Chapter 12
Chapter 12
Translator: True Detective
Recruiting Talent (1)
Clang. Claang!
A sharp sound of swords was heard from the Royal Training Ground. However, it wasn't the usual training of knights.
Only two people were up on the sparring ground, and everyone gathered there was watching that scene with bated breath.
This was a one-on-one duel requested by the Northern delegation that arrived in the Kingdom this morning. As a result, all the knights of the Kingdom gathered here, but only the seats of the 4th Knight Order were empty.
"Uryaaa!"
Like that, the Northern Great Warrior Barg rushed in with a shout. The heavily swung axe aimed directly at the 1st Knight Order Captain's vital point.
Sh-ring-
But after deflecting that blow, he dug into Barg's bosom instead. Startled, Barg tried to retreat urgently, but it was already too late.
"Kuk!?"
Leohar didn't miss the gap where his posture collapsed and aimed his sword at his neck just like that. Only then did the spectators watching with bated breath relax their tension.
Barg admitted defeat while taking the hand Leohar held out.
"It's a complete defeat. To think I wouldn't be able to win even a single round."
With this, 3 losses in 3 matches. Barg admired looking at Leohar who countered all his attacks.
"No. It was an excellent match. As expected of a warrior of the North. It felt like facing a wild beast."
"It was a great study for me as well. I heard the Kingdom's sword is the sharpest on the continent, and finally, today I realized the meaning."
Indeed. They called him the Kingdom's Best Sword, and that rumor wasn't false. Barg had no choice but to admit it bitterly while looking at his opponent.
At that overwhelming skill difference, even the warriors of the North couldn't hide their embarrassment. Because they didn't even think that he, who ranks within the top five even in the North, would lose all matches.
Even Yuria seemed slightly surprised by that result. At least the swordsmanship shown by that person called Leohar didn't lag behind even compared to the Republic's Hero. Seeing her flustered appearance, Leohar returned to his seat satisfied.
"You worked hard. Captain."
"As expected, even the people of the North are no match for the Captain."
"Hmm."
The knights welcomed him, celebrating their Captain's victory. Since he dealt with Barg, who looked the strongest among them to anyone, as if teaching a child, they couldn't help but be excited. Especially since this friendly duel was requested by that side first, the knights became more triumphant.
On the other hand, with his defeat, the atmosphere on the Northern side sank a little. Amidst that, Yuria patted the shoulder of Barg who returned defeated.
"You worked hard. You fought well."
"...Yes. Thank you."
Yuria stopped there, knowing that comforting him more would make him suffer more. Instead, she patted the head of him who was much bigger than her.
"Milady? What are you doing right now."
"Since you did your best, praise. Do you dislike it perhaps?"
"It's not that..."
Barg looked around. Because not only the warriors of the North but also the knights of the Kingdom were watching. He cleared his throat and tried to stop her.
"Ahem. I appreciate your words, but I am embarrassed because there are many watching eyes."
"Really? More than losing?"
"Th-That is..."
"There is no need to be embarrassed. Because Barg fought well, and I am just praising such Barg."
At those words, he couldn't say anything more. Outwardly, he tried to pretend to be calm about the defeat, but it seems he was ashamed of himself for losing unilaterally even after volunteering as the representative of the North. Perhaps it's even more so because he heard words like barbarian while coming here.
Confirming that he felt better, Yuria lowered her hand with satisfaction. Looking at the people of the Kingdom drunk on victory, she answered quietly.
"Everyone looks happy. It would be good if this also flows favorably in the negotiation."
Right. In the first place, we didn't come this far just to fight.
Since the friendly duel also ended, she slowly approached the place where the King was. Seeing that, the people of the Kingdom also got tense only then and stood in two rows to show courtesy.
She showed courtesy to the King.
"Great ruler of the Ar Kingdom. The Grand Duchess of the North. Yuria Silvernon pays respect to Your Majesty."
"Yes. It's been a long time."
"Yes. The fact that my father couldn't come in person. I would appreciate it if you could show generous magnanimity."
"It is fine. Since I know the circumstances of the North better than anyone else."
Is that so. Then why didn't you lend any power for the past 20 years. Yuria was about to say that but glanced at Barg.
Looking at his face pleading please don't do it whatever it is, she decided to hold back with effort. In the first place, this side is the one coming to ask. Saying such things would only be satisfying momentarily and nothing good would come of it.
Instead, she answered bowing her head.
"Thank you for saying so. During the war with the Demon King, our North stood at the forefront more than anyone else, and even up to this moment, we are shedding blood on the front lines. Father will surely be pleased with Your Majesty's words remembering that sacrifice without forgetting."
At those words, the surroundings became quiet for an instant. Not only the ministers but also the knights who were excited about the victory until just a moment ago were watching the King's mood.
He looked at Yuria for a while and soon nodded.
"...Indeed. Having a daughter like you, the Grand Duke of the North must be relieved. I wish our Camellia would learn a bit too."
"I am flattered. I heard Princess Camellia is the one who fully possesses the dignity of the Royal Family."
"Hahaha. Is that so?"
At her words, the King laughed as if he felt good.
Indeed, they said he is a doting father like no other, and it seems those words were correct.
"Anyway, while staying here, please get along well with our children. Surely it will be a good connection."
"Yes, I am also looking forward to it."
At her answer, a satisfied look flowed from the Kingdom's side too.
Then since the atmosphere is ripe, she decided to get to the main point slowly.
"Your Majesty. If it's not rude, may I ask Captain Leohar one question at this place?"
"To the 1st Knight Order Captain?"
At the sudden question, the King stared at her intently to grasp the intention. Because he thought she would definitely request an army, but an unexpected answer popped out.
"Yes. Because the battle just a while ago was so impressive."
At her plausible reason, the knights' shoulders went up naturally. The King pondered for a moment and soon looked at Leohar and nodded.
Leohar, receiving permission, stepped forward confidently and showed courtesy.
"It is an honor for me. Fufu. Rather, I am worried my answer might fall short of the Grand Duchess's expectation."
He smiled and looked at Yuria in front of him. Unlike the two Princesses where the difference in status is hard to overcome, the Grand Duchess was practically a quite good next best option.
Besides, her hair as if winter had settled and dreamy lilac-toned eyes were transparent like glass gems. In addition, her restrained yet neat appearance looked pure like white snow without a single footprint.
Rather, just that appearance was to the extent comparable even to the Saintess called the best on the continent.
On the other hand, Yuria looked at him with dry eyes. From before meeting him for the first time until now, there was only one thing she wanted to ask him.
"Captain Leohar. If I, who am in this place right now, were on the side of demons, what would you do?"
"Pardon?"
Leohar thought he heard wrong at first. No, not only that, but everyone here did. Even Barg was to the extent of worrying if he should stop her even now.
However, even in such an atmosphere, she was still waiting for his answer. There was no need to ask this question to the Republic's Hero. But perhaps the Kingdom's Best Sword here might be different.
She waited for his answer with calm expectation.
"Hmm, I see. It's quite an interesting question."
Leohar pretended to ponder for a moment and took his time. And then he was convinced that she had favorable feelings for him. Since her intention asking such a question is so obvious, how can this question not feel cute.
He placed his right hand on his chest and answered as if swearing an oath.
"But even if that were the case, I would not give up on the Grand Duchess. A knight proves his worth only when saving the person in front of his eyes. Even if it means sacrificing my life, I will protect the Grand Duchess until the end."
Saying that, he continued speaking while looking at her, as if drunk on his own words.
"So please rest assured. I swear on my honor and chivalry, as long as I am here, no one will dare to point a sword at the Grand Duchess!"
He answered with a voice full of confidence and smiled at her. At the same time, applause moved by his words burst out from everywhere, and some knights couldn't hold back and even let out small cheers.
On the other hand, Yuria, who heard that answer, stared at him and soon slowly looked around.
"..."
And eventually closed her eyes.
I looked hard, but there was no Kingdom knight anywhere who didn't agree with his words.