Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Translator: True Detective
Chapter 23
Duel Without Honor (7)
A heavy silence settled on the square.
Neither the shouting and cheering nor even applause heard until just a moment ago were heard.
Everyone was just looking at Leohar on the arena in silence.
"Captain Leohar...?"
In such an atmosphere, someone called his name as if they couldn't believe it.
Well, the popularity of the 1st Knight Order was absolute in this Kingdom capital. No matter how much Carmil became a topic yesterday and today, it wasn't to the extent to be compared to Leohar who received citizens' support for over ten years.
But that absolute trust towards him shattered to pieces right here.
"I heard wrong, right? What did Lord Leohar say just now?"
"Don't tell me that 'bitch' refers to the Grand Duchess of the North? N-No way, right?"
"Can't be. Su-Surely there must be some misunderstanding. Right, Captain!?"
Thousands of people gathered here right now witnessed it. Not only him being dragged around like a dog, but also the scene of insulting the Hero and the Grand Duchess with terrible profanities.
Citizens were astonished at his reality, and subordinates despaired with faces whose beliefs collapsed. Honor couldn't be found in the appearance he showed throughout the match. That was his true nature he had never shown until now.
Therefore, everyone there was looking at him with faces saying they couldn't believe it beyond disappointment.
"No, everyone. It's all a misunderstanding! So this is..."
Leohar moved his lips desperately. He had to say something, but his mouth didn't open at all. Not even a suitable excuse came to his blank mind.
Citizens shouted even more at his appearance.
"It's a match where honor can't be found at all. Leaving aside losing pathetically, to pour such words on the duel opponent."
"Tell me about it... When we met on the street, he always smiled and held our hands, then does that mean it was all lies?"
"I was a fan. I really can't believe it. Are there only people like that in the 1st Knight Order?"
"Please listen to my story! This is all a frame-up!!"
Leohar appealed desperately to citizens, but it was rather counterproductive. Citizens' gazes looking at him became colder.
"What misunderstanding. Everyone here heard it! Do you think we are deaf!?"
"If it's really a misunderstanding, try explaining properly! Well, I don't know if you can though."
"What do the words you said a while ago mean? Is it really a remark towards Captain Carmil!?"
"Why don't you rather say you were controlled by magic!? Heuk, I really respected you..."
Voices of disappointment didn't cease here and there. Someone poured out anger, and someone raised doubts. And some even shed tears out of disappointment.
Winning or losing in this duel wasn't important anymore. This place was already practically his hearing.
And that wasn't just citizens.
"To think Captain Leohar was such a person. Was the appearance he showed until now all pretense."
"Come to think of it, the 1st Knight Order was exceptionally rude to Captain Carmil. Thinking about it, maybe the incident at the castle wall or what happened at the market yesterday were all them picking a fight first?"
"N-No. We are not! Captain. Please say something!"
Knights whispered looking at Leohar and the 1st Knight Order members. Thanks to that, members also couldn't hide their embarrassment. They just came to see Carmil losing miserably, but before they knew it, they were also being criticized together.
"Captain. You are joking right now, right? Right? You said so, Captain! That you don't lose to anyone. But what on earth is that state right now!"
"D-Damn it. If I knew it would be like this, I shouldn't have come. To think the Captain would lose so pathetically."
"E-Everyone, I am innocent! I didn't know the Captain was such a person! Really!!"
"This traitor! You blabber such words to live alone now? You come here!"
Division occurred even among members in an instant. But people's reaction looking at them became even colder.
Leohar also distorted his face at that scene. But he couldn't say anything. Because he already realized. The fact that everything was over no matter what he said. The authority he built up until now was collapsing in real-time.
He turned his head slowly looking to the side. There, Carmil was looking down at such him.
"I-If only it weren't for you..."
Carmil didn't answer those words. As if there was no value in dealing with him anymore, he called the referee instead.
"Looking at it, it seems over. How about wrapping up slowly."
"Y-Yes! Understood. With Captain Carmil's victory in the 4th match, we will end the friendly match!"
"What end!! Come here. Carmil! No matter what happens today, I will definitely kill you!!"
As Carmil tried to leave the arena, Leohar shouted glaring. At that appearance not even hiding anymore, citizens were busy whispering amongst themselves.
Whether they did or not, Leohar shouted raising veins even more.
"Damn. Where are you going. Carmil!"
"Captain Leohar. Calm down! The match is over."
"Over? With whose permission. I can still fight. So return right now, Carmil you son of a bitch!!"
But Carmil didn't look back anymore. Although shouting voices were still heard from behind, he came down from the arena without lingering attachment.
Yuria and Northern warriors were waiting in the waiting room he returned to like that, and everyone was looking at him with blank eyes.
"What. Did you meet a ghost or something?"
"No. It's not that..."
At Carmil's joke, Yuria blinked her eyes. She couldn't believe it even seeing with her two eyes. Not only achieving 4 consecutive wins against Kingdom knights, but to be safe even after receiving such Aura. Yuria examined his body just in case.
"Wait. Why are you touching someone's body suddenly."
"Are you really okay? No place hurting? If there is even a slightly strange place, tell me immediately."
"Yeah. I'm fine. Rather, it tickles because of you."
Confirming the condition, only then was she relieved and sighed.
"That's a relief. That you are safe."
"Really? Looking at it, it seems you thought I would be defeated."
"Uh?"
Yuria shook her head noticeably flustered.
"N-No! I was believing. Surely you wouldn't budge at such an attack..."
"Aha. I see. But why are you holding the axe? Didn't you intend to run out if needed?"
At those words, Yuria threw it on the floor urgently. But thanks to the thud- sound, it stood out more rather.
"Ah."
"Kukuk. Right well, anyway thanks for worrying."
Saying that, Carmil looked towards the stands. The faces of the 4th Knight Order members under house arrest were also seen there. They were cheering more than anyone else and shouting his name continuously. And soon, following them, the entire citizenry chanted that name.
"Carmil! Carmil! Carmil!"
"Haha..."
How many times have I received such hospitality since becoming a War Hero. While he was immersed in sentiment for a moment, Yuria pulled his collar carefully and called.
"Th, thanks. For fighting for us."
"Well, because I promised."
Thanks to that, I could have a showdown with Leohar too. Above all, with this, the infamy of the 4th Knight Order will also subside. The faction of the 1st Knight Order will also not be able to step forward anymore.
"Besides, I know the circumstances of the North well too. If you remain in the Kingdom, the situation there will become harder."
In the original work, they are annihilated after the Demon King resurrects, but if Yuria is missing, the North might disappear before that.
Carmil also didn't wish for such an ending.
"Thank you. Captain Carmil. For representing the North for us."
At that time, Barg who was behind bowed his head and conveyed thanks. Other Northern warriors also showed courtesy likewise. At that appearance, Carmil smiled and answered.
"I know that you guys are strong. However, since your stage is the battlefield, not this kind of duel, I stepped forward instead."
"I don't know what to do with myself since the War Hero says so. Rather, thanks to you, we lived. The North will remember this grace."
Yuria held Carmil's hand tightly.
"Please do not forget. If you fall into danger in the future, from this time today, our North will be with you no matter what happens."
At those words, other Northern warriors also nodded. Carmil answered quietly to their oath.
"Right. I will remember."
If the Demon King resurrects someday, surely the day will come to fight back to back. When that time comes, whichever side it is, we will run for each other.
This was a promise for that day.
"Ah. Come to think of it, I'm late in saying this."
At that time, Yuria opened her mouth as if she suddenly remembered.
"Do you remember? In the underground sewer, I said I would call you as I please."
"Hmm?"
Come to think of it, did she? Just what is she trying to call me to say such things.
While Carmil was suddenly anxious, she looked up at him and smiled brightly.
That was the smile the girl who had been trapped in the cold of the North all along bloomed for the first time.
After the confrontation between the Kingdom and the North ended, the atmosphere of the square also settled down.
But even as time passed, people couldn't get out of the shock that happened today. Captain Carmil's complete victory. Adding Leohar's ugly bare face to that. Especially the activity of Carmil dragging him around as if mocking him was noisy on the streets even now.
While that heat was covering the entire city, Carmil remained in the North's waiting room.
While Yuria and warriors went to meet the King for a moment, it was when he was resting alone for a while.
"Carmil-aaaaaa!!"
Suddenly a voice filled with malice was heard, and soon Leohar barged into the waiting room. He approached Carmil limping on his leg which received first aid.
"How dare you run away leaving me in front!?"
"Is it right to use the word run away at such a time."
"Shut up!!"
At that time, members of the 1st Knight Order and the 4th Knight Order also entered one after another.
"Ca, Captain!"
"Everyone get lost right now!"
At those words, the 1st Knight Order members who tried to stop him flinched. Carmil also nodded to his members.
"It's nothing. It's fine so wait outside."
"Yes, understood."
Like that, all members went out, and only two people remained in the waiting room.
"Can you be doing this here right now. There must be many places you have to be called to?"
"You son of a bitch! It's all because of you. Your existence dirtied my honor and authority!!"
"Still haven't come to your senses even after being beaten like that..."
"Come at me again! This time I will smash your relaxed attitude!!"
Saying that, Leohar couldn't hold back and drew his sword. He wrapped Aura around the sword, but unlike earlier, it wasn't even visible properly.
Nevertheless, he made a twisted smile.
"Kukuk. Carmil. You made a mistake today. From today, I will train without rest. All to surpass you!"
"Is that so."
"Cheeky bastard. Do you really think you won? Wait 2 years, no 1 year. Because I will crush that unlucky face of yours."
He looked at Carmil's sword. A sword where still no Aura dwelled. At first, he was shocked being blocked by such a sword, but now it was different. Rather, that became hope for him.
"Bastard without Aura. What to do with this pitifulness?"
"..."
"Do you know now? That is the difference between you and me. No matter how much you train, you won't be able to get it in your lifetime. On the other hand, I! Will be able to smash you sooner or later with Aura stronger than today!!"
He looked forward to it already. The day dealing with him with stronger Aura someday. No matter how much the guy trains and tries, the day he gets Aura won't come. That was exactly talent and authority only the chosen ones could enjoy.
"Kukuk. Kukukukuk! Pitiful bastard. Really so pitiful I can't open my eyes and watch. Do you think I will collapse with such a trivial matter? Not a chance. I will become stronger with today's matter as a starting point! But no matter how much you try, you can't become stronger. Hehehe. When that time comes, I will make not only you but also those unlucky Northern bastards kneel under my feet!"
He mocked to his heart's content convinced it would be so someday. And expected Carmil to be unable to bear these words and resent.
"..."
But why is it. Even hearing those insults, Carmil was still calm. No, rather, calm eyes were looking at Leohar.
"Haa. I don't know what's so good about it that everyone reveals it so openly."
"...What?"
Dark red haze rose on his sword.