Chapter 1112: Chapter 272: Duel
Emerging from behind Marquis Youxi, Djal was tall and inherited the long-faced, high-cheekboned features of the Anlek Mountain People. However, what set him apart most were his fingers, which were a quarter longer than those of ordinary people. There’s an old saying that those born with unusual traits are extraordinary people, and Eagle Djal lived up to this adage. He was one of the three most famous swordsmen in Anlek Province, having apprenticed early on under the renowned Sword Master Olive from Ota. Later, he surpassed his teacher and created the Eagle Strike Swordsmanship, eventually becoming a master in his own right.
Djal wielded a narrow-bladed longsword, which was ideal for thrusting and struck as cunningly as a venomous serpent, perfectly complementing his swordsmanship.
"I just wonder what this person, who named himself as Kagbo, intends to achieve by appearing beside Marquis Youxi?" Ben mused briefly, raising his sword, but Princess Magdalene behind him pulled him back, saying, "Sir, this person possesses Elemental Manifestation abilities; you might not be his match..."
Ben now knew the identity of the nun beside him, and couldn’t help but feel a great liking when hearing her words of caution. He had long heard of the gentle and kind character of this historical Nun Princess, who once, in the name of the Holy Temple, provided refuge to numerous war refugees during Erune’s civil unrest. Unfortunately, good deeds don’t always lead to good outcomes; it was said her eventual fate was extremely tragic, reportedly poisoned by her own husband.
Ben sighed inwardly at the cruel fate of a beauty, smiled slightly, and said, "How do you know I’m not his match?"
"You..." The princess widened her pretty brown eyes, thinking how ungrateful this man was; she was clearly worried about him.
Djal waved his sword edge impatiently, "Are you ready?"
"Wait a moment." The Nun Princess interjected, turning to sternly fix her gaze on Marquis Youxi, who was clutching his bloody face, "The marquis has his servant fight in his place, yet on our side, we are personally entering the duel, so by noble rules, the gentleman here can demand more stakes!"
Marquis Youxi gritted his teeth and extended his left hand. A nearby servant instantly ran over carefully to remove a ring from the marquis’s hand. The marquis nodded, signaling the servant to present the ring, and he said, "Okay, this is my stake. Now can the duel commence?" As he spoke in a low voice, he looked venomously like a snake at Princess Magdalene and Ben.
Ben didn’t know that noble duels involved such nuances and was momentarily stunned. However, the latent soul within him promptly took over his primary persona. With Sophie’s opportunistic nature, he would not pass up any benefit. He noticed the ring Marquis Youxi presented, and his eyes lit up slightly. The Serpent Coil Ring—no surprise given this guy is a member of the Royal Family; of course, he has some great stuff.
"Marquis, how grand of you, a ring of such value," Ben said, pretending to be ignorant and mocking boldly.
Princess Magdalene couldn’t help but cough softly, her face blushing a little. Marquis Youxi’s Serpent Coil Ring was crafted by the Dwarf Rune Master Pinod, and it was of immense worth. Rumor had it that despite his poor reputation, the marquis was notoriously generous; there was not a single rumor of him being stingy and many tales of his lavish spending. Now it seemed those tales were true indeed.
Marquis Youxi was nearly driven mad with anger by Ben, and he couldn’t help but let out a cold snort: "This is a Magic Ring, it can protect you from a fatal attack. Do you understand its value, you bumpkin!"
"Oh?" Ben donned a look of ’Is that so?’
The marquis took a deep breath, realizing that continuing the conversation with this guy could very well aggravate him to death. He simply tossed out a pouch, which clattered open to reveal a heap of gleaming Gold Coins. But Marquis Youxi cared little for the money and simply cursed, "Then this should be enough to buy your life, country bumpkin!" There were at least a hundred thousand Thor in that bag; Ben thought what a big fat sheep, but he promptly nodded, indicating it was enough.
Marquis Youxi cursed ’country bumpkin’ again in his heart.
Princess Magdalene felt her face redden somewhat but maintained composure, stating, "The gentleman on my side has expressed no issue, so as a witness, I declare the duel may begin. A duel is a noble ceremony, and I hope both parties uphold gentlemanly conduct and commit to renouncing all vile acts during the duel, no ambush, no poison, with a spirit of compassion, without seeking to take a life."
The Nun Princess’s voice was soft and gentle; she was perhaps the gentlest and most opposed to violence among duel witnesses in Erune history. At this moment, both Ben and the man using the alias Kagbo, Djal, raised their swords to signify their oath. Both knew that this oath was merely a formal gesture; never had there been a noble duel without bloodshed. Once on the dueling ground, nobles discard the last vestiges of their genteel facade.
