Chapter 263 – 26. Only the Strong Survive (3)
According to the theory of the Somerset Swordsman Guild, swordsmanship is compatible. The reason why they formed a triumvirate according to the classification of strong sword, quick sword, and free sword is because it is the most ideal form. At least that’s what the masters of Britannia think.
‘A strong sword beats a Yu sword.’
‘A quick sword beats a hard sword.’
‘A quick sword beats a quick sword.’
The mutual containment of the three swordsmanship maximizes strengths and compensates for weaknesses. The reason why a group of swordsmen on an island on the northwest coast has such a reputation today is because of the continuous development through such a system.
Britannia’s Somerset certainly lives up to its name. Considered by everyone to be the masters of swordsmanship, all of them are undoubtedly strong. But even so, if you ask them if they are the strongest, they will firmly shake their heads.
“The Gaul-style sword is a swordsmanship that has been improved after repeated battles by the guards on the border of this country. That Fabien Dupuy seems to be the one-of-a-kind type called Northern Tongto style. With Chester’s skills, we won’t be able to win easily.”
As you can tell just by looking at the faces of those under her command, the witch was knowledgeable in swordsmanship. Moreover, her eyes filled with intelligence provided a lot of information to guess the outcome of the duel, so she asserted that she was in command instead of the duke who was immersed in contemplation.
Chester Somerset will be defeated.
In fact, he missed the real sword in less than ten, and was constantly on the defensive with scratches. At least it was because his opponent couldn’t recklessly approach him thanks to the imperfect implementation of the intangible sword, so he endured. If it wasn’t for that, he would have already lost his life.
“I can’t. Signal Chester to surrender.”
The struggle is impressive, but the defeat is deep. The witch, who doesn’t like unnecessary sacrifices, ordered Gale, a knight sitting next to her. It seems that she will not be able to compete with the next player, Oscar, so she left advice not to overdo it.
“If you have enough Oscar, it would be best to hand it over to Gail.”
“No, I can’t do that.”
But unexpectedly, Kenneth, who had been watching the duel with his arms crossed, expressed his intention to protest. Even though he always respected my wishes first.
“Kenneth?”
The witch’s vermilion hair gently drooped as she tilted her head. Blinking her eyes at her unexpected situation, she immediately expressed her anger in a cold atmosphere. Even so, the leader of the knights, who could not read the expression on her face because she was wearing a helmet, replied in a determined voice.
“This is not a request, it is an order.”
“Kenna, all generals on the battlefield are prepared to die.”
“Don’t talk back. I don’t know why it’s suddenly doing this. I will listen to the explanation later, so please order Chester to surrender before he gets hurt further.”
With a grappling iron, Kenneth’s pitch moved left and right. The image of the commander of the knights with thick armor and considerable spirit could not be penetrated even with eyes that read a lot. It was all the more frustrating because I couldn’t figure out why he wasn’t obeying the order.
“Arno, say something.”
Despite the embarrassment, he asked the duke to mediate, but the answer that came back was not much different. It was a rare embarrassing moment for a witch.
“Sorry, but I agree with his judgment.”
As a mere maid, I cannot come to the fore. Moreover, declaring defeat can only be done by those who stand out as players and represent the East side.
“Why…”
The witch’s sunset hair, which was brilliant in the sunlight, and her white face beneath it were distorted like pale freckles. The timing of changing players is also very important. Moreover, for Dongbu, the place where the trial is held is the front yard of my house.
In order to take advantage of the venue, the witch infiltrated her person early on between the drum and trumpet players. She arranged for the players to convey by giving some kind of signal, and she would play in a specific beat and range.
Moreover, the Somerset Quickswords faction, which came to follow the bravery of the East, were those who truly followed the Witches, speaking of the current Knights. It was confusing enough for them to not cooperate even though they obviously knew my plan.
“Please explain at least so I can understand.”
That’s why everyone betrays. Others, however, never break their faith even when their lives are threatened. If that kind of people are willing to bear the stigma of betrayal, nine out of 10 it will be a matter directly related to their beliefs.
“Everyone!”
The witch raised her voice. It was watching Chester, driven into a corner by successive onslaughts, suffer increasingly serious injuries.
“Look at Chester, if he gets out of his position even once like that, he’ll lose his life!”
“Perhaps.”
“If you do, hurry up and admit defeat! We still have three more players left!”
“Kenna, why did you save us in the past?”
Kenneth, who had kept quiet, suddenly asked in a serious, low voice. Slightly startled by his sudden question, Kenna soon regained her composure and responded. It was because I realized that there was some agreement in the way even my lover Arno, who was preoccupied with watching the duel and contemplating, stared at me.
“There is no reason for charity. To put it bluntly, it was an instinct and a duty.”
“I’m going crazy too. There is no reason to repay. If I had to say it, it is reason and responsibility.”
“Are you playing with me now?”
Fragments of Chester’s armor flew one after another in the arena far away. It’s hard to have cutting power enough to cut through sheet metal even with a sharp knife, but the young and strong knight of the frozen land seemed to be able to reach that level.
“Last night, I gathered my men and ordered them like this.”
As a result, the man reputed to be the favorite disciple of the quick sword was completely bruised. Because he had shed a lot of blood, he couldn’t even resist properly, and the only thing he could do was block the vitals with one fragment of the intangible sword that was finally implemented.
“If you don’t think you’ll be able to win tomorrow’s duel, defeat it bravely.”
“… What!”
“If possible, provoke the enemy, and mercilessly drive the weaker ones to cause bloodshed.”
It was the moment before death. Still, Chester grinned and was satisfied. Even in the middle of the boundary of life and death, I was glad that I was doing my duty.
“I ordered to refrain from killing, but to mutilate the body. That way they’ll come running as ferociously as they do over there. In fact, Max and Chester are doing a great job with their assignments. Just in case I lose the trial at least once in a while.”
Although the witch’s resourcefulness is excellent, she doesn’t always fit in. Arno and Kenneth were concerned about that, so they tried to prepare for the worst.
Even if that decision goes against Kenna’s heart.
“If your long-cherished wish is stranded, the duke and you will continue to live a precarious life amidst numerous assassination threats.”
“Originally, every challenge comes with a price. Paradoxically, it also means that the Millennium Gong faction at this point is vulnerable. It is an opportunity that will never come again for us.”
“Yes, I know.”
Henrietta LeBlanc’s execution trial wasn’t meant to take such a risk. Baron Ardennes suddenly intervened and the appearance became strange, and moreover, he and the North had not yet caught up with the old power of the East.
Nonetheless, the public perceived this fight as a war for supremacy between the two regions.
It was a really wicked thing. Once the public opinion went that way, Dongbu had to win. How can a force classified as a weak loser overthrow the country and usurp the throne? Furthermore, will he be able to achieve his goal against the Millennium Gong who dreams of eternal life?
This is the turning point of success or failure.
There can be no defeat.
“But life is always tricky. There is always a one-in-a-kind variable. So we wanted to keep in mind the cases we talked about when they really became a reality.”
“What were you planning to do?”
“I was trying to make a cause.”
“That’s it!”
Kenna exclaimed with an angry look on her face. Even if it is for a purpose other than justification, there is no value more precious than life. Even though he was a body that put more importance on the comfort of his lover, the duke, than his own life.
“Swordsmen from an island country that had no contact with Gaul were inspired by the justice of the brave hero and committed themselves to becoming knights. He was willing to oxidize for the East with an attitude that could not be seen if he was hired as a mere mercenary. Acquiring such a reputation is the only way for the duke and you to survive under any circumstances.”
The captain of the Somerset knights knows. In Kenneth’s life, who had lived holding a sword all his life, there were only two people with as accurate an eye as the witch. One of them was already dead, and the other was trying to kill the other.
“On the eve of the trial, did you go out without preparing supplies for the baron and his entourage?”
So now is the time for them to stop it and return the favor.
“I felt it when I saw your expression when you returned. No matter how much I am, I have to consider after losing this time.”
“That…”
“For us, defeat means death. And if Somerset comes to an end, the Duke and you are likely to meet a disastrous end together as you try to save each other. That’s why Chester is so desperate.”
Even if I endure shame and choose death, I will save my benefactor. The justification given on the basis of this sacrifice will be a political tool that will not be able to assassinate them recklessly even if the future truly arrives with only dukes and witches left.
“Did you forget I instructed you to prepare the Templars? Even if you lose this trial, there’s something behind it! If you’re not confident in a match, follow the instructions and prepare a successor… !”
“Of course, this is not the end of our plan. Even if that fearsome Oliver Somerset returned, she had a trial in store for her that she would not be able to overcome. But apart from that, I want to respect Chester’s wishes.”
Victory or death! I will gladly give up my life and save those who have given me grace. To the knights who expressed their fervent gratitude, the witch could not refute anything. Even the duke who was supposed to stop it was a plan to help out by the side.
“Kenna, did you tell me before?”
“Arno…”
“If you have to, I’ll buy you time, so get out of here.”
Yongmaenggong shook his head. Whether it’s friendship or respect, there may be a difference, but all the men gathered here are for witches. He resented this fact anew, but resolutely added, saying let’s watch Chester’s death.
“I replied that we should die together. But that wasn’t the truth. I don’t want to see you die for me. I would rather have died for you.”
“Never do that!”
“It’s been quite a while since we met. I take pride in treating you with love and respect. That’s why I feel sorry for today’s order, but I have to tell it clearly.”
The gentle and solemn duke spat out while looking at his lover with his face full of dignified beauty as a man.
“For this time, follow my will.”
The witch finally shook her head. It was because the man who always put his will first gave the first and last order with considerable determination.
“If you understand, please watch over Chester on his way.”
Kenneth added quietly. Biting her lip, Kenna held her hands together politely in front of her and lifted her head, her eyes reddening.
Quicksword’s favorite disciple, Chester.
Looking at him who finally missed even the last intangible sword and facing the crisis of decapitation, he vowed not to forget it until he died.
“Oh, I lost.”
I could see Fabian, who was about to take his life, raise his hand.
“The 4th line declares the defeat of the North.”
“… What?”
“This was a really good fight.”
He speaks as if he were mocking them, who were stained with a spleen atmosphere.
