Chapter 8 - 08 Duel
After parting with Christina, Steve returned to the inn, escorted by Daphne. Since explaining today's events to Brian alone would be difficult, he decided to have Daphne help with the explanation.
Upon hearing the explanation, Brian placed a hand on his son's shoulder.
"If there is a lady in trouble, help her regardless of the cost."
"As expected of House Archibalt."
Daphne was moved by Brian's words.
Steve had a faint hope that his father might oppose the duel, but like a sandcastle on the beach swept away by the waves, it vanished miserably.
"I will come to pick you up again tomorrow."
Daphne said so and left.
At night, lying in bed, Steve thought about escaping using the Teleportation magic he had acquired on the way to the Royal Capital, but the face of the frightened Christina flickered in his mind, and he reconsidered that he had no choice but to do it.
Then the next day, Daphne came to pick him up as promised. Today, Brian would also head to the training grounds with them.
When they arrived at the training grounds, Oliver, whom he had fought the day before yesterday, was waiting.
Seeing Oliver, Daphne made her report.
"I have brought Steve Archibalt-dono."
"Good work."
Seeing that, Steve realized that Oliver was Daphne's superior. Brian gave Oliver a casual greeting.
"Oliver, sorry for the trouble every single time."
"Well, this is part of the job, so I don't mind."
Hearing that conversation, Steve had a bad feeling. The fact that Brian and Oliver seemed to be close acquaintances. And that Daphne's superior in the Royal Guard Knights Order was Oliver. He felt like these pieces were about to connect.
Furthermore, this was the first time Steve learned Oliver's name.
That Oliver spoke to Steve.
"Even though my daughter said she would guide you around the Royal Capital, things have turned out quite unexpectedly."
With those words, Steve understood that Oliver was Daphne's father and the Royal Guard Knight Commander. He also understood at the same time that the Godspeed Sword he had acquired through SOP Magic was not something an ordinary knight could use, but something usable because he was the Royal Guard Knight Commander, and a chill ran down his spine.
(I said I copied it just by watching, but there's no way they'll believe me.)
He thought so, and of course, that was exactly the case; that information had already reached the Chancellor and the King through Oliver.
To Steve, who was frozen in that situation, Oliver whispered quietly in his ear.
"The group that attacked the young lady of House Macintosh yesterday is currently under interrogation. We are investigating the background of the capital crime of kidnapping a noble daughter in broad daylight. Since we don't know what might be plotted in today's duel either, please be careful."
"Yes..."
Having such information added to a duel he wasn't very enthusiastic about only made Steve feel more and more depressed.
Then, a child's voice reached him from behind.
"I shall praise you for coming without running away."
When Steve turned around, Clark was there. Beside him was yesterday's guard wearing breastplate armor, and behind them was a slightly plump man who looked like an older version of Clark. As soon as that man saw Steve,
"So this is the brat of the penniless knight. To snatch away my son's wife, I'd like to see what kind of face his parents have."
He said.
From those words, Steve knew it was Clark's father, Baron Hadley. As soon as he saw Baron Hadley, Oliver's face soured. It was only natural; besides the Baron's personality, their factions were inherently opposed—Oliver belonged to the military faction, while the Baron belonged to the foreign affairs faction, and the factions clashed at every opportunity.
For the military faction, war is one of the means of diplomacy, but by nature, they tend to want to exercise military force. Conversely, the foreign affairs faction tries to reduce friction with other countries through negotiation, so their ways of thinking are like oil and water and never mix. On top of that was the Baron's arrogant attitude.
Oliver had also personally clashed with the Baron several times and didn't hold back to the point of letting his dislike show on his face.
Without caring about Oliver's sour expression, Baron Hadley strode forward and made a declaration.
"For today's duel, I shall put forth this man as my son's proxy."
Hearing about the proxy, Steve checked with Oliver.
"Is a proxy allowed?"
"Umu. It is not something to be praised, but it is not forbidden."
Hearing that, Baron Hadley and Clark smirked.
"This man is a person of ability who used to belong to the Knights Order. If you cry and prostrate yourself, I shall allow your side's forfeit."
Irritated by Clark's way of speaking, Steve observed the guard carefully. His height was large at 190cm, and from the developed muscles of his arms visible where they weren't covered by armor, Steve judged the guard to have a corresponding level of skill. On top of that, he thought it was no problem at all. He also felt like he wouldn't be satisfied until he made Clark lose face. He had already forgotten the purpose of doing it for Christina and was now intending to fight for himself, feeling anger at the opponent's cowardly methods.
"No, let's have the duel."
Clark, who didn't like Steve's attitude, proposed even harsher conditions.
"We won't use wooden swords for training, but real swords. Since it's a duel, that's only natural, right?"
"I won't care even if you die."
"That's my line!"
Clark's anger exploded at Steve, who laughed off Clark's proposal.
Just then, a Royal Guard knight arrived at the training grounds.
"His Majesty the King is in attendance!"
Being told so, everyone knelt on the spot and bowed their heads to the King. Immediately, the King stepped into the training grounds. Together with him were Earl Macintosh and his daughter, Christina. Since today's duel was wagered on the engagement with Christina, the King had forced her participation, reasoning what would be the point without the person herself.
"At ease. Today is unofficial."
Most people raised their faces and stood up at the King's words, but some remained frozen as they were. It was Baron Hadley and his son, Clark.
"Why is His Majesty here?"
He asked in a small voice, but no one answered.
"Hadley, you may be at ease."
Being told so by the King, Baron Hadley finally stood up. Then, he asked the King a question.
"Your Majesty, why have you graced us with your presence here?"
"That is because I am today's judge."
"Whaaat!!!"
The King answered Baron Hadley with a smile. Actually, upon hearing the report that Steve had used the Godspeed Sword, he had said he wanted to see it. Note that the Chancellor was not present today as he was doing other important work. Or rather, the truth was that the King had dumped the troublesome work on the Chancellor so he could come here.
"Now, I shall announce the rules."
When the King raised his voice, Steve and Clark's guard listened to the rules in a position of attention.
"The weapon may be a wooden sword or a real sword. The winner shall be the fiancé of Earl Macintosh's daughter. Since I do not recognize proxies for this, if that man wins, that man shall be the one to be engaged."
The King pointed at the guard. The guard was bewildered by the suddenly announced rule and looked back at Baron Hadley. The Baron also had a face like he had chewed a bitter bug, but he could not go against the rules decided by the King. However, the one who didn't accept it was the son, Clark.
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, since ancient times, it has been permitted to appoint a proxy in a duel."
"I know. However, that would be in cases such as when the family's honor has been stained. To decide the man worthy of Macintosh's daughter, isn't a proxy nonsensical?"
"That, mgh."
Baron Hadley pressed his hand over Clark's mouth from behind to stop him from speaking as he tried to argue further against the King's words.
"Well, since it is a rule I brought out after the fact, let us allow some flexibility. First, the proxy and Archibalt shall fight, and once that is over, we shall have him fight Hadley's child. Is that acceptable?"
Baron Hadley became somewhat excited at the compromise proposed by the King.
"Does that mean that even if that child loses to our family's proxy, there will be a next fight? For example, even if he is dead?"
"Umu. In the case he is dead, we shall consider it your son's win by default."
"Haha!"
Baron Hadley bowed his head to the King and curled the corners of his mouth at an angle where it couldn't be seen. He gloated, thinking that with this, Christina's fiancé was decided to be his son, Clark.
"Also, this is a rule for Archibalt's son."
"Yes."
Steve's heart thumped, wondering what would come out after being told that by the King.
"Show me as well the technique you used against Shields."
"I have received your command."
Steve felt relieved that it was only something like that and replied politely.
"Then, prepare yourselves."
At the King's instruction, Steve took a wooden sword for training. The opponent was already wearing armor and seemed to be using a sword he had brought himself.
During the preparation time, chairs for the King, Earl Macintosh, and Christina were carried in. Oliver stood next to the King, and Daphne stood next to Christina.
Seeing the difference in physique between the two dueling, Christina spoke to Daphne worriedly.
"Um, will Steve-sama be alright? The opponent is such a large man, and if they use real swords, I fear his life may be in danger."
"Please do not worry. That boy possesses strength far greater than my father—or in this case, should I say my Knight Commander."
"Greater than the Royal Guard Knight Commander Shields-sama?"
Christina, who could not immediately believe what Daphne said, looked at Oliver standing next to the King. Then, Oliver noticed her gaze and smiled.
"To my shame, I was no match for him at all. I was defeated so completely that I didn't even know how I lost."
"Fufu, I have come here today precisely because I wanted to see that technique."
The King also laughed like a mischievous boy. Seeing the two of them, Christina's father, Earl Macintosh, realized he was being caught up in something quite extraordinary. A child had appeared whom even the strongest Royal Guard Knight Commander in the country—excluding mages—could not defeat, and that child might become his daughter's fiancé. If this information spread to other nobles, conspiracies would be woven around it again. Even before seeing the result, he felt like he might collapse from a headache.
In contrast to the situation in the spectator seats, Clark, looking at the proxy, was in high spirits.
"There are no armors here in a size that fits a child, after all."
Clark smirked, imagining the sight of Steve's defeat. He was certain that Lady Christina would become his fiancée in just a little while longer, and after that, he would just watch as Steve, who had interfered, was miserably cut down. It was the same for his father, Baron Hadley. A connection with the House of Earl Macintosh would be formed through his son. He couldn't wait for that bright future.
Once Steve chose a wooden sword, both parties were called to the center of the training grounds. Finally, the duel began.
"Begin!"
Oliver gave the signal to start.
The guard said to Steve,
"Sorry, but this is part of the job."
And slashed at him.
Just as the sword swung down from the overhead position was about to touch Steve's hair, Steve's figure suddenly vanished.
And he immediately appeared behind the guard. From there, he continuously unleashed the Godspeed Sword, striking the completely defenseless torso. Just as the sound of metal and wood colliding—a 'gan'—rang out, fragments of the broken wooden sword danced before the spectators' eyes.
The guard, while still certain of his victory, lost consciousness from the shock of being struck and fell to the ground. The spot where the wooden sword had been driven in by Steve had a large dent in the armor.
While everyone was speechless, surprised by what had happened before their eyes, Steve declared his victory to the King.
"I don't think he's dead, but his bones should be broken. I don't think he can fight anymore, so is it alright to consider it my win?"
The King could only manage a nod. He had received the report from Oliver, but seeing Steve's ability with his own eyes once again, the attempt to understand it put a burden on his brain and his thoughts came to a halt. It was the same for Brian and Earl Macintosh.
While the adults were frozen in astonishment, Steve went to get a spare wooden sword.
"Then, shall we begin the second round?"
Steve, wooden sword in hand, showed a brilliant smile toward Clark.
Clark twitched and timidly looked at his father. Baron Hadley also realized there was no possibility of his son winning against Steve and decided to leave in a hurry.
"Let's consider today's duel finished with this."
However, the entrance to the training grounds was reinforced with soldiers, and even if they wanted to leave, they couldn't.
In his irritation, Baron Hadley shouted,
"Out of the way!"
But the soldiers kept the entrance blocked.
Then the King spoke to Baron Hadley.
"Hadley, only Archibalt's son can cancel the duel. You should know that the one who applied for it has no right to cancel it."
"Your Majesty, that is too much."
Baron Hadley sent a pleading gaze to the King.
"Then, why don't you try asking Archibalt's son?"
Startled by the King's words, Baron Hadley pressured Steve to cancel the duel.
"Cancel the duel."
"I refuse. There is no merit in it for me."
"Are you saying a Knightly house won't listen to what a Baronial house says! I can easily crush your family!"
Being told that, Steve directed a look of pity toward Baron Hadley.
"May I take that as a declaration of war? Your Majesty, what shall you do?"
Steve left the judgment to the King. The King said with a wry smile that he could take it that way. In response, Baron Hadley was aghast. Steve, who was in front of him, picked up the sword the guard had held and pointed it at Baron Hadley.
"Your Majesty! Can you permit such an outrage?"
"Was it not Hadley who started it first? I believe Archibalt's son is exercising a noble's legitimate right to self-defense. If that is the case, it is impossible even for me to stop him. Besides, who here can stop a child who overwhelms the Royal Guard Knight Commander? If he felt like it, everyone here would lose their lives. At the very least, one must try not to offend that boy, yet what is with the Baron's attitude? Are you trying to drag me down with you?"
Being told so by the King, the Baron understood the position he was in. Then, while grinding his teeth, he presented the conditions for a ceasefire to Steve.
"500 gold coins. Let's settle it with this. I shall pay it on the condition of canceling the duel and that you will not involve yourself with our family in the future."
To the proposal Baron Hadley brought out, Steve added a condition.
"Then, can you pay the 500 gold coins right here and now?"
"Don't be ridiculous. 500 gold coins is not something that can be prepared immediately. I shall make the payment at a later date."
At this time, Baron Hadley was thinking of making the 'later date' promise vague. After all, the opponent was a noble from the western countryside. He was underestimating them, thinking that coming all the way to the Royal Capital or his territory in the east to collect would be impossible.
Steve saw through Baron Hadley's thoughts.
"Then, so that the promise doesn't become a bad check, let's have His Majesty do a bill discount for us. If so, that's fine."
The term 'bill discount' does not exist in the Kingdom of Cascade. This is because a financial system to that extent has not been established. Bill discounting is the act of having a bill bought and turned into cash before its settlement date. It was a transaction familiar to Steve, who had dealt with bills in his previous life.
"Your Majesty, would you be willing to buy this right for 70% of the 500 gold coins, which is 350 coins? Unfortunately, our family must return to our territory now. In that case, we cannot wait for Baron Hadley to prepare the gold coins."
"I see, so if I receive the payment of 500 gold coins from Hadley, I would gain 150 coins' worth of profit?"
"Yes. In exchange, if you cannot collect it, it will be Your Majesty's loss."
"That is no problem for me. If Hadley cannot prepare the gold coins, I can just have him return that much of his territory. Hadley's territory should have at least that much value."
With the King's approval, the gold coins were to be paid to House Archibalt from the state. Baron Hadley's intentions missed the mark completely. Or rather, it was like missing the mark and crashing into a mob office. Because he had no intention of paying, he had said something like 500 gold coins. If he had known it would turn out like this, he would have settled for about 10 gold coins.
However, because he brought out such a large amount, it resulted in Steve seeing through his lack of intention to pay. He got what he deserved.
Further misfortune struck Baron Hadley.
"Your Majesty, it is finished."
The one who entered the training grounds saying so was the Chancellor.
"Good work."
The King welcomed the Chancellor with a smile, but the others braced themselves, wondering what was happening.
The Chancellor read the atmosphere and explained the reason he came here.
"Actually, the group that attacked the Earl Macintosh's daughter were operatives sent by the Kingdom of Forest. Based on the confessions of those we caught, we have been searching related locations. Their activities in the Royal Capital have also become quite clear."
At that explanation, Baron Hadley turned pale. Baron Hadley, who was involved in foreign affairs, had many contacts with people from other countries. Although it was a region where wars frequently occurred, because of that, each country placed legations so that negotiations could be held. However, naturally, those also became bases for spy activities.
Baron Hadley had also been responding to the other party's private requests so that they would proceed with negotiations smoothly. And the attack on Lady Christina was part of that. However, he hadn't made the mistake of requesting it in writing.
"Regarding Baron Hadley over there, quite a bit of evidence came out when we searched his mansion."
The Chancellor ordered the soldiers to take Baron Hadley into custody.
"You searched my mansion?"
Baron Hadley protested to the Chancellor.
"Yes. Conveniently, a duel was to be held, and since the Baron was away from home, there was no unnecessary interference or destruction of evidence. It was all His Majesty's idea, though."
The Chancellor glanced at the King. The King boastfully revealed the plan this time.
"After making the group that attacked Earl Macintosh's daughter confess and finding out they were operatives of the Kingdom of Forest, we checked their bases and past activities, and Hadley's name came up. I simply made use of today's duel. I changed the rules so the fight wouldn't end with just the proxy and kept Hadley pinned here. In the unlikely event that evidence didn't turn up, I intended to forcibly fulfill the payment of 500 gold coins and have it paid in kind with territory or his position. Well, this part was something I thought of on the fly thanks to the proposal from Archibalt's son. As a result, Archibalt didn't have to worry about not getting paid. After all, as of today, Hadley's assets come under state management. There may be merchants who cannot collect their accounts receivable, but that is a risk they should be aware of when doing business, so I shall not sympathize."
Hearing that, Steve felt from the bottom of his heart that it was good he had settled for 350 gold coins. There was no financial loss, but it's frustrating to lose something you were supposed to get. That is, in fact, greater than actually losing money.
And everyone present realized they had been used as the King pleased and felt a sense of awe at his resourcefulness.
In the end, what Steve gained from this duel were 350 gold coins and a fiancée. Normally, the heir of a Knightly house and the daughter of an Earl's house, even if she was the sixth daughter, would not become engaged. However, Earl Macintosh, who had seen the duel, judged that he could not let this chance slip away. As expected of one of the country's leading influential nobles. He thought to recognize Steve's strength and bring him into his own house. Also, since Christina had been saved by Steve, she saw him as a romantic interest, so there was no reason at all to oppose it.
Thus, House Archibalt, which had been two people on the way there, returned to their territory as three people, having added a fiancée on the way back.