SWNOVELXO Chapter 402
The world of honor duels is quite profound and deep.
A sacred ritual where two individuals point their swords at each other with the determination to resolve their grievances through sheer force.
Here, the one who suffers a brutal defeat, whether right or wrong in their claims, must acknowledge their faults once they’ve swung their sword and lost; otherwise, they’ll be cut down by someone stronger in this harsh world of competition.
Looking at the situation, it seems that honor duels are often employed by fiery mercenaries when they stubbornly insist they’re right, or by knights wrongfully accused, seeking to clear their tarnished names.
“Interestingly, the most grand and frequent honor duels occur in places like this cult,” they say.
In reality, it’s the nobles, busying themselves with gathering their self-confidence and worrying about how others perceive them, who make the best use of honor duels. This is the profound aspect of it.
Especially when the not-so-adult young ones get upset. If they feel they could win just by glancing at the opponent, they toss their handkerchief or glove, challenging them to an honor duel.
If they lose, they’re ridiculed, and facing others is tough; win, however, and they’ll rise in rank, making it a high-stakes event that everyone talks about.
Moreover—
“One of the most entertaining aspects is watching the fights,” they say.
With such an entertaining spectator point, all the nobles in the cult silently expect who will fight next.
Honestly, I did have a bit of an anticipation before entering the cult, hoping for some dramatic honor duel.
“…Did I just hear that you want me to participate in an honor duel at the princess’s cult?”
I’m not just a mere spectator; that’d be a different story if it meant I had to draw my sword.
As I gazed at her with eyes full of incredulity, Leona Rephelia began to explain.
“Since last night, I’ve been casting spells to identify those with the marks as we entered the hall. Thanks to that… we managed to find one who had been hiding well. Could you look over there?”
Following Leona’s gaze, I spotted a woman innocently wandering around, enjoying the atmosphere of the gathering.
“I’ve been feeling a presence of marks emanating from her all along. Particularly, she’s been asking about the circumstances in the north and the future responses quite frequently. That person must be the last one.”
The only distinguishing factor is there are quite a few people surrounding her. She seems to be of a notably influential family.
“That young lady would be hard to capture and interrogate discreetly. She’s surrounded by guards along with other young nobles outside the hall. It seems she even has guards in her room.”
It appears she’s quite protective of her safety.
She probably shares a room with her knight as well.
It seems the Duke’s household would have a hard time trying to sneak her away without raising a fuss.
“Unlike the three from yesterday, she seems acutely aware that the mark is engraved on her body, not on an object.”
…On an object, huh.
That’s new information.
I decided to hear the specifics later, but due to the difference in perception concerning the mark, it seemed easy to capture and interrogate the three from yesterday, while that lady would pose a challenge.
“Even if I ask her to step aside for a moment, she would likely require time to prepare, so… it might be best to pretend ignorance and go right in.”
“Is that direct approach the honor duel?”
With that, Princess Rephelia calmly nodded at my words.
“Indeed. We can come up with a reason… and in front of everyone, degrade her reputation. Furthermore, we’ll thoroughly investigate the cause of the duel to solidify her identity as a traitor, thereby restoring the kingdom’s confidence as a loyal subject. It will all be made possible thanks to Baron Karpel’s righteous duel.”
Leona flashed a warm smile towards the approaching nobles.
Despite her hurried tone, she didn’t stop speaking.
“People crave stimulating stories, and they move based on the inspiration drawn from them. Once such tales spread, it’s only natural to heighten caution regarding the existence of informants. Additionally, enmity towards the cult may increase, serving as a warning to them.”
As other nobles approached, she wore a pleasant smile effortlessly.
Gone was her serious and low voice, replaced by a bright tone that resonated.
“Well? Isn’t it an interesting story?”
Leona Rephelia.
She was quite the capable and sly noble, adept at changing her demeanor more than expected.
*
After the evening gathering ended, we returned to our lodgings.
Our covert mission is to root out the spies, ensuring we don’t leave any grudges unaddressed while gathering and sending information is Princess Rephelia’s role.
Given a spy emerged from the gathering, I resolved to prepare more thoroughly before capturing that noble, promising to relay the organized information after the cult concludes tomorrow.
Hearing that, as we returned to our lodgings, Shione tilted her head and asked.
“Ray, are you really planning on having an honor duel tomorrow?”
“I intend to. If it proceeds as the princess said, it wouldn’t hurt me either.”
Having sensed the odd atmosphere, the Baron presented the duel challenge to the traitor to bind his feet.
Thanks to Princess Rephelia’s well-crafted story, my contributions would undoubtedly look noteworthy too.
Now that I’ve become a noble, managing my reputation wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Moreover, regardless of how chaotic the combat would be, I’d face a noble not particularly known for fighting. It’s a battle I cannot afford to lose.
“…An honor duel. It wouldn’t matter if I did it myself. But why did the princess specifically mention you, Ray?”
“That’s because… you’re the Master, aren’t you? It’d be strange if the Master threw down a handkerchief to request a duel, or if the other side requested a duel with Shione.”
It seems there’s no avoiding it since I’m the most suitable candidate, so why not seize the occasion?
Besides, I haven’t wielded a sword in ages. It’s about time I revisit that feeling distinct from archery. Plus, I’ve been promised ample reasoning and justification, along with a generous bonus.
The Rephelia household likely desires to avoid any unfavorable duels associated with their family, so I think they can be trusted.
“By the way, Ray, you’re confident in your swordsmanship, right?”
“Of course. I’ve used a sword before if needed; I can’t possibly lack confidence.”
“That’s good to hear. It’s just that I haven’t seen you use one much lately.”
“Don’t worry about it.”
The instinct engraved in my body is far more refined and enduring than anything else.
“I can wield it far better than most. Shione, you’ve been watching all this time, haven’t you?”
I can only trust myself.
Those training sessions getting hit by Diolia and Siabel come to mind.
Even if it was with wooden swords, it certainly hurt enough to be unforgettable.
*
Princess Rephelia’s preparations were, as expected, flawless.
She slyly placed a provocateur among the traitors and did preliminary work before her arrival.
With her consistently discussing the northern situation and the royal family’s direction, she seemed to be crafting images suggesting a rippling discontentment with the royal family’s current stance due to dissatisfaction, cleverly fueling the thought of unrest in the north.
When the atmosphere turned a bit awkward, the main participant arrived, and at that moment, thanks to the efforts of those provocateurs who had attached themselves to her…
“…It seems there’s discontent with the royal family. May I ask why you’ve yet to engage in discussions with Baron Karpel?”
“Ah, so you’re suggesting Baron Karpel’s acquisition of a fief and castle displeased you. But that’s a decision made by the royal family and Her Majesty the Queen, so how could…”
The conversation twisted and turned, ultimately leading to my involvement and success.
Especially as they say, how today’s ally may turn into tomorrow’s foe.
Even after cordial conversations yesterday, the conversation pivoted swiftly, turning to firmly consolidate their relationships with others, all thanks to the efforts of eager individuals expanding their networks.
With so few remaining now actually protecting her…
‘…I must avoid antagonizing the princess at all costs.’
Everyone pretended otherwise, yet the gossip on the last day culminated in her.
While admiring the brilliance of Princess Rephelia’s ability to incite and concoct schemes, I finally began to make my move.
“I’ve heard the rumors. Young Lady, is what’s being said in the hall true?”
“Ugh… I’ve never spoken a word of it, Baron. Just idle chatter from those people.”
Trying to remain calm, yet visibly grinding her teeth, the glint of anger was apparent in her eyes.
Though she was merely enraged by frivolous rumors, given our face-to-face confrontation, how would everyone perceive her displaying such a state? The answer was clear.
“It seems you’ve taken issue with the fief and titles bestowed by our beloved Queen and Princess.”
“Really, it’s a gross misunderstanding, Baron.”
“…The fury in your eyes directed at me is unmistakable. Can you still call it a misunderstanding? Regardless of how you feel, it’s the royal family’s choice.”
“I don’t know much about this! I was in the hall—”
“You’d rather make excuses than offer clarifications and apologies; what a pity.”
Sorry, but unless she prostrates and begs right from the start, she wouldn’t have another chance.
Watching her fall into my trap, I subtly reached into my pocket.
“Please believe me; I’m the one who bears the disgrace of the Queen and Princess for the fiefs they graciously bestowed.”
The soft texture of the handkerchief was felt within my grasp.
Recognizing that I had no intention of hearing her voice, I contemplated her face, a mixture of confusion and fury.
‘What’s there to apologize for?’
That scoundrel colluded with the cult and sold information.
This was merely the inevitable conclusion she had to face.
“Ray Karpel, the one who besmirched my and the royal family’s honor, Milanet Tremian. I hereby challenge you to an honor duel to restore our honor.”
Before the abandoned handkerchief, her initial facade of disbelief morphed into evident irritation.
Through this, I could instinctively sense.
‘…The honor duel is likely going to be more extravagant than I thought.’
I’d have to swing my sword more than I anticipated.