Chapter 260 – 25. Clash! Dueling Trial (Complete)
The wave day of the wave month.
The day of the dueling trial had finally dawned. A temporary stadium was built around a splendid fountain in the triumphal square in front of the duke’s palace. Less than 15 days after the North challenged, a stone auditorium that could accommodate tens of thousands of people was built.
Architectural designers, material engineering alchemists, assembly support wizards, and tons of workers.
I couldn’t even guess how many resources and experts were mobilized. That’s why those who entered LeBlanc City, the capital and core of the duchy, exclaimed as one. Even after arriving at the destination along the road in the bustling landscape.
“It is said that the eastern part gained unprecedented prosperity under the reign of Arno LeBlanc, indeed.”
“These days, the north is not as destitute as it used to be. It seems that the local nobles have also become quite resourceful.”
“It’s true that the margrave family that rules the frozen land is a family with bones, but it’s probably not comparable to the LeBlanc duke’s family that shared history with this kingdom, right?”
In any country, regional prejudices, large and small, always exist. Also, sometimes the perception that comes from coincidence takes place like common sense for a long time. As for Gaul, it is the idea that the north is poor while the east is rich.
“Yeah, moreover, isn’t Baron Ardennes an upstart aristocrat? Even though it originates from a prestigious family, it’s difficult to regard them as the same class since they even went out to live separately. Moreover, isn’t this arena screaming at such a born illegitimate child?”
“This is the power of the East?”
“But you shouldn’t be careless. Wasn’t it none other than the son of Alexandre, the Millennium Duke, who was representing the northern side? It’s a battle between the son and disciple of an unprecedented hero, so it won’t be strange if either side wins.”
“Will it be a showdown between loyalists and rebels, or between old and new? …”
Troops dispatched to maintain order guided visitors to the plaza to suitable seats. Even though all of the nouns gathered, from the capital’s influential aristocrats to court jesters, actors and dancers, minstrels, painters, sculptors and craftsmen.
Not a single fuss happened. In order to prepare for any unexpected situation, the soldiers with strong discipline politely guided even the sloppy vagabond to the last stone. As a result, with only an hour left until the time of the trial announced by the royal family, the riotous crowd reached 30,000.
“My God, how many of these are there?”
“Nine out of ten are foreigners. Three or four of them are foreigners again. Doesn’t this remind you of the continental swordsmanship competition held in the capital the other day? I don’t know, but as of today, the political landscape in Gallia will change drastically.”
Besides, that wasn’t all. Those who looked like bachelor appeared on spiers all over the stadium, which had been thought to be a veneer all along. On the left and right, the royal guards were accompanied by two, and the sparkling crystal ball was wrapped in a silk cushion to capture the surrounding scenery.
“What else are those bastards?”
“Shh, be careful with your words. They are wizards dispatched by the royal family to broadcast this duel nationwide. The one he’s holding in his hand is the famous sounding crystal ball. At the Royal Communications Center of each base, there are probably as many crowds as here right now.”
“Hi, my country has prepared very well this time.”
Communication using an ordinary crystal ball is limited by distance. You can’t put the image and sound together, and it consumes a lot of mana. Of course, it also requires someone who can handle it.
However, the typical relic of Gaul, the sound quality, is different.
A national treasure that is not difficult to use even for those who cannot use magic, it only shows its true value when it is like this. Well, if it was a person of the royal family of a country, he might be able to dispatch a crystal ball or a magician to act as a relay to where I am.
The difference in cost cannot be ignored. For this reason, it is an unconventional decision to mobilize such a number even if it is a relic that can be reproduced in Amman.
“Kenna, it is said that the royal carriage with the courtier has arrived at the entrance of the city. It is an intelligence that Baron Ardenne’s party has just left the accommodation.”
“Put the accused, Henrietta, on the dais and bind her in advance. They must be seated in arrogant chairs so that they do not feel pitiful. If you accidentally touch a woman of that beauty, her legitimacy is likely to be damaged.”
“I will direct it so that anyone can feel that she is her sinner. If you use handcuffs and shackles, you should be able to create the picture you want. By the way, she went out saying that Dragon Mangong would personally lead the accused…”
The witch, looking down on the plaza from the observation deck above her palace, nodded her head at the duke’s deviation with her rather calm face. Such a generous man believes that even the wife who tried to kill him must do his duty as a husband.
Arnaud LeBlanc is especially so.
He is a person who places more importance on such laws even when his own fate is at stake. That’s why the foreign witch of Britannia fell in love with Dragon Mang-gong, and she couldn’t forgive her mistress.
“He is an honest man. Even if she takes on the job herself and is forced to dwell on the wounds of her past, she may feel that she owes her duty to the woman she once believed to be her wife. If so, leave it to him to bring the accused to justice.”
He is a man I can give my all to. Turning around with her back to the railing, Kenna checked her outfit as a duke’s attendant so that she would not be caught. He adjusted her dress by wearing a cote d’ardi, the traditional garment of Gaul women, in plain colors.
“And tell Kenneth to prepare the knights.”
The man who was posting the report raised a respectful salute. He also had a track record of belonging to the Somerset Guild’s quick sword school, and he longed for the moment when they, who had been driven back to their hometown due to a duel trial with a steel sword, would rise up again and rage.
Coincidentally, in another dueling trial in a neighboring country.
The tension will be as high as expected. It was the same with the witch who realized that she was weakened by the tattoos deeply rooted in her skin. But those feelings didn’t swell because of the thought of the loss. It was only because I was afraid that I would not be able to protect the man I love.
‘What I fear is not breaking the contract, but losing you…’
It was only for this reason that he struggled for tens of minutes to calm himself down in the midst of an urgent deadline.
“Eastern LeBlanc City spectators, listen up!”
“People throughout Gaul, listen!”
It was getting more and more noisy outside. Listening carefully, it seemed that the court bag’s carriage had arrived. Then, naturally, Baron Ardennes and his party must have also appeared. Kenna hurried on her way and met the crowd waiting for me at the entrance of the palace.
“… Kenneth.”
“Come on, Kenna.”
“Take the lead. I will follow.”
Soon, Somerset’s quicksword and the five knights moved on. The witch who chased after those who strode forward felt the cool breeze blowing under her dazzling sunlight. From there, I reached the plaza and witnessed the scene of the courtier on the podium holding the king’s order and shouting loudly.
“The lawful and solemn king of the great Gaul, whom the heavens look upon, the Duke of Lumiere and the Count of Agincourt, the Baron Roche-Jaclain and the Lord of Duris, the Lord of Evreux, the Knight Commander of Calais, the guardian of the eastern plains and the southern jungle, the western wilderness. His Majesty Alphonse de Gaul, the ruler and conqueror of the northern frozen lands, presents Vincent, Renoir’s courtier, who acted on behalf of his Majesty Alphonse de Gaul!”
Chuck! The royal guards lined up on both sides of the arena stamped their feet at the same time.
“As the contradictory positions of the north and the east were opposed to the accusation of murder brought against the accused, Henrietta, it is hereby announced that a trial by duel was required under the belief that only the heavenly Savior would determine the truth!”
Chuck! This time it thumped his chest and made an intimidating sound.
“Representative of the eastern side! If the 5 men under Arnaud LeBlanc win, they are guilty!”
Over there, the beautiful spring of the East was restrained in a splendid chair on a seat made high like a scaffold. His waist was tied to the backrest, his hands were forcibly placed on armrests and handcuffed, and his ankles were tied with large shackles.
“Representative of the northern side! If Romuald Ardenne and the 4 of us win, we are innocent!”
How does a woman confined like a princess in a fairy tale know the outside news? Henrietta had only barely understood her situation from the conversation she had had while being taken away by her husband. And, to my surprise, she was so savage that when she heard the news that the man who made me leave was here, she looked very sad.
“The dueling method is grand war! Five players each! It won’t end until either side dies or admits defeat! It is declared that the referee for a fair duel will be taken directly by the main officer! Therefore, loyal servants, please achieve justice with the help of Heaven!”
Flutter! Three flags fluttered. The highest raised was, of course, a flag with the royal pattern on it. The flags of the Baron Ardennes representing the North and the Duke of LeBlanc ruling the East were next to each other.
“Representatives of both sides come out to the stage and have a ceremony!”
At the same time as Vincent’s instructions, two men appeared. I walked through the entrance on this side and the other side. The young one was a rom with bloody scars running across his face. It was a baron wearing the formal military uniform of the north like a sword.
The older one was Arno, who was handsome beyond age. He was a duke in a suit and coat, which stood out even more because he had a far-sighted face compared to his scarred opponent.
“I’ve heard the fame, Romuald of Dior.”
“It’s Arden now.”
“The essence of such things does not change. Like the fact that I owe you Fontaine Gun.”
The two shook hands in front of tens of thousands of spectators. At the same time, we had a short conversation as if fighting spirit. It stimulates those who watched the ceremony to have all sorts of imaginations.
“If you really think so, please cancel Mrs. LeBlanc’s accusation.”
“I saw it. The way she looked at her was unusual.”
“It would be correct to answer that they are a precious family. But I’ll just be honest. The truth that I love her just as much as her wife. I will not lose Henrietta, just as the Duke favors her unknown witch.”
“What kind of death would you bet as bodies who were both having an affair?”
Arno, who sighed as if it was an interesting story about a subject he had no interest in, let go.
“Even if you don’t love me, I thought you would show a reaction that hurt your pride.”
“We have come too far for that.”
“Looking at the Duke, I think today’s duel won’t be easy.”
Rom smiled and crossed his arms.
“Looking at her smile, she looks just like her father.”
“I’m glad that’s the case.”
“… Well, that remains to be seen.”
The exploration battle ended here. Arno, who turned around at the end of his meaningful words, went back to his place. Even before the court baek’s presidency continued, the atmosphere was tamed and no one raised objections to my actions.
‘As I’ve heard, he’s a formidable great man.’
Rom clicked his tongue and walked to the other side. Afterwards, the guards who received orders from Vincent began to withdraw in line with each other. Thus, the field was emptied cleanly, leaving only the vast battlefield and the crowds surrounding it.
“Okay, everything is ready!”
In a thunderous roar.
“Manmin! Announcing the holding of the duel trial here and now!”
… Clash now!
