Chapter 267 – 26. Only the Strong Survive (7)
Sounds, white stones, and dozens of crystal balls made of materials rare in Gaul shone like stars embroidering the night sky. In the midst of a duel trial over hegemony between two regions of a country, those in power who were sensitive to the political trend reacted.
“Has there been any contact from Lord Somerset?”
“The last news is that you infiltrated downtown LeBlanc last night. Perhaps you are confirming the truth of the rumors somewhere in the arena. As long as it is revealed that the armament under Arnaud LeBlanc is from this guild’s exiled quicksword school, it’s almost certain.”
“He was right. Baron Ardennes has spirit. The author is a person who can actually make a king or have the ability to rise to that position. If Valiant and the hundred or so Somerset swordsmen really lose, the whole world will realize.”
“For us, we are just admiring the idea that you tried to moderate the knights of Jaeya from an early age.”
“I feel it all over again. Alphonse didn’t ascend to the king’s seat by following this body for nothing. His skill in judging talented people is truly extraordinary. How could he have tamed such a dragon without luck?”
The Deceased Prince, Jacques de Gallia.
“Your majesty! Baron Ardennes just challenged Valiant and a hundred knights!”
“You’re looking at Jim too!”
“According to the urgent report, there are over 10,000 troops on the move in the east! If more than a hundred Knights of Somerset, whom the baron pointed out, are added to that, the brave warriors will be as wild as a tiger with wings!”
“It is deplorable, therefore the baron’s life must be for my sake! It will be the expression of loyalty that will dedicate one body to prevent them from running rampant any longer, regardless of life or death… !”
“Arno LeBlanc is a wise man. This is especially true in that the evidence is so certain, but only the physical evidence has yet to be captured. The baron’s unreasonable challenge is sure to be a commitment and persuasion that even if I die, I will reduce them one more time. I ask the fallen Valorant to give up the ambition of rebellion and return to the loyalties of the past if I win at all. … !”
“Gungjae must summon the ministers immediately! The Central Front Army will be ready for operation after standing ready in a quasi-war situation in preparation for an unexpected situation! If the Baron is to die in this duel, I will avenge the East at any cost!”
Wise King, Alphonse de Gallia.
“The upper limit of this country has always been in my hands. Ever since my father was alive, I have benefited greatly from continental trade. Investing is a feeling, not a calculation. Once a certain amount of information has been gathered, the results can be derived with sharp instincts.”
“Your Highness’ wisdom has nowhere to be found. If it were not for the military imbalance, it is natural that he would be able to ascend the throne and establish a reign.”
“That’s what my intuition says. Never miss this opportunity.”
“Current average odds vary by about 20 times. The advantage is, of course, the Eastern Valiant and Somerset Quicksword Knights.”
“Bet 500 Gallic gold coins on Baron Ardennes.”
“Is that so?”
“It was a millennial feat that even the archbishop, who was competing for the highest level in the previous era, couldn’t win. It’s no coincidence that his lineage earned the reputation he has today. I mean, I like it more than anything. Whatever it looks like or does, everything.”
“I’ll do as you’re told, but wouldn’t you need a separate insurance?”
“Leave it alone, because sometimes there are games that you have to bet even if you lose a lot of money. If it fails, you’ll think you’ve paid the price of having the baron appear in a new game.”
Princess Jang, Marianne de Gallia.
“I report you, poor duke.”
“… Maurice.”
“The departure of the East has become certain. Paradoxically, thanks to that, I think the master’s plan will go smoothly, but the remaining two will be more careful in maneuvering and the situation will become even more complicated. Like darkness.”
“I guess so. But even though I don’t want to see it, that’s my bloodline, so I’m going to do it. And it would be too soon for Arnaud LeBlanc’s self-infestation to decide what the outcome will be.”
“Yes, as of the current time, we will mobilize all information networks until the turmoil in the east is sorted out.”
Dark Ball, Arsene Dior.
“He really is a child like a thorn in the eye. I hate him so much that I can’t help myself with this hatred. But not if you’re sure your brother will lose in that reckless duel. It is no exaggeration to say that his inaction is the closest to his father.”
“I heard that Master Romuald is ignorant of Master Alexandre’s ambitions…”
“I think so too. It’s not a family that will understand and cooperate with the fact that it’s just a tool. However, his father’s arrangements are deep, and you never know when and where that plot will shine, so you shouldn’t be vigilant. In our hellish family, the only ones I can trust are you, Renée, and Catherine.”
“This old man has too many blessings.”
“Let’s see, who will come out victorious?”
Prince, Charles Dior.
“Emergency! It’s an emergency!”
“The kaleidoscope set!”
“Gather at the Beech Tree House!”
“Hey, I went to my wife’s parents’ house today!”
Those arranged by the Dear King.
“Sansar, I think you’d better keep a close eye on it now. Well, I have no doubt that you will win even in that situation. There is a saying that no matter how big or small a fight is, it is not dangerous to know the enemy and yourself.”
“… Hmm.”
Autumn Stone of the West, Esmeralda Zafiro.
“Is that the lineage that inherited Alexandre’s talent? Also, is it the fruit of the darkness that we thought was all evil? Even when the time has been buried, a pure human being is very beautiful. So maybe we are sinners to the Lord, as the Bible says.”
Archbishop, Albert Monet.
“If there is one person on this continent who has received the blessing of an apostle, I will pick Romuald Dior without hesitation. It’s not because he inherited the millennial evil blood. Daejeo talent has its limits. However, there is no end to the state achieved through fortitude.”
“He is the person who defeated Nobu’s army. From the standpoint of witnessing the heyday of Valor and Maenggong together, the two are on the same level. However, in contrast to Lumière’s invincible knight who is young and has more room to grow, isn’t Arnaud Leblanc on the decline?”
“I don’t know because I’ve only heard of their fame secondhand. However, it is necessary to keep in mind that the duel that will unfold from now on will not be one-on-one.”
Three leaders of the Triple Alliance.
“Lord Chernikov, Your Majesty is calling.”
“I heard you. I know it’s not the duty of being a servant, but can you give me a little hint? There are things I need to check before entering the palace. As a commander of a defeated war, I want to investigate the enemy commander so that the same thing does not happen again in the future. This is what the empire needs.”
“You were watching the dueling trial in Gaul. In fact, His Majesty wants to seek advice from Lord Chernikov on that matter. Even so, there are better crystal balls and food in the palace quarters, so go right away.”
“I see, then hurry up.”
Iron-Blooded Empress Constantina and her servant Viktor.
“You’re still alive, Kenneth… !”
And the Lion of the Isles, James Britannia.
“Your cute pupil has grown up just as you wished. It seems like only yesterday that I hiccuped to keep from squeezing out my troubled eyes. To follow in the footsteps of the master.”
The attention of the western continent was focused on one thing. The battle for supremacy between the Northern Margrave and the Eastern Duke was fierce. It’s a big event that would have attracted enough attention even if it was just a clash between the figures of the chairperson, but to defeat about a hundred people alone.
“A story that drifts like the wind is often exaggerated or understated due to its nature. In terms of the off-white color of LeBlanc’s Henrietta, I think it falls under the latter category. They say she’s a beautiful woman that makes her last name fall, isn’t it?”
Oliver, hiding in the shade of the temporary arena, grinned. He subdued the soldiers who found me in the process of encircling the area a while ago, and he was waving his hands at those with cut ears and noses and was about to brainwash.
“Go and tell them. As soon as the duel is over, I will come to you.”
“Kuh, kuh…”
“Don’t ruin your chance to see for yourself just how big Rom has grown. Next time, it won’t end with your ears or nose.”
The effect of cool living and resolute tone was clear. The soldiers, each wrapped around the damaged part, left their seats in a huff. And finally, having regained his solitude, the swordsman crossed his arms and leaned against the black wall, looking at the battlefield in the distance.
“A guy who used to be so innocent would risk his life fighting to get a girl?”
Although he was the one and only disciple in his life.
“… Son, that’s quite right.”
It seemed that he had grown up well.
* * *
The court bag, frozen on the podium, blinked. The Eastern Army, far exceeding the number of royal guards, completely surrounded the area. In the meantime, the Somerset knights who followed Yongmaenggong gathered to him one by one.
“Baron Ardennes, I will accept your one-on-many duel.”
Both sides want to fight. There is no room for the royal family to interfere anymore. Dragon Mang-gong, who had already been prepared to throw away his honor, decided to endure his humiliation with a resolute expression on his face. Even though he is old and in decline, a hero who retains his past knows what he truly needs to protect.
“… My knights, answer the call!”
The white sword handed down to the family of a beautiful and dignified duke was raised high. The pure treasured sword was filled with amazingly beautiful energy and made it shine. The blade, as dazzling as the sun, had the power to cut flesh just by brushing against it.
“The Valor is calling us!”
“Somerset Knights, assemble!”
“For the great benefactor!”
Even including the Duke, the number was a little less than a hundred. However, even so, it was unreasonable to deal with them alone. It was because the battlefield that was so wide felt narrow again.
“Are you ready?”
“Don’t make me wait too long.”
“I will do my best as an apology.”
But it didn’t matter.
“Then I will go.”
“I will gladly accept it.”
Rom and Arno looked at each other and nodded. No matter who said it first, they ran out and informed a large number of spectators.
“This is a fight to the death, a fight to protect the one you love… !”
“I will never give up! For a woman who can give everything in my life!”
Visor! Crossing the invisible sword and the dazzling sword that cannot be seen.
“Arnaud LeBlanc!”
“Romuald Arden!”
They clashed sharply with their twin-wicked eyes.
