Chapter 42
Lugates was surprised that Galfredik was quicker than expected, but he immediately responded with an attack as a strong, experienced knight.
You will never break through my te armor.
On the other hand, Glfrediks te mail presented gaps on the shoulder and arms, where the armor was onlyposed of chains. Lugates was certain that he could inflict a fatal injury on Galfredik with his power and skills.
ng! ng! ng!
Sparks erupted into the air as the des of the two knights collided mid-air.
Amazing.
Eugene was thoroughly impressed. He knew how strong Galfredik was through theirst bout, but Galfredik was showing an entirely different level ofpetence now that he was engaged in a life and death battle.
He wasnt lying when he said the results might have been different in an actual battle.
Rather, if it had been a real battle, Eugene would have lost.
But not anymore.
Now, Eugene had the ability of camouge and invisibility. In addition, he even acquired Galfrediks skills after taking him in as his vassal. He was confident in holding his own against any knight, including Galfredik.
As if to prove his elevated skills, Eugene naturally predicted the following moves of the two knights as they battled.
If its now, perhaps even if I faced Jung Dircht
Eugenes fighting spirit burned when he thought back to the moment the holy knight cut off his head whileughing.
ng! Kakang!
In the meantime, the two knights traded several blows before eventually meeting each other in a struggle for power, their des pushed against one another.
Kuhehe! You wish to defeat me with just that? Today will be your funeral. No, never mind. Since you have no descendants, no one will remember you. Kuhehe!
Lugates was pushing with all his might, but Galfredik had responded in a peaceful, calm voice.
Hmm. Is this all you have?
What? Lugates shouted with a hint of urgency.
Goodbye, me of the past. The legend of my new self is about to begin!
What the fuck are you Huagh!?
Kwakwakwakwa!
Lugates screamed as he was pushed back by the unexpected power of the vampire.
Y-you bastard!
The essence of excellent swordsmanship wasnt just power. Rather, refined swordsmanship stemmed from abination of practice, technique, and experience. A proper harmony between the three would allow one to make appropriate decisions to defeat their enemies.
However, that was only true up until a certain point. The sheer strength of an Origins vassal was beyond humanprehension. Moreover, Galfrediks swordsmanship was at least on par with Lugates.
Booom!
Galfrediks weapon began to repeatedly strike against Lugates armor.
Keugh!
On the other hand, Lugates never managed tond a single blow on Galfredik.
Just trust the armor! I just need to dig in! Lets dig in!
..!
Suddenly, Galfrediksrge figure disappeared, and Lugates became wide-eyed.
Crack!
His thoughts abruptly came to an end along with a horrific sound.
Galfrediks rondel dagger was sticking out of Lugates forehead through the gap in his helmet. The sharp weapon had pierced through the narrow space of the helmet that existed to provide a line of sight for the knight.
Silence permeated the garden at the disy of such distinguished swordsmanship.
***
Jevin was struck with shock as he saw Lugatesrge figure fall like a rotten log. He had been certain of Lugates victory until the start of the duel, and even after witnessing the battle, he had measured the chances of victory as fifty percent. As such, he never imagined that Lugates would lose so helplessly, and even die as a result.
This!
Jevin boiled with anger as he red at Galfredik. Galfredik started taking off his helmet, and as Eugene approached the victorious knight, his gaze met with Jevins.
..!
Jevin flinched after meeting the red, glowing eyes. As a prestigious noble, Jevin received high-quality education in various fields. He was keen and perceptive. As such, he instinctively sensed that he had yed right into Eugenes n.
How dare you!
Jevins eyes red with rage for a moment, then soon subsided. His instincts warned him not to express his anger towards Eugene at this moment. However, the disappointment and betrayal he felt from his appointed knight caused his heart to throb.
I dere Sir Galfrediks victory. Then, sirs, I trust that your honorable promises will be kept.
Of course.
Good. Please understand that I am unable to congratte you with pure intentions. Sir Entler, clean up the area. Then please excuse me. Jevin spoke in a cold voice before leaving, and Entler slowly crept up to the two.
That was great swordsmanship, Sir Galfredik. You have broadened my horizons today.
You tter me. By the way, are you not nning on getting revenge? You both were territorial knights of the Evergrove Territory.
Me? You jest. Sir Lugates and I only served the same lord but did not share a friendship. Moreover
He nced at Lugates cold body before grinning, I trust the words of you, sir, and Sir Eugenes more than the words of that coward.
I quite like you, sir.
Haha! I wish you sirs could have be our territorys knights. But considering Young Master Jevins reaction just now, I guess thats no longer a possibility. It might be best for you two to leave the castle quickly.
Hmm? Why?
Eugene narrowed his eyes, and Entler spoke in a quiet voice, Sir Jevin is an honorable noble, but he is also quite proud and dignified.
So what?
The knights of the castle are eager to prove themselves and I reckon that they would do anything to gain the sessors favor. What do you think they would do if the territorys sessor, whom they admired, became sad and dishonored all of a sudden?
..!
In other words, the knights would most likely challenge Eugene and Galfredik even if they happened to hear the details of the duel.
Well, its all the same to us anyway, since we can beat them all up, Galfredik responded with a shrug and turned to Eugene before continuing. Although it wont be problematic for us, it might be troublesome for the mercenaries and the ves. I think it might be best to follow Sir Entlers advice.
Hmm. Eugene nodded.
Vampires were stronger at night, and right now, it didnt matter how many knights of the Evergrove County came to fight them at this moment. However, it was different for Partec and the ves.
I will open the rear gate of the castle. You should pack up immediately and leave.
We owe you a great deal. Thank you, Sir Entler.
Dont worry about it. It was an honor to meet brave, honorable knights like you both.
Eugene and Galfredik shared a powerful handshake with Entler.
***
How dare you kill my familys knight in front of my eyes? How dare you?
Jevin felt greatly humiliated for the first time after being born as the sessor of the county. He strode forward with anger. Then, he suddenly stopped before speaking. What are the knights of the castle doing?
I think they are gathered in Sir Marvels room. They may be indulging themselves in chess or card games
I will be heading there right away.
Yes, Young Master Jevin.
A servant quickly led the way with amp.
Soon
Sirs.
Ah, Young Master Jevin.
Wee.
When Jevin made a sudden appearance in the middle of the night, the castles knights stopped their card game and stood up.
Were you all ying a game? Who is on a winstreak today?
The owner of the room seems to have learned weird tricks somewhere. The other sirs and I were quite unlucky today.
The othersughed awkwardly at the words of a knight.
I see. Why are you all standing around for? Come, have a seat. I am here to join you, so lets yfortably.
Ah! Of course.
The young sessor often spent time with the knights, but he never joined gambling to save face. Nevertheless, he was joining them, and this meant only one thing
Haha! Sir Marvel is truly lucky!
Ah, Sir McCuy. Congrattions.
Im going to lose everything I have at this rate!
Jevin was bestowing pocket money to the knights on the pretense of losing. In thirty minutes, the sessor gifted almost a hundred silver coins. The knights could not help but grin with joy.
I think your luck must have rubbed off on us, Young Master Jevin.
But tomorrow, itll surely return. Hahaha!
Jevin nodded with a satisfied expression at the delighted knights, then suddenly spoke with a gloomy look. Luck, is it? I wish Sir Lugates had such luck as well.
What? Did something happen to Sir Lugates?
Well, the truth is
Jevin recounted the oue of the duel, leaving out the cause of the battle.
Knights always fight for this and that, sometimes trivial reasons. In addition, Sir Galfredik must have been quite sensitive, so I think it was only natural he wanted to protest the process ofst years tournament. However
I cannot believe that hemitted murder! This is unforgivable. He crossed the line.
Sir Marvel is correct. And listening to Young Master Jevins words, it seems Sir Lugates was taking the battle with a light heart.
This is tantamount to looking down on Young Master Jevin and the Evergrove County!
No, sirs. Its not that
Jevin pretended to be troubled and attempted to dissuade the knights, but it was useless.
Young Master Jevin. We will take care of this. Sirs, let us head to protest against Galfredik and Jan Eugene!
I never liked Galfredik from the beginning. If they resist, it will only provide us with reason to disy our skills.
There is no need to give respect to those who know no honor! Lets go!
The knights bolted out the door after wearing their chainmail and grabbing their weapons.
Its a bit regretful, but its for the best.
Jevin could always find another knight, but could not easily recover the lost honor and pride of his family. he believed that this was the most reasonable decision he could make as the countys sessor.
***
Clop, clop!
A carriage pulled by a horse was apanied by two horses and their riders as they passed through the dark road.
Did I make a mistake? What the hell are we doing in the middle of the night?
Romari sat on the edge of the carriage and continued sighing in secret. But it was already toote to regret her decision. In addition, Eugene had already killed several high-ranking monsters. She was lucky that she could apany a knight, no, a vampire like him.
Lets follow him around for maybe half a year. We will say goodbye after I collect enough materials. Ah, but where should I conduct my experiments? I wont be able to return home for a while.
Romari was deep in thought with worries.
Galfredik approached her in the meantime and spoke, Get ready, wizard.
What? Get ready for what?
Huh? I thought wizards were wise men and prophets. You should already know, right?
What bullshi What are you saying? If I could do that, I would have made a fortune by divining the future. Why would I be doing all this?
Ah, really? I guess you arent very skilled. Anyways, there is going to be a battle soon, so get ready.
Yes. Romari nodded her head in resignation. She knew something like this would happen sooner orter as soon as they exited through the castles rear gate. After all, it looked as if they were running away from something.
In the meantime, two of the ves hurried into the carriage, and Partecs group gathered around Galfredik along with Luke.
Sir Galfredik. Are they troops of the Evergrove Territory?
Probably, right? Who else would be chasing after us on horseback except for their knights? For now, the two of you should prepare your crossbows. Partec, ve number one, stand by my side. I heard youre pretty good at fighting.
Thank you, sir. My name is Luke.
Yes, ve Number 1 Luke who is pretty good at fighting. Galfredik answered with a grin, and Luke sighed before taking his ce by the knights side with his shield and shortsword unsheathed.
Meanwhile, de and Lavan loaded bolts onto crossbows they obtained from mercenaries previously defeated by Eugene. They positioned themselves behind the carriage and lowered their bodies.
Romari.
Yes, Sir Eugene.
Can you use that magic from thebyrinth again?
Its not my field of expertise, so the sess rate is slightly lower. It was possible then because my concentration was at its peak.
Then what is your expertise?
I am most confident in mind control, but I cannot have any witnesses when I use it. Although its circumstantial, most lords are hostile towards things simr to ck magic.
I see.
Eugene fell into deep thought.
It would make things easier to use magic. However, then he would have to kill all of the uninvited guests, who were most likely knights of the Evergrove Territory. Although he would never have anything to do with Evergrove again, it was inadvisable to be openly hostile against a great noble family, since many nobles shared strong ties with each other. Moreover, it was obvious that the Palin Association would dislike such a decision too.
While Eugene contemted, Galfredik stepped up, Should I take care of it?
Do you have something in mind?
I really should give you a proper lecture on knights sometimes. Including me, knights live and die by honor. Even on the verge of death, they always have to be self-righteous. If you give them a gentle nudge, they are easily manipted.
Galfredik was a true knight with plenty of experience and skills. His words were trustworthy, so Eugene nodded.
Then do as you like. However, I will step forward if we have to show our skills.
Hmm? Galfredik looked surprised for a moment, then grinned, Do as you like, Master.