words.”

“Ah, I see…”

“Also, the Azure Dragon Knights are intimidated. Do you see the color of Selendis’s aura? It’s deeper than theirs.”

“Yes, it is.”

“It’s unexpected. They thought she was a junior knight, but she has an aura close to a senior knight. Hehehe. They must be trembling in their boots.”

Just as the Lady was getting engrossed in the duel, Sir Leblanc made the first move.

It was a misconception that knights with strong builds were slow.

Leblanc, at least, displayed exceptional agility.

*Clang!*

His sword, imbued with blue aura, clashed against Selendis’s deep blue blade.

But that wasn’t the end.

Selendis, alone in the center, was vulnerable on her flanks. Her two opponents seized the opportunity and attacked simultaneously.

Defense or offense?

Considering Selendis’s personality, the logical choice was defense. I expected her to retreat and parry their attacks…

*Crack!*

“Ugh!”

My prediction was shattered.

Selendis chose offense. She dodged their attacks with a swift movement and charged forward.

Her deep blue aura overwhelmed Leblanc.

She took a step forward, raised her sword, and delivered the final blow.

*Clang!*

Leblanc stumbled back, but his comrades’ swords intercepted Selendis’s attack, saving him from a fatal blow.

“…Lady Selendis, were you hiding your true strength?”

Leblanc asked, catching his breath.

The tide had turned in just two exchanges. Now, the three knights were on the defensive.

*Crackle!*

Sparks flew from Selendis’s sword, as if mocking them.

“I wasn’t hiding anything. No one was interested in my abilities.”

“I see. Interesting. Hmm. I can see that the Inspection Unit’s reputation is well-deserved. Let’s get serious!”

Leblanc and his comrades realized they couldn’t defeat Selendis individually.

They had to work together, or they would be humiliated, regardless of the outcome.

Female knights were rare because of their physical limitations. They were at a disadvantage in every aspect, regardless of their swordsmanship.

But what if they lost here?

The news would reach the main estate, and they wouldn’t be able to show their faces for a while.

“…!”

The unexpected attack began.

Selendis didn’t give the Azure Dragon Knights time to regroup. Her sword, mercilessly piercing their formation, targeted Leblanc.

But his comrades quickly intervened, protecting him with their swords.

*Clang!*

Selendis deflected their swords with the dagger in her left hand and struck at Leblanc again.

But he was a promising intermediate knight.

He raised his sword and deflected her attack towards the crossguard.

*Clang!*

“Hmm?”

It was too easy.

He realized something was wrong, but it was too late. Selendis closed the distance, almost embracing him.

She twisted her body, thrusting her shoulder forward.

*Boom!*

She unleashed a charge attack, a martial arts technique. Leblanc was sent flying out of the training ground.

“Whoa…”

“Incredible!”

The crowd’s reaction changed completely.

The nobles who had dismissed Selendis as a bluffer were now showering her with praise.

Even the Lady was impressed, clapping her hands. The commentator beside her continued his analysis.

“Tsk tsk. Too bad. They were so focused on her strong aura that they forgot about martial arts. Female knights rarely use martial arts. Those fools were blinded by prejudice!”

“I’ve never seen that side of you before, Lady Selendis. You’ve worked hard.”

“Don’t even get me started. As a doctor, I can tell you she has a condition where she’ll die if she skips a day of training. I’ve seen many dedicated people, but no one like Selendis.”

“Jericho, if you’re such a good doctor, go check on Leblanc. He seems injured.”

“Ah.”

He was bleeding from his mouth. He must have suffered internal injuries. Jericho rushed to his side and cast a healing spell.

Meanwhile, another gasp arose from the crowd.

I turned my head.

“Ugh…”

“Oof…”

While I was distracted, the other two Azure Dragon Knights had collapsed. Their swords were shattered.

Selendis finally lowered her aura.

“What an incredible aura! I can’t believe such a skilled knight was in the Inspection Unit!”

“Amazing! House Kalisto is truly different. They have so many strong individuals.”

“That was a great duel. It’s a shame more people didn’t see it.”

Everyone was praising Selendis, but Sir Darius, the referee, couldn’t bring himself to do the same.

His face was a mixture of complex emotions.

Most knights were terrible at hiding their feelings. They were straightforward and boisterous. Darius was no exception.

He must be furious. Three young knights from the elite Azure Dragon Order had been defeated at once. And by a female knight, no less.

“…I declare Lady Selendis the winner of this duel. That was an impressive display of swordsmanship, Lady Selendis.”

Selendis turned towards me and saluted with her sword.

I could feel everyone’s gaze on me.

I was basking in the glory of my subordinate’s victory. It was a good decision to give her the potion.

‘Today’s events will have a significant impact.’

Not only would the Lucius Inspection Unit’s status rise, but the nobles who witnessed the duel would likely seek me out.

In other words, thanks to Selendis’s impressive performance, I had gained connections in the capital. Naturally.

“You have a remarkable subordinate, Sir O’Brien. I’ve heard much about your exploits.”

“Congratulations. A well-deserved victory.”

“I knew the Azure Dragon Knights were formidable, but the Inspection Unit completely overshadowed them. Hahaha!”

I just smiled awkwardly. I didn’t want to provoke Sir Darius further.

Selendis descended from the training ground and saluted the Lady.

“I didn’t realize you were here. I apologize for the late greeting, my Lady.”

“It’s alright. You’re Sir Aubrey’s subordinate now. It’s only right to greet him first. You fought well. It was an impressive duel. I’m proud enough to brag to my father.”

“It’s all thanks to your guidance, my Lady.”

This heartwarming scene wasn’t bad.

Lucia gently touched Selendis’s hands, which were dirty from the duel. Selendis flinched but didn’t pull away.

She caressed Selendis’s palms as if they were her own daughter’s.

“You have so many calluses. They’re a testament to your hard work.”

“…”

“Your victory today was inevitable. I want to create a world where hard work is rewarded.”

I thought the mastermind was about to reveal her true colors, but the praise ended there. The Lady consoled the defeated knights and returned to the mansion.

I approached Sir Darius, who was still standing by the training ground.

“I apologize for my subordinate’s impulsive actions. It’s making me uncomfortable.”

“Not at all. You have nothing to apologize for. It’s my fault for being incompetent.”

Jericho was treating the injured knights nearby. We watched them.

“Why hasn’t Lady Selendis applied for a promotion?”

“She achieved her breakthrough relatively recently. And rank isn’t the most important thing in the Inspection Unit. She probably wants to take it slow.”

“I see. She’s not part of the knight order, so that makes sense.”

“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Wait, Sir O’Brien. Please wait.”

I sensed a strange heat in his voice.

I turned around to find Sir Darius staring at me with a fierce expression.

“Today’s duel was just a warm-up. How about a proper fight with me tomorrow?”

“You’re challenging me to a duel?”

“I’m not trying to avenge my subordinates. I’ve heard you’re quite skilled yourself.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. He was underestimating me.

“I refuse.”

“That’s disappointing. Are you afraid of losing?”

“No. It’s just one thing. I don’t want to see the Azure Dragon Knights’ reputation tarnished any further. So, perhaps we should save this for another time.”

Did I go too far?

In the end, Darius couldn’t persuade me.