Chapter 159: What Kind of Nonsense Is That? (3)
Chapter 159: What Kind of Nonsense Is That? (3)
What is a 7-Star knight?
Is it not the Supreme Realm, the dream state that everyone desperately yearns for?
Simply reaching that level earns a person the envy and respect of the entire continent, regardless of their nationality.
However, Marquis Lobsky was far too vulgar to be considered a great man who had reached such a lofty height.
His daily life was steeped in luxury and vanity.
Furthermore, his attitude of reluctantly accepting the duel with Patrick was disappointing to anyone watching.
He was pathetic—not even worth comparing to Marquis Raines, and arguably worse than even an average knight.
Seeing the clear disappointment on the faces of his two companions, Patrick let out a smirk.
"Keep your eyes peeled, both of you."
"At what?"
"Marquis Lobsky. He is the textbook definition of a stagnant person."
"……."
"Watch closely and see how pathetic a loser looks when they give up on moving forward and settle for the present."
Matthew was actually the one taken aback by Patrick’s scathing evaluation.
"You’re calling someone who achieved the Supreme Realm a loser?"
"Supreme Realm, my ass…."
"No, I mean, reaching the 7-Star realm is an incredible feat in itself, isn't it? You have to at least acknowledge that."
Of course, Matthew didn't like Marquis Lobsky’s words or actions either.
But shouldn't a 7-Star knight be treated with a certain level of respect?
Patrick, however, seemed to have a different opinion.
"Stew. Oh, Stew…."
"It’s Matthew."
"Just listen, you sheltered young master."
Patrick looked at Matthew with a gaze full of pity.
"First of all, I don't even like the term 'Supreme Realm.' Just because someone can swing an Aura Blade around doesn't make it the pinnacle of anything…."
"Well, that’s only because you’re a total monster."
At Matthew’s protest, Patrick’s expression turned serious.
"Even if a swordsman truly reaches a magnificent level, their rank doesn't guarantee their character or integrity."
"……."
"That is a terrible prejudice. A fantasy with no basis in reality."
"……."
Patrick was so dead serious that Matthew couldn't find a retort.
This was something Patrick had grown sick of experiencing in his past life.
Before he had personally dealt with the elders of the Shaolin or Wudang sects, he’d had a certain level of expectation.
Since they were treated as living Buddhas or immortals by the world, he thought they would possess something that set them apart from ordinary people.
But they didn't.
Their personalities were shabby and hollow compared to their skill and fame.
I swear, the absurdity of it all…
It made him scoff just thinking about how they would occupy seats as seniors in the Murim Alliance, acting all noble and aloof, while behind the scenes they were busy playing politics to secure benefits for their own sects.
And to think those were the same bastards who mocked and ridiculed his Master, a man who truly dedicated himself to the weak and powerless….
I really should have beaten those guys to death.
Even now, the memory made Patrick grit his teeth.
Back then, even the world-renowned Radiant Dragon Hero Jincheon still had a naive side.
He hadn't known the ways of the world and simply took what others said at face value.
So, he could understand why Matthew was currently blinded by the prestige of the 7-Star realm and held a vague sense of wonder toward it.
It’s just enough to make my head explode.
Patrick let out a deep sigh and calmly corrected his friend’s misconceptions.
"A person’s level with the sword and their personal character are two separate things. They absolutely do not grow in proportion to one another."
"But still, there’s a reason why 7-Star is called the Supreme Realm…."
"Reason, my foot. I’m telling you I’m right, you frustrating piece of Stew."
Just as his temper was about to flare at his friend’s inability to understand, a voice chimed in.
"Patrick is right."
Surprisingly, it was Isabella who agreed with him.
Matthew turned to her with wide eyes.
"Senior, you think his opinion is correct?"
"Yes. The height of one’s sword and their character can never be proportional. I know this for a fact."
"Why do you think so?"
"Because the evidence is right here."
As she spoke, Isabella’s eyes fixed on Patrick and didn't move.
Only then did a look of realization dawn on Matthew’s face.
"Ah…."
"I think you’ve forgotten because you see him every day, but he’s a 7-Star—no, an even greater monster than that."
"I see. I have attained enlightenment, Senior."
"Good. As long as you understand."
Looking at his "enlightened" friend and his proud-looking fiancée, Patrick’s expression soured.
"To think the great Radiant Dragon Hero would be treated like this…. How sorrowful. Truly sorrowful."
Then again, his reputation back in the Jianghu had been exactly like this.
He had been treated as one of the best examples of how a warrior’s realm and character were not proportional.
Just then….
Knock, knock, knock.
A voice came from outside along with the sound of knocking.
"Who is it?"
"Lord Patrick Schneider. Marquis Lobsky is looking for you."
"Right now?"
"Yes. He said he has something to discuss with you in private."
"Ho? He wants to meet one-on-one at this late hour? What if people start rumors?"
Shrugging his shoulders, Patrick stood up. Isabella spoke up.
"Are you going?"
"Well, I have to. How can I refuse when the host calls for me?"
"……."
"I’ll be back."
Isabella felt a nagging sense of unease, but she had no reason to stop him.
* * *
"You called for me?"
The place Patrick visited was Marquis Lobsky’s private study.
When he opened the door and entered, he found the Marquis drinking alone.
"Welcome, Double Dragon. Have a seat."
"Thank you."
As Patrick sat down, Marquis Lobsky poured a drink into an empty glass and asked, "Would you like a drink?"
"I’ve never turned down a drink in my life."
"Hahaha. I like that."
The Marquis poured the drink, and after taking a sip, Patrick expressed his admiration.
"This is incredible."
"Baronica Whiskey. Aged fifty years."
"Ooh…."
"You seem to know your spirits."
"No, I don't."
"……."
"I just figured it would be expensive."
"……."
"It is expensive, right?"
A chuckle escaped the stunned Marquis’s lips.
"Ah, right. You’re right. It’s damn expensive."
"I knew it. It looked the part."
Patrick continued to sip his drink.
As expected of an expensive liquor, the flavor was deep and magnificent.
Marquis Lobsky lifted the half-empty bottle.
"One bottle of this costs about 10 gold."
"Ooh…."
"When I was young, my family’s monthly living expenses were 1 gold."
"……."
"And now, I’m emptying a 10-gold bottle in a single night."
"……."
"What do you think of that?"
Patrick gave a small smirk and replied, "You’ve made it big."
"Ah, yes. I’ve made it big. I worked really, really hard. I can pride myself on having worked harder than anyone else."
"I see."
At Patrick’s indifferent response, the Marquis paused for a moment before continuing.
"The Schneider Baron’s family—or is it a Viscountcy now?"
"That’s how it turned out."
"I’m aware your family wasn't exactly well-off either."
"Well-off? We were paupers."
If Baron Schneider had heard that, he would have shouted, 'We weren't that bad, you brat!' but…
Patrick’s opinion remained unchanged.
Perhaps things were different now that Patrick had established various businesses and was regularly sending money home.
But fundamentally, before Patrick started his activities, the Schneider Barony was nothing more than a dirt-poor rural estate.
At those words, Marquis Lobsky chuckled.
"I was much the same. My family was a fallen noble house that existed in name only; we struggled to live hand-to-mouth."
"……."
"I was the hope of that family. I showed talent in Aura sensitivity from a young age. I reached the 3-Star realm by fifteen."
"That’s impressive."
Objectively speaking, that was a level that would certainly earn someone the title of a prodigy.
The Marquis spoke with a distant look in his eyes.
"My father, certain of my talent, took a gamble. He even went into debt to enroll me in the Academy."
"……."
"My father and brothers worked themselves to the bone to support me. All for the single reason that I was the hope that would rebuild our house."
"The gamble paid off, then."
"Indeed. It paid off. It certainly did."
"……."
"Though not everything that happened along the way was pleasant."
A bitter smile played on the Marquis’s lips.
No grave is without a story, and everyone has shadows in their life.
The Marquis’s youth must have been a period of hardship that could hardly be called smooth.
Well, not that it’s any of my business.
Patrick drained his glass.
He refilled it himself and spoke.
"I truly congratulate you on your hard work and success, Marquis."
"……."
"But I assume you didn't call me here in the middle of the night just to brag about your success story?"
"Are you telling me to get to the point?"
"I’m starting to get sleepy."
Seeing Patrick let out a long yawn, the Marquis gave a wry smile.
It was impossible to beat around the bush any longer.
He decided to boldly bring up the main topic.
"I called you because there’s something I want to say regarding tomorrow’s duel."
"What is it?"
Marquis Lobsky pulled a bell cord.
A servant entered carrying a box about the size of a human head, placed it on the table, and left.
The Marquis looked at Patrick.
"Open it."
"I have a pretty good guess as to what’s inside without opening it, though."
"It’s better to be certain."
"That’s true."
Patrick opened the box.
As expected, it was filled with brilliant gold and expensive jewels.
Looking at the vast treasure, Patrick smirked.
"My prediction didn't miss the mark."
"You of all people should understand. Aren't you in the same position as me?"
"……."
"As someone from a humble family who rose to success solely through your own skill, you should understand my position."
"……."
"I have too much to lose. I’ve spent my entire life building all of this."
"Are you asking me to lose?"
"If you hate losing, we could reach a compromise and settle for a suitable draw."
The Marquis’s expression looked almost desperate. He continued to try and persuade Patrick.
"You are still young. You will have plenty of opportunities to build your fame. There’s no need to be impatient. Take the practical gain rather than hollow prestige."
"I see, indeed. Practical gain. I’m quite fond of that myself."
Patrick nodded in agreement.
A bright smile spread across Marquis Lobsky’s face.
"Do you understand what I’m saying?"
"Of course. I understand you perfectly, Marquis."
"Hahaha. I knew we could communicate."
Feeling much more at ease, the Marquis raised his glass.
"I was worried you might be an inflexible wall that couldn't be reasoned with."
"Hey, what do you take me for?"
"Hahaha. My mistake. My apologies."
Their glasses clinked together again with a clear ring.
And so, the night deepened.
* * *
The next day.
Rumors spread like wildfire throughout the Lobsky territory.
The duel between the Double Dragon, Patrick Schneider, and the Spear of Decator, Marquis Lobsky.
The duel was to be held publicly at the jousting arena on the outskirts of the estate.
The time was set for exactly twelve o'clock noon.
Upon hearing the news, people rushed toward the arena.
"They’re really doing it. They’re actually doing it."
"I had my doubts, but it’s happening."
"And Marquis Lobsky didn't back down; he accepted it!"
"Well, it would be ridiculous to run away. How can he flee when a junior challenges him?"
"That’s true."
"He probably has some confidence of his own, right? Even if the Double Dragon is at the 7-Star realm, he’s still young."
"But Marquis Raines was…."
"Oh, come on. Honestly, no one actually saw that with their own eyes, so how can we believe it? Marquis Raines is a man of character; he might have just yielded to his junior."
"Well, either way, we’ll find out today, won't we?"
"True enough."
The crowds flocked to the arena.
Nobles sent servants ahead to secure good seats, and those who were too late to get a spot in the stands crowded around the edges, desperate to catch a glimpse of the duel.
The knights dispatched by Marquis Lobsky tried to control the scene, but it wasn't easy given the sheer number of people. Then….
"He’s here!"
"Ooh, it’s Marquis Lobsky!"
"The Spear of Decator arrived first!"
Appearing to the cheers of the crowd was Marquis Lobsky.
He wore highly decorative full plate mail and rode a white horse adorned with equally ornate horse armor.
Having made his entrance, he rode the white horse in a circle around the arena and addressed the spectators.
"From this moment, a duel that will go down in history shall take place. Everyone, keep your eyes wide and bear witness to this battle!"
"Wooooo!"
"Long live the Kingdom of Decator!"
"Long live Marquis Lobsky!"
Cheers erupted from the stands at the Marquis’s words.
It wasn't necessarily that Marquis Lobsky had a great personality or was well-loved, but this was his country and his territory, after all.
It was only natural for the spectators to root for his victory.
"He really loves his flashiness."
Patrick smirked as he watched the scene from the opposite entrance.
Beside him, Matthew spoke with a very uncomfortable expression.
"Hey, Patrick."
"What is it, Stew?"
Normally, he would have corrected him, saying it was Matthew, not Stew, but right now Matthew wasn't in the mood for jokes.
"…Are you really going to do this?"
"The duel? I have to. I can't exactly back out now that I’m here, can I?"
"I mean, are you going to do it for real?"
The reason Matthew asked was that when Patrick returned from meeting the Marquis last night, he had brought back a box full of treasure.
Matthew wasn't stupid enough not to know what that implied.
Because of that, his expression had been sour ever since.
Patrick gave Matthew a small smirk.
"Just watch."
As the entry gate opened, Patrick walked out into the arena.
Unlike Marquis Lobsky, who had appeared on a magnificent white horse, Patrick simply trudged out on his own two feet.
Once Patrick stood in the center of the arena, Marquis Lobsky also dismounted, gripped his spear, and stood facing him.
"I trust you slept well."
"I rested quite well, thanks to you. How about you, Marquis?"
"The same for me."
"That’s good to hear. Shall we begin, then?"
"Very well. Shall we start with a light probe?"
"A probe. Sounds good. Let’s probe."
Patrick drew his two swords, and Marquis Lobsky also took his stance, gripping his spear.
Compared to his flashy armor and white horse, his spear was a plain, ordinary one. However….
"Mmm…."
"It’s starting…."
"Shh, be quiet."
"Gasp…."
The moment he gripped the spear, the atmosphere in the arena shifted.
It was a simple spear without a single decoration, but the sharp, keen energy radiating from it emitted a cold light that no jewel could ever replicate.